The concubine was charming and alluring, and the ruthless prince coaxed her day and night.

Chapter 109 The Emperor's Art of Checks and Balances

"Back then, the incident of my second brother stabbing Consort Ru to death shocked the court and the public. The Su family father and son were indignant and once gathered troops in the southern border, intending to attack the capital to demand an explanation."

If it weren't for Su He's attitude at the time, a war would have been inevitable. From the perspective of the court situation, Su He did indeed save her second brother's life.

On one hand, it was to stabilize the Su family; on the other hand, it was to apologize. Over the years, my second brother had always been subservient to Protector Su, taking great care of Su He both in public and in private. As long as Su He didn't cross the line, he would do anything for her.

At this point, Jia Rong's lips curled into a mocking smile: "Back then, Father Emperor almost beat my second brother to death for Consort Ru's sake. But after learning that the Su family father and son were gathering troops in the southern border, he unusually gave my second brother military power and let him lead troops to fight in the northern border. Over the years, my second brother's military power has grown bigger and bigger, and he has gradually become able to contend with the Su family."

Jia Rong chuckled, "Sister Jiao Jiao, don't you think it's interesting?"

Xu Jiaojiao remained silent.

This is the emperor's art of checks and balances.

By using Su He, they could maintain a superficial harmony between Prince Chen and the Su family, and by using military force, they could prevent either Prince Chen or the Su family from making any rash moves.

Once the two sides break off relations, regardless of who wins or loses, the emperor's position will not be threatened. The emperor can even use this incident to eliminate both sides.

Whether Prince Chen and the Su family will break off relations depends on Su He alone.

Until he is certain of bringing down the Su family and escaping unscathed, Prince Chen must not break ties with them. Even if he dislikes Su He, he must still put on a smiling face and shower her with affection.

From this perspective, Prince Chen's situation is not as good as imagined. His current prosperous and peaceful life may collapse one day and become nothing but a bubble.

only……

Jia Rong even told her these things. Isn't that a bit too much trust?

Xu Jiaojiao pursed her lips uneasily: "I am but a woman in the inner quarters and do not know much about such matters of the court. I hope Your Highness will forgive my ignorance."

Jia Rong knew exactly what Xu Jiaojiao was thinking.

She smiled and didn't continue with such a serious topic.

Looking at the distant horizon where the first light of dawn was appearing, Jia Rong stammered, "Sister Jiao Jiao, I just wanted to tell you not to doubt Second Brother's sincerity towards you. If you have feelings for him, then be good to him..."

Jia Rong's eyelashes fluttered, and her voice became slightly hoarse: "Second Brother... he's actually very lonely..."

Xu Jiaojiao felt a sharp pain in her chest again.

The resolve to escape that had been firmly established crumbled and began to waver after Jia Rong's words.

She looked up and, like Jia Rong, gazed into the distance.

A faint blush appeared at the juncture of heaven and earth, and as the red sun rose, the morning mist that had shrouded the mountains and rivers like a thin veil instantly dissipated.

Everything before my eyes seemed to be gilded, dazzling and splendid, full of vitality and hope at a glance.

"So beautiful..."

Xu Jiaojiao murmured to herself, unable to suppress her emotions.

Although Jia Rong had seen the sunrise many times from the sentry tower, she was always amazed by it.

Only standing here can she feel as free as a bird in flight.

"Who's up there!"

Suddenly, a dignified low shout came from below the sentry tower.

The sentry behind them, who was covering his ears, trembled, and a look of utter despair appeared on his resolute face.

Jia Rong saw the sentry's expression and couldn't help but grin.

Alright, we've seen the sunrise, we can't let this poor sentry suffer.

Jia Rong stuck his head out to look at the man who was questioning him from below the sentry tower.

The man, clad in silver armor, with a cold and handsome face, stood tall and proud on his white horse, displaying the heroic spirit of a young man to the fullest.

The morning light shone on the man, adding an ethereal, otherworldly quality to his already handsome face.

Jia Rong, who was about to reveal his identity, was stunned for a moment.

Before dawn, Tu Zhannan saw some idlers on the watchtower in the distance and quickly rode over.

I thought it would be some clueless thief, but it turned out to be a delicate little girl sticking her head out.

Seeing that Jia Rong was stunned and didn't say anything, Xu Jiaojiao also stuck her head out to look down.

She was also momentarily surprised when she saw the boy under the sentry tower.

He turned out to be a young general.

However, this young man was indeed heroic and had an extraordinary demeanor.

His upright and righteous appearance caught her eye, and her first thought was that this child was good and would definitely have a bright future.

Seeing Xu Jiaojiao's actions, Jia Rong came back to his senses.

She coughed softly, her pretty face flushing slightly, and her voice became more melodious: "I am Jia Rong. I couldn't sleep and wanted to come to the watchtower to watch the sunrise and clear my head. I'm so sorry to have bothered you. I'll come down right away!"

Xu Jiaojiao: "???"

She looked at Jia Rong as if she had seen a ghost.

Is this gentle and considerate young girl Jia Rong?

When did this little girl become so well-behaved?

In a flash, Xu Jiaojiao understood.

She immediately smiled like an aunt and turned to the sentry: "Young man, thank you for holding the rope."

The sentry nodded hastily, "Yes, sir!"

Soon they reached the ground, and Jia Rong walked towards Tu Zhannan. Upon seeing her approach, the latter immediately dismounted.

The young general knelt on one knee and bowed his head in greeting: "This humble officer, Tu Zhannan, greets Your Highness!"

Jia Rong quickened his pace: "General Tu, please rise!"

After the young man stood up, she smiled gently, her voice sweet and obedient: "Tu Zhannan, the eldest son of the Tu family, I know you! My second brother told me that you are the youngest and most valiant among his deputy generals!"

Tu Zhannan's ears turned slightly red: "Your Highness is too kind. Compared with the seniors, I am indeed still young, but as for being the most valiant, I am unworthy of such praise."

Jia Rong tilted her chin slightly, staring intently at the young man in front of her who dared not look her in the eye: "A gentleman is composed and not arrogant. My second brother's judgment is indeed excellent!"

Perhaps it was Jia Rong's overly ardent gaze and sincere words that caused Tu Zhannan's ears to turn completely red, and even his handsome face was tinged with a blush.

He cupped his hands in greeting and bowed again: "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness. However, the sentry tower is a military stronghold, involving the safety of the entire camp. Moreover, the watchtower on the high ground is very simple and cannot protect Your Highness. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, I urge Your Highness not to go up to the sentry tower for fun in the future."

He paused, then added, "I know of a great viewpoint near the camp for watching the sunrise. If Your Highness wishes to relax in the future, you can send someone to inform me, and I will take you there and protect you."

Xu Jiaojiao listened from the side, inwardly wishing that Tu Zhannan would step up.

Jia Rong, who had initially thought Tu Zhannan was rigid, felt a slight sense of disappointment vanish upon hearing this last sentence.

Her eyes crinkled with laughter, and she quickly agreed, "Okay! It's a deal then!"