The Demon Lords

Chapter 793 174: The National Letter_3

"Ji Chengjue, you are a talented man; in that, I have no doubt."

"Your Highness is too kind. You are the role model for us brothers."

"Focus on proper matters. For the country, for the family, focus on proper matters."

"I shall respectfully abide by Your Highness's teachings."

Perhaps feeling his words had been a bit harsh, the Crown Prince hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Are you free today?"

"What does Your Highness command?"

"One of the servants at home procured some game. You know I'm not accustomed to such things, but the Princess should like it. Take a portion for yourself, and deliver the rest to the West Garden for me."

"I understand. Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness."

The wedding date had been interrupted by the war.

Moreover, according to custom and rites, the betrothed couple should not meet privately again before the formal wedding ceremony. Thus, it would be inappropriate for the Crown Prince to visit the West Garden now; it would appear most undignified.

On this point, Ji Chengjue, by contrast, was more at ease. His marriage to the young lady from the He family hadn't been formally conducted, yet he had directly arranged for her to live in his own residence.

Hmm, because that prospective elder brother-in-law of his no longer dared to brandish a knife at him.

But Li Liangshen, by the Princess's side, indeed dared to draw his sword on the Crown Prince.

"Ji Chengjue, once the alliance is concluded, on the day of my grand wedding, you too come and accompany me to welcome the bride."

When the previous grand wedding began, Ji Chengjue had not been in the bridal escort. He had been dressed in a bailiff's uniform, eating duck in the Quande Building.

Now, he had returned—returned openly and legitimately—so it was a matter of course that he should be invited.

Evidently, the Crown Prince already suspected his involvement in Hsu Guanghuai's downfall. But Ji Chengjue hadn't even thought of hiding it from his own father, so how could he possibly fear the Crown Prince knowing?

"It would be my honor."

"We are brothers. Why the need for such distance?"

"Your Highness, there is a distinction between sovereign and subject."

The Crown Prince sighed, turned, and departed first.

He was heading to the side hall; he still had his own affairs to attend to.

Ji Chengjue, however, was to leave the palace and return to his princely residence, so they were not heading the same way.

Upon reaching the palace gate, he boarded the carriage driven by Master Zhang.

Master Zhang said as he drove the carriage, "Master, the East Palace has started purchasing items again. Perhaps they are preparing for the second grand wedding."

"Just now, the Crown Prince even invited me to accompany him in the bridal escort on his wedding day."

"Should this servant, then, prepare some gifts in the coming days?"

Ji Chengjue shook his head. "It won't come to pass."

「In the Imperial Study」

The Yan Emperor was holding the Memorandum previously submitted by Ji Chengjue and reading it.

Wei Zhonghe approached to refill the tea and reminded him softly, "Your Majesty, isn't it time for luncheon?"

The Yan Emperor put down the Memorandum. Unwittingly, he had been reading this Memorandum for quite some time. He nodded. "Serve the meal."

"Yes."

Wei Zhonghe turned to leave and relay the order.

"Also..."

Wei Zhonghe immediately turned back, awaiting further instructions.

The Yan Emperor pointed to the pile of memoranda concerning the alliance, previously sent over by the Crown Prince, which lay on the left side of his imperial desk.

Wei Zhonghe knew His Majesty hadn't looked at these memoranda at all.

"Tell Zhao Jiulang and the others that We have examined these details of the alliance treaty thoroughly and find nothing amiss. Endorse them in red and affix the seal. Have them draw it up as a formal state missive and dispatch it to Jade Plate City at the earliest opportunity."