Shen Chen said it lightly, but King Linjiang ignored him and reminded him again. He counted the people around him who could be used and gave him a few more people who could be used.
"The situation in Fujian is complicated. It is common for the governor to not even give face to the court. When you get there, you still can't be careless." Prince Linjiang gave Shen Chen a list, paused and said, "What do you think of An'er?"
Shen Chen reached out and took the list, then looked at King Linjiang in surprise.
Prince Linjiang sighed softly, "The emperor hinted to me yesterday that I could keep Jingwu to accompany Jingxing, saying that he would also choose a wife for Jingwu when the time comes."
This was not a real intention to choose a wife for Chu Jingwu, it was obvious that he deliberately wanted to keep Chu Jingwu as a hostage.
Holding both of King Linjiang's legitimate sons in one's hands would certainly make one feel more at ease than holding only Chu Jingxing.
Shen Chen asked, "Did he tell me how the Jin Wang family and the Qin Wang family retained people?"
If both the King of Jin and the King of Qin kept their legitimate sons, then if Chu Jingwu did not stay, it would definitely cause trouble.
King Linjiang frowned and said, "It is precisely because the eldest and third sons of King Jin's family stayed that I am in a dilemma."
The third one
Shen Chen frowned and then realized: "Uncle Jin kept the third child from his family?"
The Prince of Jin had four legitimate sons, but the eldest son was born with a leg disease and therefore could not be made the crown prince. The second son was left in the capital since he was young, so the one he cared about the most was the third son, who was born to his cousin and had been raised by his side.
When he was deciding on the heir, he had been trying to make the third son the heir, his reasoning being that the second son was a coward and could not handle the heavy responsibility. This forced the Princess of Jin to the point where she almost hanged herself, and she only became obedient after being scolded by the late emperor.
Now he is even willing to hand over this precious egg...
This doesn't really fit his character.
Shen Chen suddenly had an idea and sat back in his seat. He leaned forward, coughed and asked King Linjiang, "Father, do you think... is his cowardice just an act, just like your devotion to the Tao?"
King Linjiang was a little confused.
Shen Chen pointed his finger at the table and reminded him softly: "Father, have you forgotten? The third child of their family did something a while ago, something that angered everyone."
Prince Linjiang then remembered.
When the marriages were arranged before, Chu Jingxing was betrothed to Princess Xianrong, Li Guiniang was given to Chu Jingzong, and Prince Jin Chu Jingqian was betrothed to the daughter of a doctor in the Taichang Temple.
However, the wife of Prince Chu Jingqian of Jin was of ordinary family, but the third son Chu Jingmeng got a great bargain - when he was playing in the mountains, he met a girl who fell into the water and rescued her.
Since the girl was rescued by him in a disheveled state, in public, and since both of them were unmarried, it was natural for them to become a marriage.
The marriage was to be with none other than An Yu, the eldest granddaughter of An Qinghe, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
Prince Linjiang immediately understood the hidden meaning behind Shen Chen's words, and couldn't help but be shocked: "You mean, this marriage is not a coincidence or an accident at all?"
How can there be so many surprises in this world
Shen Chen raised his lips and smiled: "Maybe there are really accidents in this world, but I don't believe that these accidents are so accurate..."
Prince Linjiang couldn't help but shook his head: "Prince Jin is indeed a coward..."
The King of Jin may be as timid as a mouse, but who says that timid people will always be obedient
"But the matter of Chu Jingmeng is indeed too coincidental." King Linjiang glanced at him, nodded and made a decision: "I will have someone investigate this matter."
Shen Chen nodded and asked him, "What about Awu?"
Regardless of whether Prince Jin and Chu Jingmeng have other intentions, it has nothing to do with them. What is really relevant is Chu Jingwu's affairs.
If Chu Jingwu must stay in Beijing... ... From what Prince Linjiang said, it seems that he wants to keep Chu Jingan here
King Linjiang really said, "My idea is to leave An'er here so that she can take care of Jingxing."
The legitimate son is always different.
He couldn't leave both of his legitimate sons in the capital.
Besides, he did have some preference for Chu Jingwu. He personally watched this son being born, held him in his arms since birth, and experienced many things with him.
Shen Chen shook his head: "It's better not to do this."
Concubine Yu might be able to remain rational when encountering other things, but once the matter involves her son, she will absolutely not be able to deal with it rationally.
I'm afraid many troubles will arise by then.
He coughed, glanced at King Linjiang, and said tactfully: "An'er is still young after all, and he is not thorough enough in doing things. If he stays in the capital, he may not be able to be a helper. On the contrary, he may hinder Big Brother in the end."
He thought about it, and seeing that King Linjiang was hesitant again, he suggested: "How about this, you first agree to keep Awu here."
King Linjiang frowned.
"When I go to Fujian, I can ask Awu to go with me." Shen Chen quickly came up with a plan: "With Qian Shiyun and several officials from the Ministry of Rites following me, the emperor will take me less seriously after I tell him that I want to marry a female historian. Then I can ask the queen to help me. Once Awu goes out with me, he will get sick, and he will naturally be unable to travel. In order not to delay the trip, I have to let him go to recuperate..."
King Linjiang understood what he meant and couldn't help but laugh: "Your method is exactly what they thought."
The "they" he was referring to were his retainers.
Shen Chen also smiled, somewhat helplessly: "Since you have a solution, why are you asking me?"
The atmosphere became much more relaxed, and King Linjiang simply asked Shen Chen to stay for dinner: "Your aunt said that the bamboo chicken sent by the farm today should be stewed with bamboo fungus, so you might as well stay for dinner. The family hasn't been together for a long time."
Shen Chen couldn't help but remind him: "It seems that the Princess Chang'an's residence is hosting a dinner party tonight. As a relative and a brother, can you not go?"
King Linjiang realized it belatedly: "Today?"
Just as he finished speaking, Chu Jingwu came to ask for a meeting because of this matter. He said that Princess Linjiang had urged him to go to the back to change clothes and then go to the banquet together.
King Linjiang finally reacted and told Shen Chen: "In that case, you might as well come with us from here, so you don't have to make another trip later."
Princess Chang'an also sent a copy of the post to Shen Chen.
Shen Chen shook his head and refused: "I have an appointment with Yuan Hongwen. When the time comes, I will take him with me to Phoenix Terrace. Besides, I have to go back and tell my aunt first. She is old and I am afraid she will worry."
Being with Chu Jingxing still feels a bit strange and awkward, so I try to avoid him whenever possible.