The addition of Yin Canwen was a natural development, and now he served as a strong backing for Xu Mingyue.
When she returned to the Xu family in the future, she would have a place to belong.
With this thought, Bai Xiang couldn't help but ponder Qiao Shanwei, whom A Yao had mentioned.
After observing him for some time, Bai Xiang considered him a promising candidate.
He knew how to assess the situation and also how to conceal his abilities for self-preservation.
Therefore, when A Yao sent word that she wanted to take him to Jinling City, Bai Xiang fell silent, then requested a private meeting with him.
Qiao Shanwei naturally agreed. This was the first time he would meet his biological grandfather.
It was impossible not to be excited, but he maintained a composed demeanor, which only further affirmed Bai Xiang's opinion.
The grandfather and grandson had never interacted before, so they didn't have much to say. Moreover, it wasn't the right time, so after a few brief instructions, they parted ways.
However, these simple words made Qiao Shanwei feel the shrewdness of Bai Xiang.
To have such a person as his own grandfather was indeed enviable.
The Xu Residence.
Not much wine was consumed that night.
But after everyone dispersed, Yin Canwen's reputation in the court underwent a drastic change.
Some envied his ability to find Elder Xu as a patron, while others slandered him, claiming that despite his seemingly upright demeanor, he was adept at manipulation.
Yin Canwen, however, no longer cared as he once did. His sole focus now was on how to do more practical work for Liangzhou.
So, when he set off, he quietly departed at the crack of dawn.
Only Feng Er and Su Cheng came to see him off.
Facing Feng Er, he always felt a sense of envy.
Not only because of his noble birth, his spirited demeanor, and the Emperor's favor, but also because he could openly stand by Feng Jinyao's side, protecting and cherishing her as a brother.
He gently touched the red string of peace on his right wrist with his left hand, resolving to keep this deep affection hidden in his heart forever.
"Canwen, the journey ahead is long and arduous. You must take care. This letter is for my second uncle, and it contains a token of my Feng family. Keep it safe. Once you reach Liangzhou, you will have his care, and your life there will be more comfortable."
"Thank you, Brother Feng. You still think of me at this moment. I have no way to repay this kindness, except by dedicating myself to the welfare of the people of Liangzhou. I will not disappoint anyone."
"Well said! We will meet again if fate allows. Feng Jinlin wishes Brother Canwen a smooth journey and all the best!"
Su Cheng also stood by, cupping his fist in greeting.
"Brother Yin, if you see my father in the Northwest, please convey a message for me. Tell him that my mother misses him dearly and wishes he would write home more often when he has time."
"Rest assured, Brother Su. I will certainly deliver your message!"
"Thank you, Brother Yin!"
"You're welcome!"
As Yin Canwen departed, the sun was just rising from the horizon.
Its gentle light spread evenly across the land, casting a faint golden glow upon Yin Canwen's departing carriage.
The road ahead was long, and he didn't know when they would meet again. Although Feng Jinlin felt a pang of reluctance, he understood that partings were inevitable.
Instead of dwelling on the sorrow of farewell, it was better to think about what he should do in Jinling City.
Su Cheng patted his shoulder and said with some emotion.
"Now that Brother Yin has left, when will you take up your post?"
"I'll leave after A Yao's coming-of-age ceremony. I don't know how that girl convinced our mother to let her go to Jiangnan with me. That's a den of wolves. What if she gets hurt?"
Feng Jinlin's worry was evident. Su Cheng, having learned the inside story from Yang Zhao, comforted him.
"Don't worry. I'll be going with you too. It's just a trip for sightseeing. I'll take care of her safety."
He only spoke half the truth. The other half he kept to himself.
With the Prince present, no one could harm A Yao in the slightest. However, it was better not to tell Feng Jinlin this, lest his protective instincts for his sister lead to unnecessary complications.
After seeing Yin Canwen off, they returned to the city and found imperial decrees posted everywhere.
Feng Jinlin found it strange. He exchanged a look with Su Cheng and went to see what had happened.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered that Prince Ding was gravely ill, and the Emperor had decreed a reward of ten thousand taels of gold for anyone who could save him.
Such a display of brotherly affection deeply moved the common people, filling them with both admiration and regret.
Although Prince Ding had not appeared in public for a long time, many people still remembered his feat of repelling the Southern Yue army for Great Jin.
Such a young and talented individual had been bedridden for ten years and was now on the brink of death.
Everyone lamented his short life and was simultaneously impressed by the Emperor's benevolence.
"Is the Prince's illness worsening? Isn't Shou Bo there? Is he not effective?"
Feng Jinlin's string of questions left Su Cheng unsure of which to answer first.
The Prince's "grave illness" was known to all.
He needed a plausible reason to leave the city, such as a lingering illness that could be treated by a renowned physician in Jiangnan,
or that recovering in Jiangnan would be faster.
In short, this news was intended to provide him with a legitimate excuse to travel to Jiangnan.
In the imperial palace, the Emperor met with Lin Huaijin, the second son of the Lin family and a newly appointed imperial physician, who had just returned from Prince Ding's residence.
He wore his ordinary imperial medical uniform with an unusual air.
Perhaps it was because he had grown up recuperating in Jiangnan, but he possessed a unique Jiangnan charm.
His features were refined, and his demeanor was calm. Although he was only in his early twenties, he exuded the composure and serenity of someone who had experienced many trials.
The Emperor had great faith in his medical skills.
Furthermore, the imperial physicians who had previously examined Prince Ding's condition had found it grim. Thus, he was allowed to examine the Prince.
Now, he awaited Lin Huaijin's report.
"Imperial Physician Lin, what is the condition of my seventeenth imperial brother?"
The Emperor's anxious expression and serious demeanor clearly indicated his concern for Prince Ding's illness.
"Replying to Your Majesty, the Prince has been residing in the dry and cold Dongdu City. The willow catkins in spring are also prone to exacerbating his condition. That is why it has become so severe this time. If he were to relocate to Jiangnan and be personally attended by my master, there might be a chance."
"What is your master's confidence level?"
"Your humble servant dares not speak rashly. At most, three parts. But if we do not try, I fear the Prince will not survive the year."
Lin Huaijin's tone was calm, but his words secretly pleased the Emperor.
However, he still had to feign concern for his younger brother. Moving a gravely ill person over a long distance was not ideal, yet at this moment, the Emperor wished for the Prince to die on his journey to Jiangnan.
This would not only alleviate his long-standing worries but also be perfectly justifiable.
Therefore, he immediately issued an order, "In that case, let you, my loyal subject, escort my imperial brother to Jiangnan. If he can be saved, I will have fulfilled my duty to our father."
"Yes, your humble servant obeys."