A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1127: The Crown Prince’s Absurdity

So. To prevent any potential secret poisoning and to dispel all suspicions, Western Xia's royal family has always maintained separate dining arrangements. This practice ensures no opportunity arises for food tampering, a rule that applies even between father and son.

Hai Tang observed the meal laid out before him, then glanced at the entirely different spread in front of Hai Xiangjin. A silent, scornful chuckle escaped him inwardly. 'Could the father and son relationship have degraded to this point?' he mused. 'It appears their bond isn't particularly strong either!' Perhaps this was why Hai Xiangjin hadn't brought the Crown Prince along for this expedition? Was he afraid his son's accomplishments would eclipse his own? Hai Tang simply shook his head, unable to fathom the complexities.

After downing several cups of potent wine, his voice adopting a rougher timbre, Hai Tang, mimicking Hai Chi's tone, inquired, "Father Emperor, why haven't you commenced the competition yet? Your son eagerly awaits to witness the spectacle!"

Hai Xiangjin felt a wave of exasperation wash over him for this son, whose sole interests seemed to be indulgence in food, drink, and amusement. "You, ah, you!" he sighed. "What can you even do besides spectate?" he lamented, listing flaw after flaw: "Poor at horseback archery, clumsy on a horse, shaky with a bow... you can't do anything right..."

Despite the critical tone, a hint of satisfaction laced Hai Xiangjin's words. Western Xia, an empire forged on horseback, placed little value on filial piety, rigid rules, or unwavering loyalty to the emperor. Instead, sheer capability was paramount. With a hardy populace and a formidable military, the empire required a powerful leader. Faced with an aging, frail emperor versus a remarkably skilled Crown Prince, the choice of whom the ministers would support was obvious. History recounted numerous instances within Western Xia where sons had usurped their aging fathers. Even the formidable Old King Hai Zhentian, distinguished for his exceptional prowess in his youth, retained his throne in old age largely because his son harbored no such ambitions. Ultimately, however, the throne did pass to Prince Jin. The ministers' lack of strong opposition indicated their familiarity and acceptance of such transitions. Their tradition dictated that the emperor must be the most capable; those lacking ability were expected to step aside.

Consequently, even with Hai Xiangjin's affection for his son, a degree of wariness persisted. But what if the son proved utterly incompetent? While such inadequacy might incite anger, it also brought immense relief. The absolute certainty of not being usurped allowed the emperor to lower his guard and genuinely embrace the role of a father, thus fostering this seemingly warm father-son dynamic.

Nevertheless, even with this established trust, sharing a dining table remained an unlikely prospect. This psychological barrier, deeply ingrained and universally accepted, was not easily overcome.

The wine and delicacies were presented. However, before chopsticks could even be lifted, the 'Father Emperor's' familiar lecture and reprimand commenced. Sensing his father's incessant criticism, the 'Crown Prince' grew impatient. "Father Emperor, must you constantly highlight your son's shortcomings?" he protested. "After the considerable effort of progressing and coming to witness your prowess, you drone on endlessly! If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered coming!"

Hai Xiangjin felt a flicker of helplessness at his son's outburst. Yet, he ultimately fell silent, merely glaring, realizing there was nothing more to say to his incorrigible offspring. "Eat, eat!" he commanded dismissively. "Eat well, drink well, and then hurry back to the Capital. Do as you please; just stay out of the way of my serious business!"

Hai Xiangjin, seemingly resigned to his son's unreliability, grumbled his instructions. The Crown Prince, however, was not content, protesting vehemently. "Father, you always claim your son is not progressing! Now that I've finally shown progress, why are you still dismissing me?" he questioned. Then, in a softer tone, he added, "Such a grand spectacle, how could you possibly exclude me from witnessing it?"

Hai Xiangjin was left speechless. So, he had journeyed all this way simply to observe the proceedings? A complete and utter waste! "Father Emperor, why are you silent now?" the Crown Prince inquired boldly. "You must arrange a tent for me, one as magnificent as yours. And, by the way... are there any women here?" he continued, his tone suggestive. "Can your body handle it? Perhaps you could spare a couple for your son?"

Hai Xiangjin's jaw dropped in sheer disbelief. What constituted uselessness? What defined irreparable foolishness? What was the epitome of a rotten, uncarvable piece of wood? It stood right before him – this useless lout. He had known his son to be shameless, but never imagined he could be so brazen, even daring to covet his own father's women.

Enraged, Hai Xiangjin slammed his hand on the table. "Insolence, you brat! Is this army camp a place for you to sow your wild oats?!" he roared, the unspoken implication being: Those are my women; I am still alive, and you dare to contemplate taking them?!

Hai Xiangjin was suddenly filled with regret. While the initial strategy was to select an inept son as the Crown Prince, this eldest son's incompetence had become excessive, almost unbearable. He should have chosen the simple, obedient youngest son instead! That one did as he was told and avoided forbidden paths – how effortless that would have been! He was consumed by regret, a profound and deep-seated remorse. Yet, alas, regret had arrived far too late.

The eldest son, despite his dissolute ways and lack of skills, had committed no major blunders and, to some extent, still harbored affection for his mother.

There was no valid reason then to depose the Crown Prince.

A painful thought struck Hai Xiangjin: perhaps it would be best to simply let him be.

If he couldn't be driven away, then letting him remain within the military camp might be the best course.

This would allow the soldiers to fully recognize his true nature.

And deepen their understanding that this individual was an irredeemable good-for-nothing.

As for himself...

He could occasionally step in, play the heroic savior, reprimand his son, and thereby elevate his own magnificent image!

This was indeed not a bad plan!

With his son serving as a stark contrast, one's own image would appear even more illustrious.

The more Hai Xiangjin contemplated this, the more he realized that this wastrel son wasn't entirely useless!

After considerable deliberation.

Hai Xiangjin finally assented to his son remaining in the military camp.

He even personally decreed the construction of a lavish and luxurious tent for his 'son'.

The Crown Prince was overjoyed.

That very night, he gleefully took up residence within its confines.

On the first day, all proceeded without a hitch.

By the second day, however, something seemed amiss within the tent; could there be women involved?

On the third day, the seductive sounds emanating from those women echoed throughout the entire camp.

Unable to tolerate it any longer, Hai Xiangjin, sword in hand, stormed into the tent in a furious rage.

He boldly removed all the sheltered young women.

And issued a stern decree: From this day forward, absolutely no women would be permitted within the military camp.

The Crown Prince felt profoundly wronged.

A heated argument ensued with Hai Xiangjin, but unfortunately, he was defeated; yielding, he had no choice but to comply.

In the days that followed.

Although no women appeared in the camp.

Other less savory activities, such as gambling gatherings, cricket fighting, and grasshopper battling.

Propped up throughout the camp like mushrooms after a spring rain, completely engrossing the soldiers.

Hai Xiangjin's headache intensified.

Gritting his teeth, he watched as his son reveled in daily carefree bliss.

He genuinely felt the urge to rush forward and administer a beating, then send him back to the Capital immediately.

Yet, after careful consideration.

For the sake of his own grand strategy, it was better to endure this situation a little longer.

Consequently, he chose to turn a blind eye to his son's continually outlandish behavior.

The astute Hai Tang.

Had finally established a stable position within the Western Xia military camp, operating under the guise of Crown Prince Hai Chi.

As for the actual Hai Chi.

He was currently occupied sleeping soundly in the courtyard of his residence in the Capital, nestled upon a concubine's belly.

Certain predicaments arise purely from a lack of complete information.