Imperial Husband Chapter 54

Li Jin and Lao Qi (the seventh prince)?

Ying Zhengjing had simply never considered this possibility and instantly asked, puzzled, "Zijun, what do you mean by that?"

The conflict between Ying Zijun, Li Jin, and Ying Yuan had been going on for a long time, something Ying Zhengjing had always been aware of. Consequently, Ying Zhengjing instinctively felt that Ying Zijun was deliberately targeting them.

Of course.

Ying Zhengjing only kept this conjecture in his heart and had no intention of voicing it.

Ying Zijun immediately presented the argument he had prepared long ago, "Replying to Father Emperor, Zhuzhou is in the northwest. The area garrisoned by Heir Li's father, the Prince of Dingbei, is closest to Zhuzhou. Should the people of Zhuzhou rise up in rebellion, Heir Li could immediately send a letter to the Prince of Dingbei to dispatch troops to suppress it. The reason for sending Seventh Imperial Brother along is because your son believes that Seventh Imperial Brother, being an imperial prince, could take this opportunity to represent the imperial family in visiting the people of Zhuzhou, thereby pacifying the populace. Furthermore, Seventh Imperial Brother has been close friends with Heir Li since childhood, if they go together, they will surely support each other."

"Hmm, this is indeed a noteworthy proposal."

Ying Zhengjing took Ying Zijun's suggestion into consideration and began to ponder its feasibility.

"Father Emperor, your son also agrees with Fifth Imperial Brother's proposal." Ying Zirui stepped forward, seconding Ying Zijun.

"Fifth Imperial Brother, this is inappropriate." Ying Ziqi frowned slightly and said, "Heir Li's health has never been good. Such a long and arduous journey to Zhuzhou would likely be too much for his constitution to bear."

Ying Zijun retorted, "Third Imperial Brother worries too much. Regarding this point, we can simply assign an imperial physician to accompany them and look after Heir Li." 

"It's still too risky."

"Taking risks is unavoidable. The matter in Zhuzhou cannot be delayed any further. Third Imperial Brother should prioritize the overall situation."

"Enough." Ying Ziheng's sharp rebuke immediately silencing the two who were about to continue arguing. "Jin'er, what are your own thoughts? If We were to order you to go to Zhuzhou, would you be willing to go?"

As soon as Ying Zhengjing said this, the gazes of the court officials and the other imperial princes fell upon Li Jin.

Li Jin stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "This subject is also deeply concerned about the worsening drought in Zhuzhou. If Your Majesty orders this subject to go, this subject has a duty and will not shirk it."

"Good, good, good. We always knew you were a good one, Jin'er."

Li Jin's words pleased Ying Zhengjing, who had been furious moments before due to the court officials.

"Heir Li is truly deeply principled and righteous, a blessing for our Da Xia indeed." Ying Zijun looked at Li Jin and began offering flattering words, though a flash of triumphant satisfaction at having gotten his revenge quickly passed through his eyes. 

Li Jin, this time you cannot escape. Just obediently go and suffer there.

Ying Zijun had held a grudge against Li Jin ever since the incident seven years ago when he was punished by Ying Zhengjing because of Li Jin. Over the years, he had never missed a chance to secretly cause trouble for Li Jin. Now that he had finally found a way to deal with Li Jin, how could Ying Zijun possibly let it slip by?

"Fifth Prince, you flatter me."

Li Jin smiled and nodded slightly towards Ying Zijun, showing none of the terror, anxiety, or anger that Ying Zijun wanted to see.

"How could I be flattering you, when Heir Li is so capable?"

Ying Zijun spoke these words through gritted teeth. He simply didn't understand why, even after he had gone this far, Li Jin still maintained that damnable composure, without showing the slightest hint of fear? Could it be that Li Jin truly wasn't afraid that Ying Zhengjing would actually send him to Zhuzhou?

Li Jin responded with a smile and showed no intention of continuing the conversation with Ying Zijun, which made Ying Zijun even angrier.

By the time their exchange concluded, Ying Zhengjing had already made his decision. He said to Li Jin, "Jin'er, since you are also willing to go to Zhuzhou, then this mission to Zhuzhou shall be entrusted to you and Lao Qi."

However, although Ying Zhengjing said this, his gaze never once fell upon Ying Yuan, treating him as transparent from start to finish.

In other words, if Ying Zijun hadn't mentioned Ying Yuan earlier, Ying Zhengjing wouldn't even have been willing to utter Ying Yuan's name.

Li Jin and Ying Yuan, who were long accustomed to being ignored by Ying Zhengjing, responded in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty (Father Emperor)."

"Your Majesty is wise."

The court officials and imperial princes below all chimed in their agreement. No one dared to voice opposition, not even Ying Ziqi, who had spoken up for Li Jin earlier.

What a joke.

With the assignment to Zhuzhou finally settled, only a fool would object now. Besides, Ying Zhengjing was notoriously unpredictable. If anyone misspoke and caused him to change his mind, they might well find themselves sent in the other's place.

Perhaps because they all shared this same unspoken understanding, the chorus of "Your Majesty is wise!" rang out with unprecedented volume and unity.

Ying Yuan knew that Ying Zhengjing disliked him, but he still couldn't help wanting to speak up for Li Jin, wishing to take the entire matter upon himself. "Your Majesty, your son…"

"All of you may withdraw. We are weary."

Little did he know, Ying Zhengjing gave Ying Yuan no opportunity to speak, simply instructing everyone below to leave.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Since Ying Zhengjing had spoken, no one dared to remain. They all took their leave and departed.

...

On the return journey.

Li Jin asked abruptly, "Seventh Prince, were you planning earlier to take all the responsibility upon yourself?"

"No… It wasn't that…"

Put on the spot by Li Jin's question, Ying Yuan didn't dare tell the truth.

"Seventh Prince, that was precisely your intention earlier." Li Jin slowly closed his eyes, momentarily at a loss for words, especially since the other party had wanted to do it for his sake.

"Li Jin, I don't want anything to happen to you."

Unable to withstand Li Jin's questioning, Ying Yuan finally admitted it.

"I will be fine."

"But—"

Just as Ying Yuan was about to rebut Li Jin, Ying Ziqi caught up to Li Jin and Ying Yuan. He looked at Li Jin with an apologetic expression and said, "Heir Li, my apologies for earlier. I originally intended to stop Fifth Imperial Brother, but ultimately failed."

"It is of no consequence." Li Jin opened his eyes and smiled, shaking his head. "I have read about Zhuzhou in books, it's a good place. Having the chance to see it for myself now is also good."

"Uh…"

Li Jin's statement immediately stumped Ying Ziqi, who had been preparing his next sentence.

"Hahahaha… Third Imperial Brother, you see? Your kindness wasn't appreciated in the slightest." Ying Zijun walked over from behind and burst into laughter. "Heir Li, don't be fooled by what the books say. Times are different now. I'm afraid once you go, you'll learn what regret truly means."

"Who knows?"

Li Jin smiled.

"Thank you for your concern, Fifth Imperial Brother. However, whether we regret it or not is a matter for myself and Li Jin. There's no need for you to worry on our behalf." Ying Yuan's attitude wasn't as polite as Li Jin's, he directly stated that Ying Zijun was meddling in others' business.

"Hmph, keep pretending, then."

Seeing that Li Jin remained impervious to his words, Ying Zijun glared fiercely at Li Jin and Ying Yuan, then left together with Ying Zirui.

Just you wait. You only have a few days left to feel pleased with yourselves.

Angry as he was, Ying Zijun failed to notice that Ying Zirui had subtly nodded towards Ying Ziqi when he saw him earlier.