Whether it was the meaning Chu Tang expressed when she captured him, or the meaning conveyed by Prince Zhongshan’s military officers and officials, Prince Zhongshan had been forced to halt his troops because Xiao Xun was captured.
Xiao Xun had always said this before, even blaming himself for being careless, causing his father the Prince’s efforts to fail at the last moment.
Why was he suddenly asking such a question now?
Ning Kun couldn’t help but lower his eyes and sigh softly: “The Heir’s safety is the Prince’s greatest threat.”
Xiao Xun said nothing.
The silence in the room was suffocating.
Xiao Xun suddenly laughed: “I shouldn’t ask you. You were captured together with me and sent to the capital together. You know nothing about what happened on my father the Prince’s side either, and can’t return now.” He stood up, walked to Ning Kun’s side, and gently patted his arm. “Uncle Kun, you’ve also been implicated by me. In the future, having to stay with me in this capital, your wealth of knowledge will see no light of day.”
Ning Kun quickly said: “Heir, you mustn’t say such things—”
Xiao Xun interrupted him with a nod: “I won’t say more. No matter what, I’ll write a letter asking father the Prince to have you sent back. Imprisoning me alone in the capital is sufficient—Uncle Kun, I’m going to help Tie Ying boil water.” He smiled again. “Actually, I’m quite good at taking care of myself.”
With that, the young man strode out.
Ning Kun stood in the hall with changing expressions, lowering his eyes and sighing softly.
……
……
The night was deep and dark. The Emperor’s sleeping palace was brightly lit, and the eunuchs and palace maids walking within had light steps and smiles on their faces.
The Emperor had returned. Although he was a child, everyone’s hearts were at peace.
“His Majesty achieved a great victory. By rights, there should be a banquet.”
“There’s still fighting at the border regions.”
“Besides, the lords in court all seem unhappy.”
It seemed to be because of Prince Zhongshan’s confession of guilt and reward. When escorting His Majesty into the inner palace, several officials nearly came to blows. Fortunately, the imperial city was deep and the common people didn’t see it.
The common people only saw that there would be no more fighting and were reassured, but in truth things were far from over.
Moreover—
“His Majesty has returned, but the Empress hasn’t come back yet.”
Actually, originally everyone had no particular feelings about the Empress. After all, she’d been in the palace for only a short time and quickly left the imperial city. But unexpectedly, after the Empress left the imperial city, they became increasingly familiar with her, thought of her, and looked forward to her return.
“That’s right, when will the Empress return? She still has to handle the aftermath on Prince Zhongshan’s side, doesn’t she?”
“Perhaps the Empress will even go to the border regions—maybe she won’t return until Xi Liang is pacified.”
“How long would that be? One year, two years?”
As the palace maids’ whispered conversation reached this point, the sound of a teacup shattering came from inside the hall. The sleeping palace fell silent for a moment inside and out, then palace maids and inner court attendants rushed in.
“Your Majesty—”
Inside the sleeping hall, Xiao Yu, who had washed up and was wearing his inner garments with his hair down, stood before the table. A teacup lay on the floor.
“Your Majesty.” Eunuch Qi rushed over first.
He had just gone inside to organize the Emperor’s clothing.
Xiao Yu looked at the water stain on his sleeve: “I wanted to drink water and didn’t hold it properly.”
The inner court attendants and palace maids immediately knelt on the floor apologizing.
“It’s not your fault.” Xiao Yu said. “It’s because I don’t let people stay near when I rest.”
Eunuch Qi waved at everyone. The inner court attendants and palace maids all withdrew. Eunuch Qi poured tea for Xiao Yu again and presented it to him.
Xiao Yu slowly took a sip.
“Your Majesty, you’ve been traveling for days. Please rest early.” Eunuch Qi gently urged.
Xiao Yu nodded, but stood without moving.
“Your Majesty—” Eunuch Qi said again.
“I know!” Xiao Yu raised his voice, interrupting him.
Eunuch Qi was startled. This was the first time Xiao Yu had been impatient with him. He quickly bent down, lowered his head, and knelt on the floor: “This servant is guilty.”
The hall was somewhat quiet.
It seemed like a long time passed, yet also seemed like only the blink of an eye.
“Eunuch Qi, please rise quickly.” The child’s voice said. At the same time, a hand reached over and grasped Eunuch Qi’s sleeve. “I know I should rest, and I am indeed very tired, but I miss Sister Chu very much and just wanted to write her a letter.”
Eunuch Qi looked up at Xiao Yu and said softly: “Sister Chu will return very soon. Your Majesty can rest assured.”
Xiao Yu looked at him and nodded: “So I won’t write it. I’ll go to sleep now.”
“If Your Majesty sleeps well and recovers your energy, when the Empress returns and sees you, Your Majesty will have grown taller—she’ll definitely be startled.” Eunuch Qi made a gesture.
Children indeed grew quickly. Xiao Yu, who had aged another year, had also grown somewhat taller.
A smile appeared on Xiao Yu’s face.
Eunuch Qi took his hand and stood up, heading inward: “Your Majesty, the Empress hasn’t returned yet, and Minister Xie is handling the aftermath and hasn’t returned either. Shall this old servant light all the lamps and stay with Your Majesty until you fall asleep?”