Linlin presented the tea to the Prince of Jin, saying, "Father, please have some tea."
The Prince of Jin accepted it.
"I studied with my grandfather and father from a young age, and through this exposure, becoming a top scholar meant the same to me as going to war and becoming a famous general meant to my father."
"You're reluctant to leave the capital with your father?"
"Yes," Linlin replied truthfully, "I'll miss my grandfather, and I'll miss my father too."
The appearance of the Prince of Jin of Jin made up for some of his shortcomings; but before he was five years old, it was his grandfather and father who raised him little by little, taking meticulous care of him and giving him earnest teachings.
Their love was all the sunshine and soil that nurtured Linlin until he was five years old, supporting his growth and upholding his integrity.
The Prince of Jin patted his head. "Your maternal grandfather will be alright."
The Emperor's trust in Tang Mingfan was unparalleled.
"Hmm." Linlin lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes concealing all her reluctance.
He was past the age of being willful and had long understood that no matter how deep his feelings were, they could not move his opponent.
Only absolute strength can protect those you love.
A temporary separation is for a better reunion.
"Father, have you spoken to Mother?" Linlin asked softly.
"No," said the Prince of Jin. "She only thought that our departure from the capital was the end."
Linlin smiled, "My mother is kind-hearted. Besides saving people, she hates scheming and intrigue the most."
Who doesn't hate it?
However, once you're in the game, you're either going to devour others or be devoured; there's no such thing as escaping unscathed.
The reason why the father retreated three times and stayed away from the capital was that he did not want the mother and son to kill each other, so that the crown prince's faction could reap the benefits.
However, the outcome was already decided, and on the path to imperial power, the father had no way to retreat.
Behind the Prince of Jin were countless subordinates who supported him.
His Buddhist-like attitude meant he personally raised the butcher's knife to kill his subordinates.
Ultimately, Tang Zhuyun had no idea what kind of man she had married.
"She doesn't need to worry about these things," said the Prince of Jin. "We, father and son, are still here."
Tang Zhuyun wanted a peaceful life, so let her have a peaceful life.
Even if there is bloodshed and chaos outside, the father and son will still protect her and create a peaceful environment for her.
"Hmm," Linlin said, "There's something..."
"Speak."
"If we leave, can Master and Senior Brother come with us?" Linlin asked. "So far, apart from Mother, no other doctor has been able to cure Senior Brother's illness."
The Prince of Jin said, "You may consider it."
"Thank you, Father."
After thinking for a moment, the Prince of Jin said, "Nanxing... she may not continue to follow me in the future, let her go."
She was originally a member of the Xiao Family.
Just as Nanny Rong chose her former master, Nanxing might very well follow Xiao Wu.
Linlin, "I don't think she might actually leave."
If she leaves, my senior brother will probably be sad for a while.
Senior brother has already confessed his feelings to Nanxing, and even Master has stated that he does not object, but Nanxing has not relented.
After hearing Linlin's account of this matter, Prince of Jin said, "She probably won't seek out scholars again."
At this point, the Prince of Jin thought of the Huaishang.
Huaishang liked Nanxing, but unfortunately Nanxing was uninterested; moreover, the Prince of Jin also felt that Nanxing was not good enough for Huaishang.
Although the Prince of Jin also disliked Huaishang for being stingy, he still cherished what he had and felt that Huaishang deserved a better woman.
Linlin immediately knew it was related to Nanxing's past experiences.
However, the Prince of Jin did not mention it further.
"If she sends someone to find you, ignore her," Prince of Jin said. "I will arrange for more people around you. Remember, it is better to disobey an imperial decree than to see her alone."
Both father and son knew perfectly well who she was.
At Xiao Wu's age, it's already very difficult for her to have a son.
If she doesn't cooperate, she'll most likely turn her attention to Linlin.
With Nanny Rong by her side, it's believed she already knows that Linlin is her biological son.
Whether Xiao Wu wanted to dominate the harem or influence the court, she couldn't do without a puppet.
Having experienced the ways of the world, when he looks at Xiao Wu now, aside from the halo of her mother, she is just a cold and selfish woman.
The truth behind the events Xiao Family back then remains shrouded in mystery.
But without a doubt, without Xiao Wu, things wouldn't have come to this point.
Ironically, while others can criticize, he came from her womb and has no right to criticize.
Given this situation, he chose to retreat for the time being.
Linlin agreed, but then added with concern, "I'm afraid that once she receives a title, she might summon my mother."
It is only natural for the imperial concubine to summon the princess.
The Prince of Jin said, "I know, I will remind your mother."
"Tell Xiu'er too."
"Um."
"Oh, right, Father," Linlin suddenly remembered something, walked to the antique shelf, stood on tiptoe to take down a carved lacquerware box with flowers and birds, and presented it to Prince of Jin, opening it. "I got it."
On the brocade inside the treasure box lay the lotus-shaped jade pendant that Cui Ling had given to Yanran.
The Prince of Jin laughed, "What did you tell Yanran?"
"I only glanced at it a couple of times before she told me to keep it safe." Linlin chuckled. "Father, I'm wondering, does Cui Ling know the significance of this jade pendant or not?"
"I know," the Prince of Jin said confidently.
"Then why would he give it to Yanran?"
"Because staying with the Cui Family serves no purpose other than letting Elder Cui dream."
There are four items, one of which is still unknown, and how to use them once they are all collected is also unknown.
What the Cui Family knew, the Prince of Jin also knew.
To be honest, the Prince of Jin didn't believe in the legends, but he also didn't want the treasures to fall into other hands.
Especially now, both items are in Tang Zhuyun's hands.
Upon recalling Tang Zhuyun, the Prince of Jin's expression softened considerably.
She is a lucky star.
The thought that she would clumsily comfort him and obediently take the initiative to hug him made Prince of Jin's heart melt completely.
How could he be so lucky to have such a wonderful woman by his side?
When the Prince of Jin emerged from the Linlin room, he felt as if all the pent-up emotions in his chest had been swept away.
Nanxing suddenly appeared at the entrance of the courtyard.
The Prince of Jin stood with his hands behind his back, coldly watching her.
Nanxing lowered her head and asked softly, "Your Highness, is that the Seventh Young Lady?"
Xiao Wu was the seventh among the Xiao Family sisters.
"Yes," the Prince of Jin said coldly.
"Then..." Nanxing bit her lip and said, "Is Huaishang because of Seventh Young Lady?"
Huaishang's mother, Lady Yao, had a good relationship with Xiao Wu when they were young.
Huaishang later followed the Prince of Jin, which was also due to this relationship.
The Prince of Jin did not answer.
Nanxing said, "Your Highness, I believe that Huaishang is loyal to you and would not betray you for the sake of a house. Your Highness, please give him a chance."
"Give him a chance?"
"This servant will go find him!"
"Whatever."
The Prince of Jin took a step and left.
The next day, the Prince of Jin received news that Nanxing had attacked Huaishang.
Huaishang: I'm so miserable.
Nanxing tried to persuade him to change his mind, but Huaishang was heartbroken. He wanted to, but the prince wouldn't agree!
Then Nanxing beat him up.
Huaishang felt even more bitter—he couldn't beat Nanxing!
(One more chapter to come, later!)