The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law-Chapter 983 - 977: The Trouble with Bridal Gifts

Given his status, he surely couldn’t be outdone by King Jin, could he?

So if he didn’t let King Jin outshine him, did that mean he had to outshine King Jin?

Logically speaking, the legitimate eldest brother should indeed outshine his younger brothers, but after the list of gifts was prepared, who would send it to the Empress for her review?

No one dared to.

"Mr. Ji, it has been several days, have you completed the list of gifts?"

Mr. Ji, his hair having turned white from worry, said, "It’s done, I even made two copies. Mr. Xu, could you take a look and see which one should be sent to the Empress for approval?" frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

Mr. Xu hesitated for a moment, but seeing the bitter and deep-seated expression of his colleague, who had worked with him for many years, some pity arose within him.

With no other choice, Mr. Xu took the two lists of gifts; a simple glance was enough to understand the situation, and he bitterly smiled, "I really can’t help you with this. Whether you stick your neck out or not, it’s a loss either way; you’d better make a decision quickly."

"This... How has it come to this? Why didn’t the Crown Prince return to court earlier? I heard he has always known about his own identity, so why choose now to return?"

"Hehe!" Mr. Xu stacked the two lists neatly on the table, saying, "The Dao Family and the imperial court appear unrelated, yet in reality, they are inseparable. These intricacies, we from the Ministry of Rites are better off not meddling too much anyway; no matter how it ends up, it has nothing to do with us."

Mr. Ji nodded, responding, "That’s true. Speaking of which, acting as the State Preceptor seems no different from being the emperor; the Crown Prince has been in the Dao Family for many years, with a solid foundation, and really didn’t need to wade into these muddy court waters."

"Ha-ha, no no, there is a difference, Mr. Ji," Mr. Xu laughed.

"Oh? What difference?"

Mr. Xu laughed heartily, "A State Preceptor can’t get married, but a Prince can." Mr. Xu suddenly burst into laughter and lowered his voice to Mr. Ji, "Mr. Ji, I’ve heard a rumor that previously, when Doctor Gu visited Sanqing Temple to treat the Heavenly Master and later traveled to Qi Mountain, spending almost half a year there. At that time, Tianzong’s eldest disciple and Doctor Gu became very familiar, and they even exchanged teachings privately."

"Oh? Is that so?" Mr. Ji, profoundly shocked, said, "Private exchange between an unwed man and woman, that is a serious matter!"

Mr. Xu nodded and replied, "But there needs to be evidence for that, otherwise, what basis do you have to say they exchanged teachings privately? But, it is certainly true; think about it, isn’t the standard for selecting the court maidens tailored specifically for Doctor Gu? The Crown Prince has painstakingly strategized to win the beauty’s affection."

In that case, does it mean the Crown Prince values this Doctor Gu greatly? Mr. Ji was startled, staring at the two lists of gifts on the table, he felt overwhelmed.

"So, am I to understand that neither list is properly done, and I might have offended both the Empress and the Crown Prince?"

He felt like he had picked up a hot potato and wasn’t sure if it was still possible to feign illness now.

Mr. Xu mysteriously smiled.

Mr. Ji, staring at him with a stern face, said, "Mr. Xu, is there anything you need to hold back with me? We’ve been friends since we were in open-crotch pants. Quickly, tell me, do you have any ideas?"

Mr. Xu laughed, "I actually thought of a solution just now; since one list would offend the Crown Prince and the other would offend the Empress, why not submit both for Her Majesty to decide? Whichever she picks, it wouldn’t be connected to you anymore; whatever the Empress decides, right?"

Mr. Ji, suddenly enlightened, gave Mr. Xu a thumbs-up, "Good, that’s the best solution. Whichever gift list the Empress picks, I’ll just relay a message to the Emperor later."

"That’s right, that makes sense."

...