Chapter 900 - 799: Inventory

Chapter 900: Chapter 799: Inventory

Xia Xiaozhe laughed and said, "Although these are old anecdotes not worth mentioning, it’s rare to chat leisurely with father about past tales. Besides, this is not an outsider’s affair! The temperament of Prince Cheng’s family and their standing in the Emperor’s heart relate to Wenjin’s future life!"

Xia Shi’en knew that these two brothers had always wanted a sister since they were young, but Mrs. Xia hadn’t had another child all these years. Now that they finally had a sister, they truly cared.

He shook his head and said, "The standing in the Emperor’s heart, as you saw it, likely means Yunzhou will be the final resting place. As for the temperament of Prince Cheng’s family, the Princess Cheng is a person of Jianghu background, although a woman, she is as gallant as any man and generous, unlikely to be harsh to Wenjin. Besides, Wenjin is a smart child, with natural charm, much like Concubine Cheng back in the day. You need not worry about that!"

"That’s good then!" Xia Xiaozhe said reassuringly, "As long as Wenjin won’t be mistreated, I have nothing to worry about."

His gaze fell on the location of Qingzhou on the map, and after glancing several times, he turned his head and asked, "Father, even though you’re not involved in factions, it doesn’t hinder your understanding of the Princes. Which prince do you think is most promising?"

Xia Shi’en laughed and criticized, "What’s the point of saying this? It’s whom the Emperor favors that is crucial in the end. What good is my opinion?"

"Then who does father think the Emperor favors most?"

Xia Shi’en smiled and glanced at him, "There you go again, it’s something everyone in the Capital City knows. It definitely won’t be the previously deposed Crown Prince, nor Prince Cheng. The remaining three princes all have chances! Now with Prince Lu deceased, there’s only Prince Xin and Prince Li!"

"Why can’t it be the Imperial Grandson?"

Xia Shi’en’s gaze subtly shifted, looking at his son, thought for a moment, and analyzed, "The Emperor has mature and capable sons, so logically cannot consider the Imperial Grandson, though it’s not impossible. Back then, the Emperor hesitated to depose the Crown Prince precisely because he valued Huangfu Yuxuan, considering the son mediocre but the grandson wise, believing he could ensure two generations of prosperity for Nanxia!"

Although Xia Xiaozhe had been paying attention to court affairs lately, he didn’t know there was such inside information.

Of course, these are tales only a key minister like Xia Shi’en would know, others could scarcely understand.

This is also casual talk between father and son, otherwise, Xia Shi’en would never assertively speculate on the Emperor’s thoughts.

Xia Xiaozhe sighed, "Qingzhou is suffering from disaster, none of the princes hoping to be Crown Prince are willing to go, yet it’s Prince Cheng, not in the Capital City, who rushed back to volunteer! Father, don’t you think princes indifferent to people’s lives and calamities can truly be a blessing as Emperor for the people?"

Xia Shi’en glanced at him, "Then what? This is a matter for the Royal Family!"

"The Crown Prince is not just a Royal Family matter!" Xia Xiaozhe disagreed, "It concerns Nanxia and the people’s matters too!"

"In the end, beneath Nanxia, everything still depends on the Emperor’s will! Although it concerns the people, it’s decided by the Emperor’s will!"

"I can’t believe it could be Prince Li, maybe it’s... Prince Xin?" Xia Xiaozhe murmured softly.

Xia Shi’en laughed and scolded, "What do you know? Why couldn’t it be Prince Li?"

Xia Xiaozhe laughed, "I have reasons for saying so. It’s been almost half a year since Prince Zhuang was deposed. If the Emperor intended to set Prince Li as the Crown Prince, he’s been in the Capital City all this time; there’s no need for it to be so complicated, nor does he need to call other Vassal Kings back to the Capital City."

"But undeniably, Prince Li is the most favored!" Xia Shi’en said calmly.