Chapter 490: Chapter 288: I am Willing to Give Up the Position of Prime Minister_3
Princesses' husbands generally can't be heavily relied upon, let alone the Princess Royal.
Given the Princess Royal's status and position, whoever marries her essentially signs the end of his official career.
Chai Jiliang, however, is the Prime Minister, and if he were to marry the Princess Royal and his post were not to be forfeited, the Princess Royal's strength in the court would be immense. Therefore, once Chai Jiliang truly married the Princess Royal, he would have to resign from his position as Prime Minister.
Some were puzzled, not understanding what had gotten into Chai Jiliang.
However, at this moment, the Martial Emperor revealed a trace of a smile, then he said, "Chai, you are my most esteemed minister. Think carefully, you are now the Prime Minister. If you really marry Junwan, you probably won't be able to enter the gates of Li Zheng Palace every day."
Chai Jiliang replied, "Your Majesty, I have considered it thoroughly. For the Princess Royal, I am willing to give up the position of Prime Minister."
Hearing Chai Jiliang's words, the ministers in the hall thought to themselves that this man must have a problem in his head, actually giving up his official career for a woman.
Although the position of Prime Minister is a high-risk occupation in the Great Wu dynasty, with nine out of ten meeting a bad end, the Prime Minister is still the Prime Minister, holding considerable power. And yet, this man speaks so lightly of giving it up.
Just then, a noble minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Mr. Chai is exceptionally talented and has dedicated himself to the service of Great Wu. He is certainly worthy of the Princess Royal. Since Mr. Chai is willing to give up his position as Prime Minister for the Princess Royal, I boldly request that Your Majesty grant him the marriage."
This time, the Martial Emperor was not angry. He then said, "Chai, I am aware of your intentions, but I have also said that Junwan's marriage is for her to decide. Let's do this; I will find an opportunity to ask her what she thinks."
"Alright, let's leave this matter here. My ministers, is there anything else? If there is nothing else, you may leave the court."
Hearing these words from the Martial Emperor, some ministers immediately realized they had been played.
It's true that Chai Jiliang is fond of the Princess Royal, and their relationship has always been good. Everyone knows that Chai Jiliang is a member of the Princess Royal's faction, so he would continue to stay in the court for her, and it's highly unlikely that he would bring up marrying the Princess Royal.
By raising this issue now, he was signaling to others that Chai Jiliang had his sights set on the Princess Royal, and the rest should step aside.
Knowing that Chai Jiliang is a trusted minister of the Martial Emperor, the emperor definitely would not agree to marry the Princess Royal to Chai Jiliang. The ultimate result would be that the marriage discussion continues indefinitely and comes to nothing.
Once the ministers understood why Chai Jiliang proposed to marry the Princess Royal, they immediately felt a burning hatred towards him.
This incident would undoubtedly spread quickly to the ears of the common people. Soon, they would all know that Chai Jiliang admires the Princess Royal. One being the emperor's crucial minister, and the other the pearl in the emperor's palm, they are so well suited for each other, who would dare to interfere?
But if the Martial Emperor doesn't grant the marriage, their relationship will stay uncertain, with the Princess Royal remaining single and Chai Jiliang still the Prime Minister.
...
Meanwhile.
After leaving the Li Zheng Palace, the Martial Emperor went to the Imperial Study Room, where Wu Junwan was already waiting.
Seeing the Martial Emperor enter, Wu Junwan immediately saluted and said, "Greetings to Father Emperor."
The Martial Emperor spoke directly, "Junwan, I have a mission for you."
The Martial Emperor in fact did not wish to continue allowing Wu Junwan to accumulate too many merits, but sending an envoy to Great Jue to persuade the Yue Emperor to form an alliance to conquer Great Sum could only be done by Wu Junwan.
Wu Junwan's relationship with the Yue Emperor was very good, and only she might have a chance to persuade the Yue Emperor. Sending someone else to Great Jue might more likely end in failure.