Chapter 484 - Chapter 484: Doing Something Bad Out of Goodwill
Chapter 484: Doing Something Bad Out of Goodwill
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“The Court of Judicial Review is a coveted position, and it’s in high demand.
Many seek to place their own candidates there.”
“The emperor’s motives are likely to uncover certain individuals through this opportunity.”
“Initially, I too saw this as a great chance, but when I assumed my role at the Court of Judicial Review, I soon realized that attaining the position of minister there isn’t a simple feat.”
“Pandering to one faction often means antagonizing another. Given my lack of connections, I fear that I might not live to see that seat.”
“Hence, I believe that departing from the capital is a wise decision.”
“There’s another significant reason for our willingness to leave the capital.”
“Zhenzhen isn’t acclimated to the capital’s climate, and with her pregnancy, her discomfort has intensified. She needs to return to her hometown.”
“But I can’t entrust her with the journey alone.”
“For her, I’m ready to forgo my high-ranking post.”
After Su Bin divulged this extensive explanation, the Old Marquis finally comprehended Su Bin’s underlying message. Su Bin sought to convince him to stay in the capital and align with the Crown Prince’s faction.
While the Third Prince had the support of the General Manor, the Crown Prince already held the esteemed title and had the backing of both the Public House and the Empress Dowager. The Public House was renowned for grooming politically astute civil officials, effectively controlling over 60% of the royal court’s influence. In contrast, the General Manor primarily produced military officials, experts in battlefield matters but often unfamiliar with court politics.
The Emperor’s forthcoming marriage to a daughter from both the General Manor and the Public House further tilted the scales in favor of the latter. Historically, the General Manor had seldom triumphed over the Public House in power struggles.
If the Third Prince were to challenge the Crown Prince for the throne, the Third Prince would inevitably be the one to suffer defeat.
However, Su Bin’s countenance darkened as he added, “There are certain matters you are unaware of, and I have no intention of explaining them further to you.”
Many individuals were well aware of the rumors surrounding the Crown Prince’s attempt to catch a glimpse of his wife’s beauty, and the Old Marquis was likely no exception.
Given these circumstances, the Old Marquis’s advice to Su Bin to align with the Crown Prince’s faction raised questions. Did he value his own future over his dignity?
Any trace of goodwill Su Bin had harbored for the Old Marquis vanished once again.
The Old Marquis, on the other hand, deeply regretted his attempt to persuade Su Bin. He hadn’t anticipated the magnitude of Su Bin’s reaction.
He had believed that he was acting kindly, yet he remained oblivious to the unintended negative consequences of his actions.
He had indeed heard murmurs about the Crown Prince’s inappropriate behavior. However, he presumed that the Crown Prince’s conduct was a passing impulse. With Qin Zhenzhen now married to Su Bin and carrying his child, the Crown Prince should have suppressed his inclinations.
Previously, the Marquis Mansion had aligned with the Public House’s interests, later opting for a neutral stance.
This shift occurred because the Public House began to perceive the Marquis Mansion as less useful, gradually sidelining them.
For one, despite the Marquis Mansion’s formidable power and deep-rooted connections, it hadn’t produced any notable talents for generations. Even if they secured official positions, their ineffectiveness risked tarnishing their relationships.
Moreover, the Public House shared the Emperor’s sentiment regarding the Marquis Mansion’s hereditary system, deeming it unreasonable and contemplating ways to abolish it, thereby saving a considerable sum annually.
Apart from his genuine concern for Su Bin’s future, the Old Marquis also harbored personal interests in persuading Su Bin to align with the Public House and the Crown Prince.
Both Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen were highly gifted individuals, and their alignment with the Public House and the Crown Prince could yield significant benefits. If they were willing to stand by their side, it would be mutually advantageous for Su Bin, Qin Zhenzhen, and the Marquis Mansion.
Su Bin’s countenance grew even more somber. “I provided all those explanations to emphasize that you should refrain from interfering!”
“Furthermore, we’ve severed our ties with the Marquis Mansion, so you need not concern yourself with our affairs.”
At this juncture, the Old Marquis knew better than to attempt further persuasion. He hadn’t anticipated that his relationship with Su Bin would deteriorate even further..