Chapter 360 - 357: Prudence_1
Seeing the Crown Prince turn his head to look at him, Elder Fang slowly began, "Thus, firstly... it can show that the Crown Prince did not blame the Princess of Zhen for the tarnish on his reputation caused by her clan. Secondly, with the Crown Prince’s trusted people following, the Princess of Zhen will handle matters in Shuoyang more smoothly and will remember the Crown Prince’s kindness. Thirdly, if the Crown Prince’s people strictly order the local officials to punish severely, it can win the hearts of the people for the Crown Prince. If the Princess of Zhen gives the order, the hearts of the people... will be hers."
"I strongly agree with Elder Fang’s first two points! But the third... I disagree. The Princess of Zhen is highly intelligent. If my people compete with her for the hearts of the people, wouldn’t that leave her disheartened? The Princess of Zhen is now completely loyal to me. If I do this, how will she view me?"
The Crown Prince spoke quietly and then continued, "I heard the banditry around Shuoyang is rampant. Last time even Rong Yan’s goods were robbed! Let’s send... Quan Yu and two teams of the Crown Prince’s guards with the Princess of Zhen. Everything will be at her command."
Elder Fang paused slightly in his steps, his hand tightening slightly within his sleeve. The Crown Prince had rejected his advice for the second time on account of Bai Qingyan. This was not a good sign.
Elder Fang maintained his expression and smiled while nodding, "Well then, I will first send someone to verify things. Anyway, the Princess of Zhen doesn’t leave until the day after tomorrow, there’s still time! Your Highness... being cautious is good, don’t you think?"
The Crown Prince chuckled, "Elder Fang, you are too cautious! Do as you please, but do not delay the Princess of Zhen’s departure. I... still wish to personally see her off."
If one was to give a favor, the Crown Prince must do it flawlessly, and thus, sending her off personally was the best.
Furthermore, regarding what Elder Fang mentioned about causing trouble for King Liang during the disaster relief in Yanwo, the Crown Prince also wanted to ask Bai Qingyan’s opinion, to see what she thought.