The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir

Chapter 107: Being slick at establishing

Note: Full chapter title because it's too long (Being slick at establishing social connections is a praiseworthy trait)

In ancient times, familial relationships had always been a very important connection. Otherwise, past emperors wouldn't have bestowed various titles to their family members, and there wouldn't be such a huge political importance placed on marriages between two families. Moreover, the crown prince wouldn't feel so threatened by the idea of a child between Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan.

And so, the third prince and Old Madame unanimously criticized Nie Sangyu's obvious behavior in helping the crown prince today.

The third prince was sitting down and sipping on his tea. With a faint smile, he said, "Younger cousin, perhaps, you don't have a clear understanding of what's going on outside this estate. Is that why you don't realize how it affects Jue-er when you help improve the crown prince's reputation?"

Old Madame looked at her with a stern expression. "Sangyu, I thought you've become a clever and sensible girl. Even thought you have to obey Xuan-er's orders, it wasn't necessary for you to go that far."

With her head lowered, Ji Man waited until they were satisfied with voicing their complaints. Then, she raised her head and showed them a teary expression. "Older cousin, Sangyu is wholeheartedly trying to help you. It's Sangyu's fault for not clearly explaining my actions beforehand and causing you to misunderstand my behavior."

Zhao Jue raised his eyebrows. How did her helping out the crown prince becoming helping him?

He asked, "What do you mean?"

Ji Man clutched her handkerchief. In an aggrieved tone, she said, "Sangyu helped the marquis with buying a lot of food and medicine today. It was very costly. In the eyes of the emperor, all of these disaster relief actions were done by the crown prince."

The third prince nodded and sneered. "Yes, the emperor has been praising my imperial brother so much that it seems as if he's walking on clouds."

Ji Man quietly asked, "But isn't the crown prince suppose to be an uncorrupted person? Where would have he gotten this money?"

The third prince and Old Madame froze in surprise for a moment.

Zhao Jue quickly understood the implication of Nie Sangyu's words. As it turned out, his younger cousin was actually quite the character. She had actually considered this aspect.

Although the crown prince received a considerable amount of bribes, he put on a good show of not being greedy. He always gave the emperor a bowl of simple congee for his birthday gift and constantly bemoaned about being poor. As a result, the emperor felt bad for him and would never forget to bestow him rewards compared to the other princes.

However, the empress backed the crown prince. Although the previous prime minister had retired and returned to his hometown, his son had succeeded him and would continue to serve as a pillar of support to the crown prince.

The third prince had wanted to lodge an accusation about the crown prince's corruption and embezzlement for a long time. To his surprise, Nie Sangyu had handed over such a great opportunity!

Old Madame was still feeling a bit confused, but the third prince already couldn't calmly remain seated. He stood up and said with a smile, "Dear cousin, Jue had wrongfully blamed you. Just wait, I'll definitely have your cousin-in-law personally come over to deliver presents to you."

After saying this, he turned around and saluted Old Madame. "Jue is the one that inconvenience you with my visit today. I'll bid my farewell now."

Before Old Madame had time to ask what was going on, the third prince had already rushed out. She turned around to look at Nie Sangyu.