The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 923

Chapter 923: 423 Counterattack (double update)

The man looked at her hand tightly clutching the corner of her clothes and sneered, "What? You want to slap this prince again? This time, you’d better use a bit more force, don’t leave without a mark like last time."

...

The crown prince came out of the Imperial Study Room, his face pale as if he were sick. He wasn’t watching where he was going and almost bumped into someone passing by.

He was about to explode in anger but then realized that the person was Prince Ning.

He couldn’t identify his feelings, but he muttered a greeting dully, "Big brother."

Prince Ning smiled and said, "What’s the matter? You look unhappy. Did our father scold you, or did he scold Xiaoqi?"

The crown prince spoke with a hint of resentment, "Father said I haven’t disciplined Xiaoqi properly! How is that my fault? Who knew that Little Fat would have the guts to run wild around the palace?"

Prince Ning chuckled, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "You are the crown prince, an elder brother and role model for all the imperial sons. It’s inevitable that our father has higher expectations for you. Don’t worry; he’s just speaking sternly and won’t really blame you. As for Xiaoqi, he’s at the mischievous age; it’s normal for him to get into trouble. Father is too fond of him to really hold him accountable."

These words were quite comforting to hear.

The crown prince didn’t envy Qin Chuyu taking away some of their father’s affection. After all, he was his legitimate younger brother, and they had many years between them. Moreover, what Prince Ning said was right; their father questioned him because he had higher expectations for him compared to the other princes.

He sighed, "It’s just... Father still wants to punish Xiaoqi, and my pleas were to no avail."

Prince Ning smiled and patted the crown prince’s shoulder again, "You go back to the East Palace first. I’ll talk to our father."

The crown prince opened his mouth and, to be honest, he wasn’t in the same camp as Prince Ning. Prince Ning was his biggest threat on the path to becoming emperor, not only because Prince Ning was more intelligent and capable, but also because their father was very fond of Prince Ning.

Yet it was often hard to resent this brother of his.

His gaze was warm, sunny, and sincere. He was striving to be a good son to their father and a good brother to the other princes. He was ambitious, but not overtly power-hungry.

Especially since he showed not the slightest indecent interest in Linlang.

Don’t think I don’t know—the third, the fourth, and even the Noble Consort’s fifth son all secretly admired Linlang.

Only the big brother was upright and magnanimous, a truly noble gentleman.

With that thought, the crown prince started to view Prince Ning much more favorably, "Alright then, I’ll leave Xiaoqi’s matter in your hands. Linlang’s hurt; I need to get back to take care of her quickly."

He had just taken a few steps when Prince Ning suddenly called out to him, "Second brother."

The crown prince turned around, "Is there something else, big brother?"

Prince Ning said, "Father has been worried lately about the assessment of the six ministries, and the cabinet has been in endless debate over it. I was planning to go to the cabinet myself. Do you want to come along, second brother?"

Well, there’s no escape now. _{fɾēewebnσveℓ.com}