Summer days were bright and not deceptive, but the afternoon heat was certainly real. The entire city of Kyoto was shrouded in the sweltering heat, making people uncomfortable. The clear water they drank would seep out of their skin within half an hour, carrying away residual impurities and turning into a layer of greasy moisture that enveloped them, making it difficult to breathe and leaving them feeling uncomfortable.

Especially for the lower-class laborers, who carried heavy packages up the steps at the docks downstream of the Liujing River. Their sweat soaked through their entire bodies, dripping onto the bluestone steps and forming countless streaks of water, a somewhat alarming sight. The large trees by the docks stretched out their leaves, but they could not completely block the sun in the sky. The breeze from the river could not dispel the heat, instead carrying a stuffy feeling.

A black dog was lying in the shade of a tree next to the stone steps, its scarlet tongue lolling out, panting heavily. At the same time, it looked with a touch of pity at the laborers who were nearly overwhelmed by the burdens of life.

A simply decorated boat was drifting on the Liujing River. Qing Yu Nian's Second Prince slowly withdrew his compassionate gaze from the shore and turned back, smiling slightly, and said, "Fan Xian is indeed remarkable. Not only did he bring back the silver from the Internal Treasury, but he also purchased so much grain in Dongyi City and Northern Qi in advance. He must have guessed that this year would be busy with repairing the dikes, and even if the summer floods were no problem, the grain from the south hasn't recovered, so disaster relief is always needed."

Many merchant ships were docked at the Liujing River docks, and hundreds of laborers were carrying the grain purchased by Qing Yu Nian onto the ships, which would then be transported by water to the southern prefectures and counties where reconstruction after last year's disaster was not yet complete.

The lovely girl next to the Second Prince blinked her bright eyes and smiled, but said nothing.

The Second Prince chuckled and continued, "Aren't you surprised why I would say good things about Fan Xian? The reason is simple: Fan Xian does have commendable qualities, especially in terms of politics. Although he has never independently managed a road or a department, he is... very thoughtful. Perhaps you don't know, but it was just discovered that when Yang Wanli, a member of his staff, went to the Water Transport Superintendent's Office, a large sum of money was secretly injected into the Water Transport Office's accounts. That is also why the dike repairs on the Great River this year have been so smooth."

Speaking of this, a hint of mockery appeared on the Second Prince's face: "If the court's departments and agencies were to raise money, the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works would drag their feet, and who knows how long it would take."

He continued gloomily: "So, governance skills can be cultivated, but a mind like Fan Xian's... is extremely rare. This is all the silver he scraped together with great difficulty in Jiangnan, and he is not stingy at all, pouring it all into river transport. The Emperor gets the credit, the people of the world benefit, but what do you get? This Fan Xian... I can't understand him more and more."

Today was hot, and the Second Prince's mansion in Kyoto was also stifling, so he brought his wife, whom he had married half a year ago, to the Liujing River, partly to relax and partly to find a quiet place for the two of them to talk privately. But looking at the bustling scene on the docks from afar, the Second Prince couldn't help but be moved, and he changed the topic to Fan Xian, who was far away from Kyoto.

"Fan Xian... who knows what kind of person he is? No one can see through him." Ye Ling'er smiled slightly, a complex look in her eyes. This young woman was once such a clever and adorable little person, but now that she has married the Second Prince and become a princess, she naturally has more of a noble air, and she seems more mature.

"Indeed, can't see through him." A self-deprecating smile appeared on the Second Prince's face, which bore some resemblance to Fan Xian. "After he came to Kyoto from Danzhou, how many people can see through the things he's done?"

After thinking about it, he shook his head and smiled inexplicably. He slowly took Ye Ling'er's hand and walked to the stern of the boat, looking at the wide, mirror-like surface of the Liujing River upstream, as if he wanted to use the spiritual energy and openness of this world to soothe his mind.

The servants of the Prince's mansion at the stern of the boat watched this scene and tactfully kept their distance, not daring to disturb the Prince and Princess's peace. Everyone in the entire Prince's mansion, and even in Kyoto, knew that after the Second Prince and Ye Ling'er got married, their relationship was very good. Although there was no news of the Princess being pregnant, this young couple was often together. The Second Prince had handsome features, and Ye Ling'er was a famous beauty in Kyoto. This perfect couple was the envy of many.

Ye Ling'er leaned against the Second Prince, gently holding his arm. Her eyes, which were clearer than the water, looked at the sand gulls flying in the distance. She thought of the man far away, her teacher, and couldn't help but smile: "The people of Kyoto are all afraid of Fan Xian, and they all think he is so sinister and terrifying, so he has caused so much trouble and killed so many people. But in my opinion, this guy is just a mischievous and absurd fellow."

The Second Prince also smiled. He knew that his wife had often visited the Fan family before she married him, and he knew that his wife and Chen Er were like sisters, with an extraordinary relationship. He also knew that his wife secretly called Fan Xian her teacher... But he would never suspect that there was anything romantic between Ye Ling'er and Fan Xian, because although Ye Ling'er sometimes had some small tempers, she was a rare and upright woman in the grand scheme of things. If she didn't like him, even an imperial edict couldn't force her to marry him. But... occasionally, when he heard Ye Ling'er mention Fan Xian in such a familiar tone, he still couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity and a slight jealousy.

"It's not as simple as being mischievous and absurd," the Second Prince said gently. "I heard a few days ago that the Crown Prince's followers made a booklet, counting how many people Fan Xian had killed and offended in the past two years. The result... was a long list, which made our Crown Prince very happy."

Ye Ling'er chuckled, thinking how her teacher had become like a great demon. However, including the Spring Examination case and the matters of Directorate One, Fan Xian had indeed offended most of the forces in the court.

"So, no one can understand what Fan Xian wants to do. My aunt is his mother-in-law... and my aunt has already extended an olive branch, but... he doesn't accept it. I don't need to say anything, since he returned to Kyoto, I have been trying to reconcile with him, but he has stubbornly chosen to defeat me." The Second Prince laughed self-deprecatingly. "I admit that the Niulan Street incident was my fault, but... in court politics, it is not uncommon for enemies to become friends."

Ye Ling'er glanced at him and mumbled, "He's stubborn and holds grudges. It's not easy to persuade him."

"But what good does this do him?" The Second Prince frowned. "He has offended so many people. In the future... I mean, if something happens and Father is gone, after the new emperor ascends the throne, he will definitely take back his power. Without the Overwatch Council in his hands, these forces seeking revenge will all fall on him. Who can protect him?"

"How do you know that the new emperor will definitely take back his power?" Ye Ling'er said with her head lowered. "I don't think the Crown Prince has much of a chance. The Third Prince is Fan Xian's student."

"The Third is too young." The Second Prince sighed. "A person's growth process is always interrupted by sudden accidents. I was like that back then. When the Third gets older, our Father will naturally find some ways. If the Third really sits on that chair in the future, do you think the Third at that time will still be the Third now? Would he allow Fan Xian to maintain his current power?"

"None of us brothers are as good as Father. So, no matter who among us succeeds to the throne, the first thing we will do is definitely to take down this big tiger, Fan Xian." The Second Prince said with a smile. "This is inevitable. It's impossible for Fan Xian, with his intelligence, not to think of this."

Ye Ling'er looked at him worriedly and said softly, "You still haven't given up."

The Second Prince did not answer this question, but slowly said, "Since Fan Xian understands this, and also knows that he has offended most of the officials and gentry, what can he do? Unless he prepares to take a completely different path in the future, otherwise he will never be able to escape the future chaos."

"What path?"

The Second Prince turned his head and smiled gently. "He sits on that chair himself."

……

……

What kind of position you're in dictates what kind of topics you talk about. Although the conversation on the Liujing River boat at this time was full of alarming content, such topics were actually often discussed in various mansions. Ye Ling'er was not particularly afraid, but instead felt a bit bored and said with a wry smile, "Knowing my teacher, he wouldn't do that."

"Oh?" The Second Prince was very interested. "Why do you say that?"

"Fan Xian likes to travel around the world, don't you know?" Ye Ling'er smiled. "This time, he was sent to Jiangnan. Everyone knows that it was a disguised exile by His Majesty, also because he didn't want his background to cause too much trouble in Kyoto. It was a way to avoid the limelight. But... as far as I know, Fan Xian doesn't have any complaints about this exile. He went there very happily. Being able to see different people and customs in the world seems to be the greatest enjoyment for him."

It must be said that Ye Ling'er really understood Fan Xian.

"Sitting on that chair? Then it would be even harder to leave the deep palace. Fan Xian would suffocate."

The couple laughed at the same time.

After a moment of thought, the Second Prince said, "But if he doesn't fight for this chair... will he be willing to let go in the future? And even if he is willing to let go, will others let him go?"

"Is that chair really that good?" Ye Ling'er frowned. "Besides... what does Fan Xian have to rely on to fight?"

"What to rely on?" The Second Prince smiled. "Rely on Father's unparalleled trust in him, rely on the full support of these three old men, Director Chen, Prime Minister Lin, and Minister Fan, rely on the Overwatch Council in his left hand, and the Internal Treasury in his right hand. And don't forget, he is also surnamed Li... To be honest, under the current situation, if there are no major twists and turns in the future, Fan Xian has the best chance of seizing the throne after Father's death."

But Ye Ling'er only heard the words "major twists and turns" in these words. If what her beloved said was true, then there must be many people preparing for this major twist.

The Second Prince continued, "Fan Xian's only blank spot at the moment is the support of the military. He has no chance to get involved with the Ye and Qin families, but don't forget, my dear elder brother, I don't know what's been going on with him lately, he's always acting like Fan Xian's caretaker."

Speaking of this, the Second Prince finally revealed a trace of resentment. It seemed understandable, since he and the Eldest Prince had grown up together and had an excellent relationship. Who knew that as soon as Fan Xian entered Kyoto, the Eldest Prince would stand on Fan Xian's side? Anyone would feel uncomfortable.

"The most critical indicator is the Jiaozhou Mutiny this time." The Second Prince said worriedly, "Although Father has always trusted Fan Xian immensely, he has never allowed him to touch any military affairs. This time, he arranged for him to handle the Jiaozhou Navy. I'm worried that Father is preparing to loosen his grip on this aspect as well."

Ye Ling'er slowly lowered her head, and after a long while, she said, "After talking so much, in the end, you're still just unwilling."

After a moment of silence, the Second Prince said slowly but firmly, "Indeed, I am unwilling... If others can sit on that chair, why can't I? I wouldn't do worse than others if I sat on that chair. If there wasn't a Fan Xian in the world, why would I be sighing on this boat?"

There was another moment of silence.

"I admit that in comparison with Fan Xian, I am at a complete disadvantage." A look of unrestrainedness suddenly appeared on the Second Prince's face. "But occasionally, I feel a little unconvinced. If Father had been willing to give me the Overwatch Council and the Internal Treasury, would I really be worse than Fan Xian? I am indeed unwilling. I have planned for so many years, but because of such a suddenly emerged brother, everything has become a bubble. I still want to fight for it, even if I lose to him in the end... I want to lose with conviction."

"Why bother?" Ye Ling'er sighed, looking at him.

The Second Prince's heart stirred. He realized that since his wife had married into the Prince's mansion, the carefree and adorable appearance she once had had diminished a lot. Perhaps this was the price of marrying him. She always had to think about these scheming things.

Ye Ling'er said softly, "I know that Princess Chang is always trying to get you and the Crown Prince to reconcile lately, and I also know what it's for... Speaking of which, I've never liked that Princess Chang, even though she is Chen Er's mother."

"Aunt is a very remarkable person." The Second Prince chose his words carefully. "She has done many things for the court, and... many times, she is not necessarily doing it for her own selfish desires. Take this matter, for example. If she was really only thinking about future glory and wealth, she wouldn't have chosen me and educated me back then. She could have stayed on the Crown Prince's side all along. The East Palace also needs her."

"Then why did she choose you?" A hint of mockery appeared on Ye Ling'er's lips. "Isn't it because you are better looking than the Crown Prince?"

……

……

"Enough!" The Second Prince pursed his lips slightly and gave a low shout. He never expected that his wife would be so angry with Princess Chang.

Ye Ling'er snorted coldly and said, "Isn't it? She incited you to fight with the Crown Prince, and now she wants you to reconcile with the Crown Prince and fight with Fan Xian and the Third. But what's the point of fighting? Even if she succeeds in the end and Fan Xian loses power, what will happen to you and the Crown Prince then? Who will sit on that chair?"

"That's a matter for the future." The Second Prince lowered his head and said slowly, "Aunt cares about me."

"A matter for the future?" Ye Ling'er was angry and finally reverted to the carefree appearance she had when she rode her horse into Kyoto. She said directly, "She is just indulging in the process of this matter. As for who wins or loses in the end, whether it's the Crown Prince or you, aren't you both just her puppets? Why do you have to get involved with them again? It is only natural for the Crown Prince to inherit the throne, and it is Fan Xian's business to protect himself. If you just ignore it, you can extricate yourself. What's wrong with that?"

Suddenly, Ye Ling'er seemed to realize that her words were a bit too hasty. She sighed and softened her voice, saying, "If you don't consider others, you should also think about me, think about my mother in the palace. Fan Xian once said, 'A step back brings a broader view.' Why not do it?"

It was Fan Xian again. Hearing this sentence, the Second Prince couldn't help but smile and say, "Then why doesn't he step back?"

"He will die if he steps back, that's what you said." Ye Ling'er looked at him in the eye without showing any weakness. "But if you step back, who can do anything to you?"

"Who can do anything to me?" The Second Prince pursed his thin lips and said gloomily, "I have killed Fan Xian's people. Will he let me go in the future? If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, will he let me go? The Third... who knows what kind of person he will become in the future."

Ye Ling'er was disappointed and fell silent.

"The Crown Prince is just a facade we need at the moment." The Second Prince closed his eyes, smelled the river breeze, and said softly, "We need his status as the heir apparent and the support of the grandmother now."

Ye Ling'er knew that he had many things he hadn't told her, and couldn't tell her, but she still heard a certain dangerous sound approaching from these words. She couldn't help but shiver in this hot summer and said softly, "The Crown Prince is not a fool. How could he not guess what Princess Chang is thinking? How could he believe her?"

"That's what Aunt needs to consider. How to mend the initial cracks, how to make the Crown Prince and the Empress completely believe in Aunt's sincerity. That has nothing to do with me. I just need to wait."

The Second Prince said softly, slowly opened his eyes, looked at the river, and said word by word, "Last year, I just couldn't resist, so I gave Fan Xian the opportunity. Now, at least I have learned to restrain myself and be patient. After all, I am Father's son. No matter how the situation changes, I always have a few percent chance."

Ye Ling'er looked at him disappointedly and said, "I understand what you mean. You think Princess Chang will ultimately choose you to succeed to the throne, but... is it really interesting to be helped up by someone else?"

"Don't say helped up, even if it's being led by someone, what does it matter?" The Second Prince suddenly laughed. "Father was also helped to the throne by a woman back then, but he still became a great emperor for thousands of years. As long as you sit on that chair, there will always be great things to do."

——————————————————————————

Because of the Jiaozhou Mutiny, Chen Pingping, who had been resting in Chen Garden, was finally rushed back to Kyoto by the emperor's three imperial edicts, back to that square, gray building.

In that dark secret room of the Overwatch Council, Chen Pingping gently stroked the wool blanket on his lap, couldn't help but yawn, and said in a thin voice, "Such a trivial matter, and you have to disturb me."

Fei Jie strangely didn't go to the mountains to gather herbs today, but instead sat beside Chen Pingping and said in a hoarse voice, "The key is the problem in the palace. Fan Xian has caused such a commotion again. Our Emperor is becoming more and more fond of him, but those people in the palace are becoming more and more afraid of him... I'm afraid it's going to happen sooner."

"Is the Crown Prince a fool?" Chen Pingping asked slowly. "Of course, he is indeed a fool, otherwise why would he get involved with that mad woman again?"

"Princess Chang is crazy, but she still has some tricks." Fei Jie rolled his strange-colored eyes and stared at Chen Pingping, saying, "Besides, isn't this what you arranged? I worked so hard to make that medicine."

Chen Pingping sighed and said, "The Crown Prince is too timid. We have to help him a little."

"This is really a crime that will lead to the destruction of the family." Fei Jie sighed, "I am alone. Your old family still has a large group of distant relatives."

Chen Pingping scoffed and said, "You should be careful that Fan Xian comes back to Kyoto during the New Year to cause you trouble. You made a medicine for Chen Er, but you made a sterilization drug. If Fan Xian becomes infertile, see how he tears you apart."

Fei Jie said angrily, "It's already good enough to cure tuberculosis. What else does he want? Does he dare to deceive his master and destroy his ancestors?"

"I don't know about that, but anyway, the letters he's been sending me lately have been full of resentment, and... he's been constantly asking where you've gone." Chen Pingping said indifferently.

Fei Jie had actually felt guilty about this matter all along, so he subconsciously avoided his most accomplished disciple. Hearing these words, he couldn't help but be stunned. After a long while, he said, "Didn't he take in a chambermaid? Besides, there's also Haitang... the Saintess's body should be good. Having a baby shouldn't be a problem."

"Haitang Duoduo... isn't a hen. Be careful not to let the people of Tianyidao know about your statement." Chen Pingping said with a smile.

Fei Jie was too lazy to pay attention and asked directly, "What do you think about the Jiaozhou Mutiny this time?"

"What do I think?" Chen Pingping snorted coldly, "I gave him the Shadow, I gave him the Black Knights, I gave him the entire Overwatch Council... but he made such a crude and inferior work for me!"

"Idiot." Chen Pingping couldn't help but shake his head. "After Yan Bingyun was no longer by his side, Fan Xian became an idiot when it came to conspiracy. But I really don't know if it's because his luck is naturally better than others, or what... The result of this matter is not bad."