Chapter 810: Chapter 810: You Have No Shame_1

Jiang Ning gestured at him, “Aren’t you afraid this will reach the ears of your Emperor Father?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t dare to say this to his face? Why do you think my concubine mother was unhappy her entire life, turning a cold shoulder to him? Because from the day she entered the palace, she knew she was nothing more than a shadow of Lin Zizi.”

“But after your concubine mother’s death, the Emperor’s grief was real, for all to see.”

“Do you understand what I’m trying to say? I’ve never said the Emperor Father didn’t love the concubine mother. But he loved her as if she was Lin Zizi, not because of who she was. Do you understand? In his heart, concubine mother replaced Lin Zizi and became his favorite. His favorite died of course he was sad. If your pet cat died, wouldn’t you be upset too?”

“There’s no need to compare your concubine mother to a cat.”

“The person is dead, whether I compare her or not, what difference does it make.”

Li Hongyuan said softly, “I’ve noticed the maidens you’ve selected for the harem. Why did you select many with average looks?”

“Nobody told me that the maidens I select must be particularly attractive.”

“…Isn’t that something that should be obvious?”

“I think that ability and character are the most important.”

“You think?”

“Yes, I think.” Jiang Ning said, “If you don’t want my opinion, then don’t assign this task to me. Since you’ve allowed me to choose, I will certainly choose according to my own standards and preferences.”

“Your preferences? Are your preferences people like Princess Ling’an?”

“Besides personal preference, there are also standards. I am a person with principles.” Jiang replied righteously.

“Principles?” Li Hongyuan laughed out of exasperation, “I really don’t know what your so called principles are. Weren’t you the one who said both ability and moral conduct are most important?”

“Princess Ling’an comes from a noble lineage, she is highly educated and her intelligence matches that of our Fifth Sister. In what way is she unfit?”

“What about her character?”

“She’s vibrant, magnanimous, and has a clear sense of justice.” Jiang Ning counted on her fingers, “She’s pledged her loyalty to the Jiang Family, and even after entering the palace, she doesn’t try to gain my favor because of my title as Princess Consort. Isn’t this proof enough? I hate fair-weathered friends the most!”

“…Jiang Ning, I am impressed by you.”

“Thank you for your praise, Your Highness.”

“Who’s praising you?” Li Hongyuan said irritably, reaching out to pinch her cheek, distorting her face, “Stop arguing and tell me why you gave the last token to Ling’an? Did she bribe you?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning became indignant. She slapped his hand away and sneered, “Ah, speaking of this matter, I should also discuss it with you Your Highness. Why did you stop me from accepting bribes from others?”

Li Hongyuan was taken aback, “Have you become so greedy?”

“All the ladies in the harem accept bribes, including the Empress. Why can’t I?”

“Taking advantage of others makes you vulnerable.”

“I really don’t care.”

“You may have no shame, but I do as the Crown Prince.”

“Hmph.”

“What are you laughing at?”

“Laughing at your false righteousness.”

“You——”

“Most of the money from these royal families and ministers is gained through corruption, when they offer it to me, why shouldn’t I accept it? When we face floods and other disasters in the autumn, I can use it to buy grain for disaster relief. At that time, ask those royal families and ministers to contribute some money from their own pockets for disaster relief, see if they are willing!”

Li Hongyuan sneered, “Your skill in sophistry is truly top-notch. I am asking you why you decided to keep Princess Ling’an, why are you diverting the topic?”