Chapter 191: Teaching the Son

Chapter 191: Teaching the Son

Jiang Hui watched the father and son converse with amusement, already aware of the three ladies' interactions with Xiao Nian.

Following the destruction of the snow lotus by the Huns, many court officials believed the Crown Prince's health was beyond recovery, fearing a simple cold could prove fatal. Therefore, those supporting Xiao Nian and Xiao Xin, as well as those cautiously aligning but not openly committed, shifted their focus to these two princes.

Especially since the Emperor had sent them to Jinzhou, it fueled speculations that this might be a test before designating an heir.

With the entire court keenly observing the princes' performance, regardless of their stance, they were curious to see how the potential future heirs would handle responsibilities.

The selected ladies, naturally, preferred being chosen by Xiao Nian or Xiao Xin. The thought of marrying the Crown Prince, given his health, raised fears of early widowhood.

The three ladies favored for Xiao Nian behaved differently. While none shunned him, their attitudes varied greatly.

Cao Ji Yue, in front of Xiao Nian, displayed modesty typical of a young lady but subtly showcased her qualities in unguarded moments. Clearly, whether due to her grandfather Cao's influence or another reason, she was very willing to marry the Crown Prince.

In front of Xiao Nian, Zhou Junniang still maintained her lively and straightforward demeanor, but her youthful appearance and slightly naive attitude revealed her true thoughts.

He Jinru, consistent with her demeanor during the selection, was bright and graceful, neither trying too hard to impress nor conceal her lack of experience, seemingly content with whoever she might be matched with.

Jiang Hui wasn’t surprised when Xiao Nian chose He Jinru.

She spent some time with the father and son, and after finishing the lotus seed soup and plum juice, left the Suiyi Tower without disturbing their official matters, accompanied by her attendants.

Xiao Sheng, returning to his desk, resumed the previous topic with Xiao Nian, saying, "In case of floods, constructing waterways is somewhat useful. But Nian, you must carefully identify those truly knowledgeable in water management. Like the memorial from Minister Xing, it shows real expertise and learning."

After Xiao Nian nodded, Xiao Sheng continued, "In case of drought, however, the water stored in canals and ponds can only provide temporary relief. To manage the disaster effectively, besides preparing seed grains in granaries across regions, drought-resistant foods are essential."

Xiao Nian replied, "I understand, Father. You once dispatched the Assistant Minister of Agriculture to experiment with good seeds, and the Maritime Trade Office to search for various crops to prevent the people from suffering."

Xiao Sheng nodded, adding, "Besides, potential accompanying epidemics and locust plagues, and how to calm the agitated disaster-affected populace, should also be considered in advance."

"Yes," Xiao Nian said earnestly, pulling out a report from his sleeve and handing it to Xiao Sheng, "I have reviewed disaster reports from the past decades and written some thoughts, please take a look, Father."

Xiao Sheng, receiving the thick report, skimmed through it but did not rush to comment. Instead, he said, "Nian, these are things to consider under ideal circumstances, and seasoned ministers will naturally take care of them. You only need to approve or disapprove. What you need to know is how to employ people."

Xiao Nian sat upright, respectfully responding, "I am eager to learn, Father."

Xiao Sheng smiled slightly, saying casually, "I've sent your second and third brothers to Jinzhou. Watch how they handle things, and also observe how the ministers and their intertwined influences operate behind them. Regardless of what these people are thinking, focus on whether they can be useful to you and how to utilize them."

Xiao Nian remained silent, contemplating deeply for a while before speaking, "Father, I've been accompanying you in court and have only glimpsed the surface of governance. I request your permission to observe the Ministry of Revenue."

"Why the Ministry of Revenue?" Xiao Sheng asked, not angrily, but curiously.

"The Ministry of Revenue handles the empire's finances and grain. By unraveling the complex transactions, one can find clues and patterns," Xiao Nian answered.

"Oh?" Xiao Sheng’s expression remained calm as he asked, "Why not choose to observe the Central Secretariat or the Department of State Affairs? Those places might be more convenient for understanding governance."

Xiao Nian's eyes curved mischievously as he said, "Father, if I were to go to those places, I'm truly worried others might speak ill of me behind my back to you."

Xiao Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly and turned to instruct Sheng An, "Later, bring out the 'Emperor Taizu's Precepts'."

"Yes," Sheng An immediately responded.

Xiao Sheng glanced at Xiao Nian again, then said, "Read it here, and don’t take it out."

"Father?" Xiao Nian was slightly startled and leaned in closer, whispering, "You...?"

Xiao Sheng, however, ignored Xiao Nian's vague inquiry, reopening the report he had handed over and calmly stated, "You will preside over the autumn hunt in Pingcheng in September."

*

Jinzhou, the Governor's Mansion.

Thanks to the Emperor's early instructions to construct waterways and promote the cultivation of good seeds, the overall situation, despite the shortage of rain, wasn’t too dire.

This time, the third prince didn’t slack off. He earnestly followed the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works officials, running around so much that he noticeably lost weight.

After downing a pot of cool tea at the Eight Immortals table, he wiped his mouth and asked Zhang Shuisheng, who was pulling out a handkerchief, "Did you see clearly? Did my second brother really accept it?"

Zhang Shuisheng choked, hesitantly replying, "Your Highness, I only saw Master Wan visiting the second prince. As for whether he accepted the silver, I didn’t see. It’s just my guess..."

The third prince rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, alright, I don’t care about these trifles. Let's pretend we don’t know."

Yet, Zhang Shuisheng whispered, "Your Highness, this could be a great opportunity. His Majesty sending you and the second prince here surely implies a test. Perhaps upon our return, it might be time to...”

He glanced around cautiously, ensuring the doors and windows were closed, then continued, "... perhaps it's time to appoint an heir!"

"Haven’t I told you not to meddle foolishly like Mother does? I have no such ambitions!" The third prince replied impatiently, "Can't you see how tired I am? Go, check the kitchen for something tasty and bring it here!"

"Yes, yes! My mistake! I'll fetch something delicious right away!" Zhang Shuisheng hastily apologized and scurried out of the room.

The third prince, who had appeared impatient, now composed himself, pondering internally: 'Father sending both me and my second brother here, what exactly does he want to see? Is this truly a test?'