Qi Tianming’s excitement vanished. If he couldn't flaunt his achievements, what was the point of doing them?
The Old Madam took in his change of mood, feeling a touch of disappointment. Her son’s vision was still too narrow, only seeing immediate gains.
“One must be content. The methods Zhenzhen provided you earlier brought you great favor with the Emperor. What more could you ask for?” the Old Madam said sternly.
Qi Tianming paused, his thoughts gradually calming. It was true, he had recently gained the Emperor’s favor, even dining with him once. This was a privilege many ministers never received in their lifetime, and some princes too. Yes, he should be content. He knew the saying that a greedy heart is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
“Mother, I was shortsighted. It’s thanks to your guidance that my life has been so smooth!” Qi Tianming went behind the Old Madam and solicitously massaged her shoulders and back.
“The Marquisate will be in your hands in the future. Your every word and action concerns the future of our Marquisate,” the Old Madam said earnestly. “My body is already half in the grave, how much longer can I guide you? Although Brother Yi is capable, he is still too young. Zhenzhen is a good girl, but ultimately she is a woman. In the end, she will belong to another family. While she can look after the Marquisate, she won’t be able to exert much influence. Your in-laws have always wanted to make the Marquisate a subordinate of their Prince’s Estate. The road ahead for the Marquisate will not be easy.”
Qi Tianming listened to his mother’s lecture with a serious expression.
“I don’t expect you to be exceptionally capable. We will take it slow, not rush. We must find the Marquisate’s path amidst stability. The Emperor is currently in his prime, and the Crown Prince has not been established, so there are few voices in court. In a couple more years, the focus of court officials will shift to the establishment of the Crown Prince. At that time, you must be cautious. A single misstep could jeopardize the entire Marquisate. My idea is to maintain neutrality as much as possible. Our Marquisate will only be loyal to the Emperor. If forced to make a choice, do not follow Prince Qin’s Estate; follow the Protectorate Duke’s Estate. No, that’s not right, you should follow the Heir Apparent.” the Old Madam added.
“Follow Gu Sinian? Can that work? Besides, the Protectorate Duke’s Estate has Imperial Consort An, who has the First Prince. If we take sides, the Protectorate Duke’s Estate will definitely support the First Prince, given their relationship,” Qi Tianming said. “So, what’s the difference between following Gu Sinian and following the Protectorate Duke’s Estate?”
“It’s different. You know, the current Protectorate Duke has always wanted to find an opportunity to have his eldest son enfeoffed as the Heir Apparent. Imperial Consort An only acknowledges Gu Sinian as her nephew. Think about it, if the Protectorate Duke’s eldest son inherits the title, will he support the First Prince when it comes to taking sides?” the Old Madam said calmly.
No, of course not. At best, he wouldn’t stab them in the back.
“Then, if Gu Sinian doesn’t get the title of Heir Apparent, why should we marry Zhenzhen to him?” Qi Tianming asked.
“For a capable person, the title of Heir Apparent is merely icing on the cake. Gu Sinian went to war at twelve and has achieved numerous merits. Besides the title of Heir Apparent, he is also the youngest general in Da Feng and a person the Emperor trusts greatly. Furthermore, the Emperor and Imperial Consort An have a childhood sweetheart relationship,” the Old Madam said slowly.
“Mother, don’t worry. I will keep everything you said firmly in my heart,” Qi Tianming patted his chest and promised. “I don’t have any grand ambitions. I seek no merit, only to avoid mistakes. I guarantee the Marquisate will not decline under my watch.”
The Old Madam sighed faintly, “One can only hope.”
In the evening, Qi Zhenzhen returned to the estate with Er Xi and Fei Xu, who were from the manor. Madam Fang met them at the entrance and informed them that the Heir Apparent had specifically come to plead for them, and she couldn’t refuse, so she brought them back.
Instantly, everyone in the Marquisate knew that the Heir Apparent highly valued the Second Young Lady and that they absolutely could not neglect her, lest they face dire consequences if she became the Heir Apparent’s wife.