After entering the book, the cold prince begs for favor

As Lu Jiangnian's figure disappeared outside the palace gate, the Crown Prince, with nowhere to vent his frustration and anger, almost immediately summoned Sun Huanzhi.

Sun Huanzhi rushed over, but before he could even pay his respects, the Crown Prince, still furious, revealed that Lu Jiangnian was determined to resign.

Sun Huanzhi remained silent for a moment.

Unexpectedly, Sun Huanzhi did not agree with the Crown Prince, but instead advised, "Your Highness, please calm down. Since Lu Jiangnian's heart is not in this, even if Your Highness tries to keep him, I'm afraid it's easier to keep him than to keep his heart."

"Besides, there are plenty of capable people in the court. Your Highness has many talented individuals at your disposal. Why not grant his wish?"

"you!"

The Crown Prince never expected that even Sun Huanzhi would say the same thing.

He was so angry at those two guys that he almost laughed.

"You're definitely on his side. Did he already ask you to be his advocate beforehand?"

Sun Huanzhi was taken aback, then gave a helpless bitter smile: "Your Highness is overthinking it. I knew nothing about this matter beforehand."

He changed the subject, his expression becoming serious, "Speaking of which, I also have a request to make, and I humbly ask Your Highness to grant it."

The crown prince's eyes instantly turned wary: "What is it? You don't want to follow that scoundrel Lu Jiangnian's example and resign from your post for me, do you?"

The moment this thought crossed his mind, the crown prince's face turned even uglier.

Sun Huanzhi was momentarily speechless with a laugh, then shook his head: "Your Highness is overthinking it."

Lu Jiangnian has a beautiful wife by his side, traveling the world hand in hand, living a carefree life. Why should he, a lonely man, resign from his official post?

"What I'm talking about is actually about Haining."

The prince's tense expression relaxed slightly, signaling him to continue.

Sun Huanzhi said solemnly, "My mother has finally relented and agreed to let her go to the border for a year of training."

"If Haining can achieve some real results at the border and prove herself within a year, then my mother will let her follow her own path and will no longer interfere."

"But if it doesn't work out, she'll have to give up on the idea completely and obediently return to the capital to wait for her marriage."

After hearing this, the Crown Prince looked sharply at Sun Huanzhi and pointed out the key point: "It seems you intend to stay in the capital for a long time?"

Sun Huanzhi nodded readily: "Your Highness is wise. I agree to stay in the capital and let Haining go out and make his way in the world."

"As a woman, Haining's decision to join the army will inevitably attract criticism and face numerous obstacles. Whether her mission can proceed smoothly depends most on Your Highness's decree. I wonder what Your Highness's opinion is?"

The crown prince was not a conservative or old-fashioned person. Almost without thinking, he readily agreed: "Granted!"

"There were female generals in previous dynasties who left their mark on history. I do not believe that women are inherently inferior to men!"

"The so-called gap is simply because they were confined to their homes from a young age, and their exposure to the world was too narrow."

When Haining was mentioned, the Crown Prince's eyes revealed a hint of admiration and recognition: "Haining has aspired to be a female general who can fight on the battlefield since she was a child. She has remained steadfast in her ambition for so many years. Her willpower and perseverance are something that many men would be ashamed of."

"Now that I know her ambition, I should lend her a helping hand."

Sun Huanzhi smiled with relief and bowed deeply: "In that case, on behalf of my younger sister, I thank Your Highness for your kindness!"

The Crown Prince waved his hand casually, saying, "She is my cousin. We're family, so there's no need for such formalities."

Thinking of something, his eyes turned serious: "But let me make this clear from the start."

"I will only give her this one year."

"If she can gain a foothold at the border and achieve tangible results within a year, I will reward her."

"If she has accomplished nothing by the end of the year, then she should obediently return to the capital and stay there."

Sun Huanzhi nodded: "That's certainly the case."

-

Lu Jiangnian returned to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence and went straight to Wangchun Hall without stopping, where he told his parents about his decision.

Upon hearing this, Lu Song's hand holding the teacup trembled, and the tea almost spilled.

His eyes were filled with astonishment, and his tone was one of disbelief: "Resign? How could you even have such a thought?"

He really couldn't figure it out.

The son is so young, yet he is deeply trusted by the new emperor. Perhaps he will one day earn the hereditary title of Duke. In his hands, the Lu family will surely rise to another level.

Lu Songqiang suppressed his thoughts and did not immediately rebuke or object.

He knew his son well; he was by no means a person who acted impulsively.

"Tell me what you think."

Wang Min was also surprised. She didn't interrupt and sat quietly to the side waiting.

Lu Jiangnian spoke his mind.

“Father, Mother, everyone sees the deep affection between me and His Highness, but no one expected that this relationship might become a double-edged sword after His Highness ascends to the throne.”

He paused, his tone grave: "Your Highness resides in the Ninth Heaven, wielding the power of life and death, and naturally there is an insurmountable chasm between you and your subjects."

"Over time, if I fail to remain vigilant and maintain a proper mindset, and even slightly overstep my bounds..."

"Or perhaps, His Highness has gradually become cold and distant... and I feel resentment..."

"In short, even the smallest detail can be the root of disaster."

Lu Jiangnian's gaze deepened: "More importantly, Father is stationed at the border, wielding a large army, a pillar of the nation, and a figure of great prestige."

"If I were to also occupy a high position in the court, the combined power of my father and son would be far too great, with one in the central government and the other in a strategic border region!"

This amount is enough to keep any monarch awake at night.

Lu Song's expression also turned solemn.

Lu Jiangnian continued, "Rather than attracting suspicion in the future due to excessive power, it's better for me to take a step back now."

"By taking this step back, I not only preserve my friendship with Your Highness, but also gain Your Highness's consideration for the Lu family."

“My younger brothers have all grown up. Remembering this kindness, they will have no shortage of opportunities in the future. In this way, the foundation of the Lu family will remain solid, and it will not bring about its downfall due to excessive brilliance.”

Finally, a hint of helplessness and clarity flashed in his eyes: "In the end, I've known Your Highness for far too long."

“I know his deep sense of loyalty and righteousness, but I also know how the path to becoming an emperor can change a person.”

“If he changes, I may not be able to remain consistent and be an obedient subject.”

Lu Jiangnian's analysis made Lu Song's heart tighten.

What did he mean by his last sentence?

Thinking about his son's personality, he felt a chill run down his spine.

He really dares to say that!

"You...you really are..."

Lu Song stood up, pointed at Lu Jiangnian, and his expression changed drastically. He wanted to sternly rebuke his son for this "rebellious" thought, but the words stuck in his throat.

Jiang Nian's words were clear-headed and sharp, and Lu Song couldn't find the words to refute them.

Looking at the complex emotions surging in Lu Song's eyes, Lu Jiangnian smiled calmly: "Father, there are no good people in our Lu family. All of my younger brothers are promising talents. Whether it is literature or martial arts, they are all quite talented."

"With you in charge of the Lu family, give them another five years, and they will definitely be able to make a name for themselves based on their own abilities. You can rest assured about that."

Lu Song remained silent, his gaze shifting to the side to Wang Min, who had also been silent.

"My wife, what do you think?"