Shen Yangge said he was taking a stroll nearby, but he was actually heading toward Chu Xuanzhen.
A vague unease stirred in his heart.
Although Chu Xuanzhi and Chu Tianyin had both been arrested, and Consort Xue had been imprisoned too, some of her remaining followers were still scattered throughout the palace.
What if Chu Xuanzhen let his guard down and someone ambushed him?
"Lord Shen, you cannot go any farther."
The guards accompanying him blocked his path. After speaking respectfully, they drew their weapons. Anyone who did not know better might have thought they were about to attack him.
Shen Yangge's lips twitched, his smile hollow. "...All right."
He took a step back and turned to retrace his path, but his sharp eyes caught a certain figure. The instant the other man glanced his way, he raised a hand in greeting.
Xue Pingyuan had entered the palace intending to meet the Crown Prince. Upon reaching the Imperial Study and hearing that His Highness was absent, he paused and turned toward another path. But when he looked up, he spotted Shen Yangge standing at the courtyard entrance not far away, staring at him.
A little puzzled, he nodded, intending to offer a simple greeting before leaving. Shen Yangge, however, waved vigorously at him, apparently beckoning him over.
After a moment's thought, Xue Pingyuan walked over. Stopping before Shen Yangge, he asked, "Lord Shen, did you need something from me?"
"Well, were you planning to see His Highness? He probably isn't available right now. There's something I'd like to discuss with you. Do you have time? I won't keep you long."
Shen Yangge explained directly why he had called him over.
Xue Pingyuan nodded. "All right. Let's talk, then."
Over the course of their conversation, Shen Yangge worked out several reasons