Xie Zhui averted his gaze. He had many questions he wanted to ask Xiao Shan, but he opened his mouth and ultimately looked away without asking.

 

Xiao Shan understood his inner turmoil and said softly, "If I choose to take another path, I certainly won't hide it from you." He was referring to the possibility of falling out with Xiao Jin.

 

Everything was uncertain until they met the Emperor.

 

Xiao Shan wasn't entirely sure that Xiao Jin would voice his suspicions, just as Xiao Jin wasn't entirely sure if he would continue to support him as the Crown Prince. So, until everything was settled, he kept it from Xie Zhui.

 

The human heart is complex and unpredictable. Fortunately, many emotions can withstand the allure of power and status.

 

Xiao Jin staked everything, taking a huge gamble.

 

As for Xie Zhui, he had been busy handling matters related to the Xie family these past few days. Speaking of which, Xie Zhui also kept things from him, particularly regarding what Rong Ji discovered about the Marquis An's residence. In the grand hall, he addressed the Emperor with "Your Majesty" and "Emperor," never once calling him "Father Emperor."

 

He did this from the standpoint of the Xie family. Being in the capital and having such deep connections with the Northern Army meant that if he spoke out, he would be attacked and even suspected by the Emperor.

 

Being able to command the northern soldiers from afar was not something that would please the Emperor.

 

Xie Zhui kept things from him as well, hoping to protect him to the greatest extent possible.

 

He could understand Xie Zhui's position, as Xie Zhui was now the only one in the Xie family who could speak out.

 

But when the moment came and Xie Zhui spoke up, he was beside himself with anxiety.

 

It was an unpleasant feeling, and he imagined Xie Zhui must be feeling the same way.

 

With this thought, Xiao Shan pulled him into his embrace, feeling Xie Zhui's body warmth, and said, "From now on, no matter what happens, let's not keep secrets from each other."

 

"We'll face danger together. Whether in life or death, we'll be together."

 

Life and death together.

 

Xie Zhui trembled as he grasped the meaning behind these words.

 

He nodded vigorously and said, "Alright."

 

After clearing the air with Xie Zhui, Xiao Shan asked, "Are you afraid to go to an unfamiliar place with me?"

 

Xie Zhui shook his head. "No."

 

Of course, he wasn't afraid. If he were alone, the world could be his home.

 

Now, with Xiao Shan and their child, wherever Xiao Shan and the child were, that would be his home.

 

***

 

Xiao Shan was eager to leave the capital and take Xie Zhui to Yunnan as soon as possible.

 

In Yunnan, he would be the leader. As the saying goes, "In the mountains without a tiger, the monkey becomes king." Yunnan would be his territory, and he could do whatever he wanted without anyone daring to bother him.

 

He could live life however he wished, and just thinking about it made him feel good.

 

Xiao Shan already planned to take Xie Sui with them to Yunnan. The environment in Yunnan was good, and the temperature was suitable, making it an excellent place for recuperation.

 

As for Xie Chen, he would naturally stay in the capital to continue striving for the glory of the Xie family.

 

The mess in the palace and the Gu family was left to Xiao Jin. As the Crown Prince and future Emperor, it was his duty to handle these matters.

 

In the future, he would face even more difficult challenges. In this regard, Xiao Shan couldn't help Xiao Jin and could only watch him forge ahead alone.

 

Amidst the swirling rumors and various speculations outside, Xiao Shan prepared everything.

 

But the Emperor had yet to indicate that he could leave the capital. Xiao Shan waited and waited in the prince's residence, and finally, he decided to see the Emperor in person.

 

The Emperor had always been diligent, but these days, his mood was poor. Annoyed by the noisy court, he hadn't held court sessions for several days, causing widespread anxiety. Officials didn't even dare to submit memorials lightly.

 

Xiao Shan requested an audience, and the Emperor naturally knew the reason for his visit.

 

The Emperor initially didn't want to see him, but after a moment of silence, he allowed him to enter the hall.

 

After letting Xiao Shan rise, the Emperor stared at him for a long time before speaking, "Are you so eager to leave the capital?"

 

Xiao Shan, looking surprised, said, "Father Emperor has already granted me a fiefdom. Do you intend to take it back? Once spoken, your words are golden, and I won't return the fiefdom."

 

The Emperor glared at him. "When did I say I would take back the fiefdom? I was just thinking that it might not be suitable for you to move so far away with your family right now. Xie Zhui is still pregnant. At least wait until the child is born before you leave."

 

Xiao Shan looked at the Emperor, who rarely spoke such tender words, and smiled. "Father Emperor, if I have a fiefdom but continue to live in the capital, people will inevitably gossip and criticize. Besides, once the child is born, it will be even harder to move with a young child. Delaying like this would mean another year. It's better to leave while the weather is warm, so we can settle in sooner."

 

The Emperor understood that Xiao Shan wanted to leave early for Xiao Jin's sake.

 

With his identity exposed, it was Xiao Jin who found himself in an awkward and embarrassing position. As long as Xiao Shan remained, it would remind those who knew the truth of Xiao Jin's uncomfortable status.

 

Xiao Shan and Xiao Jin might not mind, but over time, it could lead others to develop inappropriate thoughts.

 

Since Xiao Shan already made up his mind, it was better to let him leave sooner.

 

However, the Emperor still felt a bit reluctant at heart; once Xiao Shan left for Yunnan, it would be difficult for father and son to meet again.

 

The Emperor was not a saint; sometimes he thought that if Consort Lan had not switched the children, Xiao Shan would have become the Crown Prince, and it would have been Xiao Shan whom he had carefully groomed. Then there wouldn't be so many troubles now.

 

The Emperor knew this thought was dangerous and, over time, would be harmful to both Xiao Shan and Xiao Jin.

 

The Emperor understood this, as did Xiao Jin and Xiao Shan.

 

Affection cannot withstand constant erosion, which was also why Xiao Shan was so eager to leave the capital.

 

But if that were the case, perhaps the bond between Xiao Shan and Xiao Jin as it stood today would not exist.

 

The Emperor cleared his mind of those thoughts and looked at Xiao Shan, saying, "The Empress and Consort Lan both want to see you. If you are willing to meet them, then do so; if not, then forget it." For others, it would be impossible to see them, but Xiao Shan was an exception.

 

Xiao Shan did not answer this question. Instead, he looked at the Emperor and said solemnly, "Father Emperor, Second Brother is a good Crown Prince and will become a good Emperor in the future. Of course, all this requires your careful guidance."

 

The implication was that the Emperor should treat Xiao Jin as he always had.

 

The Emperor snorted coldly, "Do you think Zhen would joke about the empire? Zhen will naturally guide the Crown Prince well."

 

Hearing this, Xiao Shan's eyes curved in a smile. With the Emperor's assurance, he no longer needed to worry about Xiao Jin after leaving the capital.

 

The Emperor looked at this son and once again sighed inwardly. Xiao Shan truly had no interest in the throne.

 

Such people were rare and, in turn, more sincere.

 

Xiao Shan then asked, "Father Emperor, about my departure from the capital?"

 

The Emperor waved his hand and said, "This matter requires the Imperial Astronomer to select an auspicious date. Go back and wait."

 

Xiao Shan pulled a face, reluctantly bowed, and left.

 

After Xiao Shan left, the Emperor sighed and then summoned Chang Le. "Go to my private treasury and see if there are any items that Xiao Shan likes. Pick some out and send them to him."

 

Chang Le smiled and said, "The Prince likes items of pure gold and silver the most. Why not reward him with more gold and silver, Your Majesty?"

 

The Emperor rolled his eyes at him. "Do you think Zhen doesn't know that? Zhen means to send him some treasures that can protect his household. After all, he's going to such a distant place, and it will be difficult for me to send him gifts in the future."

 

Chang Le suddenly understood and said, "Your Majesty has the heart of a loving father."

 

The Emperor snorted.

 

He was not just a loving father; he was, above all, an Emperor.

 

Everything he said and did had to be considered from the perspective of a ruler.

 

Xiao Shan originally intended to leave the capital directly, but after some thought, he decided to visit the Empress.

 

Since he was leaving, it was better to clear the air. Otherwise, lingering thoughts could easily lead to trouble.