roccoschili Chapter 185 Going to Great Expense to Climb the Social Ladder
Chapter 185 Going to Great Expense to Climb the Social Ladder
Zhao Jue suppressed his turbulent thoughts and respectfully bowed, saying, "Grandson greets his grandfather and grandmother."
The Duke asked casually, "Have you been working at the government office lately?"
“My grandson’s injuries have fully healed, how can he stay idle at home?” Zhao Jue said sincerely, “I have learned so many skills and I want to serve the court.”
The Duke did not speak.
Zhao Jue lifted his robe and knelt on the ground: "Grandson has realized his mistake. He cannot let his second brother's poor health cause him to have inappropriate thoughts, making the mansion a mess and becoming a laughing stock for outsiders."
When the Duke saw Zhao Jue kneeling down to admit his mistake, he felt not gratified, but rather disappointed.
If someone takes the initiative to admit their mistake during a marriage exchange, it shows they have a sense of responsibility.
Now that everything has settled, this apology might be for ulterior motives.
Therefore, their apology was not out of genuine remorse.
"It's good that you know you're wrong." The Duke relented and said, "You can serve in the Five Cities Garrison first. Once you've made some achievements, you'll be promoted at the summit."
The implication is that his future success depends entirely on himself.
Zhao Jue clenched his fists and lowered his head, saying, "Grandson is in charge of the fire prevention in the area around the Prince of Zhenbei's residence. When the Prince of Zhenbei returns to the capital, will the residence need repairs and patrols be increased?"
He paused for a moment, then said, "I heard from my colleagues that the Prince of Zhenbei doesn't like people patrolling near the Prince's residence. If they don't patrol and a fire breaks out, the higher-ups will hold them accountable."
Zhao Jue looked up at the Duke and met his probing gaze, as if his thoughts had been read.
He steadied himself and said, "My grandson has come specifically to ask his grandfather for advice."
"You did not act on your own initiative and visit the Prince of Zhenbei in my name, which is a sign of progress."
The Duke didn't beat around the bush and directly exposed his thoughts: "Don't go patrolling the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion anymore, and don't even think about trying to befriend the Prince of Zhenbei."
Zhao Jue, feeling humiliated, gritted his teeth and said, "Grandfather, are you afraid that your grandson will compete with my second brother?"
“Compete? What do you have to compete with your second brother?” The Duke gave Zhao Jue a deep look and said meaningfully, “Sanlang, everything you are trying so hard to get now is something you have thrown away with your own hands.”
Zhao Jue finally understood that the Duke would not help him.
Since that's the case, he decided to fight for it himself.
-
After leaving Shi'an Hall, Zhao Jue went to Jingde Hall to discuss with his second wife: "Mother, the Prince of Zhenbei holds military power. Now that we have won a battle, the Emperor will reward him handsomely. If I can gain his favor, I will have a place in the army in the future."
Upon hearing this, the second wife seemed to see a glimmer of hope. She quickly said, "You should visit the Prince of Zhenbei tomorrow. Your mother has prepared a generous gift for you."
She knew she couldn't count on the Duke.
In order to help Zhao Jue climb the social ladder to become the Prince of Zhenbei and thus have a smooth career path in the future.
The second wife specially returned to her parents' home to find her younger brother, bringing back a carriage full of generous gifts.
They really went all out.
The next morning, Zhao Jue took the few gifts he had carefully selected and went to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
Since it's the first time we've met, bringing a carriage full of lavish gifts would be a clear indication of his true intentions.
The carriage stopped at the gate of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion. Zhao Jue got off carrying gifts and knocked on the gate with a copper ring in his hand.
At that moment, another carriage arrived and stopped next to his carriage.
Zhao Jue turned around and saw Master Zhao getting out of the carriage.
"Oh, second nephew, what are you doing here so early in the morning?" Master Zhao glanced at the gift in Zhao Jue's hand and laughed, "You served in the army before and had some connections with the Prince of Zhenbei?"
Zhao Jue nodded and asked in return, "Uncle, what brings you here?"
Master Zhao was about to speak.
With a creak, the mansion gate opened.
The gatekeeper, seeing Master Zhao, said respectfully, "My dear in-law, my lord is waiting for you in the main hall."
"Hey, I came early on purpose, I'm sorry to have kept my in-laws waiting." Master Zhao stepped inside, then suddenly remembered something and turned to Zhao Jue: "Second nephew, weren't you going to visit the Prince? Shall we go together?"
When the gatekeeper saw Zhao Jue, remembering the instructions of the Prince of Zhenbei, he showed no respect whatsoever: "My dear in-law, my lord does not see outsiders today, only family members."
The door slammed shut with a bang.
Zhao Jue was met with a rebuff and was almost unable to process what was happening.
Father-in-law?
Is the lord related to the Prince of Zhenbei by marriage?
A thought flashed through Zhao Jue's mind, and he was stunned as if he had been hit on the head with a club.
Is Shen Qingtan actually the daughter of the Prince of Zhenbei?
No wonder the Duke said those things to him, and even advised him not to associate with the Prince of Zhenbei.
A chill ran through him as he belatedly realized a problem.
The Prince of Zhenbei knew that he had let Shen Qingtan down, so how dare a mere gatekeeper give him attitude?
He schemed and plotted relentlessly for power and status.
The result was nothing.
Zhao Yi neither competed nor fought for anything, yet he reaped the benefits without lifting a finger.
He was the one who made Zhao Yi who she is today.
Originally... the position of the eldest grandson belonged to Shen Qingtan.
A great sense of resentment welled up in Zhao Jue's heart.
After feeling resentful, he realized with a clear mind that he had betrayed Shen Qingtan, and the Prince of Zhenbei would probably retaliate against him.
Zhao Jue's heart sank into an icy abyss, and the only thing he could think of was shirking responsibility.
And the person who can take the blame for him—
Zhao Jue looked in the direction of the Marquis of Chengen's residence, and made up his mind.