jdhmnovel Chapter 607 Ouyang Jue and Ouyang Yan
Chapter 607 Ouyang Jue and Ouyang Yan
Entrusted by the Fifth Prince, Ouyang Jue is about to head south to search for treasure.
All of his companions were the Fifth Prince's confidants, and the reason he was entrusted with such an important task was simply because he had a copy of that crucial treasure map.
The real reason why the Fifth Prince did not abandon this and went on his treasure hunt was that he wanted to use Ouyang Jue to get closer to the Ouyang family.
The fifth prince was engaged to a noble lady from the capital, but unfortunately, the lady suddenly caught a cold and eventually passed away, so the marriage had to be called off.
The Fifth Prince was not affected by this; instead, he turned his attention to the eldest daughter of the Ouyang family.
The Ouyang family holds a very important position in the capital. If he could marry Ouyang Yan, the most noble eldest daughter of the Ouyang family, as his princess consort, his path to seizing the throne would definitely be much smoother.
When the Fifth Prince obtained the treasure map, he likely already decided to use Ouyang Jue as a bridge to gradually establish connections with the Ouyang family and get closer to Ouyang Yan.
If he could marry Ouyang Yan, wouldn't that be more helpful in seizing the throne than the legitimate daughter of some minor official?
However, the chance encounters he had orchestrated earlier had not caused any significant stir, which only fueled his competitive and conquering desires.
Ouyang Jue wasn't stupid; he knew the Fifth Prince wanted to use him, but wasn't he also using the Fifth Prince? It was simply a matter of each side getting what they needed.
After all, Ouyang Yan wasn't his biological sister, just a cousin.
I am just a side branch, while others are the main branch.
But if one day I have enough financial resources, why should I worry about my branch not thriving?
When the time comes, even if I break away from the main branch, I can still become the head of a clan.
The two had their own agendas, but they also agreed on many things.
With an unspoken understanding between them, one provided manpower, material resources, and financial support, while the other provided an opportunity to get close to the Ouyang family. They worked together seamlessly... cough cough.
Jiang Xiaoqi naturally had ways of knowing about Ouyang Jue and the Fifth Prince's movements, and immediately reported related matters to the Second Prince, including the Fifth Prince's intention to establish a marriage alliance with the Ouyang family.
"Grandmother is not a muddle-headed old woman. Similarly, the matriarch of the Ouyang family is a wise person. Fifth son is destined to have his efforts come to naught."
"Oh? Your Highness is so certain that the Fifth Prince will not be able to achieve his wish? What if a good woman is afraid of a persistent suitor?"
The second prince stared at Jiang Xiaoqi's face for a while, then shook his head as if to appear profound.
Jiang Xiaoqi didn't understand what this meant. Was it certain that the Fifth Prince had no chance? Or was it certain that the elders of the Ouyang family would step in to stop him?
"What does Your Highness mean by shaking your head?"
"Haha, sir, do you really not understand, or are you pretending to be confused?"
Jiang Xiaoqi was speechless...
"Ahem, sir, don't you know? Miss Ouyang already has someone she loves. Ahem, although she hasn't revealed it to anyone, I'm sure those close to her know."
"Your Highness said he was a close person, how could I possibly know? In fact... Your Highness is a close person."
"Yes, I guess so, since I'm considered a cousin, but sir, you..."
"Your Highness, if you are not comfortable saying this, then so be it. This is a woman's privacy, and as an outsider, I really shouldn't pry into it."
Upon hearing this, the second prince was clearly taken aback and stopped stammering.
"This isn't really a matter of privacy. It might be for others, but not for you, sir. After all, my cousin's sweetheart is none other than you! Hehe~"
Jiang Xiaoqi pictured a bright red tomato face in her mind, round and rosy.
He had little recollection of the meticulously made-up face he later saw at the Ouyang family's house.
It turns out that it wasn't a chance encounter; the young lady with something on her mind deliberately created an encounter for herself.
Well, I guess I was just being clueless about romance.
But I can't blame myself. I've never been interested in romantic relationships, and I simply couldn't grasp such a subtle and indirect approach.
"Your Highness, please do not mention this matter to others in the future. A woman's reputation is sometimes more important than her life."
What we men may not think is a big deal, may be of paramount importance to women.
Being born a woman already involves so much hardship; as men, we shouldn't add to that burden.
Jiang Xiaoqi didn't intend to educate the Second Prince; she simply wanted to plant a seed of respect for women in his heart so that, after he ascended to the throne, he could put himself in women's shoes and gradually elevate their status.
This was a selfish desire he had kept hidden in his heart. Having been here for so long, he had only done some things for his own sisters and relatives, but to benefit all the women of the Great Zhou Dynasty was something he could not do alone.
The Second Prince didn't think that Jiang Xiaoqi speaking up for a woman meant he also had feelings for Ouyang Yan. It seemed that the gentleman had a great love and righteousness in his heart that far exceeded personal feelings.
Personal feelings for one's children are insignificant in the face of such great love. Was I being a bit presumptuous just now?
The Second Prince silently reflected on his words, having actually taken Jiang Xiaoqi's words to heart.
"Alright, I won't mention it again. Sir, you are indeed different from others."
As for the differences, he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but in short, the gentleman was no ordinary man.
It is his greatest fortune in this life to be able to get close to him and even plan together with him!
"Alright, Your Highness, Ouyang Jue should have already set off. I suppose the Fifth Prince will behave himself for a while, since searching for treasure shouldn't be done in a big way."
His Majesty must know about the treasures of the previous dynasty in his possession. He kept the treasures in his hands until now before setting off, probably because he saw that His Majesty didn't seem to care, so he went ahead and did it.
However, whether His Majesty truly doesn't care, only His Majesty himself knows.
"What do you mean, sir?..."
"Your Majesty's mind is unpredictable, so it's best not to make assumptions. The Fifth Prince may have already unknowingly committed a grave offense."
???
Although I don't quite understand, it's probably good for our side that the fifth brother made a mistake, right?
The second prince raised a slight smile: "With you at the helm, sir, I won't stray from the course like others."
Instead of blindly guessing what the ruler is thinking and doing ridiculous things, it's better to adjust your mindset and do the right thing.
Haha, her husband has a much broader perspective.
"Your Highness flatters me. In truth, I haven't done anything special. With my limited experience, I'm far from the level of many seasoned officials in the court who have the ability to strategize and plan. I'm merely feeling my way across the river."
The second prince didn't think so. His master was humble and didn't like to be arrogant.
As for the senior officials in the court... there are a few who are quite shrewd and calculating.
But what does that have to do with me? To this day, I have not received the support of any high-ranking and powerful senior officials.
Well, it's partly because I'm a "fool" to outsiders. If I were to come clean one day and stop pretending, wouldn't all these people flock to me?
However, what good is a helping hand in times of need compared to the icing on the cake in the future?