As soon as he moved, Xie Zhui opened his eyes.

 

Xie Zhui knew it was a day for court, so he got up to help Xiao Shan dress.

 

The two of them had long since become accustomed to dressing and doing each other's hair without the help of others.

 

Once dressed, Xiao Shan pressed Xie Zhui back into the bed and said, "Sleep a bit more." Xie Zhui, with his eyes closed, murmured a response.

 

As Xiao Shan stepped out of the inner chamber, Ji An informed him that Xiao Jin had already left half an hour earlier, saying he needed to return to the Eastern Palace to change clothes before attending court. Ji An had wanted to wake Xiao Shan, but Xiao Jin had not allowed it.

 

Xiao Shan couldn't help but want to give Xiao Jin a thumbs up for his resilience and dedication. If it were him, after drinking so much the night before, he would definitely request leave from the Emperor the next day.

 

Xiao Shan considered himself an early riser, but by the time he arrived at the main hall, most of the court officials were already present.

 

He barely took his place when the Emperor's procession arrived. Xiao Shan always timed his arrival perfectly, never too early or too late.

 

Today's court session primarily focused on the arrangements for the officials in Jiangnan and who would be suitable to replace Liu Shu.

 

The civil and military officials were deeply concerned about these appointments, each raising their voices louder than the last, almost ready to roll up their sleeves and fight.

 

Xiao Shan watched the proceedings with great interest.

 

There were many vacancies for county magistrates in Jiangnan, and there were also many individuals who had passed the imperial examinations in previous years but had not yet been assigned positions. With the upcoming imperial examinations, the Emperor was not worried about finding officials.

 

However, for several key counties, the Emperor directly appointed candidates.

 

The position of Prefect of Yangzhou was given to someone from Xiao Jin's faction, Luo Jing, who was the third-place scholar from two years ago. The position of Prefect of Liangzhou was given to Gu Shan, the brother-in-law of the eldest prince, Xiao Rong. Xiao Shan felt that the Emperor's actions were deliberate, as if to see how Xiao Rong's brother-in-law would perform compared to the Crown Prince's wife's brother.

 

For the other counties, the magistrates of two important counties were appointed from the maternal families of Consort Shu and Consort Xian, respectively.

 

As for the remaining counties, the Emperor did not make immediate appointments, stating that he would decide in a few days.

 

The most anticipated position, Prefect of Jiangnan, was not mentioned by the Emperor. It was unclear whether he favored Gu Yin or had other plans. Considering that Gu Yin was in mourning for three years, it was unlikely that the Emperor would leave the position of Prefect of Jiangnan vacant for that long.

 

The court officials were pondering the Emperor's intentions. Xiao Rong was somewhat pleased and gave Xiao Shan a smug glance.

 

He originally wanted to look at Xiao Jin, but since Xiao Jin was standing in the front row near the Emperor, he couldn't exactly turn Xiao Jin's head around.

 

Xiao Shan, already feeling a bit sleepy, found Xiao Rong's actions rather inexplicable and responded with a fierce glare. Just because he was tired didn't mean Xiao Rong could stare at him.

 

Seeing Xiao Shan's reaction, Xiao Rong felt like he was winking at a blind man.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng, seated on the dragon throne, clearly observed the small interactions below.

 

Noticing the exchange between Xiao Rong and Xiao Shan, the Emperor let out a light scoff.

 

Appointing officials to positions wasn't something that could be settled immediately. After listening to the court officials argue all morning, Emperor Xiao Sheng's ears were ringing. He seized a moment to speak, "We will discuss these matters later. Court is dismissed."

 

The officials immediately stopped arguing and respectfully saw the Emperor off.

 

Before the officials had all left, Chang Le appeared.

 

He stopped Xiao Jin, Xiao Rong, and Xiao Shan, smiling as he said, "Crown Prince, Your Highnesses, please stay. The Emperor summons you." His smile deepened as he spoke.

 

This smile was mainly directed at Xiao Shan.

 

Usually, after court sessions, Xiao Shan would slip away quickly, leaving Chang Le to chase after him with his old arms and legs.

 

Today, fortunately, Xiao Shan was still there, saving Chang Le the trouble of running around.

 

Xiao Shan felt a chill from Chang Le's smile. He pursed his lips and forced a dry smile in return.

 

The three of them went to Ganming Hall to see the Emperor.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng scrutinized them for a moment before addressing Xiao Jin, "Zhen received a report from the patrol that you returned to the Eastern Palace in the middle of the night. What is the meaning of this?"

 

Xiao Jin smiled and replied, "Father Emperor, it was not the middle of the night but rather shortly after the third watch. I encountered the patrol guards on my way back and showed them the Crown Prince's token to avoid any misunderstanding."

 

Xiao Rong, gloating, said, "It's quite unusual for the Crown Prince to spend the night outside."

 

Xiao Shan yawned and said, "What's so unusual about it? Second Brother came to my residence last night, and I got him drunk. To avoid worrying Second Sister-in-law, I had him stay over. Second Brother, not wanting to miss court, left early without waking me. If you're feeling envious, Eldest Brother, you can stay at my residence tonight as well."

 

"I have my own residence. What sense does it make to stay at yours?" Xiao Rong retorted coldly. "Do you think I would be envious or jealous?"

 

"Who knows? I'm not you, Eldest Brother, so how could I know what's in your mind?" Xiao Shan replied, looking sleepy.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng couldn't help but throw a memorial at Xiao Shan's head. "Look at you! You can't even stand or sit properly. Are you missing a backbone?"

 

Xiao Shan caught the memorial and held it in his hand. "Father Emperor, we've been standing in court for so long. If you let me sit now, I promise my posture will be impeccable."

 

"You will stand," Emperor Xiao Sheng glared at him.

 

Xiao Shan responded with an "oh," looking as if he had expected this outcome.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng, too tired to look at Xiao Shan any longer, turned his gaze to Xiao Rong. "Xiao Yi will soon leave the palace to establish his own residence. With this, Zhen now has four adult princes. You and Xiao Shan have been out of the palace and titled as kings for some time, yet you have not taken any positions within the Six Ministries. Is there a department you favor?"

 

Xiao Rong and the others were completely taken aback by the Emperor's words. Xiao Rong was first shocked, then filled with joy.

 

Xiao Jin's expression remained unchanged, while Xiao Shan looked surprised, then adopted a look of deep resentment.

 

His expression made it clear that he had no desire to take up a position.

 

The Emperor had been holding back the adult princes from entering the Six Ministries, mainly to pave the way for Xiao Jin. Now that he brought up the matter, it was unclear if it was a warning to Xiao Jin due to the Liangzhou incident.

 

Xiao Rong, restraining the immense joy in his heart, spoke with increasing respect, "Serving in any of the ministries is a valuable experience. I will follow Father's arrangement."

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng nodded, his gaze sweeping from Xiao Rong and settling on Xiao Shan.

 

Seeing Xiao Shan's expression, his eyebrows furrowed. "You don't want to go? Do you have other thoughts?"

 

Xiao Shan, noticing his father's irritation, quickly responded, "Your Majesty, I dare not. It's not that I don't want to go, but it seems better for Eldest Brother to go first."

 

Xiao Rong glanced at him, thinking that after all these years, Xiao Shan had finally said something sensible.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng said, "After careful consideration, let Xiao Rong enter the Ministry of Justice for his experience. As for you, Xiao Shan..."

 

"Father Emperor, I will go to the Ministry of Justice with Eldest Brother," Xiao Shan interjected without hesitation.

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng's expression cracked, "…What?"

 

Xiao Jin: "…" He looked at Xiao Shan, signaling with his eyes for him to stop talking nonsense.

 

Xiao Rong's expression turned very unpleasant. He said, "Third Brother, what nonsense are you spouting? How can you join me in the Ministry of Justice?"

 

Xiao Shan, puzzled, replied, "Eldest Brother, why is it nonsense? Why can't I join you in the Ministry of Justice?"

 

Xiao Rong, furious, said, "There is no precedent for two princes serving in the same ministry! If we both join the Ministry of Justice and have disagreements, who will they listen to?"

 

Xiao Shan, with a righteous air, said, "Eldest Brother, the officials in the Ministry of Justice follow their own rules and procedures, and they base their decisions on evidence. Even if we have disagreements, it will still come down to the evidence, right? Just because there is no precedent doesn't mean it can't be done. This could start with us, and in the future, it might even be recorded in history as a commendable story."

 

Xiao Rong was almost unable to control his urge to strangle him. A commendable story? Xiao Shan was nothing but a troublemaker.

 

He never spoke sensibly, nor did he act properly.

 

Xiao Rong, gritting his teeth and with reddened eyes, said, "There are six ministries, why must you follow me? If you go to the Ministry of Justice, then I'll go to the Ministry of Personnel. I refuse to work with you."

 

"Father Emperor, you see, Eldest Brother is clearly looking down on me," Xiao Shan openly complained, his tone overly self-righteous. "Father Emperor, you know I haven't read much, and I can't even remember all the officials' names in court. If you let me train alone, I wouldn't know what to do besides sleep. I'm thinking that since Eldest Brother is older, I could learn from him. Once I'm capable, I can then move to another ministry for further training."

 

"Eldest Brother, if you teach me earnestly, I will learn quickly."

 

Xiao Rong, unwilling, said, "The teachers Father Emperor assigned couldn't teach you. I don't have that ability."

 

His entire demeanor screamed "Don't mess with me."

 

Emperor Xiao Sheng moved his throat slightly, then silently picked up his tea and took a couple of sips. After a long pause, he said, "Zhen didn't expect you to have such thoughts. Zhen will consider this matter carefully."

 

"Father Emperor..." Xiao Rong was filled with grief and indignation, wanting nothing more than to scratch Xiao Shan's face.