What Bad Intentions can the Yandere Crown Prince have?-Chapter 351 - 347: The Sole Chosen Girl of Destiny
Zhang Yin lived in the dormitory within Huntian Academy, and was often visited by students seeking guidance.
When Tang Xiaobai arrived, she saw a student wearing academy attire exiting Zhang Yin’s dormitory.
From far away, she couldn’t clearly see who it was but felt the figure was somewhat familiar.
Tang Xiaobai always entered the academy without an attendant; upon reaching the door, she went to knock herself.
Unexpectedly, although Zhang Yin had a scholar’s attendant, he personally came to open the door.
Seeing her, Zhang Yin was surprised: "Second Miss Tang?"
Tang Xiaobai sensed the atmosphere, as if Mr. Zhang was waiting for someone.
"What brings Second Miss Tang to visit?" Zhang Yin, recovering from his surprise, asked.
After saluting, Tang Xiaobai spoke straightforwardly: "During the reign of the late emperor, Youzhou experienced an earthquake. The then Inspector of Youzhou was your grandfather, Mr. Zhang. Youzhou isn’t far from Xingzhou."
Zhang Yin’s expression subtly changed, and he said: "I’ve returned to Qizhou to consult my grandfather about the Xingzhou earthquake."
Tang Xiaobai shook her head: "The news this morning is that over a hundred officials in Xingzhou are dead or injured, including the Inspector of Xingzhou. The Court plans to temporarily appoint a Relief Commissioner to oversee Xingzhou—" At this, she fixed her eyes on Zhang Yin.
"Do you mean..." Zhang Yin hesitated.
"If Mr. Zhang could reassure Xingzhou—"
She had researched Xingzhou’s local chronicles and earthquake management over the past fifty years. The only person with experience governing the Xingzhou area, dealing with earthquake disasters, and possessing a status sufficient to appease both the Court and the common folk was the retired Mr. Zhang.
The hesitation on Zhang Yin’s face turned to difficulty: "My grandfather retired over a decade ago, I’m afraid..."
It wasn’t a mere fear; it was a certainty he no longer wished to serve.
Mr. Zhang hadn’t reached retirement age back then; he withdrew due to mourning his father. Yet, despite multiple high-ranking offers from the Court, Mr. Zhang declined with various excuses.
However, Tang Xiaobai was confident: "Though the old gentleman has lived in seclusion for years, he still cares about the common people; otherwise, why would he let Mr. Zhang teach the Crown Prince in the capital?"
Zhang Yin laughed: "Upon returning to Qizhou, I’ll certainly consult my grandfather!"
...
To invite Mr. Zhang from retirement, undeniably it requires more than Zhang Yin quietly seeking counsel.
Two days later, in Liangyi Palace, Crown Prince Li Mu petitioned to appoint the former Minister of Rites, Zhang Ximeng, as Minister of Staff and as Relief Commissioner for Hebei Road, fully responsible for disaster affairs across the state’s dependencies.
On the first day of November, an edict was issued appointing the former Minister of Rites, Zhang Ximeng, as Minister, temporarily overseeing Hebei Road as Relief Commissioner.
The next day, the envoy left the capital on horseback, heading swiftly toward Qizhou.
"Appointing him as Minister... Our Majesty appears truly generous..." Gu Ning smiled gently, so much so that no sarcasm could be discerned from her expression or tone.
As one of the three highest ranks, Minister ranks two levels above the Minister of Staff proposed by the Crown Prince.
Apart from the royal kinship’s Prince, only the Emperor’s tutor, Grand Tutor Yan, holds this rank.
Truly reaching the top of ministerial positions, showing Mr. Zhang ample respect.
But in this dynasty, the Minister holds no actual power, far less than the Minister of Staff.
Precisely because the Minister of Staff held excessive authority, there’s been no appointment for decades.
However, the role of Relief Commissioner for Hebei Road carries significant powers, allowing intervention in both military and political matters, though it’s merely a temporary position.
Mr. Zhang’s official duties will undergo changes once the Xingzhou disaster is stabilized.
This, however, was beyond Miss Tang’s concern: "Generous? They have a Minister, but what about my brother? Deprived of rank or proper manpower, just fifty men, it’s like handing out alms!"
Tang Ziqian’s appointment was also made on the morning of the first; he has now left the capital, accompanied by fifty imperial guards to Luoyang for grain dispatch.
"Officially it’s fifty men, but secretly the Crown Prince has arranged protection for my brother. As for manpower, once reaching Hebei, the Zhenzhou side has properly arranged assistance." Tang Xiaobai reassured.
Tang Jiaojiao shot her a glance: "Are you sure the people in Zhenzhou are reliable?"
Tang Xiaobai opened her eyes wide: "Reliable or not, Sister, you can put some effort in!"
Li Xingyuan may not be in Zhenzhou, but his loyal followers occupy Zhenzhou!
Tang Jiaojiao’s face blushed, she teasingly glared at her again, turning to Gu Ning: "Now that my brother’s gone, the marriage will be delayed again!"
Gu Ning, upon hearing this, worriedly frowned: "He might not return until after the New Year?"
Tang Xiaobai pursed her lips, not daring to say he might not return even after the New Year.
"Ziqian’s marriage has been quite troublesome." Gu Ning sighed again.
Tang Xiaobai unconsciously nodded.
Brother’s marriage wasn’t just troublesome; it was downright arduous!
Initially, the family favored Gu Wan with whom they were familiar, but they knew her externally, not internally as Gu Wan didn’t want it and maneuvered to marry someone inferior to Tang Ziqian, Wei Sui;
Then the Emperor intended to make Tang Ziqian a Prince Consort, only for both princesses to refuse.
Truth be told, her brother was exceptional both in appearance and authority, yet was constantly rejected for marriage.
Mentioning it invariably made Miss Tang gnash her teeth with resentment.
But Duke Yan Mansion didn’t wish for Tang Ziqian to marry a princess. Eventually, when no eligible daughters were left to offer, Gu Ning joyfully prepared to choose a daughter-in-law, only for Tang Ziqian to head off to Hebei.
"Wasn’t Mother previously looking for prospects for my brother? Did my brother fancy anyone? Though he’s not here, we can set it first so he can marry upon returning to the capital." Tang Jiaojiao proposed.
Gu Ning pondered for a moment, lightly shook her head: "He never mentioned, whenever asked, he always says it’s up to father and mother."
"He wouldn’t—" Tang Jiaojiao said three words, then abruptly stopped, anxiety flaring between her brows, she muttered, "truly so bothersome!"
Gu Ning was amused by her words: "Among you three, who isn’t bothersome?"
Not mentioning how Tang Jiaojiao must wait another year, even the matter of conferring Tang Xiaobai as Crown Princess Consort was an ordeal.
The Xingzhou earthquake resulted in significant casualties.
It’s said the Emperor even contemplated issuing an apology decree, which is being obstructed by high ministers now.
Though the apology decree hasn’t been issued, numerous prohibitions have such as observing national mourning, within one month, the imperial city prohibits alcohol, singing and dancing, and marital ceremonies.
As the Crown Prince, Li Mu couldn’t propose marriage at this moment either.
Tang Xiaobai realized that the young Crown Prince had a certain erratic side, and she particularly sweet-talked him to agree to a proposal after the New Year.
However, it was unexpected that while the Crown Prince held back, someone else brought it up—
During the fifteenth year of Taixing, fifteenth day of winter month.
The Spring Officer of the Observatory reported: The Crown Prince’s star governs the east; presently the Xingzhou earthquake has scarred the land, possibly due to imbalances in the Eastern Palace’s yin and yang. It suggests selecting a bride of fire constitution to bless the east.
Not only did they tie the Crown Prince’s matrimony to the Xingzhou earthquake, but also determined the direction of bride selection.
Or rather, they’ve even decided the candidate.
Upon receiving the petition, the Emperor immediately ordered the Ministry of Revenue to present the birth dates of all unmarried ladies in the capital.
Soon, he selected the sole heaven-blessed candidate—
Upon hearing this news, Tang Xiaobai, for the first time in her life, flipped the table: "Have they never seen me in a fiery mood, thus thinking I lack the fire virtue?"
