Because he understood that even if he went out, he could not gain anything good.
In terms of status, they were brothers.
However, Sima Fen had already been enfeoffed as a prince, while he was merely a prince.
In terms of foundation, he had left the capital after the new emperor ascended the throne. He knew nothing of the changes in the capital over these years.
Under such circumstances, if he went out to confront Sima Fen, he would gain nothing.
When the enemy is strong and one is weak, one can only endure.
Only those who can endure can achieve great things.
Even so, based on these recent events, he had a new appreciation for Sima Fen.
Sima Fen would not have been easily dismissed with just a few words before.
Perhaps it was because the experiences of these past few years had matured him, making him more steady and understanding of endurance.
Facing the growth of an enemy was sometimes a threat, but at other times, it was also a spur.
Only by constantly maintaining a sense of crisis could one become stronger.
The carriage moved forward slowly again, and Sima Han relaxed his tightly clenched fists, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.
In the carriage behind sat Shen Xiaoyan, who was feeling somewhat melancholy.
They had just arrived at the imperial capital, and before even entering the city gates, their first enemy had already appeared.
Although this enemy was not directly against her and Zheng Wei.
However, given their relationship with Sima Han, King Qishan, Sima Fen, did not seem like a magnanimous person. He would undoubtedly consider everyone who entered the capital with Sima Han as an object to be eliminated.
Thinking of this, Shen Xiaoyan not only felt no fear but also a faint sense of excitement.
Zheng Wei found it strange that Shen Xiaoyan first frowned and then suddenly smiled with excitement. He glanced at the three wet nurses beside him but said nothing.
After the convoy entered the city gates, Shen Xiaoyan heard the sounds of liveliness.
There were the cries of hawkers, the loud discussions of men, the soft laughter of women, and the boisterous voices of playful banter.
Having lived for years under Baiyun Peak, where they were the only household and few people ever visited, she had many servants, but it was still different from this bustling atmosphere.
For the first time, Shen Xiaoyan felt a sense of curiosity about this place.
Perhaps, living here wouldn't be bad.
She was old, or rather, mentally old, and coupled with her temperament, she preferred a peaceful and tranquil life.
But then she looked at the three children, their eyes wide open, constantly looking around.
Their lives had only just begun. How could she expect them to enjoy the life of waking with the sun and resting with the moon like she did?
She remembered a saying from her previous life: "Life is ceaseless movement."
Suddenly, she felt fortunate that she had come to the imperial capital with them. Otherwise, she might have had to wait a long time to realize this problem, and by then, it would likely have been too late for the three children.
The convoy traveled through the bustling market, presumably heading towards the imperial city. Gradually, the surroundings became quiet again.
Any occasional sounds were merely from other people's drivers.
Suddenly, the carriage stopped, which surprised Shen Xiaoyan.
Had they reached the Forbidden City so quickly?
That couldn't be right.
As Shen Xiaoyan pondered this, she exchanged a glance with Zheng Wei, only to see his eyes filled with confusion.
She lifted the curtain and looked outside but did not see the Forbidden City.
Ahead of the convoy stood a magnificent and grand courtyard. The three main gates were tall and imposing, giving a sense of grandeur.
But, what was going on?
Hadn't they agreed to see the Grand Emperor?
Did the Grand Emperor not live in the Forbidden City but here instead?
In fact, Shen Xiaoyan's thoughts were... incorrect.
Manager Jiang leaped nimbly from the carriage in front and then hurried to Sima Han's carriage.
"Fifth Prince, this is the resting place arranged by the Grand Emperor for you. This is a residence personally acquired by the Grand Emperor, and no outsiders will disturb you. Please rest assured, Fifth Prince. As for your future residence, the Grand Emperor said that it will depend on the Emperor's will."
Hearing this, Shen Xiaoyan secretly mused that after ceasing to be emperor, one still had many considerations when doing anything. Even though he was now the biological father of the Emperor and the Grand Emperor, it was the same.
Sima Han, however, did not feel much.
He had previously wondered if it would be inappropriate to meet the Grand Emperor in his travel-worn state.
To his surprise, the Grand Emperor was so thoughtful as to have already prepared a place to stay.
Otherwise, even if they had money, they would not be able to find a satisfactory dwelling in such a short time.
"If that is the case, then I will follow the eunuch's arrangement," Sima Han agreed.
As he spoke, Sima Han lifted the carriage curtain, smiled at Manager Jiang, and was about to dismount.
Jiang Yu Bao stopped him, saying, "Fifth Prince, there is no need to dismount. Let us go in directly. Traveling by carriage is much faster than walking."
Sima Han nodded upon hearing this, "Then I will follow your lead, Eunuch."
The carriage moved forward slowly again, entering the courtyard directly through a side gate, and after a short drive, it stopped.
"Fifth Prince has arrived. You may dismount now."
Hearing Jiang Yu Bao's voice again, Shen Xiaoyan knew they had truly arrived.
After dismounting from the carriage, if not for the presence of so many people around, Shen Xiaoyan would have really wanted to stretch.
Having been in the carriage for days, her entire body felt like it was falling apart.
Looking around at the surroundings, Shen Xiaoyan realized that everyone was standing in front of a courtyard.
Manager Jiang and Sima Han were standing a short distance ahead, while Yi Zhi Xie and Na Mu Zhong walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing about something.
Shen Xiaoyan and Zheng Wei walked towards Sima Han. As soon as they approached, they heard Manager Jiang say, "This courtyard is well-equipped. Fifth Prince and his companions will temporarily reside here. I will now return to the Forbidden City to report to the Grand Emperor that the Prince has returned. I believe the Grand Emperor will summon the Prince soon."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiaoyan's expression instantly darkened. What did Jiang Yu Bao mean by his words?
"Eunuch, safe journey,"
Sima Han's expression remained unchanged. He simply smiled lightly and said this.
Jiang Yu Bao had intended to say more, but since Sima Han was already seeing him out, he simply closed his mouth.
After all, saying more would only offend people.
Although he did not want to truly align himself with the Fifth Prince, he also did not wish to offend him at the outset.
One could not predict what would happen in the future. Anything was possible.
If he were to offend him from the beginning, it would truly be unwise.
However, he was also perplexed as to why the Grand Emperor would do this.
He had urgently ordered him to escort the Fifth Prince back, emphasizing speed, but then instructed him to have the Prince reside in this courtyard for a while after his return, without rushing the meeting.
Jiang Yu Bao shook his head. Forget it, how could a servant understand the thoughts of his master?
He should honestly do his job.
Yi Zhi Xie and Na Mu Zhong slowly walked over after seeing Jiang Yu Bao and his entourage quickly depart. "It seems the Grand Emperor intends to give Ah Han a warning."
Sima Han nodded. "He probably wants me to understand that even though he brought me back from afar and restored my princely status, I am still dependent on him and must obey him. Otherwise, I will only end up on the streets."
After saying this, Sima Han gave a self-mocking laugh.
Shen Xiaoyan and the others, however, looked extremely grim.
Although they had not held great expectations for the Grand Emperor, this incident had occurred right upon their arrival. If they were to truly reside here in the future, it was likely that more difficulties would be unavoidable.
Seeing that everyone looked so serious, Sima Han couldn't help but smile.
"You don't need to be like this. Since he is unjust, I will be unrighteous."
Shen Xiaoyan looked at Sima Han in surprise, what did he mean by that?
Before anyone could ask, they heard Sima Han continue.
"Let's go. This imperial capital is so vast, are we afraid of not having a place to stay?"
Yi Zhi Xie smiled upon hearing this. "Indeed, it seems you are not a foolish person. Let's go then."
Hearing Yi Zhi Xie's compliment, which wasn't exactly a compliment, Sima Han felt a sense of amusement and helplessness.
What did he mean by "not a foolish person"?
At this moment, Yi Zhi Xie continued, "I have lived in this imperial capital for a long time. Apart from the Grand Tutor's mansion, I also have my own residence. We can go and stay there directly."
Shen Xiaoyan and the others' faces lit up. They had been thinking of going to an inn, but little did they know, Yi Zhi Xie had his own residence here.
"What are we waiting for? Everyone, get in the carriages, let's go," Shen Xiaoyan said.