Why was Xiao Jinfeng inquiring about Heng'er so earnestly?
This fellow must have ulterior motives…
"How would I know where Heng'er is? Besides, Da Liang Kingdom is so vast, what are the chances of me running into Heng'er?" Xiao Xinling said irritably.
Upon hearing this, a sinister glint flashed in Xiao Jinfeng's eyes, but it was gone in an instant. He then put on a kind and gentle face, "Xinling is absolutely right. It would be strange indeed if we were to meet, as if Xinling deliberately went to see him, hehe…"
Xiao Xinling shot him a fierce glare.
Why was this person speaking so sarcastically?
"Brother Emperor should know that Heng'er was sent out of the palace when he was very young. No one knows exactly where he is. Brother Emperor should stop asking. If Father Emperor finds out, he definitely won't spare you!" Xiao Xinling warned.
Everyone inside and outside the palace knew that Emperor Cheng detested anyone inquiring about the whereabouts of the young prince. Xiao Jinfeng dared to go against the tide; he was truly bold…
Xiao Jinfeng was momentarily stunned, then he smiled slightly, "Why is Xinling so nervous? Brother Emperor is just asking casually! After all, Heng'er has been gone for so long, and I, as his brother, must be very worried about him!~"
Xiao Xinling twitched her lips. You're probably fishing for more than just a bite…
The little scheme in your heart is practically written on your face, yet you call it concern for your imperial brother. You truly know how to talk!
Xiao Xinling ignored him and walked into the Hall of Mental Cultivation with Nanny Gao.
Eunuch Zhao had already changed his clothes. Twirling his horsetail whisk, he bowed his old back and stood guard at the entrance of the main hall.
Seeing Xiao Jinfeng approaching with a smile, Eunuch Zhao quickly stepped forward to stop him, "Your Highness Prince Ming, His Majesty is resting in the sleeping quarters after a long journey. Perhaps you could pay your respects tomorrow…"
Xiao Jinfeng: "???"
What was going on?
Why could Xiao Xinling enter, but he couldn't?
Could there be someone hidden in the sleeping quarters?
"Eunuch Zhao, I just want to say a few words to Father Emperor. I won't disturb him for too long…" Xiao Jinfeng pushed Eunuch Zhao aside and strode towards the inner hall.
"Hey, Your Highness Prince Ming, you can't force your way in! Otherwise, His Majesty will blame this servant!~" Eunuch Zhao chased after him.
This time, His Majesty brought the young prince back to the palace, which was indeed a great risk.
If even a whisper of news leaked, those ghosts and monsters would emerge and devour the young prince without even leaving a bone…
Moreover, even though His Majesty had long since established the Crown Prince, some people were not convinced.
If the Crown Prince could be dealt with early on, then the position of Crown Prince would be anyone's to claim.
Seeing Eunuch Zhao blocking him like a mother hen, Xiao Jinfeng clenched his fist and frowned, "Eunuch Zhao, you went on a trip with Father Emperor, and now you don't understand any rules? In my opinion, your tenure as Chief Eunuch is over. You're old, you should retire and go back home…"
Eunuch Zhao lowered his head, sweat beading on his forehead.
This second prince had a nose keener than a dog's. If there was any stir in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he would surely come sniffing around. His mind was both sensitive and cautious. No wonder His Majesty didn't favor you…
Just as Eunuch Zhao was at a loss, an aged voice came from the inner hall, "Who is making a racket outside?"
The voice was filled with deep displeasure and anger.
Xiao Jinfeng's face lit up. He quickly cupped his hands in the air, "Father Emperor, your son heard that you returned to the palace incognito and specifically came to pay respects!~"
In the sleeping quarters, Emperor Cheng glanced at Xiao Jinheng and waved his hand, signaling him to hide first…
Xiao Jinheng nodded and immediately hid behind the screen.
"Come in!~" Emperor Jing sat up from the couch and rubbed his temples.
A moment later, Xiao Jinfeng strode in. He first swept his gaze around the hall. Seeing that only Xiao Xinling and Nanny Gao were accompanying his father, he stepped forward and bowed, "Your son greets Father Emperor…"
Emperor Cheng raised his eyelids and stared at Xiao Jinfeng, "During my incognito travels, were there any major incidents in the palace?"
These were merely polite words. He would learn about any specific matters from the ministers during the morning court tomorrow.
Emperor Cheng was not so foolish as to entrust the management of state affairs to someone like Xiao Jinfeng.
"Reporting to Father Emperor, there are no major matters in the court. You need not worry…" Xiao Jinfeng said.
Emperor Cheng grunted and waved his hand, "Good, you may leave now. I am tired and wish to rest for a while!~"
Xiao Jinfeng raised his eyebrows. You've been away for so long, don't you have anything you want to say to your son?
Even though I am not born of the Empress, I am still your biological son. It's as if I was picked up from outside…
"Also, from now on, you are not allowed to barge into the Hall of Mental Cultivation without my permission!~" Emperor Cheng said sternly.
Xiao Jinfeng gritted his teeth and bowed his head, "Your son, your son understands!"
After Xiao Jinfeng left, Emperor Cheng let out a long sigh and looked at the screen, "Heng'er, you can come out now!~"
If only Heng'er could grow up faster, Emperor Cheng had thought this countless times…
Once Heng'er could handle state affairs independently, he could also retire with peace of mind.
A moment later, Xiao Jinheng walked out from behind the screen. He took off his mask, his expression somewhat resentful, "Father Emperor, you asked me to return to the palace to stay for a few days, and this is how I'm supposed to live?"
Constantly hiding and unable to show his true face, how stifling it was…
"You little brat, am I doing all this for your own good?" Emperor Cheng angrily pounded the table and pointed outside the door, "You saw what your imperial brother was like just now. If he and Consort Xian knew you were back, you wouldn't have a peaceful life!~"
"If that's the case, then your son will directly return to Dashui Village. It will save Father Emperor from worrying himself sick and not resting well…" Xiao Jinheng murmured.
Emperor Cheng's nose turned red with anger upon hearing this, "You good-for-nothing! After staying in the countryside for so many years, you've truly become wild. Don't you think about your mother? She misses you so much that her eyes are almost cried blind. Don't you feel any pity?"
Especially in the first year Xiao Jinheng was sent out of the palace, Empress Xiao cried every day, wailing three times a day…
For the past two years, she stopped crying but constantly clamored to go out and find her son. In his helplessness, Emperor Cheng had to temporarily bring Xiao Jinheng back so they could reunite, and then send him back to Dashui Village.
Xiao Jinheng lowered his head and fiddled with his fingers, then walked to the desk and picked up a brush to write a letter.
He had promised the little village girl that he would write a letter of safety once he reached the palace…
Seeing his son writing diligently with a gentle smile, Emperor Cheng's heart ached.
You little brat, you've truly forgotten your mother now that you have a wife.
Just then, a loud shout suddenly came from outside the hall, "The Empress has arrived!~"