Chapter 175 - What a Shocking Suggestion
County Princess Liyang regarded Tang Yue with a critical gaze, her expression clearly conveying disbelief, as if she was thinking, “How could this person be the Crown Princess?”
Tang Yue responded with an indifferent smile, “Princess, you are indeed exceptionally beautiful, but… women should carry an air of elegance and charm.”
County Princess Liyang retorted with sarcasm, “Has the Crown Prince lost his senses? How could he fall for someone like you?”
“It's because the Crown Prince appreciates individuals like me. Princess, it seems you don't quite fit his preferences,” Tang Yue quipped, unfazed by the criticism he'd faced before. He turned to Crown Prince Zhao and inquired, “Isn't that right?”
Crown Prince Zhao grasped Tang Yue's hand and brought him close. He nodded and remarked, “Lunchtime has arrived. We shouldn't waste any more time.” He had little interest in engaging with a disinterested woman.
After these words, he ushered Tang Yue into the temple, with Tang Ya and the sisters closely following behind. County Princess Liyang attempted to catch up but was halted by Wang Dingjun.
In a business-like tone, Wang Dingjun explained, “According to the customs of our Nanjin Dynasty, wherever the Crown Prince goes, the area must be cleared. Please escort your people back.”
County Princess Liyang considered him just an ordinary guard and swung her whip to strike Wang Dingjun, snapping, “Who dares to obstruct my path?”
Wang Dingjun swiftly dodged, his expression turning icy. “Princess, please refrain from such actions.”
“You dare to evade my blow?” She barked orders, “Men, seize him!” With a shout, over a dozen North Yue soldiers brandished their blades and rushed forward.
Tang Yun rested on Crown Prince Zhao's shoulder, her chubby hands covering her eyes, peeking through the gaps.
Having been held by Crown Prince Zhao once before, the little girl preferred sitting on his arm. She felt more secure than with her older brother, so she boldly reached out to be carried.
Tang Ya remained concerned that Crown Prince Zhao might decline, but to her surprise, he wordlessly accepted her Seventh Sister and held her securely.
Wang Dingjun was still contemplating whether to fight back when he heard Crown Prince Zhao's voice from a distance, “Let's not harm anyone within the sacred precincts of Buddhism.” Killing someone in front of a child didn't sit well.
The underlying message was clear: As long as they're alive, you can handle it however you wish.
Wang Dingjun wasn't foolish enough to take on ten adversaries simultaneously. He raised his hand and led his guards to engage with the opposing group.
Initially, County Princess Liyang had been somewhat arrogant, wanting the people of South Jin to witness North Yue's formidable soldiers. Yet, in less than half an hour, all of her accompanying entourage lay on the ground, writhing in pain.
Wang Dingjun squeezed his wrist joints, offering a polite smile as he bowed. “I apologize for any inconvenience. Your Highness, please return.”
The outcome was clear, with a victor and a vanquished. County Princess Liyang found no opportunity to pester him, despite her desire, and could only depart with her group, feeling crestfallen.
Tang Yun's eyes gleamed with admiration as she gazed at Wang Dingjun and exclaimed, “You're really strong!”
Wang Dingjun blushed; it was the first time a young lady had praised him. He responded, “Your Highness possesses even greater prowess.”
“Is that true, Sister-in-law?” Tang Yun sought confirmation from Crown Prince Zhao.
The utterance of “sister-in-law” left everyone present in astonishment. Tang Ya hurriedly covered her eyes, fearing Crown Prince Zhao's reaction.
Tang Yue, on the other hand, was momentarily surprised but then burst into laughter. His kindness and generosity toward this young girl had not been in vain; she truly was an endearing little character.
The others appeared ready to laugh but held back. Only the one being addressed remained composed, not finding the title inappropriate in the least.
“Ah Yun thinks so.”
Tang Yun displayed a charming smile, revealing her small bunny teeth as her eyes crinkled with delight. “I believe sister-in-law is undoubtedly the second most formidable individual in the world.”
“Oh? Why second?”
“Because Brother is the strongest. Only the second strongest can rival him.”
The child's words brought laughter and light-heartedness back to the gathering, despite the earlier competitive spirit against County Princess Liyang.
In the temple, the monks had prepared a vegetarian feast. Although not extravagant, the table was adorned with mountain-grown wild vegetables and mushrooms, a bountiful spread indeed.
There wasn't much fuss as they sat down to eat. Tang Yue instructed Tang Ya to sit with her sister at one table, while he and Crown Prince Zhao occupied another. They didn't intentionally separate themselves, and Tang Yue even served Tang Yun a bowl of food.
“Brother, I can eat on my own,” Tang Yun wrinkled her brow and emphasized.
Tang Yue was aware of that. He had witnessed this young lady eat during his first visit to Yueyang Marquis's Mansion, and it had been quite amusing.
“Would you allow your Brother to feed you?” Tang Yue adored children deeply but was aware that, due to his orientation, he would never have offspring in this era.
Tang Yun hesitated for a moment, then nodded happily. “Alright, but please don't tell Mother.”
Tang Yue understood that the Zhao family held their daughters to strict standards. All of them, except for Tang Ya, the favored one, were more or less traditional in their upbringing.
However, in this era, overly independent women were not highly regarded. Conforming to societal norms and rules was not a disadvantage.
“Of course, I won't tell Mother. Let's eat quickly!”
“It's not as delicious as Brother's cooking,” she added with a smile.
“Let's finish this meal quietly. We have something delightful planned for the afternoon.”
“Sure.”
Tang Yue used to find it challenging when his friends tried to feed their children. They would typically take an hour to finish a meal. However, Tang Yun was evidently not like most children. She savored each bite, whether she liked it or not, though her little face occasionally contorted in distaste.
Crown Prince Zhao had silently taken a seat beside him at some point, his expression visibly softened as he watched this scene.
After everyone had eaten their fill, Tang Yue arranged for them to rest. Once inside their room, Crown Prince Zhao locked the door and embraced Tang Yue.
“Hey, this is a temple!” Tang Yue whispered, feeling somewhat uneasy. “I shouldn't be here… Amitabha, I have sinned!”
Crown Prince Zhao simply held him without any further advances and inquired, “You seem to enjoy being around well-behaved children.”
“You prefer obedient children, I see. They're like little siblings to you.”
“I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?”
Tang Yue turned to face Crown Prince Zhao, silently asking with his eyes, “What is it?”
“Sit down!” Crown Prince Zhao gently guided him onto a cushion, his expression solemn. After a brief pause, he continued, “You're aware of my position. Eventually, I'll need to produce an heir…”
Crown Prince Zhao's words hung in the air, casting a shadow over Tang Yue's expression. They had broached this subject before, and Tang Yue couldn't deny the inevitability of it.
“Don't worry; let me finish,” Crown Prince Zhao reassured him, holding his hand. The warmth from their touch eased Tang Yue's tension.
“I'm fifteen now. It won't be long before the Palace and the courtiers start pressuring me to take concubines to secure the royal bloodline. Instead of waiting for their demands, why don't we plan ahead?”
Tang Yue withdrew his hand, his face icy. “Do you have to bring up this troublesome matter today? You're like an executioner, ruining the mood!”
“The Crown Prince's Palace is rife with spies, and this place offers a serene environment,” Crown Prince Zhao explained methodically. “At the border, many women lost their husbands to battle or unjustly. Some became widows while pregnant. It's extremely challenging for them to give birth under such circumstances, and raising their children is even harder.”
“So, I thought I could discreetly choose a few of these women and bring them to Ye City, settling them in separate quarters. They were concubines I served during my time at the border, chosen for their physical health. When their children are born, they would be recognized as our own. Does that sound plausible to you?”
Tang Yue stared at him in astonishment. “You… you mean to say that you want to claim other people's children as your own sons?”
“Why not? A child's nature is inherently good. With proper guidance, they might grow up to be wise leaders.”
“No… you're truly willing to do this?” Tang Yue marveled, thinking that even in modern times, few men would exhibit such generosity, treating other people's children as their own and allowing them to inherit an entire kingdom in the future.
This stroke of fortune surpassed even the luckiest of phoenixes ascending to the highest heights. It felt as though a cheat code had been activated, transforming a destitute commoner into a prince with legitimate claims to the throne.
“This is the safer path for me. Otherwise, when the time comes for my royal father to pass on, I fear the throne may slip through my grasp.”
Crown Prince Zhao understood the schemes of his father within the palace all too well. It primarily involved suppressing his own power during his youth. In the future, if King South Jin favored Crown Prince Zhao, he would use any means necessary to ensure an heir before relinquishing the throne.
Without an heir, the throne would be at risk of being lost. Such a decision would not sit well with the royal council unless King South Jin consented.
The integrity of the royal bloodline was not something to be taken lightly.
Tang Yue still felt somewhat bewildered, his blood running hot through his veins. He glanced down, a subtle smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
Tang Yue found no reason for dissatisfaction when it came to a man willing to make such sacrifices for the sake of power and love.
“What if someone discovers our secret?” Tang Yue inquired.
“As long as no one uncovers it before I ascend to the throne, you needn't worry. I will make the necessary arrangements, now that I've proposed this plan.”
Tang Yue moved closer and playfully asked, “Honestly, didn't you have any concubines when you were stationed at the border?”
Crown Prince Zhao answered firmly, “None.”
“Not even a male companion? Someone to share your bed with?”
Crown Prince Zhao pressed him down and silenced him with a kiss. “Are you doubting my purity?”
Tang Yue chuckled, cupping his face and returning the kiss. “What purity are we talking about, my love? I'm just curious.”
Even if he had, it didn't matter. He wasn't answerable for his past.
“Then how many are you planning to choose? Won't it appear too contrived if there are too many candidates?”
“Certainly. If they come one by one, we can simply claim they are lone visitors. At worst, people will gossip about jealousy. We must be prepared for the rumors.”
“Aren't you concerned about being criticized for being unfaithful?” Fortunately, the world believed that he was a devoted and virtuous man in love.
“A man's nature includes a touch of playfulness. When the news spreads, people will only say one thing: ‘It's only natural for the crown prince to have a few concubines.'” As the crown prince of the nation, having multiple concubines was simply a matter of course.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m