The first issue was regarding the next successor.

With Prince Jing banishment from the capital city, the ministers were starting to get restless with the issue of the next successor.

The ministers have started to pressure the Princess to get married to continue the line. As Princess Lingchen had declined to marry any of the princes invited to the Spring Hunt months ago, some of the ministers have suggested to the Emperor to let the Princess choose a Prince Consort among their sons.

The second issue was brought up by one of Chancellor Chen's trusted follower.

As the Emperor had commanded for General Jiang Xiao Xian to return to the capital city, the ministers were anxious that perhaps, with Xiao Xian's return, the Jiang family's power will grow.

Jiang Xiao Xian was a young general who had twenty thousand soldiers under his command. He had defended the Northern borders for years and had his contributions.

Then, there were Jiang Xiao Liang. Although his rank was not as high, Jiang Xiao Liang had his power in the Department of Justice. It was fortunate that the ministers were not very familiar with the second son of the Jiang family. If they knew that Jiang Xiao Tian was the Chief of His Majesty's Secret Agent, the ministers would undoubtedly panic.

However, the ministers were worried more anxious about Old General Jiang. The old General, Jiang Huan, might have retired from his position, but everyone knew that his followers were loyal to him. His pupils were among the high-ranked military officers.

Chancellor Chen's influence in court has weakened after the scandal involving his granddaughter. And now, he wanted revenge. Chancellor Chen wished to remove her greatest supporter, the Jiang family. Then, he would add one of his men by her side, and thus, he made the other minister to push forward her wedding, using 'continuing the imperial's line' as his excuse.

It seemed that Chancellor Chen has not stopped thinking of building a connection with the imperial family through marriage.

Just as the Princess were deep in her thought, her maidservant, Ah Zhen appeared by her side. She announced that the Jiang Xiao Tian had arrived and was waiting for her at her garden.

Princess Lingchen dressed up with Ah Zhen's help and headed towards the garden. Once she arrived, Jiang Xiao Tian stood up to offer his greeting. Princess Lingchen allowed him to be at ease and asked her maidservants to retreat.

"Has everything settled?" the Princess asked.

"Yes. Prince Jing and Chancellor Chen's granddaughter has departed to the Eastside. I heard that Prince Jing has not to stop cursing Chancellor Chen's granddaughter throughout their journey," Jiang Xiao Tian said. His lips curved into a smile. "There is news that Chancellor Chen had broken off his contact with Tang Xin of Western Zhou."

Princess Lingchen nodded. "This event has weakened Chancellor Chen's power in court. However, he is still powerful among others."

Jiang Xiao Tian lowered his gaze. "I heard about what happened during the a.s.sembly today."

The Crown Princess smiled. "You don't have to worry. I will not allow them to touch the Jiang family."

"I am not worried about that," Jiang Xiao Tian said. "Don't worry, Your Highness. The Jiang family has served the Imperial family for years. We know how to protect ourselves."

"No matter. The Jiang family has been my biggest supporter. If I cannot protect my people, then, what is the use of having power?" Princess Lingchen said. She took a deep breath and asked, "Regarding the other issue that Chancellor Chen brought up, what do you think about it?"

"I heard that Chancellor Chen had adopted a son a few years ago. He had groomed and trained this son for years. You might have heard of him; Chen Xuan," Jiang Xiao Tian said.

"The one who scored the highest during the last examination?"

Jiang Xiao Tian nodded. "If he wanted to continue building a relations.h.i.+p with the imperial family, then it is possible that Chancellor Chen will propose the idea of marrying his adopted son to you."

Princess Lingchen snickered as she heard this. "With the way the Chancellor's granddaughter conducted herself, did he think that I wanted to be related to him? This old man is too disgusting. He failed to marry his granddaughter to Prince Jing, and now he was looking forward to marrying his adopted son to me?"

"It's possible," Jiang Xiao Tian said. "Chancellor Chen groomed this adopted son for years. It looks like Chancellor Chen was ready with a backup plan."

Princess Lingchen tapped her fingers on her side as she thought over the young man. She had seen Chancellor Chen's adopted son before and knew of his talent. However, if she married Chancellor Chen's adopted son, then, wouldn't his talent be wasted?

"What do you think about him?" Princess Lingchen asked.

Jiang Xiao Tian hesitated for a while. "I would like to advise you not to get entangled with him. Chen Xuan might be a rare talent; however, he was a frequent visitor to Moon Pavilion."

Princess Lingchen's face turned stiff at the mention of the Moon Pavilion. She had heard of that place where men would visit and pleasure themselves.

She closed her eyes and sighed. Princess Lingchen has been thinking about her marriage even before the ministers brought it up during the a.s.sembly. It looked like she had no other option but to ask for that person to help her.