The words sounded a bit convoluted, but Yue Qingxin understood Sima Han's meaning.
She reached out and squeezed Sima Han's hand, looking into his eyes and saying, "No matter what, I've always been me, and Rong Ge is too."
Sima Han smiled at her words, held Yue Qingxin in his arms, and rubbed her back.
"I know. No matter the time, I will always be me."
The next morning, before dawn had fully broken, a carriage set out from the small town at a brisk pace.
This carriage belonged to Shen Xiaoyan and her group.
They were truly galloping; if not for the damp ground, dust would undoubtedly have been kicked up in their wake.
Even though she was inside the carriage, with its thick cushions and backrests, Shen Xiaoyan still felt the jolting intensely.
The three children were held tightly by their three nannies, who were afraid they might accidentally bump into the carriage walls.
After about two hours, the carriage's speed gradually slowed.
Finally, able to sit steadily, Shen Xiaoyan breathed a sigh of relief. They must be arriving, right?
Indeed, after another quarter of an hour or so, the convoy came to a complete stop.
Shen Xiaoyan was puzzled and about to ask what was happening when she heard Jiang Yubao's voice from outside.
"We've reached the city gate and are queuing. We'll be entering the city soon. Your Fifth Highness, please wait a moment."
Shen Xiaoyan didn't hear Sima Han's reply, but Jiang Yubao likely hadn't expected one. He was merely fulfilling his duty.
After a short wait, Shen Xiaoyan felt the carriage begin to move slowly again.
She recalled watching historical dramas in her previous life where entering large cities involved inspections. She wondered if it was true.
Soon, she had her answer.
There was indeed an inspection, but they were not stopped.
Shen Xiaoyan thought for a moment and understood why.
Jiang Yubao must have announced their identities beforehand. Which gate guard would dare to inspect the carriages of the Fifth Highness and the Grand Tutor?
However, just as this thought crossed Shen Xiaoyan's mind, someone stepped forward to block their path.
"Who are these people? Why were they allowed through without inspection? If they are individuals with ill intentions, what if they threaten the security of the Imperial City after entering?"
The sudden voice startled Shen Xiaoyan.
Was it true that thinking of something made it appear?
But who was this person blocking the carriage?
Judging by the voice, it was a young man in his early twenties.
At this age, he likely wouldn't be in a position of command, and ordinary guards wouldn't dare to speak so boldly.
Therefore, there was only one possibility: this person was likely of extraordinary status in the Imperial Capital.
Furthermore, he must have a poor relationship with Sima Han.
Jiang Yubao's subsequent words provided Shen Xiaoyan with an answer and confirmed her guess.
"Prince Qishan, this is the Fifth Highness returning to the capital. What need is there for further inspection? I've accompanied them all the way, and there's no sign of ill intent."
Jiang Yubao's statement declared Sima Han's identity without offending anyone.
One had to admire his emotional intelligence and eloquence.
Prince Qishan?
Shen Xiaoyan looked at Zheng Wei, subtly questioning if it was who she thought it was.
Zheng Wei gave Shen Xiaoyan a barely perceptible nod, confirming her thought.
This Prince Qishan was the fourth son of the Grand Emperor, the Fourth Highness, named Sima Fen.
After the current Emperor ascended the throne, he was enfeoffed as Prince Qishan.
Sima Fen was around the same age as Sima Han, only half a year older.
In an ordinary family, half-year age gaps between siblings would foster a close relationship, with them growing up together and becoming inseparable friends.
However, for those born into royalty, similar ages often led to greater distance rather than closeness.
If it were just distance, it wouldn't be much.
The two were constantly compared, and Sima Fen was always the one who fell short. This led to Sima Fen's growing dissatisfaction with Sima Han.
As they grew up, Sima Han was entrusted with great expectations and nearly became the Crown Prince.
In contrast, Sima Fen, as he matured, was gradually forgotten by the Grand Emperor.
This further fueled Sima Fen's anger. His discontent gradually turned into resentment, envy, and finally, hatred.
A few years ago, when Sima Han was banished from the capital, he specifically came to see him off.
While outwardly bidding farewell, his eyes betrayed an undisguised schadenfreude.
If not for his own considerations, he might have even killed Sima Han then and there.
Sima Fen believed that with Sima Han's departure, his chance of returning was almost nil.
He would finally be able to stop living under Sima Han's shadow.
But who knew, after such a short time?
Sima Han had returned again.
At this thought, Sima Fen's gaze became sharp and piercing.
Sima Fen smiled faintly at Jiang Yubao and said, "What Steward Jiang says is indeed plausible. However, Steward Jiang is not familiar with these people and has only been with them for a few days. How can you guarantee that these individuals are definitely safe?"
Jiang Yubao was rendered speechless by Sima Fen's question.
Although he was a trusted aide to the Grand Emperor, and even princes like the Prince of Chen would show him some deference, if someone decided not to, there was little he could do.
Especially now, it was evident that Prince Qishan's intention was to put Sima Han in his place, to humiliate him the moment he returned.
But precisely because he understood this intention, Jiang Yubao felt even more strongly that he could not allow Prince Qishan to do this.
Regardless, he had followed the Grand Emperor's orders to bring Sima Han back. If Sima Fen were to humiliate Sima Han at the city gate, wouldn't that be a disgrace to the Grand Emperor as well?
His intention was not to offend anyone, but when forced to make a choice, he could discern the priorities.
"Prince Qishan, you need not threaten me. I am merely following the Grand Emperor's orders to escort these people into the Imperial Capital for him to see personally."
"If Prince Qishan believes these people are problematic, please take it up with the Grand Emperor. At worst, I will make another trip and escort them back."
Sima Fen hadn't expected Jiang Yubao to defy him so openly in front of everyone.
After hearing Jiang Yubao's words, if he continued to question or cause trouble, it would be tantamount to opposing the Grand Emperor.
Even though the Grand Emperor was no longer on the throne, he was still not someone a mere prince could contend with.
As for approaching the current Emperor?
The thought hadn't even surfaced before Sima Fen extinguished it.
Compared to the scheming Emperor, he would rather stick close to the Grand Emperor.
After all, as the Grand Emperor's son, not supporting his father would be a significant fault.
Understanding the priorities, Sima Fen, despite his lingering unwillingness, had no choice but to let it go.
There was still plenty of time, and no one knew what the future held. He wasn't in a hurry.
"Since it is the Grand Emperor's wish, this King naturally cannot say more. In that case, I assume Steward Jiang is also in a hurry. This King will not delay you further."
With that, Sima Fen turned decisively and strode away.
Inside the carriage, Sima Han clenched his fists, his face grim. It was clear he was suppressing his emotions.
When he heard Sima Fen's provocative voice earlier, he had wanted to go out and confront him.
But ultimately, he took no action.