After a night of deliberation, Xie Zhui got up the next day, enduring his weak legs, and personally placed the treasured sword in the storeroom. He felt that as long as Xiao Shan was around, this sword would probably never see the light of day again.

Xiao Shan woke up to the news that the Emperor had not only rewarded Xie Zhui but also Xiao Rong. Among the rewards given to Xiao Rong was a jade ruyi*. It was the first time the Emperor had lavishly rewarded Xiao Rong, causing much speculation within and outside the court, with many guessing that Xiao Rong had finally gained the Emperor's favor.

*is a traditional Chinese ceremonial scepter that symbolizes power and good fortune. The term "ruyi" translates to "as you wish" or "according to your desires," reflecting its auspicious connotations. The ruyi typically has a curved S-shape with a head that resembles a cloud or a lingzhi mushroom, which is considered a symbol of longevity. Historically, ruyi were made from various materials, including jade, gold, and other precious substances, and were often intricately carved and decorated.

While others were speculating, Xiao Shan was having breakfast with Xie Zhui. Not seeing the sword, he learned that Xie Zhui had stored it in the storeroom. Xiao Shan, with a serious expression, said, "The things Father Emperor rewards are all top-notch. If you like it, take it out and use it. Swords, if left unused for a long time, tend to rust."

Xie Zhui took a sip of porridge and shook his head, saying softly, "I won't take it out for now. If Your Highness keeps challenging it, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it."

Hearing this, Xiao Shan choked on his porridge. He immediately took out a handkerchief to cover his mouth and nose, turning his head to the side and coughing violently.

He felt as if the porridge had gone up his nose.

Xie Zhui was startled and quickly stepped forward to pat his back.

After a while, Xiao Shan stopped coughing, though his nose still felt a bit itchy. He looked at Xie Zhui and said with a playful tone, "Are you trying murder your husband with this porridge?"

Xie Zhui's face flushed, and he moved his lips but couldn't find the words to respond.

These flirtatious remarks were usually made by Xiao Shan. Although Xie Zhui didn't intentionally dwell on them, hearing them repeatedly had left an imprint on his heart. So, in special moments, they would come out unconsciously.

Xie Zhui didn't answer Xiao Shan's question. Instead, he quietly refilled his bowl with porridge.

In broad daylight, Xie Zhui's face was still quite thin when it came to such matters, and Xiao Shan didn't press the issue further.

After all, the night was long, and they had plenty of time to discuss this matter.

***

A few days after rewarding Xiao Rong and Xie Zhui, the Emperor made another move. He first promoted the loyal official, Hanlin Academy Scholar Shangguan Qing, to the position of Chief Scholar of the Hanlin Academy.

Subsequently, the Emperor ordered the eldest prince, Xiao Rong, to join the Ministry of Justice, and the third prince, Xiao Shan, to join the Ministry of Justice as well. The reason given for Xiao Rong's assignment was to take his turn on duty, while Xiao Shan was to learn how to take his turn from Xiao Rong.

Two princes entering the same ministry was unprecedented.

The civil and military officials were stunned upon hearing the Emperor's decree. Some of them wanted to submit memorials to express their opinions on the matter, but they found themselves at a loss for words.

After calming down, they thought, why shouldn't two princes learn together in the same ministry?

Unless those who object have ulterior motives.

Understanding this, the officials who initially wanted to submit memorials quickly suppressed their restless thoughts.

The most distressed were the officials of the Ministry of Justice. Having a prince on duty in any of the six ministries was already a significant pressure. Even when the Crown Prince took his turn in the six ministries, he didn't gather all the officials under his command.

The Crown Prince had just left, and they had only enjoyed a couple of days of peace. Now, the Emperor, seemingly not content with the current state of affairs, decided that one "Buddha" in the Ministry of Justice wasn't enough and sent two.

And these two "Buddhas" were notoriously incompatible with each other.

Thinking about being caught between these two "Buddhas" in the future, the officials of the Ministry of Justice felt like resigning on the spot.

The mere thought of the situation, let alone experiencing it firsthand, was enough to make one feel suffocated.

Xiao Rong had initially been very pleased with the Emperor's exclusive reward. Now, he was so angry that he almost cried.

This wasn't a reward from the Emperor; it was clearly a preemptive compensation.

In the Emperor's mind, his son had no standing whatsoever.

Thinking about this left a bitter taste in Xiao Rong's mouth, and he was on the verge of spiraling into despair.

Fortunately, Gu Guang arrived, and he didn't come alone; he brought an imperial edict from the Emperor.

Gu Guang conveyed the Emperor's message to Xiao Rong, explaining that since Xiao Shan had proposed the idea of both entering the same ministry, even if the Emperor disagreed, Xiao Shan would find ways to run to Xiao Rong.

It would be better to temporarily place the two together, and after three months, the Emperor would transfer Xiao Shan out of the Ministry of Justice.

After conveying the Emperor's intentions, Gu Guang solemnly said, "Your Highness, just endure for three months."

Xiao Rong, having experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, weakly replied, "I can endure for three months, but I'm afraid Xiao Shan is a troublesome brat who won't let me off easily."

Gu Guang shared this concern but still reassured him, "Your Highness, you are overthinking. When the imperial decree comes, how could Prince Li dare to disobey?"

He spoke with conviction, but Xiao Rong was still doubtful. "Really?"

"Of course. The Emperor's words are as good as gold; he wouldn't go back on them. Endure for three months, and Prince Li will surely no longer be a thorn in your side," Gu Guang said without a hint of hesitation.

Xiao Rong's mood improved slightly, and his spirits lifted a bit. "I hope so."

Compared to Xiao Rong's low spirits, Xiao Shan was quite calm, even a bit indignant. In truth, if the Emperor retracted the decree and allowed him and Xiao Rong to remain idle princes, it would be ideal.

Unfortunately, even if the Emperor knew his true feelings, he wouldn't grant his wish.

On the day Xiao Rong and Xiao Shan both entered the Ministry of Justice, the Emperor issued another decree, reinstating Gu Yin to his position as the Governor of Jiangnan.

This meant that the Emperor had waived the mourning period, and Gu Yin did not have to observe three years of mourning for the Old Master Gu.