“The imperial seal is genuine, and His Majesty indeed summoned the Hanlin Academy official a few days ago. The handwriting on this edict is also truly that of the Hanlin official,” Chu Dingjiang explained.

The Second Prince understood. “Only the content isn’t Father’s original edict.”

He didn’t know how Chu Dingjiang and his associates had managed this, but it was clear his father still hadn’t intended to establish him as heir. This realization left the Second Prince feeling somewhat dejected. However, this feeling didn’t last long. “When writing an imperial edict, at least two high-ranking officials must be present. Without that, the credibility of the edict would be significantly reduced.”

Chu Dingjiang replied, “Your Highness need not worry. With Grand Secretary Hua and the Grand Marshal as witnesses, this edict becomes an irrefutable fact. Your Highness leading troops to the palace would then be a natural course of action.”

“How did you manage this, Master?” The Second Prince was amazed. It seemed Chu Dingjiang had paved a smooth path ahead, making obstacles that once appeared insurmountable simply vanish. While delighted, the prince also felt a hint of caution. After all, a subordinate far more capable than oneself was difficult to control. If not handled carefully, he might end up a puppet ruler in name only.

“There is one matter for which I must beg Your Highness’s forgiveness,” Chu Dingjiang suddenly knelt on one knee.

An Jiu, slightly surprised, hesitated before following suit. This was the first time since arriving in this world that she had made such a gesture of submission to someone, and it wasn’t entirely of her own volition.

The Second Prince slowly sat down and asked in a deep voice, “What is it?”

“The Grand Marshal has a daughter who has reached marriageable age,” Chu Dingjiang said tactfully.

The Second Prince’s expression darkened slightly. Young married couples were often the closest.

The Second Prince’s wife came from a declining noble family and was two years his senior. Although her family background couldn’t provide much support to the Second Prince, she was exceptional – kind-hearted, well-educated, and socially adept. She had been renowned for her talents even before marriage, skilled in the four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with a particular talent for composing ci poetry. While not stunningly beautiful, she was certainly elegant and graceful. It was difficult to dislike such a refined and understanding woman. The Second Prince had been married to her for less than two years and was still deeply in love. He could never consider discarding his original wife for the throne! If he had to sacrifice his wife to gain the throne, what was the point of such a struggle?

After a moment of silence, the Second Prince asked, “What position does the Grand Marshal suggest would be appropriate?”

Hearing the prince’s tone, Chu Dingjiang guessed he had misunderstood and explained, “Even with his great contributions, how could the Grand Marshal dare to pressure Your Highness? What he seeks for his daughter is the position second only to one.”

Imperial Noble Consort.

The Second Prince was still displeased. An Imperial Noble Consort was essentially an equal wife. In ordinary noble families, an equal wife could greatly threaten the original wife’s position. However, in the imperial family, domestic affairs were state affairs, with complex rules and clear hierarchies. The Empress would always be the Empress. Even if the Imperial Noble Consort was considered an equal wife, she would still be inferior to the Empress in various aspects.

“Your Highness, great achievements require flexibility in small matters. It’s just a title, but the support it brings is not to be underestimated. The situation is urgent, please consider carefully,” Chu Dingjiang advised.

The Second Prince didn’t ponder for long. Having an additional Imperial Noble Consort might displease his wife, but considering her usual understanding and sensible nature, for him, it was merely adding another woman to his household. “I can send someone to inform the Grand Marshal, and tomorrow I’ll have someone deliver the betrothal gifts.”

The Second Prince had never met the Grand Marshal’s daughter but had heard of her. She was said to be a straightforward and efficient woman. With such a background and personality, she could be a good assistant to the primary wife. Moreover, the Grand Marshal was taking an enormous risk, essentially staking his entire family’s fate on him. This request wasn’t excessive.

“Your Highness is wise,” Chu Dingjiang sighed in relief. He had truly feared the Second Prince might stubbornly refuse in a moment of passion. To soothe the prince’s feelings, he quickly added, “The Grand Marshal is a pragmatic man. He says he’s getting old and fears he won’t be able to serve the country effectively after Your Highness ascends the throne. His sons are mostly incompetent, and he worries about his family’s decline. He reluctantly came up with this solution. The Grand Marshal’s concerns are not unreasonable, please don’t blame him.”

In the Great Song Dynasty, the power to deploy troops lay with the Bureau of Military Affairs, but the Grand Marshal truly commanded the army. In these chaotic times, the Grand Marshal could deploy troops even without the Bureau’s approval. Moreover, the Second Prince’s supporters included not only military officers but also Grand Secretary Hua and his eldest son, who held key positions in the Bureau of Military Affairs.

The Grand Marshal understood the principle of new rulers bringing new courtiers. He planned to relinquish his military power immediately after the regime change to avoid becoming a target for the new emperor’s purges.

This was an attitude of humbling oneself to seek the emperor’s favor. The Second Prince felt slightly better and his expression softened. “Please rise, Master.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Chu Dingjiang stood up.

An Jiu also rose consciously.

The Second Prince couldn’t help but glance at her again, slightly surprised. This woman had substantial eyes and a strong presence, yet she remained silent and unnoticed. When not directly engaging with her, she seemed to fade into the background like air!