Chapter 625: Chapter 624: 624: That's the Affection Since Childhood

Jiang Ning thought for a moment and laughed, “What you said actually makes a lot of sense.”

“So, how could I possibly harm my own elder brother on purpose.”

“As if you haven’t harmed your elder brothers before.” Jiang Ning murmured.

“Those were all counterattacks.” Li Hongyuan corrected.

“Yes, you were acting in self-defense and never took the initiative to scheme against others.”

“Don’t act so innocent.” Li Hongyuan calmly said, “Just a few days ago, you sent someone to give silver to He Tang, didn’t you?”

“How did you know? Oh, right, every move of everyone in the East Palace can’t escape the eyes of His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

“Emperor Father attaches great importance to He Tang, believing that he will be of great use in the future.”

“I also think He Tang is a talented person and will become a pillar of support in the future.”

“As the Princess Consort, spending money to win over the future pillar of support, does this look like the East Palace is forming cliques for personal gain or the Jiang Family winning people’s hearts?”

Jiang Ning laughed, “Is there a difference? The East Palace and the Jiang Family are like two peas in a pod.”

“I think you should stay away from He Tang.”

“He Tang and I are friends, growing up together. You don’t have to be so sensitive.”

“Friends? One of you is the Princess Consort, and the other is a compiler of the Imperial Academy. On what basis can you be friends? The feelings from childhood have long passed.”

Jiang Ning stared at him without saying anything.

She was somewhat repulsed by someone talking to her in that tone and attitude.

Getting along with Li Hongyuan was far from as pleasant as with Wenren Zong, and not as relaxed and easy-going as when talking with He Tang.

If the other party was not the Crown Prince, Jiang Ning might not even bother giving him a single glance.

At that point, she lost interest in continuing the conversation.

“It’s getting late, I need to go put the children to bed. Your Highness, please return as well.”

Although she was still smiling and spoke gently,

her gaze had turned cold.

Li Hongyuan stood up and said, “Tomorrow I will have someone come to teach you the etiquette of the Silla Kingdom.”

“Why do I need to learn the etiquette of the Silla Kingdom?”

“Emperor Father has ordered the East Palace to receive the Prince and Princess of the Silla Kingdom.”

“What are they here for?”

“To pay tribute.”

“A small border country dependent on us, shouldn’t they be learning our etiquette? Instead, I, the Princess Consort of the great empire, have to learn theirs? Are you expecting me to pay respects to the Prince and Princess of Silla then?”

Li Hongyuan said: “Aren’t you overthinking it?”

“I suggest sending a Minister from the Ministry of Rites to greet them and teach them our Great Sheng’s rules first, to avoid any embarrassment or ridicule later.”

“You’re just not fond of learning.”

“I only learn what I should.”

“When the time comes, if you don’t know their customs and rules, you as the Princess Consort of the great empire will bring shame upon yourself.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

“Tomorrow after lunch, someone from the Ministry of Rites will be here on time.”

Li Hongyuan ignored her nonsense and left these words.

Jiang Ning asked him a question: “I heard that the imperial selection is starting after the New Year?”

“It’s held once every three years, quite normal.”

“I’m afraid the East Palace will have quite a few more people by then, huh?”

Li Hongyuan turned back to look at her: “That’s right.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” Jiang Ning laughed, “Choose ten or eight women to come in, give birth to twenty or thirty sons for Your Highness. That way, when it comes to fighting for the Imperial Throne later, it will be more intense and exciting.”