sbdcsierra Chapter 1349 What's the Problem with King Jin?
Chapter 1349 What's the Problem with King Jin?
"And Hanlin Bai now enjoys Your Majesty's deep trust and is currently handling the war IOUs. If he could find an opportune moment and, citing his concerns about state affairs, raise this proposal with Your Majesty, it would be perfectly appropriate."
After the words fell, Shen Zhinian looked at Princess Wenshu's confused expression and smiled slightly: "Of course, the success or failure of this matter depends on Bai Hanlin's ability and courage."
"I just mentioned it casually. I thought it was an opportunity."
It is an opportunity, but also a token of allegiance.
Princess Wenshu finally understood that the Imperial Noble Consort was testing her and Bai Hanlin.
The Imperial Noble Consort would not help them for no reason. If they wanted to borrow her power, they had to demonstrate sufficient value, courage, and sincerity.
If this matter is handled beautifully, it will be the best sincerity they can offer; if it is done badly, or if the truth is revealed, then the consequences...
Princess Wenshu's palms were covered in cold sweat and her heart was beating like a drum.
She and the starling were not born of the same mother, but they grew up together and had a very close relationship. Of course, she would not do anything to harm the starling.
However, although Princess Wenshu was cautious by nature, she had never been exposed to the intricacies and political struggles in the court, and her thoughts were relatively simple.
To her, every word the Imperial Noble Consort said was meant to help her brother relieve his worries and troubles.
Now that the national treasury is empty and the Huns are invading the border, it is time for the whole country to work together.
My brother's fiefdom was indeed rich, and if he could take the initiative to donate money or send troops to help, he would not only fulfill his duty as a minister and share the emperor's worries, but also earn a reputation as a loyal and patriotic person.
Isn’t this the best of both worlds?
Mynah birds are gentle, loyal, and considerate, and will definitely consider the overall situation.
Princess Wenshu even felt a subtle sense of mission in her heart, thinking that she might be able to do her bit to help her brother the emperor in matters of family and country.
Resisting foreign aggression and defending the Great Zhou Dynasty is such an important matter!
Although she is a woman, she also knows what is right.
Princess Wenshu then showed a solemn look on her face and nodded seriously to Shen Zhinian: "The Imperial Concubine is thoughtful and considerate, and she is wholeheartedly thinking about the emperor. Wenshu understands."
"If my brother can contribute to the country at this critical moment, it will be a great benefit to my brother, the court, and the people of the world."
"Wenshu thinks this is a very appropriate matter. If she has the chance, she will mention it to Bai Hanlin. Bai Hanlin is concerned about state affairs and will probably think this is a good idea. He may also seek an opportunity to advise the emperor."
Shen Zhinian nodded in satisfaction, her tone becoming gentler. "I'm glad the princess understands the situation. I also hope that Your Majesty will have fewer worries."
Having achieved their goal, the two chatted for a while about the scenery, and then Princess Wenshu left.
Shen Zhinian had no worries at all about whether Princess Wenshu would leak their conversation today.
First, Princess Wenshu is not a stupid person.
Although she is timid, she is by no means ignorant of the interests involved.
Whether she and Bai Mufeng could achieve what she wanted now depended largely on her own thoughts. Leaking this conversation would do Princess Wenshu no good.
Not only would it offend Shen Zhinian, it would also completely ruin her and Bai Mufeng's future.
Anyone with a bit of common sense wouldn't do such a stupid thing that harms others and doesn't benefit oneself.
Secondly, even if Princess Wenshu really lost her mind, or was tricked by someone into telling others about what happened today, what would happen?
There is no way to verify it.
Everyone in the palace knew about Shen Zhinian's interactions with Princess Wenshu. They were just normal interactions between concubines and female members of the royal family.
What's wrong with enjoying flowers and chatting about elegant content?
If Bai Mufeng makes suggestions to His Majesty, that is his loyalty and insight as a subject. What does it have to do with Shen Zhinian?
She is invincible anyway.
……
One evening a few days later.
In a teahouse built by the water in the capital, the innermost private room is covered with bamboo curtains, isolating the noise from the outside.
Princess Wenshu held a cup of warm tea.
She had deliberately changed into an inconspicuous casual outfit today, and her hair was simply combed, with only a plain silver hairpin in her hair.
Bai Mufeng's voice was as gentle as ever, carrying a reassuring warmth, and he was the first to break the silence: "... Princess, how are you these days?"
He was wearing a moon-white scholar's robe today, which made his face look even more handsome, and there was an unconcealable concern in his eyes.
Princess Wenshu hummed softly, looking down at the tea leaves floating in the cup: "All good."
"When I entered the palace, the Imperial Concubine treated me very kindly."
She paused, as if she had finally made up her mind, raised her eyes, and spoke softly, "A few days ago, the Imperial Noble Consort invited me to Yongshou Palace to enjoy the flowers, and she told me something."
Bai Mufeng looked focused, leaning forward slightly, pretending to listen: "Oh? What did the Imperial Concubine say that made the Princess so worried?"
Princess Wenshu carefully considered her words, "The Imperial Consort said that my brother is deeply troubled by the war and the IOU. If... if the wealthy relatives and nobles could take the initiative to step forward at this critical moment, either by donating money to replenish the military or sending troops to aid..."
"It can not only relieve my brother's worries, but also be a loyal contribution to the country."
After she finished speaking, she observed Bai Mufeng's expression and added, "I think what the Imperial Concubine said makes sense."
"There's a war going on on the border right now, and it's time for everyone to be united."
Bai Mufeng's hand, holding the kettle to refill Princess Wenshu's tea, paused slightly, and the hot water almost overflowed from the cup.
His smile remained unchanged, even becoming gentler. After putting down the teapot, he said casually, "Your Majesty is absolutely right."
"But I wonder... has the Imperial Concubine ever mentioned which relative would be the most suitable role model?"
Princess Wenshu didn't realize the deeper meaning behind Bai Mufeng's words and said, "She mentioned mynah birds by chance."
"His Royal Highness King Jin?"
Bai Mufeng lowered his eyes to hide the surprise that flashed across his eyes.
He became the third place in the imperial examination at a young age and was entrusted with important tasks by the emperor. He was certainly not a simple-minded person.
In just a moment, Bai Mufeng realized that the Imperial Concubine was not just chatting casually, but was clearly pointing the finger at Prince Jin, using the name of sharing the country's worries to force and test him!
As his mind raced, countless thoughts flashed through Bai Mufeng's mind—
What is the grudge between the Imperial Concubine and the Prince of Jin?
This was His Majesty's intention, but he just said it through the Imperial Concubine's mouth?
Or was it the Imperial Noble Consort's own plan?
What kind of deep meaning is hidden behind it?
However, all his doubts were forcibly suppressed when Bai Mufeng raised his eyes and met Princess Wenshu's eyes, which were filled with expectation and anxiety.
He must not drag her into this muddy water, let alone let her know the danger behind it.
Bai Mufeng raised his warm smile again, and said in a relaxed tone: "The Imperial Concubine is far-sighted and always cares about His Majesty and the country. It is truly admirable."