"Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
It was still Xu Cheng's residence, but the plaque out front had been replaced with one reading "Eastern Palace." Perhaps Xu Zhen wanted to highlight Xu Cheng's privileges. Compared with the former Crown Prince Xu Tianran's plaque, this one was more understated and dignified, its calligraphy written by Xu Zhen himself.
Inside the residence.
Xu Jiangnian bowed slightly as he spoke.
"Why stand on ceremony, Uncle Jiang?" Xu Cheng smiled as he helped Xu Jiangnian straighten up. Thanks to Zhang Lexuan, the two had grown increasingly close, and Xu Zhen showed no displeasure whatsoever. In fact, he was happy to encourage it.
"Heh..." The corner of Xu Jiangnian's mouth twitched.
He glanced at his poised, dignified younger sister beside Xu Cheng.
So we really were each going by our own set of relationships, huh?
I called you brother-in-law, and you called me Uncle Jiang?
Like a husband and wife acting as one, the two welcomed Xu Jiangnian inside.
Xu Jiangnian picked up the tea an attendant had poured and drained it in one gulp, displaying something of a scholarly general's bearing.
"All right, I won't waste words. Now that the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince have both been stripped of their positions, making a comeback is all but impossible for them. You already had the momentum on your side, but your position lacked legitimacy. Now you can finally rest easy."
"I mainly came to pass along His Majesty's words: 'You handled this very well. As heir apparent, you must make your own decisions. A sovereign's authority must not be defied. My actions this time were also meant to bolster your standing. As for the fourth and Tianran, whether you kill them is entirely up to you.'"
"And, while the Crown Prince oversees affairs