She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 535 - 533: Give Up on It Already

Chapter 535: Chapter 533: Give Up on It Already

The Emperor spoke indifferently, "Then we shall arrange some official duties for you."

Jinrong’s complexion changed upon hearing this, and he suddenly stood up from the ground, "Imperial Father, I put so much thought into finally achieving a carefree life, free from the daily strife and schemes of people. For all these years, Imperial Father had acknowledged this. Yet now, with just one word, you undo all my years of hardship. How could you bear it in your heart?"

He had hidden himself well, not involving himself in political affairs, and since no one paid him much attention, he could avoid the conflicts and reap the benefits without effort. Bringing him out now would render all his prior efforts a waste, wouldn’t it?

Emperor Qianqing swept his sleeve downward, "This is a good fortune many yearn for but can’t obtain. How come it seems like I’m harming you instead? It’s decided then. Choose one of the Six Ministries to start as a deputy. After some time, we can evaluate the situation further."

Emperor Qianqing glanced at his sullen yet slightly irate Sixth Master and felt a twinge of pity. To attain such a reputation as an idle prince, the boy had indeed expended considerable effort. A sudden disruption of his life was bound to upset him.

Well, he was pitiable indeed. Perhaps I should placate him.

"Didn’t you also bring back some kind of lever hoist? I’ve heard it’s quite miraculous— with an instrument less than a foot long, it can lift a thousand pounds. Let me know when you want to test it. I’d like to see it for myself," Emperor Qianqing said.

Jinrong glanced at the Emperor, disinterestedly rejecting the offer, "We’ll see about that. I’m afraid I won’t be in the mood anytime soon."

"Look at you!" The Emperor slapped the table. Although it wasn’t a forceful hit, the sound was enough to startle the eunuchs greatly. Each one held their breath and prayed in their hearts that the Sixth Master wouldn’t provoke His Majesty’s anger further.

Jinrong wasn’t the least bit intimidated by Emperor Qianqing’s outburst. He rolled his eyes upwards, glanced at the exquisite ceiling, and gave the Emperor the stink eye. If he truly lost his status as an idle prince, he probably wouldn’t have such casual interactions with the Emperor anymore. Shouldn’t he be allowed to indulge one last time?

Pointing at Jinrong, the Emperor scolded, "The slightest dissatisfaction and you throw a tantrum. Where has your carefree nature gone to now?"

Jinrong retorted reluctantly, "One needa a carefree mood to have a carefree nature. With your approach, I can’t be carefree. If Imperial Father has no further matters, then this son will take his leave."

Emperor Qianqing lightly tapped a brocaded stool, "Sit down. I have more to discuss with you."

Jinrong hesitated between staying and leaving. In the end, he could not defy the formidable Emperor, and despite his lack of enthusiasm, he reluctantly sat down.

After a moment of consideration, Emperor Qianqing spoke, "Your Royal Mother is quite fond of Prime Minister Han’s granddaughter and thinks of taking her as your Principal Wife."

Jinrong said nothing, knowing that if he was told to sit down, nothing good could follow. The matter of Han Yufang had already been discussed by his Royal Mother; he simply couldn’t be bothered to respond. It was just a girl with a budding heart—ignoring her, she would naturally get over it with time.

Moreover, Han Yanhui had admired him since childhood and was a strong supporter of his. With his relationship with Han Yanhui, there was no need to solidify it through marriage. If he were to emerge as

the ultimate victor and ascend the throne successfully, Han Yanhui’s contribution would be undeniable. There was no reason to wrong his granddaughter by making her a mere concubine for someone else...

If he married Han Yufang, it could potentially damage his relationship with Han Yanhui. A spoiled child, pampered at home—if Yufang caused trouble or grew arrogant, how would he handle it? Disciplining her might offend Han Yanhui. Overlooking it, all for power, and unable to stand tall in front of a mere girl, would he still be a man?

And what about Ye Zi? With Ye Zi’s temperament, would he bend over backwards for a young girl? Now Ye Zi did not even value their relationship emotionally. If he brought another woman into his chambers, with Ye Zi’s independent nature, he’d lose all hope.

Seeing Jinrong remain silent, Emperor Qianqing frowned and said, "Your Royal Mother has met Prime Minister Han’s granddaughter. She says the girl is naive yet straightforward, not lacking in wit and cleverness, with a notable appearance and a good family background. And she admires you dearly. A woman like this, even taking her as a secondary wife would be belittling her."

Jinrong glanced at the Emperor and said indifferently, "Just a girl. To marry her, I’d have to spend effort to appease her. It’s just asking for trouble."

This time he was at a complete loss, not only failing to secure Imperial Father’s approval to marry Ye Zi but also being assigned duties and stepped into the arena of princely power struggles. The mere thought made him feel so angry his liver hurt. If he was forced to take this girl as his Principal Wife, he figured his frustration would probably make him cough up blood and die.

But what’s done was done, and it was futile to say more. Jinrong stood up and said, "Imperial Father is busy with state affairs, and there is no need for you to worry about my marriage. I will consider it carefully and find a woman who satisfies both you and Royal Mother, with a good family and sensible enough not to cause trouble. I take my leave now. As for the lever hoist, I will arrange for testing when my pain gets better."

As Jinrong spoke, he performed the proper salute—without waiting for the Emperor’s permission, he was ready to leave.

"Stand still!" Emperor Qianqing called out to him, "You’re getting too audacious, aren’t you? Where did this ’pain’ come from? A true man, despairing over such a trivial matter, do you deserve the title of Prince Yu? Do you honor the people’s support for the royal family?"

Jinrong replied nonchalantly, "Imperial Father, I can earn money now. How about this—I won’t take the court’s official salary, and you give me a bit more freedom? What do you think?"

If before Emperor Qianqing had been mainly trying to persuade, he truly became angry upon hearing Jinrong’s words.

"Let me tell you—give up on the Ye Family’s granddaughter. You might as well let it go. Not to mention that the royal family’s rules won’t allow it, but has Ye Xinyan herself ever said she wants to marry you? With Duke An’s protective nature, if Ye Xinyan isn’t willing, do you think you could force her?

Enough. I’ve seen how your days of leisure have spoiled you, so don’t even consider it. Starting tomorrow, you will attend court and tend to affairs. Didn’t I just ask you to choose a ministry to assist? Now pick one."

Jinrong’s mind whirred. The Ministry of Works had lesser authority but offered substantial benefits, and it was under Prince Fu’s jurisdiction. Among the others, perhaps the Ministry of War? That’s where real power lay, but the armies were all under the Emperor’s control. As a prince without real power assisting in the Ministry of War, he should be free from burdens.