Chapter 859: then translation of chapter title

Chen Wuji handed over two sets of his own clothes to Yu Yan Chu, and had them wash up in his Zhongjun Camp.

Even though he is the Lord of Nan Jun, conditions in the army are limited, so there isn't much special treatment; even if he wants to wash up, it's only behind the curtains of the Big Tent.

Of course, this is also Chen Wuji's own request.

Many commanders like to separate the council's Zhongjun Camp from their own Camp Tents, but Chen Wuji did not do so; as the commander of the Three Armies, his Camp Tent is of extremely high specification, requiring several wagons to transport and dozens of soldiers to carry.

A problem that could be solved with a little restraint; there's no need to burden the soldiers.

Chen Wuji had just ordered a hu bed brought out and sat down outside the Big Tent when Xu Zengyi and the others came upon hearing the news.

Aside from Lü Ji, Hu Bu Gui and others stationed farther from the camp, the nearby commanders had nearly all arrived, standing in a row before Chen Wuji, each face full of curiosity.

The Emperor's marrying off a Princess is not only a rare occurrence, but also a major event.

"What are you all gathering here for? Do I have flowers on my face?" Chen Wuji shouted.

Chen Wu Yin gave a hehe laugh, "My lord, we wish to pay our respects to the Princess; we haven't even seen what the Princess looks like."

A crowd of people nodded frantically.

Chen Wuji scanned each of their faces, saying, "You keep shouting 'my lord,' but bring a Princess and you lot lose all composure; I'm now doubting whether your loyalty to me is genuine or feigned."

Those words carried considerable intimidation.

A group of commanders instantly straightened their chests and lifted their heads, their expressions solemn; Chen Wu Yin loudly declared, "Our loyalty to the lord is evident to heaven and earth; we dare not violate it."

The other commanders voiced their agreement loudly.

Each stood straighter than a spear, their eyes sincere and fervent.

This posture lasted less than a moment before Chen Wu Yin's shoulders slumped, and he gave an embarrassed laugh, saying, "My lord, we're just purely curious; we haven't seen one before..."

"She's busy; wait a bit, all of you stand farther back—you're blocking my sun." Chen Wuji waved his hand.

"Yes!"

The commanders gave a solemn shout, then stepped back in unison a few paces and spontaneously formed two rows.

That lofty spirit was even more earnest than when Chen Wuji inspected the troops.

These fellows are somewhat showing off.

"My lord, the Emperor's situation is probably not good." Xu Zengyi stepped forward and said in a voice low enough that only he and Chen Wuji could hear.

Chen Wuji gave a slight nod.

Xu Zengyi was aware of the main intelligence involved in his correspondence with the Emperor.

The Emperor's situation is worrisome, and after dispelling earlier suspicions about him, this conclusion was reached by the two of them, plus Chen Li, after sifting through various reports.

"Even if his situation were worse, it's still somewhat unrealistic to pin hopes on me; this distant water cannot quench his immediate thirst." Chen Wuji said.

Xu Zengyi disagreed, saying, "My lord, while distant water cannot quench immediate thirst, if our army wins the upcoming battle, the Emperor could leverage the situation. Moreover, I suspect His Majesty may have an act of entrustment in mind."

"Entrust the Elder Princess to me to preserve the imperial bloodline? No way—could it be that the Emperor has no sons? Speaking of which, we really don't know about this; we should find someone to ask." Chen Wuji said.

Entrusting the orphan and the Princess sounds somewhat strange.

Any offspring born of the Princess would also be Chen Wuji's bloodline; although the Emperor is her maternal grandfather, he has no direct relation to him.

"We should find someone to ask; we could summon Chief Clerk Lü, who originally served as a secretary of the Secretariat and should know court affairs quite well." Xu Zengyi suggested.

Have him come over.

"Yes!"

After dispelling suspicions about the Emperor, Chen Wuji personally met those high-ranking officials exiled to the Tianlao in Nan Jun, gauged their capabilities, got to know each one, and thereafter selected competent individuals to serve in the military, while promoting others to local posts.

Their rapid promotions also greatly helped Chen Wuji, significantly easing the talent shortage in the localities.

The Chief Clerk Lü spoken of by Xu Zengyi is named Lü Xun; he originally came from the highest military organ of the Court, is highly versed in strategy, is among the few currently holding the highest rank, and entered Yang Tiejiang's army in the capacity of Chief Clerk.

Not long after, Lü Xun, dressed in a black straight robe, with a refined appearance and full of solemn dignity, hurriedly arrived under the escort of the Personal Guard, saying, "Subordinate Lü Xun pays his respects to the Commander."

"Chief Clerk Lü, no need for much ceremony; I summoned you hastily because there are a few trivial matters I'd like to learn about from you." Chen Wuji said, "His Majesty the Emperor, how many princes does he have?"

"Replying to the Commander, His Majesty the Emperor has three princes and eleven princesses!" Lü Xun said, "I once heard the Imperial Doctor hint vaguely that it might be because His Majesty practiced his cultivation too rigorously in youth, making it difficult to have offspring."

"How old are these three princes, and what do you know about them?" Chen Wuji asked.

Lü Xun let out a soft sigh, seeming somewhat regretful, and replied, "Replying to the Commander, these three princes are no longer young; the eldest prince is only one year younger than the Elder Princess, already twenty; the second prince is half a year younger than the eldest. Only the third prince is still somewhat younger, at fourteen."

"Originally, according to ancestral law, His Majesty intended to make the eldest prince the heir apparent, personally bringing him close to teach him how to handle state affairs. But the eldest prince went astray, taking a liking to Ruan Yuchang's influence; it is rumored that he privately addresses Ruan Yuchang as 'second father'."

"This provoked His Majesty's fury, and the originally early decision on the heir apparent was completely shelved. The second and eldest princes differ little; even from a young age, their mothers vied for the heir apparent, and after the second prince came of age, the rivalry between the two princes became ever more intractable."

"I've heard... cough, this is merely some rumor I, as a subordinate, have picked up."

Chen Wuji waved his hand, "Say what you will; this isn't the Capital, so no one will punish you for it. Besides, I enjoy hearing such gossip—it's invigorating."

Lü Xun's mouth twitched slightly, "Commander, what I'm about to say is indeed just hearsay; it may not be true."

"It is rumored that the second prince's mother, Consort De, has an affair with the villainous minister Yan Yan; some say Consort De herself was personally selected by Yan Yan from among the common folk, carefully trained, and sent into the palace, so even the second prince... might be Yan Yan's offspring."

Upon hearing this gossip, Chen Wuji's eyes lit up.

Really stimulating.

I don't know whether His Majesty the Emperor realizes he's wearing such a huge green hat.

But this gossip also makes Chen Wuji unable to help feeling pity for the Emperor.

His situation is indeed... difficult.

"Although it's just hearsay, this is something Yan Yan could pull off; that dog's scheming is no small matter." Chen Wuji muttered.