Chapter 988: Following the Letter but Not the Spirit

y restless. They may even take this opportunity to regain control of the five city citadels!"Your task is to keep an eye on these five cities. Don't let the other side tear open any gaps in our border...The concubine De, mother of the second prince, and the concubine Liang, mother of the third prince, both spoke to the emperor about their sons' marriages. They subtly hinted that the emperor shouldn't show favoritism, as they were all his sons. The eldest son was already married and on the verge of becoming a grandfather, so it was time for the rest of the princes to also consider marriage.

This time, the emperor wasn't displeased. He directly betrothed both the second and third princes, one empress, two concubines. The remaining vacancies in the inner court were left for his two sons to fill themselves. After all, they had plenty of elders around them anyway.

After receiving the imperial decree of marriage, both the second and third princes had faces full of constipation. The chosen bride for this legitimate wife position was far from what they had expected, to the point where there wasn't even a shred of connection.

Although both men's wives were the eldest daughters of officials of the third rank, unfortunately, their fathers did not serve in positions of real power. They could only be considered respectable on the surface; they offered no real support to them internally.

Although both concubines were the legitimate second daughters of noble families, these noble families had long been outwardly glamorous but inwardly declining. Some even started relying on selling ancestral properties to survive. What use would such wives and concubines be

But this was the emperor's order. If you dared to show disrespect, a hat of disobeying the imperial will would be put on you. The two dared not gamble on the emperor's favor, so they could only grit their teeth and accept it.

The news reached the prince's ears, and his mood improved even further. As long as his father was on his side, then his chances of ascending to that position would be virtually guaranteed.

On this side, ripples just received a letter and New Year's gifts from General Meng of the border pass, as well as a pile of supplements. After all, the daughter is pregnant, so naturally, her parents want to show their affection.

The letter was a typical family letter. Besides informing Lianyi that everything at home was well and to ease her mind while she carried the child, it also instructed some matters regarding pregnancy care, revealing the mother's love for her daughter.

After looking over the gift list, Nian Li handed it to Grandma Sun to check and put away. She then selected a few suitable items to send to Fengqiping Palace and Yushufang as a small token of appreciation from her daughter-in-law.

The ripples are here to meet the convoy. The letter is a cover-up; this woman is the one truly delivering the message.

"Grandmother Cai, how are your parents doing"

The ripples in the water could now be seen as her belly had become prominent, revealing her pregnancy. She leaned comfortably at the head of the table and smiled at the arrivals. At this time, only Grandma Sun was by her side, while Lan Zhi stood guard at the door.

General Meng and his wife are well. After their daughter's marriage, the wife fell ill for a period of time, but her health improved after receiving news that the Crown Princess had safely arrived at the capital city.

Grandmother Tsai respectfully replied.

"That's good, it's not filial to have a daughter marry far away. Knowing that both of you are in good health, I can rest assured."

Liàn Yī held a handkerchief and spoke.

General Meng told the old servant to tell the Crown Princess that she should just focus on taking good care of the Crown Prince and doing her duty. She shouldn't involve herself in other matters.

This is the main point that Grandma Cai wants to say.

"I understand my father's meaning, but sometimes I am also helpless. I don't want to get involved, but what can I do As the Crown Princess, they will definitely drag me into their struggles."

Liàn Yī said helplessly.

Then she nodded to Sun Mama, letting her tell what had happened after she married into the East Palace.

Grandma Cai, as she listened, also furrowed her brow. Things were indeed getting tricky.

"Grandma saw it too, I'm already pregnant now. Whether this child is a boy or a girl, my position as the Crown Princess is secure. If this child is a boy, then that position can be considered in the future as well."

For me, it's better for someone with the Meng family's blood to ascend to that position, or would it be more beneficial for the Meng family if someone else took the throne I believe Father understands this better than I do.

Though what Ripple had said was disrespectful, Granny Cai didn't retort. Even Grandmother Sun remained silent on the side.

"The slave understands what the Crown Princess means. He will surely bring back the Crown Princess's words."

"Well, you better rest for a day and set off as soon as possible. The second and third princes are getting married soon, and the Imperial City will probably be in an uproar for a while. It will also be chaotic. You'd best not get caught up in the turmoil."

"Yes, this old servant understands!"

After sending off Mama Cai, Lianyi began to rest and take care of her pregnancy with peace of mind. This time she had three babies in her womb, so she couldn't be careless. She was certain that she would definitely have a premature birth.

Grandma Cai listened to the advice and rested for a day. On the third day, she set off on her return journey. She had to bring those words back.

As evening approached, the Crown Prince dined with Lian Yi and even inquired about her family. Lian Yi waved away the servants in the dining hall, leaving only Quan Fu and Granny Sun to stand guard at the doorway. Only then did she hand the letter to the Crown Prince.

"Ripples, this is your letter home. I think it's inappropriate."

"Your Highness is my husband, and we are one as a couple. There's nothing in there that we shouldn't see. It doesn't contain anything important anyway."

The ripples held a bowl of hot broth and sipped it while speaking.

Then the Prince smiled as he read the letter, folded it up and then spoke:

"Ripples, you've sent everyone away. But is there something you want to tell me alone"

Ripples whispered into the prince's ear, her voice cautious:

"Your Highness, my father specifically sent me with a message, saying that he stands on your side."

The Crown Prince's eyes lit up at these words. General Meng's statement carried significant weight, representing military authority and the 300,000 troops stationed at the border pass.

"Your Highness, Ripple is your wife. As husband and wife, we share both glory and hardship. However, before you truly ascend to that position, your father meant for us to keep a low profile."

Although the Emperor has granted us this marriage, and it can be considered his tacit approval of my father's support for you, he is still on the throne. He does not like his subjects to take sides at this time. Be careful not to make things complicated and ruin your good fortune.

These words about ripples could only be said to the prince alone, so she found this opportune moment. Although General Meng meant the opposite, she refused to say it that way. From now on, she would pave her own path.

The prince nodded repeatedly after hearing this, indicating that he understood his father-in-law's meaning, and doing so also served his interests.

Don't worry, ripples. I know what to do.

My father also said that for the next year or two, I should not have too much contact with the family, both publicly and privately. It's enough to just keep up normal communication as a married daughter would.

Especially the Crown Prince must absolutely not take the initiative to contact my father's side. Don't give anyone an opportunity to exploit this and accuse him of forming cliques and acting with personal interests, then all His Highness' previous efforts would be in vain.

The ripples added another sentence.

"Alright, I understand what my father-in-law means. I'll listen to him."

After finishing the meal, the Crown Prince felt reassured. The next day after court, he went to pay his respects to the Empress and subtly brought up the matter.

The Empress was very pleased, but also reminded the Crown Prince:

"General Meng only made his decision to join after learning that Lian Yi was pregnant. I understand this, after all, his future grandson could possibly rise to the highest position. He definitely wants to take a gamble on that."n't worry, madam. I know my limits."Everyone had a simple breakfast and then entered the canyon. The seven Qi people walked at the front.As the team ventured deeper, they heard the clash of swords an...