SWHCBB 19

Chapter 19: My Little Husband Loves Me So Much!

Hearing that, Jiang Chuang became indignant. “Isn’t that just pure cowardice? At least raise someone who can fight and isn’t afraid to die! All this for power and status—do they not fear the fall of the nation or the ruin of families? I’ve spent years winning battles, finally pacified the border and brought peace, only for them to waste it all like this?”

Disgust also surfaced in Wen Jue’s eyes. “The Xiang family is all like this—caring nothing for the bigger picture, only for their own wealth and power. If the Sixth Prince truly inherits the throne, Daling will be doomed, and the people will suffer.”

Jiang Chuang nodded. “Zhiyu, you’ve already thought of a way to break the stalemate, haven’t you?”

Wen Jue: “…Aren’t you going to ask how I knew all that?”

Without hesitation, Jiang Chuang replied, “You’re so smart—is there anything you don’t know? It’d be strange if you didn’t know.”

Add to that the fact that Wen Yan had been operating in the court for years, her influence sprawling in all directions. With the entanglement between the inner palace and outer court, she wouldn’t miss any shift in the wind. And even if something escaped her notice, Wen Jue could always deduce their intentions.

Wen Yan was Wen Jue’s eyes; Wen Jue was Wen Yan’s brain.

So no matter what he said, Jiang Chuang believed him completely. Even if Zhiyu wanted to lie to him, it would be for a reason—he would never let Jiang Chuang be harmed. What was there to worry about?

Wen Jue had prepared an excuse, but Jiang Chuang didn’t even question him. That took a weight off his shoulders.

“Whether we break the game or not doesn’t matter. The border has only just been settled—it’s still unstable. Father Emperor needs you badly right now, but he also fears you. No matter how much those two impeach you, they won’t move him for now. But once he no longer needs you, even if no one accuses you, he’ll settle scores after autumn.”

He stated plainly what Jiang Chuang had brooded over in his past life. But this time, Jiang Chuang had already made peace with it. “When the birds are gone, the bow is stored. When the rabbit dies, the dog is stewed. It’s always been like that, I guessed it long ago.”

Wen Jue placed his hand atop Jiang Chuang’s, which held the reins, and gently comforted him. “With me here, I won’t let you fall to that point.”

“I know.” Jiang Chuang hugged him a little tighter, shamelessly beaming. “Zhiyu loves me the most. He’d never bear to see me fall into hardship!”

Wen Jue changed the subject: “Back to business. The Empress and Sixth Prince’s schemes. Third Brother knows them well. They’ll go along with the plan.”

What he didn’t say was: he and his sister were also planning to turn the scheme against them.

“Third Brother has his own people in the Censorate.” So did his sister.

Jiang Chuang: “And then? What’s their plan?”

Only now did he remember—hadn’t he been repeatedly impeached in the previous life? But at the time, he hadn’t paid much mind. He let them fling their filth at him, thinking “the innocent remain clean.”

Later, a few civil officials spoke on his behalf, dismissing the accusations. After court, Prince Yi had come to comfort him, told him not to worry—he wouldn’t let sinister people frame a loyal subject.

That was when Jiang Chuang realized it was Prince Yi who had helped him. He made a mental note of the favor. But to Jiang Chuang, that was so long ago and not a major event—it had long faded from memory. Only now did he recall.

Wen Jue explained, “Third Brother had his people mix in and submit an impeachment against you. Then had others defend you, pulling you from danger, so you’d owe him, remember his kindness, and be easier to use later.”

So that’s what it was… Jiang Chuang had always just focused on fighting. What did he know about these schemes? Now that he understood, all he could think was, of course. No wonder.

No wonder everything had gone wrong when he returned to the capital—only Prince Yi seemed to appreciate him. Just how many threads had Prince Yi been pulling behind the scenes?

He said nothing, and Wen Jue didn’t know whether he was doubting him or regretting that everything between him and Prince Yi had been part of a calculated act.

Wen Jue hesitated, then explained, “I’m only telling you this so you know to guard against everyone. Third Brother has deep cunning, but… he won’t actually harm you. The military command will eventually return to you. What he values is your control over the troops. Whether you follow him is up to you.”

He chose to let Jiang Chuang decide this round, to make up for his own minor deceit.

“These past two years, Father’s health has gotten worse. The battle for the crown prince has been raging behind the scenes. If you don’t want to get caught in the mud, the best option is to request a post at the border—until…”

He didn’t finish, but both knew what he meant.

Jiang Chuang understood. For Zhiyu to say this now, he must have made a choice. He couldn’t bear to see Jiang Chuang become a pawn in the struggle for power.

Had he really become that important to Zhiyu? The more Jiang Chuang thought about it, the happier he felt. If not for all the people around, he would’ve galloped off on horseback in joy.

As they entered the city, Jiang Chuang still held him close, pressing against him. He only had the horse move faster.

“If I go to guard the border, what about you?” Jiang Chuang asked.

Wen Jue replied calmly, “As long as my sister is in the palace, I won’t leave.”

“Then I won’t leave either, because you’re here.” Jiang Chuang turned and kissed his ear, making him tremble. “I’ll follow you. Your stance is my stance.”

Wen Jue’s voice wavered. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

Jiang Chuang smiled but didn’t push further, afraid of scaring him. Now wasn’t the right time. If he laid everything bare too soon, Zhiyu might become wary again, or guard himself more.

“I know.”

Wen Jue’s voice turned cold. “What if I wanted them all dead?”

“Then tell me, who do we kill first?” Jiang Chuang asked with a laugh, unfazed by the earth-shattering words he had just said. “Sixth Prince? Prince Yi? The Empress? Or the Emperor?”

Wen Jue: “You…”

The two of them rode through the bustling streets, saying the most treasonous things as if they were discussing the weather.

Jiang Chuang was quick to admit fault. “I was wrong, I shouldn’t have spoken so freely. Punish me when we get back, Zhiyu.”

Wen Jue was so stunned he couldn’t even speak. But deep down, he was beginning to believe it, everything Jiang Chuang said, he would truly do.

And what confused him even more was, how had everything come to this?

Jiang Chuang was no longer anything like the man described in the initial intelligence reports.

Now, Wen Jue had a strange, indescribable feeling, everything seemed to be veering further from the original plan, yet somehow, it was still all within his control. It was utterly absurd!