It seemed unexpected yet expected at the same time.
Although the Chu Family did not show any ambition, they also did not openly state that they had no ambition.
Their neutral observant attitude felt more like biding their time, waiting for the right moment to make a move for that position.
Now that the Eldest Prince and Fifth Prince each had their own supporters, no matter how hard the Fourth Prince tried, he had no chance. It would be better to support the Fifth Prince, with whom relations were relatively harmonious.
This was a wise and brilliant move, that made Jiang Jizong nod repeatedly at the side.
But in the eyes of the Head of Ju Family, it was heartbreaking and infuriating.
With the Chu Family taking sides, the Fifth Prince's chances of winning were now far higher than the Eldest Prince's.
Even if the Ju Family pulled in the Min Family, it would be hard to withstand this great trend. They could only make moves from other angles.
Was it a father and son's affection, raised by his own hands?
Or was it a childhood sweetheart's love, as deep as the sea?
The Head of Ju Family's eyebrows furrowed as he pondered so deeply that he did not even notice Vice Minister Min had stepped forward two paces and cupped his hands to say, "This humble official feels the same."
Feels the same?
What feels the same?
Supporting the Crown Prince over the Eldest Prince?
Now the Head of Ju Family was completely shocked. He did not understand why the Min Family, who was in the same boat as him, would suddenly turn against him.
Only the Imperial Court on the dragon throne finally nodded satisfactorily and calmly spoke, "The words of all ministers are right. Establishing the Crown Prince according to primogeniture is indeed the golden rule of the Dayu Dynasty. This Emperor only hopes that my son Chang Yan will not disappoint my expectations and become a Crown Prince who cares for the country and people."
As the last word fell, almost all ministers knelt down and shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."
The Head of Ju Family was both shocked and angry, but could only reluctantly follow the majority.
Among all the civil and military officials, there was no longer any supporter of the Eldest Prince.
"The imperial edict to establish the Crown Prince, I will write when I return. The ceremony to establish the Crown Prince will be handled by the Ministry of Rites. The dragon robes for the Crown Prince must also be sewn." The Imperial Court spoke absentmindedly giving orders.
The Ministers in charge all accepted the order.
Some strange noise sounded, but was quickly suppressed.
The Imperial Court was just heard swallowing saliva and saying, "Since this is the case, court is adjourned."
Steward Wu hurriedly stepped forward and carefully supported the dragon body.
The ministers were puzzled, but still more concerned about the establishment of the Crown Prince. Some smarter ones had already stopped Jiang Jizong and asked him about it in various roundabout ways.
That Fifth Prince who was so weak that he needed ten nannies to pretend he had a fever, now already had the support of most of the court officials.
Some of them he had drawn over himself, others were gifted by his father.
But in any case, establishing the Crown Prince was set in stone. Unless the Crown Prince died, it would be impossible to change.
"Master Jiang, where has the Fifth Prince gone? Is he in the West Third Court to receive the imperial edict?" someone asked impatiently.
"Yes Master Jiang, where is the Fifth Prince? This humble official wants to offer congratulations." Another was equally eager.
Jiang Jizong raised his head. He also did not know where the Fifth Prince was. But based on human nature, the Fifth Prince should be in a small second-courtyard somewhere.
When he left, the future was bleak and he even had to sneak around to see someone. Just meeting required sneaking into the female servants' rooms.
Now that he held power and influence, he could protect everyone he cared about under his wings. Their relationship no longer needed to be concealed. Of course he would be eager to leave immediately.
To see the person he had longed for even in his dreams, to apologize for unintentionally ruining the grand wedding, to find a warm nest, to... go home.
Go home.
The exquisite, slender Fifth Prince in embroidered robes, and the soft, timid little imperial doctor with a medicine box slung over his shoulder.
Standing in front of the wooden door they had returned to in their dreams countless times. Although their hearts longed desperately, they both lost the ability to speak or move.
They leaned their ears to listen. Inside were chattering girls, cheerful crisp laughter, the sound of pots and pans colliding, and the smell of smoke rising from the stove.
Compared to the cold imperial palace, this was the real human world.
"How wonderful, how wonderful," Wen Zhiyun said with red eyes. "Hearing my sister's laughter again, hearing my second brother's voice, and the familiar slang."
Chang Yan also laughed, though with some bitterness added.
He was different from the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince had returned in glory, the hero who protected his younger brother. His heart was full of joy and excitement.
As for him, he had left without a word, refusing to meet, the arch-criminal who ruined the beautiful wedding.
Even though he knew rationally his family would not blame him, his emotions were still sour and awkward. The door ring was right in front of his eyes, yet he couldn't bring himself to knock.
The chattering inside continued, as if discussing some happy event.
"Alright, let's do it this way. We can let our bellies hang out and eat our fill then." This was Jiang Sheng's delighted clapping.
"You only know how to eat." This was Zheng Ruqian pretending to scold. "You'll have to do all the work when the time comes."
"What's there to fear about work? Auntie will come help me." Jiang Sheng was fearless. "You on the other hand, don't come eat at our wedding feast."
"Why can't I eat? I'm the Eldest Young Master of the house." As usual, Zheng Ruqian bickered with his sister.
Jiang Sheng stood akimbo. "You're not the Eldest Young Master, Fourth Brother is."
So... whose wedding feast was it?
Chang Yan and Wen Zhiyun looked at each other, vaguely feeling uneasy.
Speaking of which, his sister was already thirteen. More proactive families would have long arranged betrothals, just waiting for her coming of age to marry her out.
Even doting families would arrange a betrothal after coming of age, and marry them out at seventeen or eighteen.
Could it be the Jiang Family had found a match for Jiang Sheng?
This thought made the two brothers unable to keep sitting. No matter how complicated their emotions, they had to cast it all aside.
Chang Yan exchanged a look with his attendant. The attendant then reluctantly stepped forward to knock on the door.
The arguing inside instantly stopped.
Jiang Sheng cautiously asked, "Who is it? Is it Eldest Brother back from patrols?"
"Impossible." Zheng Ruqian immediately denied it. "The timing is wrong. Eldest Brother won't be back early either."
"Then it must be someone from Baiwei Clinic or Jiuzhen Restaurant." Jiang Sheng scratched her head. "It can't possibly be someone who heard about the wedding feast and wants to try some food."
While they were discussing, Jiang San had come over to unlatch the door.
As the wooden door slowly opened, two similar looking youths appeared before everyone's eyes.
Jiang Sheng's expression instantly froze.
The little girl stood blankly in place, repeatedly rubbing her eyes. She showed neither the expected joy nor unexpected shock.
She shed her previous liveliness and brashness, timidly clutching Zheng Ruqian's sleeve as she said, "Second Brother, I'm dreaming again."
"I dreamed... Fifth Brother came home."
