When Xie Zhui returned to the prince's residence from the Xie family, he opened the door to find a forlorn figure. This person had a pair of sorrowful eyes, and at this moment, those eyes were quietly gazing at him. Xie Zhui felt uneasy under the gaze and couldn't help but look himself over, wondering what he had done to make the person look like this.

 

Not finding anything wrong with himself, Xie Zhui looked up innocently at the woeful Xiao Shan and asked, "What happened? Did things not go smoothly?" Other than that, he couldn't fathom why Xiao Shan would be in such a state.

 

So he added, "It's okay if we can't leave the capital immediately. We can go to Yunnan after the child is born." Although he also wanted to leave, he already discussed the matter with his father and elder brother at the Xie family.

 

The toxins in Xie Sui's body needed to be gradually eliminated, and the only one capable of doing this was the illegitimate son of the Northern Rong Prince. If the Northern Rong people did not notice, it would be fine, but if they did, the implications would be too extensive.

 

It would be better to go south with him, far away from the Northern Rong.

 

As for Xie Chen, the task of restoring the Xie family's honor and bringing glory to their ancestors would be left to him.

 

Xie Sui and Xie Chen had no strong reactions to going to Yunnan; they were just concerned about his health. Given his current physical condition, they were unsure if he could endure the long journey.

 

Fortunately, Xie Zhui quickly persuaded them. If circumstances changed, he would convince them again if necessary.

 

As Xie Zhui was thinking about these things, he heard Xiao Shan say in a desolate tone, "Everything went smoothly. We will be able to leave the capital soon."

 

Smoothly? Hmm… smoothly?

 

Xie Zhui was full of confusion. If everything went smoothly, why did Xiao Shan have this expression and tone? He seemed completely drained, lacking his usual vitality.

 

Seeing Xie Zhui's puzzled expression, Xiao Shan walked over, pulled him to the table, and sat him down. He then quietly recounted what happened, emphasizing how he felt when he returned home and didn't see Xie Zhui—that feeling was like a cold void.

 

In summary, everything he said boiled down to one thing: he missed Xie Zhui very much.

 

In Xie Zhui's memory, Xiao Shan had always been full of life, with bright eyes even if the sky were falling. He was vibrant and spirited. This was the first time Xie Zhui heard Xiao Shan complain about such ordinary things, yet it was filled with the essence of daily life.

 

Xie Zhui found it both amusing and touching. He grasped Xiao Shan's hand and said, "You knew where I was; you could have just come to find me."

 

Xiao Shan let out a long, sorrowful sigh and lowered his eyes. "I wanted to, but after we leave, you'll see your elder brother even less. If I went, it would have been inconvenient for you two to talk. While we're still in the capital, it's good for you to spend more time talking with him, so he won't worry after we leave."

 

Xie Zhui's heart felt as if someone gently brushed it with a feather, leaving it both ticklish and numb.

 

Everyone said Xiao Shan was uneducated and incompetent, but Xie Zhui knew that this person's gentleness was evident in every aspect.

 

Xiao Shan was always considerate of others. For those he cared about, his gentleness was ingrained in his very bones.

 

To be honest, when Xie Zhui married Xiao Shan, he prepared himself for all sorts of scenarios. Everyone said that members of the royal family were incorrigible, but Xie Zhui never expected to find a gem.

 

"The Xie family is also your family. You can go there anytime you want. Father and Elder Brother won't mind," Xie Zhui said, looking at the dejected Xiao Shan. Then he saw a smile and sunlight spread across Xiao Shan's face.

 

Everything brightened up, and the air of melancholy vanished completely.

 

Xiao Shan grinned and said, "Then how about I submit a memorial to leave once Elder Brother's eyesight is fully restored?"

 

Xie Zhui nodded, "Alright."

 

Their way of interacting was quite different from other families. In most families, the husband would handle external affairs while the wife or husband would manage the household. However, in their family, Xiao Shan often discussed decisions with Xie Zhui.

 

Both Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui were accustomed to this way of interacting. It might seem unbelievable to others, but to them, it was the most suitable and comfortable arrangement.

 

Xie Chen's eye bandages would soon be removed, and after that, they could leave with greater peace of mind.

 

Xiao Shan considered everything he could.

 

***

 

On the day Xie Chen removed his eye bandages, Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui also arrived at the Xie family residence.

 

Ever since he learned that Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui were leaving the capital for Yunnan, Xie Chen was reluctant to remove his eye bandages. He knew that as long as he couldn't see, they would delay their departure by another day.

 

Although he had this thought in his mind, he didn't act on it. Instead, he removed the bandages as scheduled.

 

He couldn't let his selfish desires keep Xie Zhui behind; that would be unfair to both Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui.

 

Seeing the world again was a challenging experience.

 

Xie Chen blinked his eyes, initially unable to adjust to the light. Everything appeared very blurry. He opened his eyes briefly and then immediately closed them, tears streaming from the corners of his eyes due to the brightness. After repeating this process several times, he finally managed to keep his eyes open.

 

At that moment, everyone held their breath, including Xiao Shan. Xie Chen looked around at the people in front of him, his gaze still lacking clarity, and no one dared to ask about his condition.

 

When Xie Chen's gaze fell on Xiao Shan, his eyes finally showed some movement, becoming lively. He said in a deep voice, "Your Highness."

 

Xiao Shan felt relieved and smiled, "It's all good now."

 

Xie Chen nodded, then looked at Xie Sui. The moment he saw Xie Sui, his eyes reddened, and he knelt before him, saying, "Father, I have been unfilial and caused you to suffer."

 

Xie Sui quickly helped him up, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about? If anyone has suffered, it is you and your brother because of me."

 

Xie Chen did not dwell on formalities. He rose with Xie Sui's support and then looked at Xie Zhui. Xie Zhui changed from the person in his memory, becoming more resolute and composed. Xie Chen smiled at him and said, "You've grown up."

 

He didn't see Xie Zhui's day-by-day transformation, but he didn't miss Xie Zhui's growth.

 

Xie Zhui said, "Elder Brother ages a year every year. If I always looked the same, it would scare people." Having spent a long time with Xiao Shan, he sometimes made playful remarks.

 

However, his cold expression and deep voice when saying such things always created a sense of contrast.

 

Xie Chen smiled, and then his gaze fell on Gu Ning.

 

Gu Ning had been by his side since he lost his sight. This was actually the first time he had seen him.

 

Gu Ning stood there with a cold expression, looking like a man of few words. Xie Chen smiled at him and said, "Gu Ning, thank you for your hard work over the years."

 

Gu Ning's expression and tone were both indifferent as he said, "I am protecting you, not expecting payment; there's no talk of hardship."

 

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a bit regretful, realizing his tone might have been too cold. He wasn't good at saying pleasant things.

 

For the first time, Gu Ning felt that he was too inarticulate.

 

Fortunately, Xie Chen understood his nature and said, "Of course, it's been hard work. But I'll give you a raise in the future."

 

How could it not be hard work, taking care of a blind person day in and day out for years?

 

There were times when he was in a bad mood, and Gu Ning was the one who stayed by his side throughout.

 

Gu Ning responded with a simple "Oh," which was his way of agreeing.

 

"Today is a joyous day. Let's have a proper celebration as a family," Xie Sui finally decided.

 

Naturally, no one had any objections.

 

That day, the Xie residence was bustling with activity, and everyone wore smiles on their faces.

 

Xie Sui even disregarded everyone's advice and had a drink. He simply said he was happy, that both children were doing well, and that in the future, when he met his late wife in the afterlife, he would have no regrets.

 

Talking about those who have passed away is always a sad affair.

 

Xiao Shan quickly changed the subject. While it was right to remember those who passed, it was also important to look forward to a new life.

 

The group followed the new topic, chatting about other things, and everyone was in good spirits. Who knew when they would meet again?

 

Sadness and sorrow could be left for tomorrow; today was for joy.

 

***

 

After spending a night at the Xie family residence, Xiao Shan submitted a memorial to leave for his fief.

 

The Emperor held onto the memorial for two days before approving it, stating that the Imperial Astronomer determined that departing in ten days would be most auspicious.

 

During those ten days, Xiao Shan made frequent trips to the palace, nearly emptying the Emperor's private treasury. He asked for anything that came to mind, such as preparing thousand-year-old ginseng for Xie Zhui, who was expecting a child.

 

Thinking about the child to be born, whether it would be a boy, a girl, or a ger, Xiao Shan would ask the Emperor for jade hairpins and ornaments suitable for girls, as well as jade pendants for boys from the Emperor's private collection.

 

Xiao Shan would insist that the child, wearing these items in distant Yunnan, would always remember the Emperor's grace. He argued that bestowing more gifts would strengthen the bond between the child and the Emperor.

 

Considering Xie Sui's health, Xiao Shan also requested some precious medicinal herbs, as Xie Zhui would need to recuperate as well.

 

Medicinal herbs were absolutely essential.

 

Of course, some valuable decorative items and artifacts were also indispensable.

 

The Emperor watched as Xiao Shan found various excuses to ask for things, and finally, when Xiao Shan mentioned taking an imperial physician with him, the Emperor couldn't take it anymore and wished he would disappear from his sight immediately.

 

Every prince's residence had physicians, but Xiao Shan was still not reassured. When it came to physicians, the more, the better.

 

Seeing the Emperor's cold stare, Xiao Shan quickly said, "Father Emperor, think about it. The journey from the capital to Yunnan is long, and without an imperial physician, I can't be at ease about Xie Zhui's health. I wouldn't dare to take someone you're accustomed to using. Just grant me an imperial physician who has fewer ties and is willing to follow me to Yunnan."

 

The Emperor gave him a sidelong glance and said, "What, from the way you're talking, you want to take away one of Zhen’s trusted imperial physicians?"

 

"No, no, how could I be so unfilial," Xiao Shan said.

 

The Emperor snorted coldly, "You wouldn't dare? You've nearly emptied Zhen’s palace of treasures, what wouldn't you dare?"

 

Xiao Shan thought for a moment, realizing he indeed asked for quite a lot. He pursed his lips and looked at the Emperor, not saying a word about returning any of the items.

 

Seeing his expression, the Emperor impatiently waved his hand and said, "Fine, fine, have it your way. Also, although Yunnan is your fief, you are unfamiliar with the place. The local officials are all shrewd and might try to deceive you. Zhen will assign you three thousand guards to ensure your safety on the journey."

 

Xiao Shan asked, "And who will pay for the upkeep of these three thousand guards in the future?"

 

The Emperor felt a pain in his chest and pointed to the hall's door, saying, "Get out! Your vast fief in Yunnan can't support three thousand guards?"

 

In other words, Xiao Shan would have to pay for it himself.

 

Xiao Shan felt a bit of heartache. Three thousand men would be a significant daily expense just for food and drink.

 

But seeing the Emperor's expression, he knew there was no room for negotiation. To avoid further angering the Emperor, Xiao Shan obediently took his leave.

 

After he left, the Emperor muttered, "That rascal, so stingy, such a bad habit."

 

Chang Le, standing by, thought to himself, Isn't this bad habit something you cultivated yourself? Who else would dare to be so audacious? In the entire Da Zhou, only Xiao Shan would.

 

The day for Xiao Shan to leave the capital arrived quickly, and items were gradually loaded onto the carriages from the prince's residence.

 

The amount of belongings he had was comparable to the grand dowry of a noble family’s daughter, perhaps even surpassing it. After all, many of the items were genuine treasures, each worth a fortune.

 

At this moment, Xiao Shan looked at the imposing guards and thought to himself that it was fortunate he had three thousand of them.

 

If any foolish bandits dared to rob him on the road, they would be in for a tough fight.

 

Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui sat in one carriage, while Xie Sui was in another.

 

Once everything was ready, Xiao Shan set off with Xie Zhui.

 

When they reached the farewell pavilion ten miles outside the capital, Xiao Shan saw the people sitting inside: Xiao Jin, Xiao Xian, and Xie Chen.

 

He and Xie Zhui got off the carriage and walked up to the three of them. Xiao Shan greeted them with a cheerful smile.

 

Xiao Jin looked at him but remained silent.

 

Knowing that the two had things to discuss, Xie Zhui stood aside with Xie Chen, engaging in farewell conversations.

 

Xiao Xian, who was being ignored, stood in another corner of the pavilion, pouting. He didn't even know what came over him to make him want to come and see Xiao Shan off.