Princess and the General

Chapter 52: Which Prince to Choose

"HuaiJiang, last time, We told the princes to go and train in archery at your manor. Do you feel that they made any improvements?"

The day was hot, and there was a large pile of ice placed in the imperial study. Two palace maids kneeled on the ground and waved large fans to disperse the cool air surrounding the mound of ice.

At this moment in the imperial study, Emperor Ning was seated behind a long desk, while Gu HuaiJiang was seated on an armchair on the opposite side.

When in private with nobody else present, Emperor Ning liked to address people by name.

Gu HuaiJiang smiled and waved his hand, "The eldest prince and second prince have been frequently visiting the manor, and both have been improving in archery. Archery is not their duty, so it's already very good that they are already able to reach their current level."

Emperor Ning nodded. Just as Gu HuaiJiang was thinking that he had just been asking a casual question, he suddenly raised his head once more.

"Then do you feel that the eldest prince has made a little more progress or the second prince has made a little more progress?"

After saying this, he stared at Gu HuaiJiang, his expression dark and unclear.

This question clearly had a second meaning, intending to find out what he thought of the two princes.

Gu HuaiJiang thought for a bit, his showing an absolute focus, "This subject believes that the eldest prince has shown a little more growth. He is able to hit the center of the target at a slightly higher rate than the second prince."

Emperor Ning was shocked. Carefully observing Gu HuaiJiang's dignified face, he found that it was completely unmoving.

It was as though he really was just saying who was better at archery and not suggesting who he was choosing.

Emperor Ning suddenly laughed, "What are you being so serious for? We are just casually asking. You and I are friends in private. We are the best of friends. There's no need to be so cautious when speaking!"

Gu HuaiJiang nodded but did not say anything else. He just picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Have a taste of these nectarines that just arrived in the palace from Min Zhou. Apparently, they're particularly sweet because there was less rain. This summer has been especially hot, and not a single drop of rain has fallen. It's possible that there might be a drought..."

As Emperor Ning spoke, he could not help but let out a sigh, no longer finding the fresh nectarine to be as sweet as before.

"Fortunately, the national treasury is quite full with plenty of grains stored. Our Eastern Ling has much better grain production than Western Kun. Even if we suffer from a drought this year, it will not have much of an effect on the lives of the people. Your Majesty, please be at ease."

Emperor Ning nodded and said: "You are right. It's because Western Kun's lands are infertile with many mountains and few wetlands that they have refused to give up on our Eastern Ling's territory. Fortunately, We have you at our border. Now, ShuBai and the others have grown up, and they can also help share your burden and Our burden. We feel even more at ease."

With Gu ShuBai's name having been brought up, Gu HuaiJiang's brow slightly moved. He had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, Emperor Ning very quickly said: "We remember that ShuBai has come of age this year. Boys at that age should take a wife. Have you ever given any consideration to what sort of wife you will choose for him?"

Indeed, Gu HuaiJiang had never put any thought into it.

But he knew that there were many who had been thinking about it for him, and Emperor Ning was one of them.