The Demon Lords

"With this, Eldest Brother, your pressure over there will be reduced, and the Ministry of Rites should have received the correspondence by now. With this as groundwork, everything will go smoothly when pushing for you to go to Yinlang County."

"I was wondering just why my father-in-law is so agreeable this time."

The young prince acknowledging the Yan Emperor as his imperial uncle indirectly meant the Barbarian King recognized the Yan Emperor as his older brother, which was a "great humiliation."

"The Royal Court lacks everything but titles. Now, by shedding some, first, we can ensure the Frontier North Defense Army won’t act up again; second, we can maintain trade relations with our Ministry of Revenue; third, it eases the pressure on you, Eldest Brother, indirectly winning some status for Sister-in-law. The Barbarian King calculates well, just like me. No matter how you calculate, there’s no loss."

"So, can I go back to prepare now?"

"Of course, you can."

The Eldest Prince clasped his hands in salute and said:

"Sixth Brother, I thank you this time."

Earlier, cleansing the trade route wasn’t really fighting a war, whereas if now he could go to Yinlang County, face the Qian State frontline directly, it was akin to regaining the life of a military horseman.

As a prince raised in a military camp from a young age, he longed to prove himself on the battlefield again.

"No need for such courtesy, Eldest Brother. We are all part of the Prince Chengjue’s faction, all working for Prince Chengjue."

"You, ah, you." The Eldest Prince was genuinely a bit speechless.

"Alright, Brother, Sister-in-law, I’m off to see my son, so I won’t see you out."

Having finished the official business, Ji Chengjue went directly into the inner chamber; his son was just born, and as a father, he wished to be by his side every moment of the day.

When Ji Chengjue came in, the He family elder and his son were also there. The elder favored his daughter, and the son doted on his sister; they were very fond of the little child.

Seeing Ji Chengjue, old He smiled and cupped his hands, then stepped back two steps, while He Chu just foolishly rubbed his head.

The father and son dared not get too close to this son-in-law given their identities, but they couldn’t be too distant either since they were family, after all.

So, a balance between closeness and distance was struck, resulting in... awkwardness.

Ji Chengjue looked at his recently fed and sleeping son, and said to his brother-in-law:

"You gave up the tutor?"

Previously, Ji Chengjue had hired a tutor for his brother-in-law to teach him literacy.

"I recognize most of the characters now," He Chu replied.

"There are still many things to learn," Ji Chengjue said.

"No, no, it’s enough for me to help father with the accounts. I’m a simple man, learning so much is useless."

Old He also said, "Yes, yes, the amount he knows is enough. When it comes to finding a match, at least he won’t be looked down upon."

As a relative of the royal family, they were still worried about being looked down upon.

Ji Chengjue knew well that this was the father and son of the He family trying to adhere to their station.

Originally, Ji Chengjue considered having this brother-in-law train as a personal guard in Yinlang County with the Eldest Brother, but now it seemed unnecessary.

"By the way, didn’t I hear before that you liked the daughter of the town clerk in Nan’an County?"

Old He quickly interjected, "She’s already promised to someone else."

"Oh, that’s unfortunate." Ji Chengjue sighed and said, "It was my oversight not to send someone to make the arrangements for you earlier."

"No need for that, no need for that. Rest assured, brother-in-law, I’ve found someone for him, a daughter from the family selling tofu at the end of the street. That girl is pretty and diligent. I’m currently arranging through a matchmaker, and if she’s interested in him, that would be a great catch for this blockhead."

He Chu also nodded and continued to smile foolishly, though his smile wasn’t as pure as before.

After all, the town clerk’s daughter was He Chu’s "first love." Although they rarely spoke, that first obscure feeling is often unforgettable.

Ji Chengjue said no more but pointed at the child and said:

"In a while, I’ll be moving to my own house."

"We won’t move. We’re living comfortably. The landlord of the house we rent is also..."

Old He suddenly remembered seeing the Yan Emperor today, his in-law, his... landlord.

Ji Chengjue smiled and said, "I won’t force you to move in, but from now on, I’ll have to trouble Brother to deliver meat to the house."

He Chu responded immediately, thumping his chest, "Don’t worry, I’ll deliver the freshest meat every day!"

Just then, Master Zhang announced from outside: "Your Highness, Fifth Highness has brought a cradle and small bed."

Old Five had left and returned, bringing a baby bed and cradle he crafted himself.

The workmanship was exquisite, the engravings delicate, and the material, naturally, top-notch.

"Thank you, Fifth Brother."

"Oh, come on now, Sixth Brother, as an uncle, making a bed for the child is nothing. It’s expected."

Ji Chengjue suddenly recalled a time when he chatted with Zheng Fan about his brothers. When he mentioned his Fifth Brother’s fondness for carpentry, Zheng Fan jokingly teased him.

Ah,

who knows when he might see that Zheng again?

Perhaps after an emotional day - anger, surprise, joy - Ji Chengjue rarely jested, asking his Fifth Brother:

"Fifth Brother, is your Gundam finished?"

"..." Fifth Prince.

...

The next day, Ji Chengjue took leave and didn’t attend the court.

But while staying at home, he learned of the three imperial edicts issued in the early court:

The first decree was about the birth of the Imperial Grandson, named Ji Chuanye, and a general amnesty across the land;

The second decree instructed the Ministry of Rites to send people to welcome the envoy of the barbarian young prince;

These two decrees were anticipated.

But when Master Zhang mentioned the third decree,

initially teasing his son, Ji Chengjue’s eyes widened because he knew for sure this third decree was a sudden decision by his father last night.

The third decree:

Summon the Grand General of Cheng State and Commander-in-Chief of the Snow Sea Pass, Lord Pingye Zheng Fan, to the capital to meet the emperor.

————

There’s no need to wait for the next Chapter; I’m not sure when it will be ready. Check it out tomorrow morning instead.

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