Chapter 470 - 390: Those Who Want My Head, Come
Chapter 470: Chapter 390: Those Who Want My Head, Come
The Sovereign of Qin approved of Qin Jingsu’s actions.
"But Jingsu, let me ask you: what are your thoughts on the position of Crown Prince?"
"..."
After a moment of silence, Qin Jingsu bowed deeply.
"The title of Crown Prince can only be bestowed by you, Father. How could your son dare to have any other ideas?"
"Oh, you..." The Sovereign of Qin pointed a finger at his son and sighed. "Jingsu, you are so intelligent and meticulous at such a young age. Sometimes I truly don’t know whether to laugh or cry..."
"But you are my son. Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking?"
The Sovereign of Qin shook his head.
"You have the ability and the skill, but your nature is too free-spirited. You view power too lightly, not at all like a typical member of the Royal Family. To you, what difference does it make whether you have the throne or not?
But Jingsu, there are many things in this world that you will have to face, whether you want them or not.
In this world, there are too many things where one’s hands are tied.
Do you understand what I am saying?"
"Your son... understands..." Qin Jingsu nodded.
"No, you don’t really understand," the Sovereign of Qin said, shaking his head. "Never mind. Let’s leave it at that. You may go. Think it over carefully."
"Yes, Father..."
Qin Jingsu bowed and was about to turn and leave.
But the Sovereign of Qin quickly called out to his son, "Jingsu, one more thing."
"Do you have any other instructions, Father?" Qin Jingsu asked.
"It’s nothing much. Just to tell you that when you do things, you must do them cleanly. Show no mercy." The Sovereign of Qin spoke while reviewing memorials. "Jingyuan’s wet nurse... I’ve taken care of her. Remember this in the future."
Qin Jingsu’s mouth fell slightly open, his eyes trembling. In the end, he closed his mouth and bowed. "Yes, Father..."
...
In the year Qin Jingyuan was sixteen and Qin Jingsu was nineteen.
The Sovereign of Qin summoned the two brothers to the Imperial Study.
After leaving the Imperial Study, Qin Jingyuan said cheerfully to his elder brother, "Elder Brother, Father has given us permission to establish our own manors. From this day forward, the two of us will have to compete in earnest. I definitely won’t lose to you. When you lose, don’t you go blaming your second brother."
Seeing his younger brother’s happy expression, Qin Jingsu smiled and nodded. "Alright. In that case, I, your elder brother... will do my best..."
...
「The day after Xiao Mo annihilated Wei and returned in triumph.」
A Guest Minister arrived at the Eldest Prince’s manor and bowed. "Your Highness, the Second Prince is hosting a banquet for the Frost King. The Frost King has already gone to attend with the Third Princess."
"Mm," Qin Jingsu nodded. "I know."
The Guest Minister hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Your Highness, the Second Prince’s move is an attempt to win over the Frost King. And the Frost King was made a king, an exceptional promotion from His Majesty, based solely on the battle where he annihilated Wei. Anyone with eyes can see that His Majesty intends to make the Frost King a trusted confidant.
Even the Flame King praises the Frost King’s abilities endlessly.
If the Second Prince truly succeeds in winning over the Frost King...
Then..."
"I am aware. I have my own measure for this matter. You may leave for now," Qin Jingsu said slowly.
The Guest Minister wanted to say more, but seeing the Eldest Prince’s calm expression, he ultimately gave up and simply replied, "Yes, Your Highness..."
"One more thing." Just as the Guest Minister was about to leave the study, Qin Jingsu looked up. "Go prepare a carriage, and bring me that Snow-Trampling Horse of the finest quality."
The Guest Minister immediately understood the Eldest Prince’s intentions and said with delight, "Yes, Your Highness!"
After the Guest Minister left, Qin Jingsu stood up, walked to the door, and sighed. He muttered to the night, ’Second Brother, for the sake of that position, you would even use our Third Sister to win over Xiao Mo. Is this truly what you want?
Our Third Sister is innocent, but she isn’t a fool...
You are her brother. That’s why she trusts you so much...’
...
「About ten years later.」
One day, Qin Jingsu strode into the Imperial Study, bowed deeply to his father, and said with suppressed anger, "Your son, Jingsu, pays his respects to his Father Emperor!"
"What is it? You seem to be in a great hurry, and you sound like you’re full of anger," the Sovereign of Qin said slowly, leafing through a scroll in his hands.
"Your son has a matter he wishes to ask you about, Father," Qin Jingsu said respectfully.
Only then did the Sovereign of Qin look up at his son. "Speak."
"Your son has heard that Second Brother intends to form a marriage alliance with the Jin Kingdom. This is no small matter. I implore you to reconsider, Father!" Qin Jingsu bowed even lower.
The Sovereign of Qin looked up at his son, his brow furrowed. "State your reasons."
"First, for years, the Jin Kingdom has been expanding its territory, befriending distant states while attacking its neighbors. The wild ambition of King Jin is known to all.
Second, King Jin treasures his eldest daughter as the apple of his eye. The Jin Kingdom has had constant friction with our Qin Kingdom for years. For them to suddenly seek a marriage alliance now... When something is this out of the ordinary, there must be a catch."
"You have a point," the Sovereign of Qin nodded. "However, regarding this marriage, I have already asked Jingyuan. He agreed to it himself."
"..." Qin Jingsu’s brow furrowed. "I will go and try to persuade my second brother."
"There’s no need."
The Sovereign of Qin shook his head.
"You are overthinking things. It is the Princess of Jin marrying out of her kingdom, not my son marrying into theirs.
Right now, both the Jin Kingdom and the Qin Kingdom need time.
Forming an alliance between Qin and Jin is the best solution.
Even if things fall apart in the end, Jingyuan will have simply gained a wife. There is no loss.
In short, you don’t need to concern yourself with this matter, nor can you.
Just focus on your own affairs. You are dismissed."
"Father..."
"Leave!"
"Yes, Father..."
...
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince! King Jing has committed treason!"
While Qin Jingsu was handling political affairs, a Guest Minister ran into his study, shouting loudly.