Lord Song's words were the result of his deliberations at the dinner table.
The struggle for the throne was inherently a fight to the death, and the Sixth Prince had always been the target of all parties. Although he lacked the powerful backing of a maternal clan, he had once been a hero in the eyes of the world, a god of war in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of soldiers on the frontier.
Before his recovery, if other princes had ascended the throne, they might have pitied him and spared him.
But now that he had recovered, he could not remain mediocre for the rest of his life. Sooner or later, he would clash with others, possibly including the Emperor.
Conflict was inevitable.
And his Song family, once Song Jin married into the Sixth Prince's household, would be connected to him in a way that could not be easily severed. Their fortunes would rise and fall together.
Since that was the case, it was better to make plans early.
He had also heard about what happened back then. The Emperor, like a poisonous tiger that devours its cubs, was incompetent and had gradually lost the hearts of the people. The Sixth Prince had once been the pillar of the nation. The fact that the Emperor could sit on the throne now was due to the Sixth Prince's previous decisive defeat of the various tribes on the frontier.
Burning bridges after crossing the river, discarding the millstone after the donkey is no longer needed.
He was harming his own son.
A person like that was not worthy of loyalty.
Bai Li Chong Yan understood the implied meaning of his words and nodded in thanks.
"Thank you, Lord Song," the captain of the guards said, bowing.
Lord Song waved his hand. "This official will not see you off. Your Highness, please be careful on your journey."
He directly showed them out, leaving Zhu Jin no opportunity to speak with him further. She could only watch as they departed in their carriage.
Just as she was wondering if she should also pay a visit that evening, Lord Song turned back and called her to his study with a stern face.
"Jin'er, come to the study."
"Yes."
She guessed she was about to be scolded.
However, to her surprise, Lord Song did not scold her. Instead, he asked about her plans in a gentle tone.
"Although he has recovered, his situation in the capital is not good, and the Emperor will never allow him to go to his fief. What are your plans?"
Zhu Jin replied as a matter of course, "I went to great lengths to cure him, so naturally, I want him. Otherwise, wouldn't all my efforts be in vain?"
Lord Song: "...As a young lady, how can you speak so improperly?"
"That's the truth, I..."
"Enough, enough, stop talking." Lord Song got a headache just listening to her speak.
"If the Sixth Prince recovers, this capital will surely be in turmoil. We must make plans for this in advance."
Zhu Jin asked, "Father, are you planning to help him?"
Lord Song had always maintained a neutral stance, never engaging in factionalism, which was why the Emperor had trusted him so much.
Now, it seemed he was not as "neutral" as he appeared.
"If I don't help him, who should I help? Once you marry him, the Song family and the Sixth Prince's mansion will be related by marriage. Then our fortunes will be tied together. Even if I do nothing, I will be labeled as belonging to the Sixth Prince's faction. Since that's the case, why not make a choice early?"
Most importantly, he could not stand the conduct of the other princes and royal heirs.
Especially the Crown Prince, who was slated to inherit the throne, was cunning, treacherous, two-faced, and cruel. If such a person became Emperor, it would surely be a disaster for the common people of the world.
It was no wonder the Emperor was not spared his wrath for allowing such a person to be the Crown Prince.
Zhu Jin, uncharacteristically, offered a compliment: "Father is wise."
Lord Song waved his hand. "Stop flattering me for now. Go down and prepare for the wedding."
Zhu Jin, excited, was about to slip away.
Lord Song added, "And one more thing."
Zhu Jin's steps involuntarily paused.
"You are getting married in a little over ten days. Do not run to the Sixth Prince's mansion these few days. After marriage, you can be as affectionate as you wish, but for now, please pay attention to appearances."
Zhu Jin: "...Yes, your daughter understands."
Your daughter understands, but I don't.
After all, I'm not Song Jin.
Thus, the person who had just agreed so readily went directly to the Sixth Prince's mansion after leaving Lord Song's study.
Fortunately, her lightness skill was superb, and no one noticed.
Otherwise, if Lord Song found out, he would surely be angered to death.
As soon as she left the study, Madam Song was also invited over.
Since Lord Song had decided to take a stand, other matters needed to be planned for early.
Madam Song's maternal family was the prime minister's household. Her father was originally the head of the civil officials, but he had recently advised the Emperor and had his salary deducted several times.
There was also an imperial censor in the court who was a disciple of the prime minister. He had also been heavily fined for admonishing the Emperor. These were all within his considerations.
Madam Song had been worried recently. She had witnessed everything that happened today and had a good understanding of the situation.
"Has my lord truly decided to support the Sixth Prince?"