Gu Linglong never imagined that her life with Xiao Rong would turn out the way it has.

 

When she married Xiao Rong, it was partly because her father had ambitions, thinking that as the eldest son, Xiao Rong had a chance of vying for the throne. Her family name, Gu, had no significant connection to the prominent Gu family in the capital. Her own family's background was modest, and given Xiao Rong's temper, which was not very good and often condescending, Gu Linglong knew exactly what she needed to do from the moment she married him.

 

She needed to bear a legitimate son to secure her position and then assist her father in advising Xiao Rong, encouraging him to be diligent and gain the emperor's favor.

 

As for how many concubines or favored consorts he had, she didn't concern herself with such matters. Of course, if she encountered Xiao Rong in a bad mood, she would never foolishly contradict him.

 

Her attitude was clear, and relatively speaking, Xiao Rong was still willing to listen to her.

 

She had long been accustomed to such a life, never thinking of changing it, nor believing she could.

 

Then, as Xiao Shan grew older, she suddenly noticed that things were a bit different. First, there was his marriage to Xie Zhui. The first time she saw Consort Lan making things difficult for Xie Zhui in the palace, and Xiao Shan unhesitatingly stepped forward to protect him, Gu Linglong felt a twinge of envy.

 

However, she thought such a life had nothing to do with her. She believed she could see the end of her life's path, with nothing that could change it.

 

Xiao Rong, on the other hand, was very concerned about his status as the eldest son. In terms of imperial favor, he couldn't compare to Xiao Jin, and in terms of intelligence, he couldn't match Xiao Shan. Yet, he always tried to get close to both of them.

 

And then, he would be harshly rebuffed by Xiao Shan.

 

Xiao Shan had thick skin, and Xiao Rong was no match for him.

 

Initially, every time Xiao Rong returned to the prince's residence after being rebuffed and humiliated by Xiao Shan, Gu Linglong had to comfort him thoroughly. It often took a long time to calm his anger.

 

Gu Linglong, being human, found this daily routine increasingly tiresome.

 

However, she always suppressed her impatience and continued to soothe Xiao Rong. After all, they were husband and wife, and their fortunes were intertwined.

 

But everyone's patience has its limits, and Gu Linglong was no exception.

 

One day, after Xiao Rong had once again suffered at Xiao Shan's hands, she finally couldn't hold back and snapped at him.

 

Xiao Rong looked at her with a face full of surprise, his eyes brimming with anger.

 

Gu Linglong knew Xiao Rong had a bad temper. She initially thought he might get physical, and she was about to say a few soft words to smooth things over. Then she saw the anger in his eyes turn into a look of grievance. He turned his head away and sat on the edge of the bed, his entire demeanor radiating a sense of being wronged.

 

At that moment, Gu Linglong blinked, then blinked again. She suddenly found the situation quite amusing.

 

Eventually, she came to terms with it. Xiao Rong simply wasn't cut out to be the Crown Prince. Not to mention others, just dealing with Xiao Shan was enough to exhaust him.

 

Seeing this other side of Xiao Rong, Gu Linglong decided to change the way they interacted.

 

After all, with such a long road ahead, it would become tedious if they continued as they were.

 

So, Gu Linglong began to adopt a different attitude towards Xiao Rong. Of course, she didn't start by directly confronting him to the point where he couldn't find his bearings. She began by testing the waters little by little.

 

Upon discovering that Xiao Rong didn't get angry at her for this, she pushed her boundaries further.

 

Eventually, she realized that even if she truly angered Xiao Rong, the most he would do was glare at her fiercely before silently sitting at the foot of the bed without saying a word.

 

Gradually, Gu Linglong's courage grew. Eventually, if she saw Xiao Rong doing something wrong, she even dared to kick him.

 

The situation in the capital changed rapidly, and somehow, overnight, Xiao Shan was granted a fief.

 

There were secrets behind this, but no one dared to investigate. Everyone pretended not to know.

 

Initially, Xiao Rong was quite excited, thinking his opportunity had come. Gu Linglong looked at him and said, "This is the Emperor's decree, and the secrets within are not meant to be known. If you really uncover the truth, do you think the Emperor will praise you, or will he strip you of your title? A prince must not act like Prince Yong."

 

Prince Yong, Xiao Yi, was once a man of brilliant talent, yet he became the deepest hidden threat in the palace. He framed the virtuous consort, attempted to assassinate the crown prince, and nearly succeeded in killing several princes with one stroke.

 

Xiao Rong also thought of Xiao Yi, and his shoulders involuntarily trembled. Truth be told, he did not possess Xiao Yi's capabilities.

 

Thus, the matter of digging into secrets was postponed.

 

Gu Linglong noticed a change in Xiao Rong when she became pregnant again.

 

Xiao Rong was very pleased and proud, constantly saying that this time it would definitely be a legitimate son*.

*a legitimate son is a son that is born from the principal wife/main wife. In this context, Xiao Rong was hoping that he could get an heir that will strengthen his position within the family and solidify his lineage.

 

Gu Linglong thought to herself that it wouldn't matter if it wasn't a legitimate son, but she didn't voice this thought. Some answers were meaningless once known.

 

However, not long after the news of her pregnancy spread, someone sent a beautiful woman to Xiao Rong, supposedly to serve him.

 

When Gu Linglong received this news, she was drinking tea. Suddenly, the tea tasted a bit bitter.

 

She thought that she might have overstepped in some matters recently and needed to reflect.

 

So, before Xiao Rong returned, she had already decided to arrange for the beauty to stay in the Wenxiang Pavilion. It was the closest residence to Xiao Rong's study, ensuring he could see the beauty immediately if he wished.

 

That evening, Xiao Rong indeed brought a stunning beauty before her. The beauty's eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her entire demeanor was captivating. Even Gu Linglong found herself liking her.

 

Gu Linglong stood up with a bright smile and said, "Your Highness, how about arranging for her to stay in the Wenxiang Pavilion?"

 

Xiao Rong frowned and, without thinking, replied, "Why arrange for her to stay in the Wenxiang Pavilion? Arrange for her to stay in your courtyard."

 

At that moment, Gu Linglong wanted to slap him across the face. Placing his concubine in her courtyard—was he trying to subject her to endless ridicule?

 

However, she knew she had been overstepping in her actions recently, so she held back and smiled, saying, "My courtyard is too small; I'm afraid it would be too much of a grievance for my sister..."

 

The beauty, looking terrified, said, "I wouldn't dare. Wherever the princess consort arranges for me to stay, I will stay."

 

Her voice was extremely melodious, and her beautiful eyes fixed on Xiao Rong, seemingly filled with unspoken words.

 

Xiao Rong, however, looked displeased. He glared at Gu Linglong and said, "What sister? Who told you to treat her as a sister?"

 

Gu Linglong was puzzled by his words, thinking, if not a sister, did he want her to treat the beauty as an elder sister? Was he planning to replace her? Considering that their marriage was decreed by the Emperor, she doubted Xiao Rong had the courage for such a move.

 

Before anyone could say anything, Xiao Rong continued, "She was sent here to serve both you and me. Didn't you say you needed a sturdy maid to clean the courtyard? She'll do."

 

Gu Linglong: "..."

 

She glanced at the beauty, who looked utterly shocked, and couldn't help but feel that it was a waste to have such a beauty doing menial tasks in her courtyard.

 

The beauty softly said, "Your Highness, I came to serve you..."

 

"Serving me and serving the princess consort is the same. If you're not willing, you can go back. Think it over yourself," Xiao Rong said impatiently, his face full of irritation. "The princess and I have things to discuss. All of you, leave."

 

The beauty left, looking aggrieved, glancing back at Xiao Rong with every step.

 

However, Xiao Rong was entirely focused on Gu Linglong's pregnancy, not sparing her even a glance.

 

Leaning against the soft couch, Gu Linglong looked at Xiao Rong with a half-smile and said, "Such a beauty, and you really intend to use her as a maid?"

 

Xiao Rong replied, "She's for you to use, not for me."

 

After speaking, Xiao Rong wore a resentful expression. "Hmph, sending someone to me at this time is clearly ill-intentioned."

 

Gu Linglong frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

 

Xiao Rong explained, "You've just become pregnant with a legitimate son, and now they send someone to me. It's obviously meant to upset you. If you were to lose the legitimate son because of this, those people would be delighted. They must be spies sent by the Crown Prince and Xiao Shan, trying to prevent me from having a legitimate heir. I won't fall for their tricks."

 

Gu Linglong was speechless.

 

Seeing Xiao Rong's smug expression, she couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, have you not considered that this person might have been sent to curry favor with you?"

 

After all, Xiao Rong was a prince personally appointed by the Emperor, and there were always people willing to curry favor with him. Given her pregnancy, it was quite normal for someone to send a beauty to serve him.

 

Xiao Rong looked at her strangely and said, "So what? Just because they send someone, I have to accept? What do they take my household for?"

 

Gu Linglong thought to herself, Your residence already has plenty of beauties. Everyone knows that Prince Rui loves beautiful women.

 

However, she didn't voice this thought. Instead, she supported her waist and said, "I am already pregnant. From tonight onwards, Your Highness should not stay overnight here."

 

Xiao Rong, having been raised with such education, didn't mind and said, "Then how will I see my legitimate son?"

 

Gu Linglong replied, "You can visit during the day." With that, she excused herself, citing physical discomfort, and retired to the inner chamber to sleep.

 

Gu Linglong harbored a testing intention in her heart, but Xiao Rong did not react angrily.

 

Afterwards, Xiao Rong consistently slept in his study. Her maids reported that the beauty had tried several times to arrange accidental meetings with Xiao Rong, but he had not even glanced at her.

 

Seeing this, the beauty settled down and behaved herself.

 

Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Gu Linglong felt lethargic about everything and didn't comment much upon hearing this. Instead, she thought rather coldly to herself that, with the beauty in the residence, it was only a matter of time before she became involved with Xiao Rong.

 

Whether it happened sooner or later didn't really matter; after all, Xiao Rong was not known for his self-control.

 

However, this time she was mistaken. Since she became pregnant, Xiao Rong had not only refrained from touching the beauty, but he had also not summoned any other women.

 

The thing he did most often was to come to her courtyard and talk to their unborn child.

 

Sometimes, when she grew impatient, he would just sit to the side, looking at her with a pitiful expression.

 

Later, when she had a difficult labor and was exhausted, she heard the midwife talking to Xiao Rong about the situation. Then she heard Xiao Rong wailing and calling her name, begging her not to die.

 

Perhaps wanting to see if it was an illusion, she suddenly found the strength, and the child was born successfully.

 

When she woke up, she knew that Xiao Rong had truly cried.

 

As soon as she opened her eyes, Xiao Rong clutched her hand tightly and cried, "Gu Linglong, you mustn't have anything happen to you. What will I do if something happens to you? You're the only one in this world who cares for me and feels for me."

 

Gu Linglong, her head aching from his crying, promptly chased him out.

 

However, at that moment, she suddenly understood Xiao Rong's feelings. He had lost his mother at a young age and was not favored by his father, so he sought to claim something for himself.

 

Xiao Jin had the Empress, Xiao Shan had Consort Lan, Xiao Yi had Consort Shu, and Xiao Xian had Consort Xian.

 

Only Xiao Rong had no mother in the palace, no one who truly cared for him. In his eyes, there was no one he genuinely cared about either; all his relationships were superficial.

 

Including her, they were merely maintaining the facade of a married couple.

 

So, when she finally spoke up and confronted him, Xiao Rong began to see her differently. In his mind, only someone who truly cared would scold or hit him.

 

Fully understanding Xiao Rong's thoughts, Gu Linglong knew better how to interact with him.

 

Over the years, Xiao Rong became increasingly attached to her, and their relationship grew warmer, more affectionate than that of an average couple.

 

The beauty who had been sent to the residence was eventually recognized by Gu Linglong as a sister and married off from the prince's residence. She would occasionally visit and chat with Gu Linglong, and her life seemed relatively happy.

 

"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Rong asked as he walked in from outside, noticing Gu Linglong lost in thought.

 

Gu Linglong snapped out of her thoughts, stood up, and smiled. "I was thinking about the Emperor's order for Your Highness to Yunnan to escort Imperial Father* and Prince Jing back to the capital."

*Alas… I can't escape the use of “Imperial Father”… Anyway, since Xiao Jin is the Emperor now, using Father Emperor is not good anymore. So, in the end… I’ll be using Imperial Father.

 

The Emperor she referred to was Xiao Jin.

 

In the fifth year after she gave birth to their legitimate son, Emperor Xiao Sheng's health declined, and he abdicated in favor of the Crown Prince, Xiao Jin. The following year, the era name was changed to Jinggan.

 

Xiao Jin's ascension to the throne was just three years ago. The Retired Emperor stayed in the palace to guide the new Emperor for over a year before heading to Yunnan with Xiao Xian to recuperate. Xiao Xian was granted the title of Prince Jing by Xiao Jin.

 

The Retired Emperor and Xiao Xian had been living in Yunnan for quite some time now.

 

It was said that before the Retired Emperor even reached Yunnan, Xiao Shan had already led troops to the Yunnan border to welcome him, deeply moving the Retired Emperor.

 

Although the Retired Emperor was in good health now, Yunnan was still far from the capital. If anything were to happen...

 

This was one of the reasons why Xiao Jin wanted to bring the Retired Emperor back to the capital.

 

Another reason was that the Emperor misses Xiao Shan.

 

Xiao Rong, understanding the new Emperor's intentions well, looked at Gu Linglong with a smug expression and said, "Speaking of this matter, you wouldn't believe how the Emperor's eyes were filled with envy when he gave me the decree."

 

Initially, Xiao Jin had planned to go to Yunnan himself. However, as soon as he expressed this intention, the civil and military officials immediately opposed it.

 

He could travel south to Jiangnan with the officials' approval, but going directly to Yunnan like the Retired Emperor was deemed impractical.

 

Jiangnan was only a short journey by water from the capital, but Yunnan was much farther. If something were to happen in the capital, the Emperor would be too far away to respond effectively. Xiao Jin even suggested taking several princes with him, but none of the civil and military officials agreed.

 

Being an Emperor came with many restrictions.

 

Gu Linglong could see that Xiao Rong was not only smug but also somewhat gloating.

 

She pinched his sturdy arm and frowned, "Don't go overboard."

 

Xiao Rong, sucking in his breath, said, "You know, I am a bit pleased. Now that I'm going to Yunnan, Xiao Shan won't be able to skimp on the gifts." He said this with a lingering sense of grievance.

 

He had given Xiao Shan's child a golden doll, but Xiao Shan hadn't even sent him a thank you.

 

This time, if he didn't strip a layer off Xiao Shan's private treasury, it would be as if he had gone to Yunnan for nothing.

 

Gu Linglong glanced at him and said, "If you can really get something from our third brother, it's only because he's letting you."

 

Xiao Rong became anxious and said, "What are you talking about? You're my princess consort. How can you not stand with me and instead speak up for that scoundrel?"

 

Gu Linglong replied, "I'm just telling the truth. And if you call our third brother a scoundrel in front of Imperial Father, let's see if you don't get a beating."

 

Xiao Rong moved his mouth, hesitating several times before saying, "Why would I speak in front of Imperial Father?"

 

***

 

When it came to going to Yunnan to escort the Retired Emperor, Xiao Rong took Gu Linglong and their child along. He told Xiao Jin that seeing his grandchild would make the Retired Emperor happy, making the return to the capital less worrisome.

 

Gu Linglong, however, knew that he mainly wanted to take them on a trip and to ask Xiao Shan for gifts.

 

Moreover, it was autumn, and spending the winter in Yunnan would be quite pleasant.

 

Some people spend their entire lives in the capital without ever getting a chance to travel.

 

Gu Linglong thought it would be good to go out and see the world.

 

However, just before their departure, something happened. Prince Yong, Xiao Yi, came to see Xiao Rong, and the two of them talked in the study for quite a while.

 

Gu Linglong didn't know what Xiao Yi said to Xiao Rong, but she noticed that Xiao Rong's face looked very troubled when he returned.

 

When she asked him about it, Xiao Rong just shook his head and said nothing.

 

The next day, they left the capital.

 

The Emperor, along with the civil and military officials, saw them off. Xie Chen stood by the Emperor's side.

 

Over the years, Xie Chen had become one of the Emperor's most trusted ministers. However, he remained unmarried, leading to many rumors in the capital. Some even speculated that he was impotent.

 

Then one day, Xie Chen suddenly brought a seven-year-old child back to his residence. The child was acknowledged by Xie Sui and added to the Xie family genealogy, becoming Xie Chen's son and named Xie Yi. This sparked new rumors in the capital, suggesting that Xie Chen once had a beloved with whom he married in the Northern Frontier. Due to various reasons, they were separated.

 

The child was said to be born of Xie Chen and this beloved, who had been raising the child alone all these years. Xie Chen had thought she was dead, which was why he never married. It was only now that he found the child, but unfortunately, the lovers could not reunite.

 

Regardless of how outlandish the rumors were, the fact that Xie Sui acknowledged the child meant no one could say a word against it.

 

The tragic love story resonated with many, and Xie Chen later used his child's name to refuse countless marriage proposals.

 

Later, Xie Chen earned the reputation of a devoted lover.

 

Women in the capital often said, "If you marry, marry a son of the Xie family."

 

The new Emperor and Xiao Rong shared a farewell drink, and then, away from the officials, the Emperor quietly asked with a smile, "Yesterday, Prince Yong visited you. Did he want to go to Yunnan with you?"

 

For some reason, Gu Linglong felt a sudden tension upon hearing this.

 

Xiao Rong shook his head and said, "No. He came to tell me that there is a secret about Your Majesty's and our third brother's origins. He asked me to think more about why Consort Lan was deposed and the Gu family implicated, yet our third brother was granted a fief."

 

Gu Linglong's mind went blank, and her heart leapt into her throat.

 

Over the years, there had been various speculations about what happened back then, but no one had investigated deeply. Now, was Xiao Yi, having given up on himself, looking for someone to take the fall with him?

 

Xiao Jin chuckled softly, his expression unchanged, and asked, "So, did you figure out the reason, elder brother?"

 

Xiao Rong nodded. "I thought about it. If there were changes in Your Majesty's and our third brother's origins, wouldn't that imply that Your Majesty is not the legitimate son?"

 

Xiao Jin lowered his gaze. "Do you believe it, Elder Brother?"

 

Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "Of course not. If that were true, and knowing that Prince Yong knew the truth, why hasn't Your Majesty killed him? And how could our third brother willingly give up his status to go to Yunnan?"

 

Xiao Jin raised his eyes and smiled gently. "After all, you and I are brothers."

 

Xiao Yi had witnessed the events of those years, but as Xiao Shan had said, the most solid answer could sometimes be seen as the biggest flaw. The position of Crown Prince, the throne—who but Xiao Shan would easily give them up?

 

So, even with ironclad evidence, there would always be doubt. People might believe it in their hearts, but they would also harbor suspicions.

 

Because the world found it hard to believe that anyone would willingly give up a path to supreme power.

 

Xiao Jin looked at Xiao Rong and said, "When you get to Yunnan, tell our third brother that the peach blossoms in the capital are exceptionally beautiful this year. He should come back to enjoy them."

 

Xiao Rong nodded, then bid farewell to the new Emperor, and together with Gu Linglong, got into the horse-drawn carriage.

 

The carriage traveled for a long time, and Gu Linglong still felt her hands were cold. She looked at Xiao Rong with a complex expression and whispered, "In your heart, you believe it, don't you?" Otherwise, his face wouldn't have looked so troubled after meeting Xiao Yi last night.

 

Xiao Rong exhaled and rolled his eyes. "Of course, I believe it. This matter only makes sense with that explanation. But so what? Does Xiao Yi think I can use this to dethrone the Emperor or spread it around for him?" He was just a bit angry. If it was such a monumental secret, why didn't Xiao Yi keep it to himself? Telling him now seemed like an attempt to drag him into the mess.

 

When Xiao Sheng abdicated and Xiao Jin ascended the throne, Xiao Sheng used Xiao Yi's supposed offense against him as a pretext to keep Xiao Yi under strict surveillance, so no rumors spread at that time. Moreover, Consort Shu was still alive then. Now that Consort Shu had passed away, Xiao Yi no longer wanted to keep the secret.

 

Even if Xiao Yi revealed this back then, as long as Xiao Shan didn't admit it, it wouldn't be considered the truth.

 

The key to the whole matter didn't lie in whether there were witnesses, but whether the involved parties were willing to acknowledge their identity.

 

Thinking of Xiao Shan, Xiao Rong snorted twice and said, "Xiao Shan's brotherly affection for the Emperor is unmatched. It's better not to believe such things."

 

Gu Linglong held his hand and said, "The Prince is wise."

 

Xiao Rong rolled his eyes at her. "When have I ever not been wise?"

 

He might have a bad temper and be somewhat obstinate, but he wasn't truly foolish.

 

He didn't get that position back then, and now Xiao Jin was willing to give him face and let him be a prince. Why would he stir up trouble to spite Xiao Jin?

 

He didn't want his family to be exiled.

 

Gu Linglong smiled, her eyes curving. She thought to herself, Indeed, in the royal family, there are no true fools.

 

Some people just pretend to be foolish to deceive others.

 

But the human heart was the hardest to fathom.

 

Xiao Yi, too, had fallen from being an envied prince to the son of Prince Yong. Although his life wasn't as grand as when he was a prince, he still had no worries about food and clothing.

 

Xiao Yi was still alive despite committing such offenses, simply because Xiao Sheng was still around.

 

If one day Xiao Sheng, the Retired Emperor, were no longer around, would the new Emperor, Xiao Jin, tolerate Xiao Yi?

 

Gu Linglong quickly dismissed these thoughts. Everyone must be responsible for their own choices, and her only concern was to take care of Xiao Rong.

 

Xiao Jin watched as Xiao Rong's procession departed, with Xie Chen standing beside him.

 

He hadn't avoided Xie Chen when he spoke to Xiao Rong earlier.

 

So, Xiao Jin, smiling, looked at the downcast Xie Chen and said, "Did you hear everything, Minister Xie?"

 

Xiao Shan and Xie Zhui had never revealed a word about this matter, but Xiao Jin wasn't very surprised. Hearing the Emperor's question, Xie Chen replied in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I was momentarily distracted and did not hear anything."

 

Xiao Jin looked at him, shook his head, and said with a hint of melancholy, "Forget it, let's return to the capital."

 

Becoming the Emperor meant that there was no one around who dared to speak the truth. Gaining the throne also meant gaining a life full of loneliness.

 

After becoming the Emperor, he suddenly understood why Xiao Sheng, despite being very angry with the uneducated and unskilled Xiao Shan, never truly punished him. At most, he would just scold him a couple of times when extremely upset.

 

Because the Emperor had seen too many power struggles, they were all too lonely and liked having someone around to make noise and cause a ruckus.

 

Moreover, Xiao Shan was a person with a clear mind and few desires.

 

***

 

Xiao Rong's journey to Yunnan was marked by frequent stops, taking quite some time to finally reach their destination.

 

When they were still some distance from the Yunnan border, a scout came to report that there were people from Yunnan ahead.

 

Xiao Rong lifted the curtain and saw the flags of the Prince of Yunnan's residence fluttering in the wind from afar.

 

He sniffed and said, "I didn't expect Xiao Shan to personally come to greet me. It seems I still hold some authority in his eyes as his eldest brother. But why stop so far away? Would a few more steps really tire him out?"

 

Gu Linglong rolled her eyes at him. "Are you really that clueless? Our third brother is standing on Yunnan's territory, which is his fief. If he were to lead his troops forward, others might accuse him of harboring ill intentions."

 

Xiao Rong looked at her, puzzled. "You always seem to speak up for him. I never hear you speak nicely to me."

 

Gu Linglong, growing impatient, said, "If Your Highness is happy to see your brother, just say so. Why be so awkward about it?"

 

Xiao Rong immediately reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, nearly jumping out of the window. "Who's happy? What am I being awkward about?"

 

Gu Linglong decided to ignore him.

 

As Xiao Rong's procession approached, Xiao Shan and Xiao Xian rode forward to greet them. Xiao Rong got off the carriage and greeted Xiao Xian, but his expression towards Xiao Shan was anything but friendly.

 

Xiao Shan still looked as handsome as ever, with time seemingly leaving no marks on his face. He smiled and said, "What's wrong, Eldest Brother? Aren't you happy to see me?"

 

Xiao Rong thought to himself, When have I ever been happy to see you?

 

Xiao Shan then added, "Now that you're on my territory, you'll have to endure it even if you're not happy."

 

His expression was so provoking that Xiao Rong felt an overwhelming urge to punch him in the face.

 

Gu Linglong watched the two of them and shook her head, thinking to herself that no matter how many years passed, Xiao Rong would never be able to outmatch Xiao Shan.

 

It seemed she would have to step in.

 

Seeing Gu Linglong get off the carriage, Xiao Shan immediately composed himself and greeted her respectfully.

 

Standing beside Xiao Rong, Gu Linglong said, "Third brother, it's getting late. Let's return to the residence so we can pay our respects to Imperial Father."

 

Xiao Shan nodded and led them to the Prince of Yunnan's residence.

 

Upon their return, the group paid their respects to Xiao Sheng.

 

Looking at this son, the aged Xiao Sheng's eyes softened considerably. He beckoned Xiao Rong to his side and spoke to him in a low voice.

 

Xiao Shan quietly withdrew and went to the inner courtyard to find Xie Zhui.

 

Xie Zhui was accompanying Mingming in fishing. Upon hearing that Xiao Rong had arrived, Mingming threw his fishing line into the water and ran towards Xiao Sheng's residence.

 

He wanted to see what his uncle, who had given him the golden doll, looked like. He liked that golden doll very much.

 

Xie Zhui looked at Xiao Shan and said, "In a few days, we will be returning to the capital."

 

Xiao Shan nodded. "It's good to go back and take a look." The last time he went back was when Xiao Jin ascended the throne, which was several years ago.

 

Xie Zhui said, "With Mingming's temperament, I'm afraid he might suffer some setbacks in the capital."

 

Xiao Shan narrowed his eyes and said sternly, "Mingming has an excellent temperament. He has seen refugees, witnessed suffering, understands power, and comprehends the differences between people. I believe he can handle whatever comes his way."

 

"Besides, who would be foolish enough to provoke him?"

 

Xie Zhui smiled. Xiao Shan was very fond of Mingming, but he wasn't the type to keep Mingming sheltered in the residence, waiting for him to grow up.

 

From a very young age, Xiao Shan had taught Mingming to discern right from wrong and had introduced him to many different people.

 

Xiao Shan said, "Mingming is a young ger. If he ever encounters a swindler, even after drinking the soup of forgetfulness, they wouldn't rest easy. So, it's important to teach him to see the world clearly and not be deceived by others."

 

"And if he does encounter a swindler one day, it doesn't matter. He is, after all, the only child of the Prince of Yunnan's residence."

 

"As long as his heart is strong, his life won't be too bad."

 

Xie Zhui appreciated Xiao Shan's approach to educating Mingming. It might be unconventional, but at least the child wouldn't suffer.

 

He hoped that Mingming could find someone he liked who also liked him, just as he had.

 

Thinking of this, Xie Zhui looked at Xiao Shan and said, "Meeting you has been the most fortunate thing in my life."

 

Xiao Shan smiled, his eyes sparkling like stars, making him look exceptionally handsome.

 

In those eyes, there was only the reflection of Xie Zhui. Xiao Shan looked at the person in front of him and said, "The most fortunate thing is that in your next life, and the life after that, and the life after that, for all eternity, you will always meet me. And I will always meet you."

 

Xie Zhui nodded vigorously. He thought, Xiao Shan's words always had a way of touching the heart, and he was indeed fortunate to have met such a special person in this lifetime. He grasped Xiao Shan's hand, hoping that they could truly be together for all eternity.

 

Seeing Xie Zhui's reaction, Xiao Shan flicked his forehead and said, "Such an obvious fact, what are you getting excited about?"

 

Xie Zhui looked at him earnestly and said, "I am excited because I love you, and I like hearing you say things like that."

 

Xiao Shan replied, "I love you too."

 

Later, he taught Xie Zhui a phrase even more intense and moving than 'like'—three words.

 

"I love you."

 

***

 

In the spring of the fourth year of Jinggan, Xiao Shan returned to the capital with his family and the Retired Emperor.

 

Prince Rui, Xiao Rong, and his consort accompanied them, as did Prince Jing, Xiao Xian.

 

In the capital, many people were waiting for their return.