"I heard General Jing's eldest daughter is returning," the First Princess suddenly said. General Jing had initially been on her side. Jing Shiyu's death should have brought them closer, yet Jing Yujun had drifted further away from her, now aligning with Xiao Man. Xiao Man was the one who had killed her younger daughter. Did General Jing no longer wish for revenge?
"She is indeed returning. The situation in court has shifted, and Commander Jing also worries about General Jing suffering losses, compelling her to return to guard the Jing family."
The First Princess frowned. "Summon someone to investigate the whereabouts of Jing Shihan. Before she enters the capital, I shall meet her." The First Princess was determined. Jing Shihan was now the true authority in the Jing family. If she could win over Jing Shihan, General Jing would pose no problem.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Yun Jing lowered his gaze, appearing exceedingly docile. "Princess, I have recently learned a set of massage techniques that can relieve fatigue. May I give Your Highness a massage?"
The First Princess nodded. Yun Jing immediately moved behind her and gently pressed the acupoints on her head. The pressure was just right, and the First Princess instantly relaxed.
A flicker of a dark light flashed in Yun Jing's eyes before he concealed it, as if he were merely a man of the inner chambers, revolving around his wife and planning solely for her. Only he knew that he had long since become estranged from the First Princess.
"Princess, I have a younger brother, eighteen years old and handsome. He is my father's illegitimate son from outside our family. Few know of our relationship. I thought of sending him to the Second Princess's residence to serve. On one hand, it would help us win over the Second Princess. On the other, it could help Your Highness gather intelligence on the Second Princess's movements. What does Your Highness think?"
"Is that brother of yours obedient?" the First Princess asked slowly.
"Very obedient. He desperately wishes to return to the Yun family and be recognized. I told him that if he can win the Second Princess's favor and become someone useful to Your Highness, I will help him return to the Yun family and be recognized."
The First Princess was silent for a moment. "Tomorrow, bring him to me first. My second sister has very high standards; ordinary people cannot catch her eye."
"I obey." Su Dan Fiction Network.
The morning court session stirred up a storm. Xiao Man's imperial decree appointed Wen Chang as Left Prime Minister, serving alongside Yao Ran on her left and right, jointly assisting her in governing Lanyue.
The entire court immediately erupted in opposition. In Lanyue, there was no precedent for a man holding the position of Prime Minister.
"Precedent? Am I not setting one for you now?" Xiao Man glanced at the infuriated ministers. "If you believe Prime Minister Wen is unfit, you are welcome to prove your own capabilities and replace him."
"Your Majesty, this is blatant favoritism!"
Xiao Man's expression remained unchanged, her tone calm. "If you have the ability, you can even take this throne, let alone the position of Prime Minister. Minister Liu, if you believe Prime Minister Wen is unfit, present concrete evidence. If you can prove Prime Minister Wen is unfit, I will replace him immediately. Of course, if any of your families have talented children, regardless of gender, you may recommend them to the Ministry of Personnel."
"Prime Minister Yao, will you say nothing?"
Some courtiers signaled to Prime Minister Yao. The Empress clearly intended to establish her own faction, yet Prime Minister Yao remained uncharacteristically indifferent.
"Prime Minister Wen was quite renowned when he was in Yusheng. I have always admired him and look forward to his guidance in the future."
"Not at all. Prime Minister Yao is a woman who surpasses men and is a young hero. We shall exchange ideas often." Prime Minister Wen said with gentle politeness. Despite the hostility from the entire court, he remained unfazed. He had promised his son and would keep his word. He would protect Xiao Man, no matter what!
"Your Majesty, I believe this action is inappropriate," the First Princess stepped forward to object. "In our Lanyue, women have always governed. How can a man, upon his arrival, immediately become Prime Minister? This violates the rules established by our ancestors."
"Rules are static, but people are dynamic. Furthermore, if a rule is wrong, one must dare to break it. If one remains stagnant and unwilling to progress, they will eventually be replaced," Xiao Man said unhurriedly. "I repeat, if you believe he is unfit, use your true abilities to defeat him and surpass him. I admire capable and courageous individuals. This matter is settled. Court is dismissed."
The Second Princess's gaze followed Xiao Man as she left. Xiao Man wore a jade pendant at her waist, an intricately carved circular jade with complex patterns. As Xiao Man moved, her adornments chimed, producing a clear sound.
"Second sister, let's go. We'll leave the palace together."
The Second Princess withdrew her gaze and turned to walk with the First Princess. "Why don't I see our fourth and fifth sisters today?"
The First Princess hesitated to speak. Only after they had left the Hall of Political Affairs and the surrounding crowd had thinned did the First Princess lower her voice. "I heard our fourth and fifth sisters have gone missing."
"Two living individuals, and princesses of the realm, how could they disappear without a trace?"
"Indeed, two living individuals. Who has the ability to make them vanish so completely?" the First Princess said meaningfully. "I am beginning to worry about myself. Will I too disappear without a trace after some time?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flashed in the Second Princess's eyes. However, her face was filled with concern. "We should send people to look for them. Has this matter been reported to His Majesty?"
"His Majesty is overwhelmed with state affairs; he has no time to concern himself with the lives of a few of us," the First Princess sighed. "Our fourth sister has always been at odds with His Majesty. They even had a physical altercation. Second sister, do you think our fourth sister's disappearance might be related to..."
"Eldest sister, do not speak rashly about matters without evidence," the Second Princess interrupted. "This is within the palace. Eldest sister, mind your words."
The First Princess nodded in understanding and changed the subject. "The weather is getting colder. Winter is almost here, isn't it?"
"Before winter, the Northern Rong are always restless. Wusheng Pass may not be peaceful," the Second Princess said with a worried tone. "Our third sister is currently defending Wusheng Pass. If the Northern Rong launch a surprise attack, I wonder if she can handle it."
Hypocrisy! The First Princess cursed inwardly. She clearly wished for them all to die, yet she put on a show of sisterly affection. She was clearly cunning and desired the throne, yet she pretended to be indifferent to fame and fortune. Such a person was most detestable!
"Third sister is, after all, His Majesty's person. Surely His Majesty will not let anything happen to her," the First Princess said, a hint of jealousy in her tone. Among the princesses, she looked down upon Lan Qin the most, yet it was precisely Lan Qin who lived the most carefree and unrestrained life. She truly did not understand why she had gained Xiao Man's favor and protection.
"His Majesty is benevolent; he will naturally not let anything happen to third sister," the Second Princess agreed. "Eldest sister, you appear radiant. Have you acquired something good?"