Xiao Shan could refuse Xiao Jin's invitation.

 

But Xiao Shan couldn't refuse an invitation from a severely weakened and poisoned Xiao Jin. So, before Chang An could finish his pitiful plea, Xiao Shan stood up and, with a blank expression, said one word: "Let's go."

 

Before leaving, Xiao Shan changed his clothes. He left Ji An behind with instructions to prepare some food for Xie Zhui when he woke up, without waiting for his return.

 

Xie Zhui needed to replenish his strength.

 

Although Ji An wanted to accompany Xiao Shan to the palace, seeing Xiao Shan's expression, he had no choice but to stay behind.

 

Xiao Shan's enthusiasm for entering the palace was low, even if it was Xiao Jin inviting him to the Eastern Palace. Recently, he hadn't wanted to enter the palace at all, but he also didn't want Xiao Jin to risk his health by coming to Prince Li’s Residence.

 

It didn't make sense for the victim to be running around when Consort Lan and he were the ones under suspicion. He couldn't bring himself to be so aloof, especially since Xiao Jin was his second brother.

 

For the sake of those two words—second brother—he had to enter the palace.

 

However, upon arriving at the Eastern Palace and seeing that Xiao Jin was already able to get up, Xiao Shan's mood improved significantly, and the gloom on his face was replaced by joy.

 

He quickly walked up to Xiao Jin, looked him up and down, and called out, "Second Brother."

 

Xiao Jin's body was still noticeably weak, but his complexion had improved significantly, and he seemed to be on the road to recovery.

 

Xiao Jin snorted and said, "You still remember to call me Second Brother, yet you didn't even come to see me when I was poisoned."

 

Xiao Shan looked at him and sighed, "I was afraid that seeing me would upset you."

 

Xiao Jin glared at him, his expression suddenly turning sharp. He sneered, full of displeasure, and said, "What? In your eyes, do you think I, Xiao Jin, am someone who would blindly suspect my own brother without distinguishing right from wrong?"

 

"That's not what I meant," Xiao Shan quickly explained. "What I meant is that it's a fact that Mother Consort is under suspicion, and many people are wary of her and me. This includes people from the Eastern Palace, which is only natural. If I came to see you now, those people would start whispering in your ear, urging you to be cautious. You can't get angry at them for saying such things, and that would only upset you."

 

Xiao Jin continued to sneer, "So, that's how it is. Should I thank you for being so considerate of me?"

 

Xiao Shan replied, "No need for thanks. After all, we are good brothers. It's only right for me to consider things from your perspective."

 

If Xiao Jin had the strength, he would have kicked him.

 

But Xiao Jin didn't have the strength, so he could only glare at the grinning Xiao Shan.

 

Xiao Shan chuckled twice, and Xiao Jin shook his head helplessly.

 

Once Xiao Jin had calmed down, he sat down, and Xiao Shan followed suit. The two sat very close, separated only by a small table.

 

Xiao Jin said, "The reason I was able to stand up today is thanks to Consort Lan. If she hadn't acted decisively that day, I wouldn't have been able to expel five or six parts of the poison from the pastries. Otherwise, if the poison had reached my heart, you might have had to wait a long time before seeing me again."

 

Xiao Shan pursed his lips.

 

Xiao Jin continued, "You and I grew up together. Do you think I don't know your temperament? I know that anyone in this world might compete with me for the position of Crown Prince, but not you. I trust you, and you should trust me. You can't get stubborn and overthink things because of a small matter. As for your marriage to Xie Zhui, I can't change that, but I never thought..."

 

"Second Brother, my marriage to Xie Zhui is fine. There's no need to change anything." Seeing Xiao Jin's gentle attempts to guide him, Xiao Shan quickly said, "He's quite likable."

 

Xiao Jin remained silent, his expression noncommittal.

 

Xiao Shan didn't want to continue the topic. He said, "Second Brother, I'm not afraid of the schemes and plots aimed at me. Schemes will eventually come to light. I just don't want these things to cause unhappiness between us."

 

"I know exactly what you're thinking," Xiao Jin said irritably. "If I hadn't invited you to the palace, would you have stayed in the residence brooding over these matters? Between you and me, what can't be said directly?"

 

Xiao Shan raised an eyebrow and smiled, exuding confidence. "Second Brother, you're overthinking it. Why would I brood over these things? If it's a scheme, I'll expose it. If it's an open plot, I'll tear it apart. The truth will come to light eventually. There's no need for me to stubbornly fight against these things."

 

Xiao Jin rolled his eyes at him and said two words, "Stubborn."

 

Xiao Shan pretended not to hear and didn't respond.

 

At this moment, Liu Jingyi, who had heard the news, arrived.

 

Xiao Shan quickly stood up and called out, "Second Sister-in-law."

 

Liu Jingyi's face still didn't look good. She nodded at Xiao Shan and then looked at Xiao Jin with full concern, her tone carrying a hint of subtle reproach: "Your Highness, your body hasn't fully recovered yet. Imperial Physician Su said you need more rest. Why don't you listen? Now that Third Brother is here, let him tell you that you should prioritize your health."

 

Xiao Jin glanced at Liu Jingyi and said softly, "It's not that serious. Don't you think I know my own health? You're just worrying too much."

 

Xiao Shan firmly stood by Liu Jingyi's side: "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law is right. Your top priority now is to recover your health. You should listen to Imperial Physician Su."

 

Liu Jingyi added, "See, even Third Brother says so."

 

A look of helplessness appeared on Xiao Jin's face. Xiao Shan seized the opportunity and said, "Second Brother, you should rest well. I'll come to see you again once you're fully recovered."

 

Xiao Jin rolled his eyes at him, an action that didn't match his gentle and refined appearance at all. "Go, go. I could tell you were getting impatient."

 

Xiao Shan took the hint and quickly slipped away.

 

After Xiao Shan left, Xiao Jin slowly put away his expression and looked calmly at Liu Jingyi beside him.

 

Liu Jingyi lowered her gaze under his scrutiny and softly asked, "Is the Crown Prince blaming me?"

 

Xiao Jin remained silent. Earlier, Liu Jingyi had repeatedly mentioned the need for rest and recovery, clearly trying to send Xiao Shan away. Xiao Shan wasn't foolish; hearing those words, he naturally left as quickly as possible to avoid being a nuisance.

 

It was Xiao Jin who had invited him, and then his Crown Princess had driven him away. What could he say? He had nothing to say.

 

Liu Jingyi unconsciously touched her lower abdomen, her eyes reddening. "Whether the Crown Prince says I'm venting my anger or that I'm being unreasonable, this is the child we've been hoping for a long time. But because of Consort Lan, this child almost didn't make it. You know, I originally had no prejudice against Prince Li, but thinking about your current health and this unfortunate child, I can't help but feel distressed. I don't want to hear anything about Consort Lan or Prince Li right now."

 

As Liu Jingyi spoke, there was an indescribable bitterness and grievance in her tone. She took a deep breath and continued, "Moreover, it's not that I want to overthink, but I feel you trust Prince Li too much. Aren't you afraid of trusting the wrong person?"

 

Xiao Jin looked at her and said, "Anyone in this world can trust the wrong person, but he hasn't done anything to arouse suspicion. Why should I doubt him? If someone truly has ill intentions, they will eventually reveal their flaws."

 

"In the end, I am also at fault in this matter. If I hadn't sought help from the Empress, Consort Lan wouldn't have personally made the pastries... In any case, we can only wait for the results of the investigation from Father. If it truly involves Consort Lan, even if others don't, the Empress won't spare her. If it has nothing to do with her, then let's not dwell on it anymore."

 

Liu Jingyi nodded and softly said, "I was just momentarily anxious and lost control of my emotions. It wasn't intentional."

 

Xiao Jin lowered his eyes and responded with a hum.

 

The news of Xiao Shan's visit to the Eastern Palace quickly reached Xiao Sheng's ears.

 

Xiao Sheng snorted and said, "Indeed, the Crown Prince is ill, and the other princes are all reflecting behind closed doors, while he alone is free and at ease. Zhen forgot to order him to reflect behind closed doors as well."

 

Chang Le smiled and said, "It's also because the Crown Prince and His Highness have a good relationship, with no barriers between them."

 

Xiao Sheng glanced at him and said, "Investigate the Crown Prince's poisoning as soon as possible to prevent unrest in the palace."

 

Chang Le acknowledged the order.

 

Xiao Sheng walked over to the map, his expression thoughtful, and then he pointed to the northern border with his finger.

 

Meanwhile, Xiao Shan left the Eastern Palace and returned directly to Prince Li's Residence.

 

When he arrived, Ji An informed him that Xie Zhui had not yet woken up. Upon entering the room, Xiao Shan saw Xie Zhui sitting on the bed, holding his forehead, looking dazed and somewhat lost, as if he didn't know where he was or what day it was.

 

It was clear he had just woken up.

 

Seeing him, Xiao Shan's eyes softened. He walked over and pressed a kiss to Xie Zhui's lips, lingering for a moment before pulling away.

 

Xie Zhui jolted, his senses returning. His eyes widened in shock and doubt, seemingly unable to understand why Xiao Shan had done that.

 

Xiao Shan smiled and said, "Someone said I have a hard mouth, but I think it's quite soft. What do you think?"

 

Xie Zhui blinked and calmed down. He unconsciously licked his lips and, with an honest expression, said, "It is quite soft."

 

Xiao Shan: "..."

 

He felt like he was being teased.

 

Xie Zhui, seeing Xiao Shan's momentary daze, silently chuckled. Over the past few days, he had come to understand Xiao Shan's personality—this person liked to tease others. To deal with someone like that, one had to respond softly and gently.

 

While Xiao Shan was still processing, Xie Zhui tried to get up. As he moved, he felt his waist ache even more than before. However, he didn't show it and calmly dressed himself.

 

Xiao Shan watched him, then smiled and walked forward, saying, "Let me tie your hair for you."

 

Xie Zhui asked, "Your Highness knows how to tie hair?"

 

Xiao Shan replied confidently, "No, but I can learn if I don't know."

 

Xie Zhui said, "I know how."

 

Xiao Shan looked delighted, "Then I'll learn from you... Should I formally become your apprentice?"

 

Xie Zhui: "..."

 

***

 

Two days later, the investigation into the Crown Prince's poisoning yielded results.

 

The poison was indeed not administered by Consort Lan, but she was not entirely blameless. The poison in the pastries was placed by a cook in the small kitchen of Jinglan Palace.

 

She knew Consort Lan's habits and what ingredients she liked to use for making pastries. Therefore, the poison was not directly in the pastries but in the ingredients. Her original intention was to harm the child in Liu Jingyi's womb, not Xiao Jin.

 

She was not acting under anyone's orders; her main motive was her hatred for Liu Jingyi. The Liu family had caused the ruin of her own family, and she had been waiting for an opportunity to take revenge. Consort Lan making pastries for Liu Jingyi was the best chance she would ever get.

 

So, even knowing it would mean her death, she did it.

 

This matter, when traced back, involved some old events from more than ten years ago, with rights and wrongs that no one could clearly define.

 

Upon learning that the poisoner was this cook, Consort Lan was so frightened she nearly cried herself to death. She couldn't believe such a malicious person had been hiding by her side.

 

The cook was imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. Whether she had any accomplices or was acting under someone's orders would depend on the Ministry's methods.

 

After the matter was clarified, the Emperor issued an edict to the northern border, summoning the meritorious soldiers back to the capital, with Xie Chen among them.

 

Upon hearing this news, Xie Zhui lost his composure for the first time. He urgently asked Xiao Shan for confirmation, "Is this true?"

 

Xiao Shan replied, "Since Father Emperor has issued the edict, it must be true."

 

Hearing this, Xie Zhui let out a deep sigh of relief. Although he hadn't spoken of it, he had been deeply worried about Xie Chen.

 

Now that the Emperor had summoned Xie Chen back to the capital, it meant that the Emperor would no longer pursue the matter with the Xie family.

 

Xiao Shan looked at Xie Zhui and sighed inwardly. With the return of the northern border soldiers to the capital and the Emperor's rewards, there would undoubtedly be many eyes watching these men.

 

It could very well be the beginning of another storm.