Xiao Yu noticed his puzzled expression.
He explained quietly, "Second Uncle dumped her here last night. I couldn't just leave her outside..."
Su Xun's expression immediately changed.
That Second Uncle of Xiao Yu's... was utterly shameless.
He was forcing Qi'an to choose a side!
"Little Imperial Uncle..."
The "Seventh Prince" reminded him, "It's time I returned to the palace."
Xiao Yu paused.
"All right, I'll take you."
He added, "I happen to have something to discuss with my Elder Imperial Brother."
The Imperial Study.
Emperor Jinyuan looked at the memorial Dequan had handed him.
Written clearly on it were the words: Elder Imperial Brother, I've gone to my maternal grandfather's house for a meal.
A wave of frustration washed over him.
Was he really so untrustworthy in Qi'an's eyes?
The old Grand Tutor had taught both the late emperor and him. No one knew the man's character better than he did.
Why would a single meal arouse his suspicions?
"Qi'an... has grown distant from me after all."
So he said.
Dequan wiped away his sweat, not daring to offer a careless reply.
When Emperor Jinyuan received no answer, he shot him a dissatisfied sidelong glance.
Taking the hint, Dequan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in this old servant's humble opinion, His Little Highness informed you precisely because he treasures the bond between you..."
Emperor Jinyuan's expression immediately softened.
He looked at Dequan and huffed. "I already knew that. Did I need you to tell me?"
Dequan: "..."
The Southern Zhao Kingdom.
Little Eleven was playing in the courtyard.
"Geng-"
Suddenly, he heard a strange cry.
He looked up.
Seeing a blue bird fly into the royal palace, he happily ran after it.
His attendant hurried after him. "Eleventh Prince, slow down! Don't fall!"
Everyone in the palace knew how