in2ebook Chapter 287 What are your plans?
Chapter 287 What are your plans?
Su Nuannuan's words not only stunned Crown Prince Canglan Jingyun, but also left the Empress and Crown Princess speechless, unsure how to respond.
"Uh... wait, what's with your reaction?" Su Nuannuan looked at the group of people in front of her who seemed frozen in place and asked in surprise.
The Empress was the first to regain her senses. She composed herself, looked at Su Nuannuan with suspicion, and asked, "Consort Zhuang, this treasure map has been in your possession for many years. Why have you never thought of presenting it to the Emperor?"
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a disdainful smile, and replied casually, "Your Majesty, this treasure map was originally obtained by my people from Prince Qi. Why should it be given to the Emperor? I have no intention of using this treasure to help the Emperor support his enormous harem."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression changed slightly; she clearly hadn't expected Su Nuannuan to answer in this way. However, she quickly regained her composure and continued, "But the national treasury is currently not abundant. If we could obtain this treasure, it would undoubtedly be a timely help to the court."
Su Nuannuan sneered and retorted, "Your Majesty, I may not dare to speak presumptuously about other matters, but I know the state of the national treasury better than anyone. With my money-grubbing third brother around, I can guarantee that the national treasury is absolutely full right now and has no need for the wealth in this treasure map."
At this moment, Canglan Jingyun, who had been silent all along, suddenly raised his head, looked at Su Nuannuan, and asked in confusion, "Mother Consort Zhuang, since the national treasury is full, why does the Minister of Revenue still cry poverty in front of the Emperor?"
Upon hearing Su Nuannuan's words, the Empress immediately understood.
"It was your father and the Minister of Revenue who put on an act," the Empress explained slowly, her voice soft yet firm, as if this answer had been brewing in her heart for a long time.
Upon hearing this, Canglan Jingyun's face showed a hint of doubt. He frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled by the Empress's words. "An act?" he muttered to himself, his doubts growing stronger.
Just then, the Crown Princess suddenly interjected, "Mother, Consort Zhuang, I think I understand." Her eyes were clear and bright, revealing a kind of intelligence and keen insight. "Father and the Minister of Revenue are putting on an act, probably for the court officials to see. That way, the other five ministries won't be eyeing the national treasury's silver every day. I wonder if I'm right?" The Crown Princess's words were like a lightning bolt piercing the night sky, making the Crown Prince instantly realize the truth.
"So that's how you can play!" the prince exclaimed, adding that he had learned something new.
Su Nuannuan smiled and nodded, affirming the Crown Princess's understanding. "You're right. Looking back at the Ministers of Revenue throughout history, there wasn't one who didn't complain about being poor. It was just one of their tactics."
The Empress looked at the Crown Princess, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes. "The Crown Princess understands very well. With you by her side reminding Jingyun, I can feel more at ease." Her words revealed her trust and expectations for the Crown Princess.
Canglan Jingyun listened to the discussion and looked at the treasure map in his hand, seemingly lost in thought.
Su Nuannuan noticed Canglan Jingyun's gaze. She took a deep breath, looked at Canglan Jingyun, and said seriously with a stern face, "Jingyun, I am giving you this treasure map in the hope that after you inherit the throne, you will use this wealth wisely, rather than squandering it recklessly." Although her voice was not loud, it was full of authority and sincerity.
"Your subject will remember the teachings of Consort Zhuang." Canglan Jingyun bowed deeply to Su Nuannuan with a respectful expression, and then said slowly.
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan quickly waved her hand and said with a smile, "Alright, get up now."
The Empress nodded in satisfaction at the sight, then said to Canglan Jingyun, "Alright, quickly take the Crown Princess to your father's place!"
Cang Lan Jingyun responded, turned to look at Zhang Qingyou, and softly called out, "Qingyou."
Zhang Qingyou smiled slightly, and together with Canglan Jingyun, bowed to the Empress and Su Nuannuan before turning and leaving.
However, just as they were about to leave the palace, Su Nuannuan suddenly seemed to remember something important and quickly called out to Cang Lan Jingyun, instructing him, "Don't tell your father about the treasure map."
Cang Lan Jingyun was slightly taken aback, then nodded and solemnly said, "Don't worry, Mother Consort Zhuang, Jingyun will not let anyone else know except the people in our house."
He then said to the Empress, "Mother, please keep this treasure map with you for now. I will retrieve it when I return to the Eastern Palace."
Seeing this, the Empress smiled and took the wooden box, saying, "Alright, I'll keep it for you for now."
After the Crown Prince and Crown Princess left, Su Nuannuan also stood up to bid farewell to the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, I am also returning to the palace. I will set off for the Imperial Mausoleum tomorrow."
"Very well. I won't keep you any longer. When your term ends next year, I'll be waiting for you to return to the palace," the Empress said, her voice tinged with a hint of reluctance.
Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan respectfully bowed to the Empress, then turned and left, with Yaoqin and Jinse following closely behind.
Upon returning to Cuiwei Palace, Su Nuannuan saw Canglan Jingyun and Canglan Jingyao sitting listlessly in the courtyard. Their faces were filled with boredom and frustration, a stark contrast to their usual liveliness.
"What's wrong? You look so listless." Su Nuannuan walked quickly to them and asked with concern.
Upon seeing Su Nuannuan, Canglan Jingyao immediately looked up as if she had found a savior. She raised her head abruptly, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes. "Mother, when are we going back? The palace is so boring."
Looking at Canglan Jingyao's longing eyes, Su Nuannuan couldn't help but smile, "We'll go back tomorrow."
"That's great!" Canglan Jingyao and Canglan Jingcheng exclaimed in unison, their gloomy expressions instantly replaced by joy.
Seeing their excitement, Su Nuannuan felt very gratified. She smiled and said, "You're all fifteen years old now. Next year you can establish your own government offices. What are your plans?"
"Mother, I wish to go to the military camp to gain experience and strive to become a great general as soon as possible, so as to become an assistant to my elder brother, the Crown Prince." Canglan Jingcheng looked at his mother with firm eyes and said sincerely.
Looking at her son, Su Nuannuan felt a surge of relief. She then gently said, "Cheng'er, if you don't like this kind of life, you don't have to force yourself. Your mother doesn't want you to be anyone's appendage; I just want you to be happy."
Cang Lan Jingcheng raised his head, met his mother's gaze, and a resolute look flashed in his eyes. He said earnestly, "Mother, I truly love life in the military. I hope to become a brave general like my grandfather."
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, nodded, and said, "In that case, you'll have to study hard from now on. Whether it's martial arts or military strategy, you'll need to put in a lot of effort."
Canglan Jingcheng nodded quickly and replied, "Yes, Mother. Your son will definitely do his best!"
Su Nuannuan looked at her son with satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Cang Lan Jingyao beside her and asked with a smile, "What about Yao'er? Does she have any plans?"