The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 642

Chapter 642: Chapter 629: A World of Difference

“Yes.” Chu Yunhe could not resist straightening his back, somewhat unable to hide the excitement in his heart.

The heir to the throne is about to be established.

Based on the principle of eldest legitimate son, the position of crown prince is rightfully his.

At last, he is about to sit in this gloriously incomparable position. He can finally set his heart at rest.

“First Prince, what are your thoughts?” Chu Shengrui asked.

Being questioned by Chu Shengrui, Chu Yunhe’s excitement grew even more. He believed this was the routine query before Chu Shengrui would appoint him the crown prince. To show humility at this moment, he respectfully responded, “I, your humble son, naturally abide by your every decision, Father.”

Chu Shengrui nodded faintly, his gaze moved from Chu Yunhe to Chu Yunzhao, “Xiaosi, what do you think?”

“This matter is of national importance. I believe that Father can consult with civil and military officials and conduct corresponding tests on all princes to select the most virtuous and capable one.”

Chu Yunzhao paused, adding, “However, I believe that considering Father’s current prime of life, the selection of the crown prince does not need to be made hastily. Appointing a crown prince prematurely is like making one a target of attention. Several pairs of eyes would concentrate on this matter, possibly leading to unrest in the court, and potentially leading to discord in the palace.”

“Hence, I believe, Father should slowly contemplate before making a decision.”

His eloquence was in keeping with the rules, revealing a clear individual opinion. Even Chu Shengrui couldn’t help nodding in agreement, and the corner of his mouth bore a slight smile, “Well said.”

Upon seeing Chu Shengrui merely nod at his answer while praising Chu Yunzhao’s, Chu Yunhe felt a hint of resentment rise in his heart, and he opened his mouth to counter.

Seeing this, Mr. Wei hastily signaled Chu Yunhe with his eyes.

Compared to Chu Yunhe’s obedience to orders and apparent complacency, Chu Yunzhao made a clever move of using retreat as an advance and even put himself among the candidates for the crown prince.

The responses of the two princes could not have been more different, with Chu Yunhe clearly at a disadvantage.

More importantly, the naming of the heir-apparent has always been a sensitive topic.

Chu Shengrui’s consistent reluctance to mention it undoubtedly showed his careful consideration.

Chu Yunzhao’s opinion that the crown prince should not be named prematurely resonated deeply with Chu Shengrui’s feelings. If Chu Yunhe were to counter at this moment, regardless of the reasons, Chu Shengrui would perceive it as a covetous desire for the position of the crown prince, revealing his impatience.

Since his first response already lacked brilliance, it was best to remain silent.

After all, mistakes increase with loquacity.

Mr. Wei, worried that Chu Yunhe could not contain himself and would speak out of turn, preemptively replied, “I, your humble servant, agree wholeheartedly with the Fourth Prince’s words.”

Seeing this, Chu Yunhe could only swallow the words he had intended to utter.

However, perhaps due to his earlier anger, he accidentally swallowed a large amount of saliva, creating an audible gulp.

The sound was loud enough that Chu Shengrui could clearly hear it.

“There is another matter I would like to hear your thoughts on,” Chu Shengrui’s gaze fell on Chu Yunhe, “Recently, the Queen has appealed for my permission to arrange the marriage between Princess An Le and Liang Xuelin. I am undecided and would like your opinions.”

“Father, I heard Mother mentioning this matter. She said that Liang Xuelin is very fond of An Le, and it seems that An Le also greatly appreciates him. What’s more, although Liang Xuelin is young, he is promising and matches well with An Le, a perfect couple,” Chu Yunhe quickly responded.

Chu Yunhe was naturally aware of Mrs. Liang’s threats against the Queen.

And he completely agreed with the Queen’s decision.

Moreover, due to the delay in the imperial marriage decree, Mrs. Liang has been presumptuous, thinking that he and the Queen were not doing their best to expedite the matter. Chu Yunhe was already greatly bothered by her.

Now seeing Chu Shengrui referring to the matter, he naturally was eager to see it resolved swiftly.

“Father, I believe that this matter should be considered carefully.” Chu Yunzhao frowned, “As far as I know, before Liang Xuelin assumed official duties, he was aimless and frivolous, spending all his time in profligate pleasures. Despite being young and unmarried, he has already kept a mistress. His reputation is truly bad.”

“Moreover, I remember that during a banquet at the palace not long ago, Liang Xuelin spoke disrespectfully, offending An Le, and was made to kneel in public by An Le for an hour. So, even if you say An Le is fond of him, I hardly think it would be the case.”

“Xiaosi, what do you mean by that? Are you saying that I and Mother are pushing An Le into a pit of fire?” Chu Yunhe, upon seeing Chu Yunzhao blocking the way and listing out Liang Xuelin’s shortcomings, was immediately infuriated.

“Big brother, I am merely speaking the truth. I just don’t think Liang Xuelin is a good match. As for why Mother and you deem this marriage excellent, I find it incomprehensible.”

Chu Yunzhao replied, “Did you really ask for An Le’s opinion, and did she willingly accept this marriage?”

“Of course, I asked, and An Le is surely willing.” Chu Yunhe responded, although his voice, lacking conviction, was somewhat weak.

“Really?” Chu Shengrui abruptly asked.

“Indeed,” Chu Yunhe was flustered and hastily responded, “Didn’t Father also ask An Le?”

“Yes, I indeed asked An Le.” Chu Shengrui looked at Chu Yunhe, saying solemnly, “An Le indeed agreed to the marriage. However, I also learned that An Le has been dispirited and has been losing weight daily. She has fallen ill in the past few days.”

“Perhaps An Le is upset because Father has not granted the marriage yet, fearing that Father would disapprove it. That’s why she’s worried…”

Chu Yunhe lowered his head, his voice grew faint, “So, I think, Father should bestow the marriage as soon as possible to ease An Le’s anxiety…”

Chu Yunzhao cast an annoyed glance at Chu Yunhe.

It had to be said that Chu Yunhe was indeed selfish. In order to cover up his dirty dealings, he was willing to betroth their own biological sister, the legitimate Princess An Le, to the useless Liang Xuelin, which was truly despicable.

Chu Shengrui looked at Chu Yunhe for a long time.

His gaze was sharp, with a hint of anger lurking within. However, this anger quickly dissipated.

“Since you think so, I now know what to do.”

If you are still like this, there is indeed no need to give you another chance.

Chu Shengrui sighed, “Your mother’s migraine has been acting up recently. Wait a moment before you enter the palace to pay respect to her. I will also go and visit her.”

Chu Yunhe, who had been nervous earlier, felt a sense of relief upon hearing Chu Shengrui’s concern for his mother, “Yes, I obey, Father.”

“You…..”

Before Chu Shengrui could speak to dismiss them, Chu Jinnian stepped forward, “Your Majesty, I have a request, and I wish for Your Majesty to decide on my behalf.”