After Chen Jiao regained the ability to speak, she proactively persuaded her family in this life. Gritting her teeth, she donned the scholar’s robe and disguised herself as a boy, from that moment onward becoming the heir of the Marquisate.
Chen Jiao was the only third-generation descendant of the Marquisate, so naturally her family showered her with unconditional affection. Otherwise, in the original story, they would not have considered adopting a male heir merely out of concern that she would lack a brother’s support after marriage.
Although everyone worried endlessly over her decision, in the end, they chose to support her, doing everything possible to pave the way for her.
Late at night, the lanterns flickered. Except for the Old Madam, who was recuperating at the Hot Spring Manor, the heads of the Yong’an Marquisate gathered in the study, their expressions solemn.
They were here to discuss the next successor of the Yong’an Marquisate and the future of Chen Jiao, the heir.
The Old Marquis had already seen Chen Jiao’s ranking at the Imperial Academy, which placed her near the bottom. He took the examination paper that had caused the Yong’an Marquis such deep sorrow and quietly studied it for a long while before finally letting out a sigh.
Seeing her grandfather’s disappointment, Chen Jiao felt a pang of guilt, “Grandfather…”
She had seen in novels and dramas just how feudal ancient people could be, yet her family in this life was nothing like what she had imagined.
They had given her all their love unconditionally. Even though she had a notorious reputation as a poor student at the Imperial Academy, bringing shame to her father, the Yong’an Marquis never struck her. Each time he would merely hold a willow branch in a mock display—threatening in appearance but harmless in practice.
Her mother, Princess Yihe, was frail and spoke softly, adhering to the decorum expected of a noblewoman, yet whenever Chen Jiao’s matters were concerned, she became a fiercely protective mother. Anyone who spoke ill of Chen Jiao would find themselves verbally sparring with her, regardless of her noble demeanor.
The Old Marquis frequently boasted of her, recalling that when Chen Jiao, as a child, declared she wanted to be the heir, others had been concerned, but he had been the first to firmly support her.
The Yong’an Marquis was equally protective, worried that his daughter might be criticized. He had fathered Chen Jiao at forty, an age when one is supposed to know one’s destiny, yet he loved her as much as Princess Yihe did.
Even if Chen Jiao’s essays were poor, he would blush with anger while defending her loudly outside the court, insisting, “This is a masterpiece! The Imperial Academy scholars simply cannot appreciate it!”
The Old Marquis had remained silent too long. The Yong’an Marquis cleared his throat, forcing himself to soften his words, “Father, perhaps you do not understand what you are seeing. Let me explain. While the heir’s essay is not perfect, it does have merit…”
“Stop talking nonsense, you irritate me,” the Old Marquis interrupted brusquely, waving his hand. Today he had caught his son speaking behind his back, and he was still annoyed.
The Yong’an Marquis: …
The Old Marquis impatiently shot his son a look before turning to Chen Jiao with gentle affection. He patted his granddaughter’s head and asked, “Jiao’er, your tutor has urged you repeatedly about the exams. What are your thoughts?”
The Yong’an Marquisate now appeared flourishing and powerful, but if this generation produced no capable successor, the marquisate could decline within twenty years. Once the next emperor ascended, Princess Yihe’s connections with the royal family would weaken further, and the Yong’an Marquis would lose influence in court.
The heir was naive, yet as elders, they could not help worrying about the next generation.
The Yong’an Marquis fixed his gaze on Chen Jiao, urging, “Your studies are not bad; if you try, you may have a chance.”
He knew his daughter well. Although Chen Jiao frequently ranked at the bottom of the top class at the Imperial Academy, compared to others, she was not doing badly. As a former top-ranking scholar, he believed she could achieve the rank of a provincial graduate. With some influence in court, even if the medical examination was tricky, it could be arranged.
Unexpectedly, Chen Jiao remained unusually calm, “I wish to pursue another path.”
Disguising herself as a man carried the risk of death if discovered. If she were a prodigy, she would take the risk to compete.
But she was not. She knew her own limits. Even if she bribed the examiners, the highest she could achieve was the rank of provincial graduate, far below her current position as heir. There was no point.
The Old Marquis thought for a moment and said, “I understand your concerns… How do you feel about the princes?”
Princess Yihe roughly guessed the purpose of this family meeting. Privately, the Yong’an Marquis had hinted at it before. Though they had once hesitated, it seemed the Old Marquis had already made up his mind.
Though the title rested with the Yong’an Marquis, the Old Marquis remained the true decision-maker, a fact Princess Yihe had witnessed over the years and deeply admired.
She clutched her handkerchief and tentatively asked, “Father, do you mean we should choose among the princes…?”
The current emperor was the nephew of Princess Yihe’s mother, the Grand Princess, making her the emperor’s cousin. Though there was a crown prince, the other princes were young and ambitious, all royal by birth and blood. Naturally, they had their own desires for succession.
Intrigues among the princes had grown more intense in recent years. The Yong’an Marquisate had remained neutral, yet the timing was now right. If they waited too long, the opportunity would be lost. Choosing wisely could secure lasting prosperity for the Yong’an family.
The Yong’an Marquis recalled his impressions of the princes, evaluating, “The Third Prince is steady and practical. The Sixth Prince excels in poetry and scholarship and is well-regarded among literati. The Fifth Prince is scheming, his mother, Consort Yun, is favored by the emperor…”
Princess Yihe and the Yong’an Marquis had differing opinions on whom to support.
Princess Yihe favored the Fifth Prince, recalling that before Consort Yun entered the palace, they had exchanged handkerchiefs. Supporting the Fifth Prince could strengthen Chen Jiao’s future connections.
The Yong’an Marquis frowned, disagreeing, “The Fifth Prince is ruthless. In a time of chaos, perhaps he has potential, but in a prosperous era, he is no model ruler.”
Stroking his beard, he added, “From my observation, the emperor favors the Third Prince…” He had some insight into the emperor’s intentions from his position in court.
This matter was of great importance; it could not be decided lightly, and everyone furrowed their brows in thought. The Old Marquis had remained silent.
At that moment, Chen Jiao suddenly said, “I believe the Crown Prince is the most suitable!”
Princess Yihe pondered, “According to recent news from my mother, the emperor has shown displeasure toward the Crown Prince, and may even wish to depose him…”
She sighed inwardly. Historically, deposed crown princes met terrible fates. If the emperor truly intended to remove him, it would almost certainly lead to death. A father might not even be able to raise a hand against his daughter, let alone allow his son to die.
Everyone at the Marquisate understood the Crown Prince’s predicament, which was why he had initially been bypassed. Supporting a prince who could not inherit the throne carried enormous risk, failure could bring disgrace or even imprisonment.
The Yong’an Marquis hesitated, “Though the Crown Prince shows promise, he may not be the best choice at present.”
Princess Yihe also advised caution, “The emperor’s dislike is one factor. The Crown Prince has long-standing advisors around him; it will be difficult for our heir to shine there. Supporting another prince may be wiser…”
Chen Jiao’s eyes were firm and resolute, “I am not afraid!”
Indeed, she had been a poor student in her previous life. This time, after endless study and memorization, she had no hope left for the imperial exams. She might as well risk aligning herself with the Crown Prince.
She knew the story. The Crown Prince, named Xie Xianqing, was in danger now but would eventually ascend the throne and become the ultimate winner in this succession struggle.
Moreover, the Crown Prince was elegant, gentle, and adored by both civil and military officials—a refined and outstanding young man. Compared to the other princes, whose temperaments were unpredictable and violent, the Crown Prince was undoubtedly the safest choice.
His current danger made her courage and loyalty stand out, and when he finally ascended, her contributions would be undeniable.
While Princess Yihe and the Yong’an Marquis considered this, the Old Marquis spoke decisively, “Very well! I also favor the Crown Prince.”
His usually lazy eyes sharpened, and he said gravely, “The emperor’s mind is fickle, but the Crown Prince has done nothing warranting deposition. His mother’s clan, the Wang family, holds the office of Right Chancellor, with loyal supporters throughout court…”
When the Old Marquis spoke, the Yong’an Marquis and Princess Yihe fell silent, listening intently. Chen Jiao, however, looked at her grandfather with excitement.
The Old Marquis then asked, “Jiao’er, any other thoughts?”
“None, none,” Chen Jiao nodded, flattery evident as she gushed, “I truly admire your wisdom, Grandfather. Everyone says you only know military matters, but I see that you are the most brilliant in the family!”
Her praise made the Old Marquis smile, stroking his beard, “Calm, calm.”
Chen Jiao circled him, awed, “Even a brilliant person cannot hide the light of their wisdom! I will learn from you, Grandfather, and strive to inherit your poise one day…”
The elderly and the young exchanged flattery while the Yong’an Marquis pouted in disdain, and Princess Yihe looked thoughtful.
Later, back in her room, she remarked to her husband, “I worried the Crown Prince has too many advisors, but with Jiao’er’s talents, she may yet make her mark.”
She knew her daughter well. Chen Jiao was clever, considerate, and charming, capable of winning over the entire household.
When the Old Marquis retired, Chen Jiao would create new fishing rods for him; she would bring pastries to the Old Madam after school. Though she had servants, her personal thoughtfulness was invaluable. Princess Yihe believed that if Chen Jiao served the Crown Prince, she would eventually secure a position of influence.
Meanwhile, Chen Jiao sat quietly in the study, drafting her career plan, having found her goal and ideal: she would strive to become the Crown Prince’s number one subordinate.
At this moment, Chen Jiao could not have imagined that her future would follow a path no one anticipated, irreversible and extraordinary.