For many years, Consort Xian always referred to herself as "this consort" whenever she saw Xiao Jinfeng, being exceptionally stern and never uttering words filled with warmth like "Stay with me a while longer."
Despite Xiao Jinfeng being an adult, Consort Xian was always scolding or hitting him, never showing him a smile.
But what was the result? Because of her foolishness and greed, she had fallen into such a predicament.
Xiao Jinfeng felt touched, bewildered, reluctant, and deeply confused...
In the end, he was still a child who lacked maternal and paternal love.
Seeing him cry so heartbrokenly, Consort Xian didn't know what to do. She quickly patted Xiao Jinfeng's head and gave a wry smile, "Good child, stop crying. It's all my fault for making you unhappy. Mother will never do this again..."
Xiao Jinfeng, sniffling, lifted his head and looked at Consort Xian's pale cheeks, his heart aching intensely.
"I cannot stay long, Mother Consort. You must take good care of yourself. I... I must go!" Xiao Jinfeng slowly stood up and called towards the door, "Eunuch Zhao, come in!"
A moment later, Eunuch Zhao entered with a whisk, taking small, shuffling steps. "Your Highness, what are your orders?"
Alas, the Second Prince is truly a filial and kind person. Consort Xian committed such a grave mistake, and even the Second Prince was implicated, yet he still cared so much for Consort Xian...
Xiao Jinfeng fumbled in his sleeve and pulled out two large silver notes, placing them into Eunuch Zhao's hand. "Eunuch Zhao, you are the Grand Eunuch and are familiar with officials from the Imperial Household Department. My mother consort is currently delirious and mentally unsound, so please keep this money for me. If my mother consort lacks anything, help her acquire it. I will have someone send silver notes to my mother consort regularly in the future!"
Eunuch Zhao: "..."
Your Highness, why must you go through all this trouble?
Looking at the Consort's deranged state, she probably won't live much longer. If you wish to care for her in her twilight years, why not take her to live in the countryside?
The Emperor would be less bothered and more at ease...
"Very well, this servant will comply!" Eunuch Zhao pocketed the silver notes and nodded in agreement.
Seeing Xiao Jinfeng about to leave, Consort Xian quickly stood up, wanting to grab his hand.
However, her foot caught on her skirt, and she lost her balance, falling to the ground with a thud...
"Wuwu, Jinfeng, don't go! Mother won't scold or hit you anymore. Please stay with Mother a little longer, wuwuwu!"
Consort Xian cried uncontrollably, large tears rolling down her cheeks and splashing onto the back of her hand.
Xiao Jinfeng, his back to Consort Xian, felt immense sorrow. He dared not turn back to look at her, fearing his heart would ache even more...
"Mother Consort!" Xiao Jinfeng bit his lip tightly, tears streaming down his face, "Please take care. Your son is leaving!"
As his voice fell, regardless of how loudly Consort Xian cried, Xiao Jinfeng walked out of Yuhua Palace without looking back, taking the Second Prince with him and leaving the palace directly...
In the Imperial Study.
Emperor Cheng had finished reviewing two memorials and felt a slight drowsiness, so he lowered his head and rubbed his temples.
Hearing footsteps approach, he didn't look up and asked in a low voice, "Has Jinfeng left?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Zhao nodded, reaching into his sleeve to feel the silver notes. "Your Majesty, the Second Prince is indeed someone who understands the grand scheme and knows filial piety. Perhaps... perhaps Your Majesty could keep him in the capital and assign him an official post? Why must he go to the countryside?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Cheng suddenly looked up, his eyes slightly red. "Do you think I don't want to keep him here? You know what Jinfeng is like; he's as stubborn as a mule!"
He heard from General Gu that the boy had fallen in love with a maidservant from the old Yun family. What was he thinking?
Eunuch Zhao pursed his lips and remained silent.
"What news from the Northern Frontier?" Emperor Cheng drank some tea.
Eunuch Zhao said, "This servant heard that Khan Han Chi'er has withdrawn his troops. We don't know why. Currently, there isn't even a shadow of a barbarian along the border between the Northern Frontier and the Great Liang Kingdom..."
When Emperor Cheng heard this, his gloomy mood finally improved. "Perhaps they attacked too fiercely initially, leading to insufficient provisions and crippled logistics, so they went back to recuperate?"
He was actually quite puzzled. The Northern Frontier barbarians were strong and well-equipped, and they could break through the defenses and reach the capital during winter...
Yet they kept delaying until now, and they actually withdrew their troops.
Although it might be due to the relationship with Princess Han Chi Jiao and Princess Han Chi Yan, they couldn't change the entire pattern of the war because of them.
Although Emperor Cheng was shrewd and deeply calculating, he overlooked the extent to which Han Chi'er and his wife doted on their daughters...
Especially Si Ya Ke Dun. She was already very averse to war and disliked fighting, but for the sake of her daughter, she was willing to risk her life, so the war could be halted at any time.
"Your Majesty is wise. What are Your Majesty's plans next?" Eunuch Zhao asked in surprise.
Emperor Cheng stroked the rim of his cup, pondering for a moment. "Although the barbarians have withdrawn, the Northern Frontier cannot be without soldiers to guard it. Convey my imperial decree: tell General Gu to rest for a few days and then head to the Northern Frontier to continue guarding the border and monitor the barbarians' every move..."
"This servant understands!"
"Also..." Emperor Cheng changed the subject. "Let Yun Siman go with General Gu. Young people should be tempered!"
"As you command!" Eunuch Zhao cupped his hands.
Upon mentioning Yun Siman, Eunuch Zhao instinctively thought of Princess Xin Ling and asked Emperor Cheng, "Your Majesty, this servant heard that the old Yun family plans to return to Dashui Village, and Princess Xin Ling seems to be returning with them. What do you think..."
He wondered what kind of magic the old Yun family possessed to have raised three princesses.
One was a princess of a fallen kingdom, Shangguan Fang'er; another was a barbarian princess, Han Chi Jiao; and the third was a princess of Liang, Xiao Xin Ling.
If they lived in the prosperous capital, it would be fine, but they insisted on living in the countryside...
Emperor Cheng let out a cold snort. "Let that silly girl be crazy for another year. When Siman returns in triumph, I will marry her off!"
Alas, he had quite a few princes and princesses, but he was particularly fond of Heng'er and Xin Ling.
If those two unfortunate children spent more time with him...
Three days later, in the General's Mansion.
Today was the day the Imperial College opened. Yun Jinhe tidied his books and left for school with his family's send-off.
Murong Qing was a person who couldn't stay idle. Bored at the General's Mansion, she went to chat with Madam Gu and also to pack her luggage.
In two days, the family would be returning home, so some things needed to be packed in advance...
Little Xi Tian had just helped Brother Jiang Tun measure his weight and confirmed he had lost five jin. Her little face bloomed like a flower.
She had intended to stroll through the back garden, but before she could even reach the pavilion, she was yanked into the bushes by a strong force.