CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 68: UNINVITED GUEST

It’s often said that the most unfeeling are those of the imperial family, and upon reflection, it’s not surprising.

Look at the stark difference in treatment among the four Princes in this courtyard, judged by these sycophants.

Even as a bystander, Zhu Yu felt a sense of desolation, let alone those involved.

Duke Yan was naturally accustomed to being the center of attention, with an expression mingling pride and satisfaction.

"The agricultural tax is of great importance, but without a proper strategy, speaking of it would only trouble the Holy Emperor." Zhao Bi stroked his beard leisurely, looked at Lu Zhang with satisfaction, and said to the sycophant officials around him, "I didn’t expect that Prince Yi, being so young, would have thought this through so thoroughly.

After reading Prince Yi’s memorial, the Holy Emperor was greatly pleased, praising Prince Yi for having the ability to stabilize the country and the strategy of a great mind."

"I also heard that the Holy Emperor has dispatched Prince Yi to personally oversee the matter in Congzhou, a heavy responsibility indeed!" someone immediately praised.

Duke Yan looked at Lu Zhang with satisfaction: "The agricultural tax is a significant matter concerning the foundation of Da Jin, and indeed needs to be entrusted to someone reliable, with no room for error."

"Exactly! Prince Yi not only proposed the policy this time but also supervises it. Who knows how many people of Da Jin will benefit from it, enough to be remembered throughout the ages!" someone else immediately echoed.

"Indeed, as the saying goes, ’Like father, like daughter,’ Prince Yi’s insight and vision are also thanks to Duke Yan’s guidance and the Imperial Concubine being an exceptional woman..."

The crowd chimed in, praising Lu Zhang according to Duke Yan’s words, as if Lu Zhang was a once-in-a-lifetime genius.

Lu Zhang, overwhelmed by their chaotic flattery, seemed a bit uneasy, his eyes revealing a trace of confusion amidst concealed pride.

When he passed by the stage, he finally saw Lu Qing and quickly saluted, "Brother, long time no see."

Lu Qing saluted back with a slight smile, "I have yet to congratulate Prince Yi; I heard that the Holy Emperor decreed an engagement for you, and I’ve been so busy that I haven’t asked about it. I reckon the good news must be near?"

Known as the carefree Prince Xiaoyao of the Capital, his words "too busy to ask" brought forth mocking smiles from those around.

"Thank you for thinking of me, Brother. Indeed, the engagement is set, likely to marry by the end of the month when the bride arrives in the Capital. I hope you and your sister-in-law will join us for the celebration." Lu Zhang responded politely, ignoring others’ reactions.

"Naturally," Lu Qing replied readily. After which, noticing Duke Yan’s sinister gaze at him, he suddenly shifted the conversation, "Noticed the usual guard isn’t with you on this outing? Has he not yet recovered?"

No one expected Lu Qing to bring this up, which instantly made Lu Zhang’s expression turn subtle, while Duke Yan’s face turned even darker.

"Prince Yi has plenty of guards and servants, no need to always keep one or two by his side." Duke Yan, noticing Lu Zhang’s demeanor, answered for him, "That guard is doing well, not to worry about it, Prince Xiaoyao."

After saying this, he pulled Lu Zhang’s sleeve and quickened their pace, walking past Lu Qing.

Once they left, the entourage naturally followed, leaving Lu Qing and Zhu Yu in peace.

"Who is Prince Yi to marry?" Zhu Yu, knowing Lu Qing’s incredible hearing, whispered behind him.

Of course, Lu Qing heard clearly and leisurely fanned himself a few times, "The eldest daughter of the Jie King."

Zhu Yu raised an eyebrow; feigning surprise would be a lie.

At present, among the Four Seas and Five Countries, besides Jin Country as the strongest Upper Country, the Jie Country ranks unchallenged second behind Jin Country among the four vassal states.

Back when the world was unsettled, Jie Country, known for its bravery and battle prowess, was the biggest headache for Emperor Jin, holding out stubbornly for years even after the other three vassal states conceded to Jin Country.

Among the four vassal states, Jie Country was undoubtedly the most vigilant to Emperor Jin.

However, once Lu Zhang marries the Jie King’s eldest daughter, their interests will be bound together. If Lu Zhang aims to succeed to the throne after Emperor Jin’s time, such a powerful Yue Family would undoubtedly be a robust backing.

In contrast, the Shuo Country Zhu Family, betrothed to Lu Qing, seems lesser by comparison.

Putting aside matters of pride, one could discern Emperor Jin’s favoritism from these two engagements.

He didn’t even bestow the most powerful Jie Country upon his eldest son, Lu Chao!

Zhu Yu stood silent, secretly harboring misgivings, as if Lu Qing heard her inner thoughts. Suddenly, he turned to look at her, folded his fan, and struck her lightly on the forehead, "Don’t overthink. Though he looks like a cunning heart, judging by appearances alone, you’d never guess his true intentions."

Then he fell silent, eyes on the stage, seemingly engrossed in the play.

Zhu Yu snapped back, rubbed her forehead.

With that tap, she suddenly saw the light.

At first glance, a powerful Yue Family seems like a perfect assurance for a Prince’s path to the throne.

However, Lu Zhang was different; he had a formidable backing in his maternal family — Duke Yan’s.

Since the marriage, Zhu Yu had met Lu Zhang twice, during both, he was walking in Duke Yan’s shadow, constantly observing his cues when speaking or acting.

Duke Yan’s influence throughout the court was also plainly evident.

In a scenario of two tigers on one mountain, once Lu Zhang marries, with both maternal and marital families as powerful "supports," it’s hard to say if they’ll propel or hinder him.

Upon such thoughts, a chill ran down Zhu Yu’s spine; like reaching the depth of a boundless ocean, bit by bit, its meaning revealed.

After a moment of silence, today’s birthday celebrant, Cao Tianbao, finally appeared.

Truly embodying the Assistant General with illustrious war merits, even now at an age of wisdom, he still had a robust physique, eyes ablaze, with a voice resounding with aplomb.

Clearly, General Cao was in high spirits today, warmly engaging with the guests, laughter resonating. He quickly approached Duke Yan and Lu Zhang, then courteously greeted Lu Chao and Lu Ze.

However, upon seeing Lu Qing, his demeanor cooled, with an eyebrow-arching hint of disdain, as if he saw nothing, moving on to greet others.

Though Lu Qing appeared indifferent, and Zhu Yu, during their journey, discerned their shared aversions, she was nonetheless taken aback by Cao Tianbao’s impoliteness.

Cao Tianbao seemed cheerful, his brows unable to hide his elation, prompting guests to inquire about possible good tidings.

But with a hearty laugh, he glossed over such queries, instead directing attendants to commence the feast.

As the birthday banquet was about to begin, a commotion erupted outside, and a group rushed in, with several brawny men carrying a large wooden box adorned with a big red flower using thick wooden poles.

A middle-aged man in his forties, in hemp clothing, accompanied the box, and at the front yard, with a command, the men shrugged off the poles.

The large box slammed onto the ground with a loud crash, drawing the guests’ attention towards it.