Not all the ministers knew about this matter, only those on Cui Yu’s list were informed, all key figures in the Court, whom he believed would never defect to Ah Chen.

Actually, Ah Chen had never considered recruiting the ministers of Nan Qi; they were worrying too much.

The people standing in this courtroom, apart from a few, all believed that sending a Princess to Bei Qi would ensure Nan Qi’s peace for a decade, but she was really disinterested in using them.

"The Sixth Princess and Seventh Princess are inviting Your Majesty to enjoy the lanterns," Lu Zhu said, "They are also privy to the secret. This move should be to confuse Your Majesty and divert attention, so Your Majesty won’t notice anything amiss."

"Then let’s go," Ah Chen said, everything that needed to be arranged had been arranged, just waiting for the show to commence. Recently, besides organizing the tasks acquired from Song Chong, there really wasn’t much to do.

So boring.

Ah Chen soon met with Song Miao and Song Man. The two of them greeted her with a few eager expressions, as if they were here to curry favor with her. If not for knowing their purpose beforehand, one would only think they were a bit obsequious, trying to gain benefits from her.

Have to admit, their acting is quite good.

If it were in another world, they might even break into the entertainment industry and surely be praised as skilled actors.

"What do sisters usually do every day?" Sitting on the boat, gazing at the exquisitely interesting lanterns around, Ah Chen inquired.

What could women in such times do? Those with high status mostly admired flowers, wrote poems, played with close friends, etc., while busy ones managed a large family’s food, drink, shops, estates, etc. Lower status meant more tasks, constantly busy with basic chores along with considering making embroidery to supplement household expenses.

As for those with tragic backgrounds who ended up somewhere else, there’s no need to mention.

Song Miao and Song Man, with their high status, were fortunate to live a life free of worries, something many envied.

Song Miao laughed, "Just admiring flowers, listening to tunes, those sorts of things."

"We cannot compare to Ninth Sister’s excellence, being bestowed with the title of Crown Princess, like Imperial Brothers, able to participate in court politics." Song Man continued, claiming not to be envious was false. Standing in that place was different from admiring flowers in one’s residence or going outside to listen to songs. As royal princesses, naturally having seen much, positioned at the heart of power, thoughts surely exist, but such precedents are rare.

Finally, a Crown Princess appeared, but her identity was incorrect.

Initially, there was jealousy, thinking father favored Ninth Sister too much, but now understanding the truth, they found the opponent indeed outstanding, very daring, a notion they dared not entertain as princesses. Yet ultimately, they stood in opposition; if the opponent succeeds, these Nan Qi Princesses would likely not face good outcomes. For the sake of good living and survival, they could only support their father.

"The talents of both sisters are not inferior to the Imperial Brothers. From your words, it seems you have ambitions. When that day comes, you might join court politics too." Ah Chen said with a smile. In Canglan Country, there were indeed many female officials; when Nan Qi was annexed, there would naturally be female officials here, but these two probably wouldn’t have the chance.

Just speaking to them, besides no one was sincere tonight.

They pretended to ingratiate themselves to please her, so naturally, she had to offer them some benefits, merely a matter of uttering good words.

Even knowing Cui Chen wouldn’t succeed, hearing these words, Song Miao and Song Man were jolted, a thought suddenly sprang in their minds. If Cui Chen was their sister and the matter succeeded, could they truly participate in court politics?

Can’t deny, they were genuinely tempted.

But they quickly came to their senses. They waited for Doctor Chen’s medicine to be dispensed, then their father would regain lucidity, at which point Cui Chen would be beyond redemption, all plots rendered void, and these promises naturally rendered useless.

They couldn’t be swayed, calmer now, once their father recovered, they would’ve done some things worthy of remembering, and potentially be rewarded with more honors, living gloriously as princesses throughout their lives.

As for engaging in court politics, in light of this Cui Chen affair, such thoughts are now unthinkable; entertaining such notions would surely displease their father.

"Thank you for Crown Princess’s support then." The two were exhilarated, displaying the sycophantic portrayal to perfection.

Lu Zhu and Hong Zhu exchanged a glance, understanding the thought process of the two Princesses, only these Princesses couldn’t foresee the outcome, nor realize the person before them was indeed from Canglan Country, someone who could truly appoint female officials.

The night’s lantern viewing was enjoyable, even though Song Miao and Song Man were there to distract Ah Chen, the two spoke pleasingly, free of any irritation, making Ah Chen somewhat understand why they’d come to flatter her.

They’re good at this.

The five Princes, however, showed little activity. When Crown Princess was conferred, each expressed their stance, suddenly currying favor would definitely seem odd, better to maintain the usual demeanor.

After each court adjournment, Song Mo rarely spoke, leaving directly. Song Wei still grinned, but upon seeing Ah Chen, his smile softened. Song Feng’s gloomy demeanor showed displeasure towards her. Song Lian maintained the usual distant demeanor, would greet Ah Chen, share a few words.

Song Li always had a compassionate appearance, eyes full of complex emotions impossible to conceal.

Ah Chen paid no heed to them.

But everyone was watching her, and discovered a surprising fact: she could actually manage affairs perfectly, even straightforwardly, her capabilities far exceeding the five Princes. Of course, ministers discovering these facts dared not speak much, these words wouldn’t be well-loved.

No matter her competence, a bleak path lies ahead. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Everyone was waiting, waiting for Song Chong to regain consciousness, then everything would end.

She would be punished, and Nan Qi would return to calm.

Cui Chen had been sulking at home for days, wanting to go out for a walk.

Glancing at the people with him, he asked, "Arranged by Big Brother?"

"The Elder Young Master worries Second Young Master might face inconvenience outside, having us accompany to serve better."

"Forget it, just follow along then." Cui Chen sighed; actually, his elder brother worried unnecessarily, he wouldn’t dare speak those things.

Just today wasn’t the day to go out, he coincidentally ran into Ah Chen.

Among the followers of Cui Chen was a servant loyal to Cui Zhao, privy to the insider’s knowledge, immediately becoming vigilant.

Cui Chen originally wanted to turn and leave, but already being seen, departing would appear inappropriate, considering the other party still held the identity of Crown Princess.

"Long time no see, Second Young Master Cui has grown quieter, has something happened?" Ah Chen smiled inquiringly.

If it were before, Cui Chen surely would have thought the other was gloating.

This time he noticed she was genuinely not gloating, seeming in a good mood, casually asking.

"Nothing, family worries." Cui Chen casually responded, not daring to meet Ah Chen’s gaze.