Nine Princes Struggle for the Throne: The Mad Prince

Chapter 15 Longevity Banquet (2) (Bestowed Marriage, Imperial Guard Military Power)

"Wasn't Consort Xian supposed to be recuperating? Why did she come? Aren't you afraid of passing on your illness to us?"

Qin Wu then looked at Consort Xian, who was sitting there silently.

Consort Xian had secretly plotted against his mother quite a bit in the past, and he wouldn't let go of any opportunity to cause trouble for her.

Moreover, since Consort Xian still intends to scheme against Jiang Pingle today, he is even less likely to let her have an easy time.

Qin Wu's words silenced everyone once again.

The hall fell silent once again.

They all stared at Qin Wu in disbelief.

This King Wu really has absolutely no scruples when he speaks!

It was an indiscriminate attack.

"Your Majesty is too kind. My illness is already cured."

Consort Xian gave an awkward smile.

She really didn't want to provoke Qin Wu; in her eyes, Qin Wu was a complete madman.

She's also a super-powerful madman, the kind of person you absolutely can't afford to offend, otherwise, if she ever goes berserk, she'll be in for a world of hurt.

"Is that so? Then congratulations, Consort Xian."

Qin Wu revealed a wicked smile and said in a half-smile.

"By the way, Consort Xian, there are some people you can't just scheme against, or you'll easily get yourself into trouble."

Qin Wu then said something that seemed plausible but was actually a misunderstanding.

This can also be seen as a warning to those present who might have any ideas, lest some people be blind to the danger.

Those who wanted to scheme against Jiang Pingle began to feel uneasy.

They were all smart people and knew that Qin Wu was warning them not to mess with Jiang Pingle, or else he would be ruthless.

For a moment, the entire Biyun Palace fell into a deathly silence once again.

No one knew what to say.

"Xiao Jiu, it's been so many years! We brothers haven't gotten together yet. How about we go to the Imperial Garden for a few drinks?"

The Tang King spoke awkwardly, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Yes, Ninth Brother, how about we brothers go for a drink together?"

With the Tang King speaking, the Han King also smiled and said.

The other princes also spoke up, saying they couldn't let Qin Wu stay there any longer.

"Alright, Yuqin and Yuqi, you two will stay with Miss Jiang. If anyone dares to be disrespectful to Miss Jiang, kill them on the spot."

"Today is Father Emperor's birthday, adding a touch of red will bring joy."

Qin Wu addressed the two personal maids behind him.

This also serves as a way to leave someone behind to protect Jiang Pingle, lest she be plotted against.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jiang Pingle quickly stood up to express his gratitude.

With King Wu arranging for people to protect her, she was much safer.

There was no other way; her father held considerable military power and was the object of all the princes' court efforts.

She is also the only unmarried girl in the family right now.

Although she was careful and vigilant, there were always times when she was careless and negligent.

With someone protecting her, she will be much safer.

After bowing to the Empress and the others, Qin Wu and the others left directly.

After Qin Wu and the others left, the princesses came to Jiang Pingle's side, pulled her aside, and went to chat with her alone.

They also realized that Jiang Pingle was the person King Wu had taken a liking to.

Being able to build a good relationship with Jiang Pingle would also be beneficial for them.

Especially the fourth and fifth princesses who were not yet married.

They are not married yet and may be sent to other countries for marriage alliances. If they don't want to be sent for marriage alliances, they must have a powerful backer.

Their mothers were both only Noble Ladies, with low status in the palace, and could not protect them at all.

This is also why they did not get engaged after they reached marriageable age.

The other princes would not stand up for their father, the emperor.

Of the nine princes, perhaps only their ninth brother could protect them and safeguard them.

At noon, Qin Wu and the others were summoned by the Emperor of Eastern Qin for a private gathering and a meal together.

"Xiao Jiu, I just heard the Empress say that you've taken a fancy to the third young lady of the Zhennan Marquis's mansion?"

During the meal, the Emperor of Eastern Qin asked Qin Wu with a smile.

"Yes, the third young lady of the Zhennan Marquis's mansion is lively and seems to be in a good mood. Just now, the Empress said she wanted to bestow a marriage upon me, and I agreed. But she said she couldn't make the decision herself. If Father Emperor thinks it's okay, then let's arrange it. What do you say?"

Qin Wu was also direct; others might have spoken more tactfully.

He doesn't care about any of that. It's all going to happen sooner or later anyway. If he likes something, he'll just take it directly to avoid others eyeing it.

"Haha, since Xiao Jiu has spoken, then it's settled."

The Emperor of Eastern Qin laughed heartily.

He's growing to love his son more and more.

Unlike his other sons, he was full of scheming.

"Then thank you very much, Father."

"Hey, Dongfu, right? Go and deliver the imperial decree. Oh, and call the little wildcat over to meet Father Emperor."

Qin Wu thanked him and then spoke to Dong Fu, who was standing to the side.

His entire behavior was as if he were mentally challenged.

Qin Wu's actions stunned Dongfu, who was serving him, leaving him unsure whether he should do the same.

After all, since the Emperor of Eastern Qin had not spoken, he dared not make a decision on his own.

"Go."

The Emperor of Eastern Qin said with a smile.

Today is his birthday, and all his children are here. He is in a good mood, but it's just a small matter, and he won't dwell on it too much.

"Yes, old slave, let's do it now."

Upon hearing the order from the Emperor of Dongqin, Dongfu strode away to deliver the decree.

Not a moment later.

Dongfu then went to the side hall.

This is the place where the relatives of officials of the third rank or above dine.

"Jiang Pingle, the third young lady of the Zhennan Marquis's mansion, receives the imperial decree."

When Jiang Pingle heard the chief eunuch beside the emperor calling him, he quickly got up and came out.

"Jiang Pingle accepts the imperial decree."

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Jiang Pingle, the third daughter of the Marquis of Zhennan, is beautiful and intelligent, virtuous and kind. She is hereby betrothed to Prince Wu as his principal wife. The wedding will take place on a chosen date after she comes of age. This is the imperial decree."

"Princess Consort Wu, receive the imperial decree!"

Dongfu handed the imperial edict to Jiang Pingle.

Jiang Pingle was a little confused. Why was he suddenly granted a marriage?

"Princess Wu?"

Seeing that Jiang Pingle did not react, Dongfu quickly spoke up to remind her.

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty. Jiang Pingyue accepts the decree."

Jiang Pingle quickly accepted the imperial edict to express his gratitude, and then secretly handed a purse to Dongfu.

"Princess Consort Wu, His Majesty invites you to dine with him. Please come with me!"

Dongfu secretly weighed the purse in his hand and said to Jiang Pingle with a smile.

As for the others, they were all a bit confused. How could His Majesty suddenly bestow a marriage upon Prince Wu? They hadn't heard a word about it beforehand.

"Yes, please lead the way, sir."

Jiang Pingle said politely to Dongfu.

The two then left the side hall and headed towards the main hall.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, greetings..."

Jiang Pingle arrived at the main hall and was about to kneel down to pay his respects.

"No need for formalities! Come sit next to Xiao Jiu! Din with me."

Before Jiang Pingle could kneel down, the Emperor of Eastern Qin exempted her from the formalities.

Having Jiang Pingle sit down next to Qin Wu was a way of telling everyone that he had accepted her as his daughter-in-law.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jiang Pingyue blushed slightly, thanked him, and sat down next to Qin Wu.

"Your Highness, why did His Majesty suddenly bestow a marriage upon us?"

Jiang Pingle asked in a low voice.

"I had my father bestow this marriage upon you. Today, many people have been watching you closely. Now that the marriage is hereby granted, no one will dare to make a move on you."

"However, there's quite a show to watch today. Would you like to come with me to see a play later?"

Qin Wu also said in a low voice.

He had received word that today's palace banquet was destined to be anything but peaceful.

"Xiao Jiu, you've been back for a while now. You've led troops for many years, and now the Imperial Guards are without a commander. During your time in the capital, the Imperial Guards will be under your command!"

The Emperor of Eastern Qin spoke again.

The Imperial Guard was responsible for the security of the palace, and he never trusted anyone else to take it upon himself.

I'm afraid the princes might have other ideas.

These princes all have considerable power behind them, and now Qin Wu has returned.

Of his princes, only Qin Wu lacked powerful backing, so he didn't need to worry about Qin Wu's maternal clan using this opportunity to infiltrate the Imperial Guard.

Furthermore, the other princes now wield considerable power.

To balance the power among the princes, King Wu could not fight alone; he needed the support of the Imperial Guards.

The power of the nine princes was then balanced.

This is also his art of ruling.

"Thank you, Father."

Before the others could react, Qin Wu immediately accepted the order.

"Father..."

King Zhou could no longer sit still.

He had always wanted control of the Imperial Guard, but the Emperor of Eastern Qin refused to budge.

Unexpectedly, the Imperial Guards were given to Qin Wu today.

"Alright, that's settled then. You don't need to say anything more."

Emperor Dong Qin knew exactly what King Zhou and his group were thinking, and directly interrupted King Zhou.

King Zhou was very unwilling to be interrupted, but there was nothing he could do.

He knew that once the Emperor of Eastern Qin made a decision, no one could change it.

In this way, Qin Wu gained command of the Imperial Guards without expending any effort.

He was originally thinking about how to gain control of the Imperial Guard, but now he doesn't even need to think about it anymore.

They then finished their lunch while chatting casually.