Family affection? Is it important to have rights?

Chapter 161 Discussion

Since Ji Qichen has successfully won over Marquis Jingyang, he no longer hides his intentions and does not care about being known by Tangxi and Miss Gu.

They are all their own people.

Besides, keeping someone in the dark is not a good thing.

Ji Qichen felt that he would die in the future, so he would not avoid talking about this topic with her, and Tangxi was not a stupid person.

He fantasized that after his death, Tangxi would be able to keep his name and live safely.

As Miss Gu is Marquis Jingyang's biological sister, needless to say.

Ji Qichen raised his head and continued to look at Gu Shiming, "Lord Jingyang Hou, may I call you Shiming?"

Now that the two of them have formed an alliance, it is only natural that they should be closer!

Now that they are close, why not just go straight to the point and skip the middle steps.

Gu Shiming twitched his lips and nodded helplessly, "Your Highness the Third Prince is welcome to address you."

Ji Qichen refused, "Don't be so distant, just call me Qichen."

Gu Shiming took a deep breath and agreed through gritted teeth, "Okay! ...Qi Chen."

Ji Qichen's smile did not diminish, "Shi Ming."

Mu Tangxi looked at the two of them calmly. Why did they make up again?

So they weren't fighting just now, but just... playing?

Ji Qichen continued, "Since Shi Ming has formed an alliance with me, let's continue the discussion."

Gu Shiyin suddenly withdrew his gaze from Sister Tangxi and looked at his brother and the third prince in confusion.

What did they just say?

How did they form an alliance?

Gu Shiyin even thought she was hallucinating.

But at this moment, Gu Shiming had already replied, "Okay, then let's continue discussing the officials in the court who have not yet chosen a side. Which one do you have your eyes on?"

Ji Qichen blinked, "Actually, I like those officials very much."

Gu Shiming's forehead was bulging with veins, but he still took a deep breath, "Currently, most of the high-ranking officials in the court are standing behind the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. The few neutral factions are the civil officials headed by the Prime Minister, the military officials headed by the General of Zhenbei, and the officials under the command of the Princess."

"And you are very lucky. Miss Mu is the daughter of the Prime Minister. You are very likely to get a little help from the Prime Minister..."

Before Gu Shiming could finish his words, he was interrupted by Gu Shiyin, "Why did the Prime Minister only help the Third Prince a little bit?"

He explained, "The prime minister holds a very important position in the court, and one cannot easily choose a side. Once the prime minister makes a choice, the emperor will definitely be wary. After all..."

Gu Shiming glanced at Miss Mu unnaturally and continued, "After all, the Prime Minister's reputation is too widespread. If he stands next to any prince, those officials who admire the Prime Minister will waver in their ideas. The civil servants in the court are all selected through the imperial examination."

"And whoever has participated in the imperial examination has not heard of Prime Minister Mu's name? A top six place is a rare feat that only happens once in a century!"

As Gu Shiming spoke, admiration appeared in his eyes. Even though he was a military officer, he had heard of Prime Minister Mu's reputation.

In the eyes of the people, Prime Minister Mu has another more widely spread title, Wenquxing.

This is enough to show the people's love for Prime Minister Mu.

Although Prime Minister Mu had an accident some time ago, this matter is not a big deal, but it is also not a small matter.

High-ranking officials all had several concubines, so the people had no reaction to the prime minister welcoming a woman into the house.

But the prime minister shouldn't have had a mistress, and he had two children this big.

When Gu Shiming heard this, his heart was broken. The person he once admired turned out to be a man who kept a woman and children outside.

However, in terms of literary talent alone, no one can compare to Prime Minister Mu.

...Except for that collection of poems of unknown origin, of course.

Ji Qichen supported his chin and listened attentively, thinking in his heart.

After Gu Shiming finished explaining to his sister, he continued to ask Ji Qichen for his opinion, "Qichen, who do you want to make friends with?"

Ji Qichen pondered for a while, "Even if the Prime Minister can only help a little, it's a good thing. The son of the Zhenbei general is my study partner, so I can give it a try. As for the imperial sister..."

He paused and skipped the topic about the imperial sister.

"Of course, there are some people from poor families who I would also like to win over. As long as they are talented, I want them."

Mu Tangxi watched the conversation between Ji Qichen and Gu Shiming, and suddenly felt that Ji Qichen might really succeed.

There were deliberately heavier footsteps coming from the distance outside the door. The four people fell silent. The waiter pushed open the door and brought cakes and tea. "Dear guests, please enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just call me."

After the guy left, Ji Qichen and Gu Shiming started talking again.

Gu Shiyin came up to Mu Tangxi, pushed one of the small plates of cakes and two cups of tea to the other side, and then started eating the cakes happily.

"Well, the osmanthus cake here is especially delicious! Sister Tangxi, come and try it!" Gu Shiyin said in a low voice.

Mu Tangxi picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. They were indeed getting better and better.

But most of her attention was on the two people who were talking.

They have gone from who to woo to how to make money.

The main reason was that the third prince was too "poor" compared to other princes.

So now Ji Qichen must quickly save up some money for future plans.

"Making money?" Ji Qichen was confused about this. He had never thought about this before.

Gu Shiming sighed. He had thought about choosing a side before, but he only thought of the Crown Prince or the Second Prince. If he had no choice, he would not...

It had never occurred to him that he would have to worry about gold and silver.

"There are only a few ways to quickly make a lot of money, such as smuggling, embezzlement, and withholding disaster relief grain, but I know you won't do any of these, so..."

When Gu Shiming said this, Ji Qichen really wanted to joke and said that he wanted to, but after thinking about it, he decided not to do so because Gu Shiming was so serious in helping him plan.

He smiled harmlessly.

Gu Shiming couldn't help but feel a chill on his back, but it didn't stop him from continuing, "So now Qichen can either do business, which involves a lot of investment and high risk, but may earn more, or you can ask others to borrow money."

In fact, if the Third Prince was favored by the Emperor, he should often receive some rewards.

But alas he is not.

Ji Qichen frowned and thought for a long time, then looked up and said sincerely, "Why don't you lend me some money, Brother Shi Ming, and I'll pay you back double when I succeed!"

Gu Shiming had a blank expression on his face. "What if it fails?"

Ji Qichen didn't say anything, just shrugged and said, "Then let's do business."

As Mu Tangxi listened, his expression became a little subtle. Are they short of money?

Why don't you ask her for a loan? Doesn't she look rich?

Besides, even if he didn't borrow from her, he could borrow from his father. There was no way he would disagree. After all, he wanted to bet on the third prince.