Chapter 222

Chapter 222: Truly Wishing Me to Go?

“If someday I become a general, I’ll never abandon any comrade who still has hope!”

Qi Shu Xian’s words echoed clearly in Jiang Mang’s ears from their days in Cangnan. But now, those words felt hollow and distant, almost impossible to grasp.

[Never abandon a comrade?]

Ha—Haha!

Jiang Mang collapsed onto the icy ground, wishing only to sleep forever.

From afar, a carriage rumbled down the road.

Zhang Da startled when he saw a figure lying outside their manor gates. Luckily, he drove slowly and steadied his horse. “Princess, there seems to be a beggar here.”

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside.

The figure lay face-down, hiding his features. But she could clearly see his worn-out shoes and a thick fur hat typical of those fleeing Northern Desert’s harsh winters.

[A refugee from the north, perhaps?]

“Give him two buns when he wakes,” Sheng Zhi Wan instructed. After a pause, she added, “Watch him for a few days. If he’s willing, send him to our country estate to work in exchange for food.”

Zhang Da nodded obediently, and Sheng Zhi Wan put the matter aside, her mind occupied with more urgent affairs.

Tonight at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince’s three trusted advisors had gathered.

Crown Prince Sheng Yuan Jun longed to marry Commandery Princess Ming Jia. This desire was causing his loyal advisors quite a headache.

Prince Huai had no heirs, and His Majesty deeply trusted him. Ming Jia was his cherished daughter. Whichever prince married Ming Jia would gain Prince Huai’s full support.

It was good the Crown Prince had such ambition, but…this matter was not easy!

The Crown Prince mentioned the Empress had a secret about Ming Jia. Could it be used as leverage?

“May I ask, Your Highness, is this secret grave enough to doom Prince Huai’s family?” an advisor asked cautiously.

Sheng Yuan Jun shook his head. “No.”

“Then it won’t work. Threatening without true power will only anger Prince Huai.”

“Then do you have another way to help me marry Ming Jia?” asked Sheng Yuan Jun impatiently.

The advisor fell silent.

Sheng Yuan Jun turned to another advisor. “Tao Xie, you always have clever ideas. What do you suggest?”

Tao Xie’s eyes brightened slightly. “Threatening alone won’t work. But what if Your Highness could win the Commandery Princess’s favor as well? I heard an interesting piece of news today.”

He leaned closer and whispered briefly.

Delighted, Sheng Yuan Jun slammed the table. “Really? A mere future Prince Consort dares to behave so recklessly?”

“It’s absolutely true!”

“Haha! Excellent! If this succeeds, I’ll reward you handsomely.”

…

The Shang Residence now belonged solely to Shang Hang Yu.

The plaque bearing “Grand General’s Manor” had been removed. Shang Hang Yu busied himself instructing workers to demolish the rockeries and bamboo groves according to a new design. Suddenly, a servant reported, “Eldest Young Master Shang is here.”

Shang Hang Yu raised an eyebrow.

Holding an invitation in his hand, Shang Xiu Yuan gazed miserably at the demolished rockeries and bamboo groves, recalling the small courtyard where he and his family now lived. He didn’t even have his own study room anymore.

[Soon…Soon…]

After tonight’s literary gathering, Shang Hang Yu would never again dare to be arrogant. Eventually, this manor would once more be his!

Thinking this, Shang Xiu Yuan smiled warmly as Shang Hang Yu approached. “Xing Yu, this invitation is for tonight’s literary meeting at the Gathering Worthies Teahouse’s inner garden. Originally, a colleague gave it to me. But you are about to marry a Princess, and you should meet some true scholars.”

He extended the invitation.

The war in Northern Desert was too distant to disturb the peaceful lives of Capital City. Therefore, this year’s Flower Poetry Gathering at Gathering Worthies Teahouse continued as usual.

Held in late February, the event attracted literary talents, officials, and esteemed scholars from far and wide. Poets and scholars competed fiercely, eager to impress influential figures and secure favor, along with a generous thousand-silver prize.

Shang Hang Yu reached out, then quickly withdrew his hand. “Then wouldn’t I be stealing Elder Brother’s things? No, no—we’ve already divided the family assets. I can’t accept your possessions.”

Shang Xiu Yuan’s smile faltered. “It’s fine, I don’t mind.”

“But I do!” Shang Hang Yu shook his head firmly. “I’m a Prince Consort now. If word got out that I’m taking Elder Brother’s things, it would harm my reputation.”

He turned to leave immediately.

“It’s not stealing, I’m giving it to you!” Shang Xiu Yuan panicked. He had promised the Crown Prince—if Shang Hang Yu didn’t attend, what would he do?

“No, no!” Shang Hang Yu didn’t stop.

Exasperated, Shang Xiu Yuan shouted, “Xing Yu! Why are you still so childish? You’re about to marry a Princess—if you don’t use this chance to build connections, Princess will look down on you!”

“Impossible,” Shang Hang Yu replied smugly, “Princess wouldn’t look down on me—even if it were only for my handsome face.”

Shang Xiu Yuan was so frustrated he almost choked. Just as he struggled to find another reason, Shang Hang Yu suddenly stopped and turned around.

“Does Elder Brother truly wish me to go?”

Shang Xiu Yuan’s gaze flickered. “I’m just thinking about what’s good for you!”

“Well, then…” Shang Hang Yu smiled lightly. “If Elder Brother brings me the red coral from Madam Shang’s storeroom to add to my bridal gifts for the Princess, then I’ll go tonight.”

“Impossible!” Shang Xiu Yuan snapped.

That coral was a precious spoil of war Father had gained from battle. His Majesty had gifted it after Father casually mentioned his wife liked it. However, Father hadn’t given it to Qin Meng Cen; instead, he placed it in Mother’s room.

Mother considered the coral a symbol of Father’s favoritism and cherished it deeply. How could he give such a treasured thing to Shang Hang Yu?