activa-t Chapter 137 The grandson is more favored than the biological grandson
Chapter 137 The grandson is more favored than the biological grandson
Meanwhile, outside the palace gates.
Yang You was leading a group of civil and military officials, standing neatly on both sides of the road, waiting for Yang Guang to return to the capital in triumph.
During his regency, he handled numerous government affairs, and the court officials all praised him highly.
He had been waiting for Yang Guang to return, wanting to make a good impression and prove his abilities.
He wanted his grandfather to witness his growth and solidify his position as heir apparent.
But after waiting for a long time, Yang Guang still did not appear.
Yang You couldn't help but turn to the golden-armored warrior beside him and ask:
"Where is my grandfather? The army has already entered the city, why hasn't he arrived yet?"
The golden-armored warrior answered truthfully, "Your Highness, His Majesty went to the Prince of Shuo's residence after entering the city."
"What!" Yang You's expression changed drastically, and he lowered his head to hide the gloom in his eyes.
He had worked diligently as regent for a long time, eagerly awaiting his grandfather's approval.
But in his grandfather's heart, even the imperial palace was not as important as Lü Xiao's Prince's Mansion?
Just as he was feeling frustrated and furious, the sound of an imperial carriage came from afar.
Yang You quickly composed himself and adjusted his expression.
"Grandson pays respects to grandfather and welcomes grandfather back to the capital in triumph."
But the next moment, the smile on his face froze, and his whole body stiffened.
Yang Guang was sitting on his imperial carriage, holding a baby tightly in his arms. The baby was the son of Lü Xiao and Yang Ruyi.
When his grandfather returned to the capital in triumph, the first person he visited was not his grandson, who was acting as regent.
On the contrary, the grandson not only did that, but also brazenly carried him back to the palace.
Yang Guang smiled and waved his hand, signaling the officials to rise.
He carried Lü Zhen all the way to the main hall, his doting smile never fading.
"You'er, come here quickly." Yang Guang beckoned to Yang You, his tone joyful.
"Look, this is your little cousin, Lü Zhen. Isn't he adorable?"
Yang You feigned gentleness and said, "Grandfather, my aunt often brings my cousin to the palace, and I have seen him many times already."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Yang Guang suddenly realized what was going on, and then nodded with a smile.
"It seems that Ruyi did this on purpose. She wants you and your cousin to get closer so that your cousin can become an asset to you in the future."
In his view, cousins should support each other.
Lu Xiao is exceptionally capable, and if Lu Zhen grows up, he will certainly be just as good.
With the help of the Lü clan, Yang You's throne was more secure.
"Grandfather is absolutely right. I will remember your teachings."
Yang You bowed and agreed, then quickly picked up several prepared memorials and handed them to Yang Guang.
"Grandfather, during my time as regent, I handled many government affairs. I would appreciate your guidance."
He desperately wanted to prove himself and win back his grandfather's attention.
"Okay, okay, okay!"
Upon seeing this, Yang Guang was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly.
"My You'er is indeed intelligent and capable. He can handle government affairs at such a young age. He will surely be a good ruler of our Great Sui Dynasty in the future."
After saying that, he reached out to take the memorial.
Upon seeing this, Yang You was overjoyed and quickly said:
"Grandfather, why not let the maid beside you hold my cousin so that he can carefully examine the memorials and avoid being distracted?"
He desperately hoped that his grandfather would shift his attention to the memorials to him.
"No need."
Yang Guang waved his hand casually, gently patting Lü Zhen in his arms while flipping through the memorials.
Seeing Yang Guang holding his grandson in one arm and flipping through memorials with the other, Yang You felt increasingly uneasy.
"Yu'er, you did a great job!"
Yang Guang quickly finished reading the memorial, his face showing undisguised approval.
Hearing his grandfather's praise, Yang You could no longer hide his joy; a smile spread across his face as he bowed and said:
"Thank you for the praise, Grandfather! I was just doing my best."
"well!"
Yang Guang nodded repeatedly, gently closed the memorial, and slowly stood up while holding the sleeping Lü Zhen, his steps hurried.
"From now on, all memorials from the court will first be sent to you for review. If you cannot make a decision, they will then be presented to your grandfather for examination."
Having said that, he turned to leave.
Now that he had finally brought his grandson back to the palace, Empress Xiao must be eager to see him, so he had to take Lü Zhen there as soon as possible.
"Your grandson obeys! Respectfully seeing off your grandfather!"
Yang You stood there, bowing, watching Yang Guang's departing figure.
There was a mix of joy at being recognized and a hidden sense of resentment.
He was ultimately no match for Lü Zhen, even though he put a lot of effort into handling government affairs and gaining recognition.
The grandfather's most beloved child was still his innocent and ignorant grandson.
An elderly minister with white hair beside him, who had already seen through Yang You's thoughts, stepped forward, bowed, and advised him:
"Your Highness, you are the son of the late Crown Prince, a legitimate descendant of the Sui Dynasty. You must not lose your composure because of temporary gains or losses."
Yang You snapped out of his reverie, looked at the old minister, and said with a hint of weariness, "Please speak, sir."
"Although Prince Lü Zhen is favored by His Majesty, he is ultimately only His Majesty's grandson."
Since ancient times, the imperial throne has always been passed down from son to grandson, never from grandson to granddaughter.
If Yang You simply behaves himself, handles government affairs diligently, and consolidates his power, he will have no trouble getting the throne of the Sui Dynasty in the future.
There's no need to compete with an infant for affections; doing so would only make one lose the composure of a crown prince and be a losing proposition.
Upon hearing this, Yang You was startled, then slowly nodded, the gloom on his face gradually dissipating: "What you say is true, sir."
He's just a little kid, how could he possibly lose?
When Lü Zhen grows up, he will inevitably become his subject.
Having figured this out, Yang You's sense of crisis dissipated considerably.
Days passed by, and before long, Lü Zhen had been in the palace for half a month.
On this day, the palace maid carried Lü Zhen and slowly escorted him back to the Prince of Shuo's residence.
"My dear son! You're finally back!"
When Yang Ruyi saw Lü Zhen, her eyes reddened slightly. She quickly stepped forward and carefully took her son from the palace servant.
She had missed him terribly after not seeing him for half a month.
Even though she knew her son was favored in the palace and wouldn't suffer any mistreatment, she was still restless on days she couldn't see him.
A palace attendant stood respectfully to the side, bowing, and relayed the imperial decree:
"Princess, His Majesty has decreed that the Crown Prince should rest in the Prince's residence for seven days, after which he will be sent to the palace."
"That's going too far!"
The joy on Yang Ruyi's face faded slightly, and her tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
She turned around and nudged Lü Xiao beside her with her elbow, her tone accusing:
"Did you hear that? Father Emperor is going too far! He wants to take Zhen'er back. Can't he let me spend more time with my son?"
"I heard it, I heard it."
Lu Xiao nodded perfunctorily, his eyes somewhat unfocused, his mind not on his son and Yang Ruyi's complaints at all.
After Fang Xuanling entered the mansion as a staff member, he immediately sent people to search for Du Ruhui everywhere.
He had already sent people to investigate and found out that Du Ruhui had indeed served as an official in the Sui Dynasty.
However, his official rank was low; he was only appointed as the county magistrate of Fuyang.
Moreover, he only served for a short period of time before resigning and returning home to live in seclusion because he could no longer tolerate the corruption and darkness of officialdom.