The heir of the Yong’an Marquisate, introduced by Wang Shijing, was intriguing.
Others around were left speechless, choked by Chen Jiao’s quick-witted response.
Although servants would never pour scalding tea for the Crown Prince, Chen Jiao’s fluid and natural movements conveyed sincerity. Coupled with her words, onlookers could not help but think: this one is a formidable competitor.
The Crown Prince’s advisors, all from noble families, prided themselves on their literati demeanor, always offering praise with caution, careful not to appear sycophantic lest they gain the reputation of treacherous ministers.
Never before had someone like Chen Jiao, so unabashed in her flattery, appeared at the Crown Prince’s side.
Though meeting her for the first time, everyone sensed that this future colleague might not be someone easily managed.
As time passed, their intuition would prove correct.
Under the scrutinizing eyes of the crowd, Chen Jiao stood confidently beside the Crown Prince, perfectly satisfied with her quick and dexterous tea service. Though it was her first meeting, she felt no embarrassment.
As a junior, the first rule was shamelessness. What the senior could not do due to status, the junior would handle. What the senior said was law.
The Right Chancellor was the Crown Prince’s maternal grandfather, but today he had no intention of staying for the banquet, only pausing briefly to chat with the guests before leaving.
After the Crown Prince departed and the banquet concluded, everyone left, and Chen Jiao headed home. Along the way, she reflected on her first encounter with her future superior, convinced she had performed exceptionally.
Returning from the Right Chancellor’s mansion, she was cheerful, even stopping at a building on West Street to pick up a pot of her grandfather’s newly mentioned wine. Though servants could easily acquire it, the granddaughter buying it herself carried special significance.
At the same time, at the Yong’an Marquisate, Princess Yihe sat with a handkerchief in one hand, supporting her forehead, while the Marquis stood nearby, his expression equally serious. The Old Marquis sat quietly at the head of the table, snacking on peanuts, casually glancing toward the main entrance.
Princess Yihe had originally intended to use the Grand Princess’ influence to introduce the heir to the Crown Prince, but her daughter’s initiative to navigate the Right Chancellor’s route herself made the process simpler. Princess Yihe abandoned her previous plan, trusting her daughter’s judgment entirely.
When Chen Jiao arrived with a servant, she found the Marquisate awaiting her.
Upon seeing her, the Yong’an Marquis and his wife eagerly inquired about her meeting with the Crown Prince, and even the usually indifferent Old Marquis set aside his peanuts.
Having decided to place their bets on the Crown Prince, the first impression Chen Jiao left was crucial.
After she recounted the events of the day, Princess Yihe frowned with concern, “Jiao’er, you were bold today. Will the Crown Prince’s advisors conspire against you?”
The Marquis’ face was also serious, clearly sharing the concern. He maintained many retainers and was well aware of the intricate networks among his subordinates. Though Chen Jiao had impressed the Crown Prince today, future internal friction was possible.
Chen Jiao sipped water, surprised, “Why would they push me out?”
With wide apricot-shaped eyes, she spread her hands, declaring righteously, “I have joined this household, not to disrupt it!”
Others: …
Yet she spoke the truth. She sought only to gain the Crown Prince’s favor, not to foment internal strife. The shared goal of the team was harmony, advancing together, assisting the Crown Prince to ascend.
If conflict arose, it would wait until after his ascension.
Observing closely, Chen Jiao noted that those surrounding the Crown Prince were seasoned officials, typically recruited through the imperial exams, clearly different from a scholar of her caliber.
Though they challenged her today, she felt no anger.
They were truly talented, capable of assisting the Crown Prince in governance and eliminating adversaries, pursuing loyal and competent paths that would lead to high office, historical fame, and benefit for the people.
Chen Jiao, unable to succeed through exams, planned to be the Crown Prince’s close aide. Her career goal was to gain favor, establish a foundation of loyalty, inherit her title, become a favored minister, accompany him in leisure, privately complain about troublesome officials, and advocate for the emperor in court.
The Crown Prince’s attendants included both talented ministers supervising duties and devoted favorites providing companionship and support.
No emperor could work without desire, emotions, or enjoyment. Even the founding emperor, fond of hunting, maintained multiple hunting grounds despite ministers’ objections about waste. He reasoned, “If a minister may pursue desires, why not an emperor?”
Thus, in every dynasty, an emperor always had close favorites to accompany, help manage affairs, and handle difficult ministers. Chen Jiao intended to be that favorite.
She trusted the other Crown Prince’s faction members were not foolish. Though they opposed her today, in time they would realize no conflict existed. Her addition brought the Yong’an Marquisate’s support, increasing the Crown Prince’s chances of successful ascension.
Chen Jiao smiled, recalling her deliberate test, pouring tea first, drawing others’ resentment. The Crown Prince’s inaction indicated he did not favor old ministers over newcomers, a promising sign.
Confidence brimming, she resolved: the future emperor’s closest aide would be herself.
Only the Old Marquis seemed aware of her intent. His sharp eyes gleamed; stroking his beard, he laughed heartily, exclaiming, “Excellent! Jiao’er, we underestimated you.”
He said, “You are most like me.”
The Yong’an Marquis, talented and upright, admired her decisiveness, adaptability, and clear insight. With time, she would achieve greatness.
Having connected with the Crown Prince and joined his faction, Chen Jiao’s life changed.
Previously, after classes at the Imperial Academy, she roamed freely, playing or returning home at will. Now, with ambition, laziness was no longer an option. After class, she went directly to the Crown Prince’s residence.
Most Crown Prince’s faction members were busy with official duties, not always available.
Yet Chen Jiao, determined to become the future emperor’s favorite, sought to gain his favor immediately.
She set her schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for impressing the Crown Prince; Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for leisure; weekends as flexible days. Three days of rest per week, she felt well compensated as a new entrant in the political arena.
Arriving leisurely at the Crown Prince’s residence, she paused after the doorman announced her, smoothed her sleeves, and entered calmly.
Today Chen Jiao wore a bound bun with a jade hairpin, a red robe embroidered with golden wealth-symbolic Pixiu on the sleeves. Her fair skin contrasted beautifully with the red fabric, her smile charming and inviting.
“Has the heir arrived so early today?”
At her entry, the Crown Prince discussed recent finance ministry reforms, the atmosphere relaxed.
Chen Jiao slid through the crowd like an eel, reaching the Crown Prince’s left side, and stood as still as a meditating monk.
Onlookers glanced, seeing it was Chen Jiao again, speechless. A subtle eye-roll conveyed: this one plays dirty!
Though unspoken, the Crown Prince’s faction had rules. Newcomers should integrate gradually, never immediately displacing long-serving attendants, as overt flattery could seem opportunistic and offend the Crown Prince.
Over the years, the faction adhered to this principle. Yet Chen Jiao, unafraid, broke in line, securing the closest spot to the Crown Prince.
Everyone was bound by propriety, unable to call her a sycophant openly, but glared, hoping she would step back.
Chen Jiao, not blind, saw the gazes and understood. Yet she stood her ground, pretending oblivion, enjoying her proximity.
She had arrived last; waiting patiently might mean being forgotten even after the Crown Prince’s ascension. She needed to establish her presence now.
For promotion and favor, to become the Crown Prince’s most compatible aide, she surged forward.
Feigning casual ease, she stood near the Crown Prince, observing everything, relaxed as if whistling.
Onlookers, seeing her shamelessness, were outraged: … incredible, audacious!
Scholars prized face above all. Those surrounding the Crown Prince were either noble-born or exceptionally talented, self-respecting, and could not openly accuse Chen Jiao of opportunism.
Her strategy was perfect. The emperor, occupied with myriad affairs, could not remember every minor figure, yet Chen Jiao’s forthrightness caught his attention.
Xie Xianqing, as Crown Prince, observed the political maneuverings closely. Though gentle and poised, he disliked subordinates who flattered deliberately.
Yet Chen Jiao’s charm and effortless flattery were endearing, her youthful sincerity evident.
He smiled faintly, leisurely lifting his teacup, choosing not to intervene in the political struggle among his ministers.