Looking at the ever-silent Xiao Jin, Xiao Shan muttered, "Second Brother, I'm about to leave, and you're still frowning? Do you want me to remember you with this sour face?"

 

Xiao Jin rolled his eyes at him and said, "I'd like to smile, but I just can't."

 

"Then forget it. If you don't want to smile, don't force it. A forced smile is the ugliest," Xiao Shan replied.

 

Xiao Jin was almost amused by his words. He said, "You're going so far away. It will be much harder to see you in the future... I know you're lazy, but once you get to Yunnan, you must write to the palace regularly. That way, Father Emperor and I will know how you're doing there."

 

"Of course," Xiao Shan said matter-of-factly. "Although Father Emperor has given me Yunnan as my fief, I don't know the character of those officials. If I encounter any officials I can't handle, I'll naturally write to you and Father Emperor to complain. Then, Second Brother, you and Father Emperor will have to back me up."

 

Xiao Jin replied, "If such a thing happens, I will personally go to Yunnan and deal with those uncooperative officials."

 

His expression was very serious as he said this, with a hint of unnoticeable ruthlessness in his tone.

 

So much had happened in just a few months, and anyone would change a bit; Xiao Jin was no exception.

 

Xiao Shan smiled, his eyes curving, and said, "Then it's settled. Second Brother, you must protect me when the time comes."

 

Xiao Jin wasn't sure if Xiao Shan's words referred solely to their recent conversation or to the future as well.

 

After all, there were already people whispering insidious thoughts in his ear, saying things like how a prince with a fief would have private soldiers, his own tax revenue, and officials within the fief.

 

In the short term, there might not be any danger, but over time, as people's hearts changed, the fief could become increasingly resistant to the court's commands, eventually turning into a small kingdom that only listened to the prince.

 

In the future, the Emperor's realm could end up with a state within a state.

 

History books were filled with such instances, where princes with fiefs rebelled, capturing the capital and becoming the new rulers of the land.

 

Moreover, Xiao Shan's circumstances were far more favorable than those of others. In the past, there were several princes with fiefs, and everyone aspired to ascend to that position, becoming the emperor to whom all paid homage.

 

With too many princes holding fiefs, there was much contention, and unity of purpose was lacking. This disunity was the greatest flaw, making it easy to be defeated.

 

But now, in the entire Da Zhou, only Xiao Shan had a fief.

 

People around Xiao Jin said that Xiao Shan was cunning and capable, that he coaxed the Emperor into granting him a fief, surely with ulterior motives.

 

These people were unaware of the hidden truths. They saw the Emperor granting Xiao Shan a fief and assumed he also coveted the throne. But Xiao Jin knew that Xiao Shan had no desire for that coveted position.

 

There were many things that neither he nor the Emperor could openly discuss, so they simply returned the memorials without comment.

 

Of course, the world is unpredictable, and perhaps in a few generations, people's hearts would indeed change.

 

But those were matters they wouldn't live to see. For now, the bond between him and Xiao Shan remained unchanged, and the future was not their concern.

 

Thinking about these things, Xiao Jin said, "Take good care of yourself over there."

 

Xiao Shan nodded, "Of course. Second Brother knows I never like to suffer. No matter where I am, it's all the same."

 

Xiao Jin said, "That's true. This is good."

 

Seeing that Xiao Jin had finished advising him, Xiao Shan said, "Second Brother, take good care of yourself too. Father Emperor has high hopes for you. Don't let others' idle gossip weigh on your mind. Life is short, just a few decades, and it passes in the blink of an eye. You are human, not a saint, so don't burden yourself with things you shouldn't bear."

 

"It's not my fault, nor is it yours, so I don't care, and you shouldn't either. Let others think what they will. Just be a good Crown Prince and live up to Father Emperor's expectations."

 

Xiao Jin's heart skipped a beat. He knew Xiao Shan was telling him not to let the Empress or those who knew the truth burden him with guilt over past events. He didn't need to carry the shackles of those past mistakes.

 

Xiao Shan had always been like this, trying to think of everything for himself.

 

Before the secret was revealed, he exposed the past misdeeds of Consort Shu and Xiao Yi, removing a potential candidate for the Crown Prince position from the Emperor's consideration.

 

Before leaving, he also went to see the Empress and Consort Lan. Xiao Jin could imagine their conversation even with his eyes closed.

 

And now, he was comforting him.

 

Xiao Shan had indeed helped him a lot. How could he ever let down such a brother?

 

Looking at him, Xiao Jin said softly, "Before you leave, I want to call you 'Brother.' Can I return this identity to you, even if just for a moment, even if it's just for two words?"

 

Xiao Shan blinked a few times, then said softly, "Alright."

 

Xiao Jin moved his lips and quietly called out, "Second Brother."

 

Xiao Shan's face twitched, and he shivered, saying, "That sounds quite awkward. It seems the title doesn't suit me."

 

Xiao Jin's sorrow was shattered by Xiao Shan's twitching face. He collected himself and looked steadily at Xiao Shan.

 

Xiao Shan tried to act like an elder brother. He cleared his throat, patted Xiao Jin's shoulder, and said, "Since you called me that, you have to listen to me. You must do everything I just told you."

 

Xiao Jin looked at him expressionlessly, feeling that he had been swayed by Xiao Shan's earlier words. This interaction felt quite awkward.

 

Xiao Shan quickly withdrew his hand and then said cheerfully, "Second Brother, it's getting late. We should be on our way."

 

Xiao Jin responded with a simple "Mm."

 

As the saying goes, "Even if you accompany someone a thousand miles, you must part eventually." Farewell is a sorrowful word, but those who must leave cannot be held back.

 

Xiao Shan then looked at Xiao Xian and said, "You're still young; don't stray down the wrong path. The Consort’s intentions are written all over her face. It was fortunate that she was able to clear her name after being framed this time. If it happens again, no one will be able to save her."

 

Xiao Xian's face was tense. When he learned that it was Consort Shu and Xiao Yi who had framed his mother, he couldn't believe it.

 

He went to see Xiao Yi, but he didn't get to meet him. In front of Prince Yong's residence, Xiao Yi only had someone deliver a message to him, telling him to take care of himself and not to trust others.

 

After his mother was released, she was greatly frightened and traumatized.

 

She had always thought she was cunning and strategic, but she never expected that in the eyes of Consort Shu, who appeared so pious, she was merely a scapegoat.

 

Even the incident where the Crown Princess was poisoned during her pregnancy had Consort Shu's involvement. Consort Shu was adept at bribing people, and those inconspicuous eunuchs and palace maids she bought off could become the deadliest threats at critical moments.

 

Thinking about his mother's downfall and her disregard for him, Xiao Xian felt a strange sense of relief and a bit of pity for her.

 

Hearing Xiao Shan's words, Xiao Xian wanted to snort coldly, but seeing Xiao Jin's frosty gaze, he stiffened his face and said, "Understood. Thank you for the advice, Third Brother."

 

Xiao Shan chuckled twice and was about to say something more when the sound of hoofbeats came from behind.

 

He turned around to see Xiao Rong reluctantly riding towards them. Seeing the group in the pavilion looking at him, Xiao Rong's face twisted for a moment. Then he dismounted, a cold smile playing on his lips as he looked at Xiao Shan.

 

The way Xiao Rong looked at Xiao Shan was as if he were staring at an enemy.

 

Xiao Shan had long become immune to that look. No matter how angry Xiao Rong got, he couldn't do anything to him. However, Xiao Shan was genuinely surprised that Xiao Rong had come to see him off. With a face full of delight, he said, "Eldest Brother, are you reluctant to see me go?"

 

Could it be that Xiao Rong had deep affection for him? He didn't notice.

 

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Xiao Rong jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "When did I ever say I came to see you off?"

 

If it weren't for Gu Linglong constantly nagging in his ear, saying that as Xiao Shan's elder brother, he should at least make a show of seeing him off to set an example for the people and the Emperor, he wouldn't have come.

 

It was that last argument that convinced him; otherwise, he wouldn't have come.

 

He had walked slowly, thinking Xiao Shan would have already left the capital. To his surprise, Xiao Shan was still there, and just as before, he was still the kind of person who couldn't say anything nice.

 

Seeing Xiao Rong's expression, Xiao Shan elongated his voice and laughed, "Oh, I see. Eldest Brother didn't come to see me off from the capital; you were just passing by."

 

"Glad you understand," Xiao Rong snorted coldly. He was indeed just passing by. But why did hearing it from Xiao Shan's mouth make him so angry? And why did his gaze feel so strange?

 

Xiao Rong knew he had been seen through, but it didn't matter. As long as he didn't admit he was there to see Xiao Shan off, Xiao Shan couldn't confirm his true purpose. Pleased with his own cleverness, Xiao Rong said dismissively, "Though I was just passing by, since I've seen that Third Brother hasn't left yet, I might as well see him off. I wouldn't want someone to complain to Father Emperor that I, as the eldest brother, lack understanding of social niceties."

 

Xiao Shan had never seen someone so adept at self-deception. He laughed and said, "What Eldest Brother said is right."

 

Xiao Rong, not being countered by Xiao Shan, felt uneasy and on guard, as if expecting Xiao Shan to have another trick up his sleeve.

 

Meanwhile, Xie Zhui and Xie Chen finished their conversation. Xiao Shan smiled at Xie Zhui and then said, "It's getting late. We should be on our way."

 

Xiao Jin called for someone to bring a jar of wine and poured some into several bowls.

 

The group stood in the pavilion, raising their bowls together and drinking.

 

Many unspoken words were hidden in the wine.

 

After downing the bowl of wine, Xiao Shan took Xie Zhui's hand and left. With his back to the others, he waved and said, "I'll come back to see you all after the child is born. Don't forget to prepare gifts for the occasion. If the gifts aren't valuable, we won't accept them."

 

The expressions on the faces of those behind him varied upon hearing this.

 

Xiao Rong sneered, "Not long after your child is born, my legitimate son will be born too. Whatever gifts you receive, you'll have to return. What's there to be so proud of?"

 

Xiao Shan, already in the carriage with Xie Zhui, didn't hear this. The others in the pavilion glanced at Xiao Rong, thinking, You're the one who's proud.

 

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow, feeling quite pleased with himself.

 

He was now going to have a legitimate son, and he looked at the others.

 

Seeing their reactions, Xiao Rong became angry.

 

Xie Chen, who had not yet married and was still somewhat frail, was being supported by Gu Ning. He was preoccupied with his own health and the departure of Xie Zhui and Xie Sui, not understanding Xiao Rong's boast.

 

Xiao Xian, being young, didn't understand at all.

 

As for Xiao Jin, his eyes never looked at Xiao Rong, especially at this moment. He gazed at the distant soldiers and the carriage protected by them, his thoughts drifting far away.

 

The more Xiao Rong looked at this group, the angrier he became. The fire in his heart was almost consuming him, but with Xiao Jin, the Crown Prince, present, he had to suppress his anger no matter how furious he felt.

 

Feeling extremely agitated, Xiao Rong suddenly wanted to see Gu Linglong. Whenever he was upset, Gu Linglong could always calm him down. Indeed, being with Gu Linglong was much better than being with this group who didn't respect him.

 

With these thoughts, Xiao Rong said, "I have something to attend to, so I'll leave first," and then he mounted his horse and rode away.

 

Xiao Xian, looking at Xiao Rong's furious departing figure, asked in surprise, "Why did Eldest Brother leave?"

 

This was a difficult question for Xie Chen to answer, so Xiao Jin, distracted, said, "Elder Brother has always been temperamental. Maybe talking about children reminded him to go home and see his child."

 

Xiao Xian found this reasonable and nodded.

 

In the carriage, Xiao Shan noticed Xie Zhui looking a bit downcast and said, "Don't be sad. We'll come back every year. We can also invite them to Yunnan. We'll still be able to see each other."

 

Xie Zhui looked up and held Xiao Shan's hand, saying, "Alright, we'll come back every year."

 

The capital held many heart-wrenching memories and many detestable things, but it also had family and people worth remembering.

 

No matter how long the road ahead might be, the people and events here would always be a source of attachment.

 

For now, they were heading to a new place. They wouldn't forget the people in the capital, but the future belonged to them.