When Jiang Xiao Liang walked into the room, his two brothers, Xiao Xian and Xiao Tian were in a discussion. The two of them talked with their voice lowered. Sensing their third brother entered the room, both Xiao Xian and Xiao Tian halted their conversation and looked up.
"Has the Yang family arrived?" Jiang Xiao Xian asked.
Jiang Xiao Liang shook his head. "Not yet. What are you two doing here?"
"We have some matters to discuss," Xiao Tian answered. He watched Xiao Liang for a while and spoke again, "You don't look too good. If you're unwell, you should see Mingyue. Maybe she can prescribe something for you."
"I'm alright. I just haven't been sleeping well recently. Ever since the merchants came into the city, the crime rate has risen," Jiang Xiao Liang said. "The Department of Justice received a lot of cases, mostly theft and fights."
Jiang Xiao Xian chuckled at his youngest brother's complaint. If only he knew the amount of task His Majesty has assigned to him, surely Jiang Xiao Liang would not complain much.
Because of the upcoming Spring Hunt, Jiang Xiao Xian was in charge of the security in Da Cheng. Since princes from the various country will be joining as their guests, His Majesty had commanded him to do the best. There should be no mistake allowed, or severe punishment will be waiting for Jiang Xiao Xian and his men if anything wrong happened to their guests.
Jiang Xiao Liang sighed as he pulled a stool and sat down. "What were you two discussing about before I walked in?"
Jiang Xiao Xian exchanged a glance with Xiao Tian before he answered, "What else could it be other than the upcoming Spring Hunt."
Hearing the topic of their discussion, Xiao Liang straightened up as he looked at his two brothers. "Will Her Highness really pick up a husband among the princes?"
Xiao Xian raised his brow and said, "Why? You think that Her Highness should marry one of the minister's son?"
Among the three brothers, Jiang Xiao Liang was the only one who did not pay much attention to the palace's politics. This is why he chose to stay in the Department of Justice. His rank now was not that low that he could not wield any power, and not that high enough that he needed to be wary of the situation in the palace.
"Choosing one of those princes as Her Highness' husband is His Majesty's way to suppress the ministers power in court," Jiang Xiao Xian choose to explain. "Recently, the Prime Minister's faction is getting stronger. Although His Majesty is happy that Chancellor Chen's influence in court lessened, he was still worried. Chancellor Chen is after all a seasoned politician. Who knows what that old man is capable of? His Majesty simply did not want to trouble himself by choosing a side."
As Chancellor Chen's name mentioned, a frown appeared on Jiang Xiao Tian's face. He was worried. After all, Princess Lingchen had chosen not to tell him what was on her mind.
"The two of you should be careful," Jiang Xiao Xian reminded his brothers.
"Then, tell me. Why did His Majesty decide to invite seven princes to compete for the Crown Princess?" Jiang Xiao Liang asked. "What will happen when the Crown Princess choose, and the others choose to declare war against Da Cheng?"
"Do you think His Majesty is as clueless as you?" Jiang Xiao Xian sneered. "Unless the seven countries are stupid, they have no reason to attack Da Cheng. His Majesty naturally has plans to deal with those seven countries."
Jiang Xiao Tian smiled as he watched their youngest brother's confused expression. "One of the princes joining the Spring Hunt might have the chance to win the Crown Princess' hand in marriage, but the others will not return home with an empty hand. Even if the princess did not pick any of the princes as her husband, His Majesty has planned to build an economic and defensive alliance with each country. From what I know, there was no reason for any of the countries to reject this alliance. These alliance will only give them benefits."
Jiang Xiao Xian shifted his gaze to the Xiao Tian. "Is this what His Majesty asked you to investigate?"
Jiang Xiao Tian chuckled at his elder brother's question. Seeking for something that could benefit the two countries was among the things that the Emperor asked him to investigate, but that was not the primary concern.
Before Jiang Xiao Xian get his chance to probe further, a servant knocked on the door to announce that the Yang family has arrived. Xiao Tian rose from his seat and smiled apologetically to his brother. But they both know that Xiao Tian was not sorry that their conversation was interrupted before it even started.