Pei Minxue has been very busy lately, as the imperial examinations have just ended.

Pei Minxue has to worry about how to settle the Crown Prince's disciples.

Upon hearing the news of the Sixth Princess's death, Pei Minxue merely expressed his regret.

Looking back now, it seems very strange.

They dare to rob the princess's carriage? Do they have a death wish?

"Your Highness, I will go with you."

"What are you going to do? This trip will be fraught with danger for me."

Xiao Chengci patted Pei Minxue on the shoulder, "You should stay here and keep an eye on things in the Eastern Palace for me. I can go by myself."

"Your Majesty, I have never been to the North, and I probably will never have the chance in this lifetime. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."

Since Pei Minxue insisted, Xiao Chengci did not refuse.

"Then settle your affairs and have someone pack your luggage. We'll set off tomorrow."

Pei Minxue agreed and left the East Palace with a heavy heart.

Pei Minxue was worried that Xiao Chengci's trip to the north would be dangerous.

Princess Shang Huai was ruthless.

What if Shang Huai decides to go all the way and also take down Xiao Chengci...?

Pei Minxue dared not even think about it, so he was determined to go with them.

If necessary, Pei Minxue will have no choice but to apologize to Pei Zhi.

Pei Minxue could not stand idly by and watch the people be displaced.

Pei Minxue holds the biggest secret in his hands, and he is unwilling to betray Pei Zhi unless it is absolutely necessary.

Xiao Chengci and his companions rode their horses northward.

After rushing as fast as they could, they finally arrived at the North City within ten days.

The group did not alert anyone, and Xiao Chengci did not reveal his identity.

A group of people traveled all the way to the Zhenbei Marquis's residence, only to be stopped at the gate.

Pei Minxue revealed his identity, explaining that he had come to visit the newly appointed Marquis of Zhenbei.

The guards checked and told Pei Minxue to wait a moment before going in to report.

Pei Minxue lowered his voice and said, "Something's not right at the Marquis's residence."

They stood at the gate, but looking inside, they saw guards every three steps inside the mansion.

It's understandable that there are people guarding the door.

It's rather strange that there are so many people guarding the mansion.

Xiao Chengci had already noticed this, and he guessed that Shang Huai and the General must have some conflict.

The "Sixth Princess" died on her way to her wedding.

Shang Huai's actions were not exactly discreet.

The General of the Northern Garrison was not just a military man; he naturally understood that Shang Huai was definitely behind this.

Shang Huai hurriedly ran out, wearing a black cloak.

Upon seeing Xiao Chengci, Shang Huai paused for a moment before bowing to him.

Xiao Chengci quickly helped Shang Huai up, preventing Shang Huai from kneeling to pay his respects.

“We’re brothers, no need for such formalities. Let’s talk inside.”

Shang Huai nodded to Pei Minxue as a greeting, and then led his men into the house.

A heater was burning inside, and Pei Minxue felt much warmer as soon as he entered, so he took off his cloak.

The servant brought hot tea and then withdrew.

Xiao Chengci feigned curiosity: "Where is the General? Why haven't I seen him?"

"My father took my grandparents to the village. It was cold, and my grandparents couldn't stand the cold. It was warmer in the village."

Xiao Chengci had a good idea of ​​what was going on. Shang Huai was now in charge of everything in the manor, and the situation was not good.

"I have come today because of the Sixth Princess. My father has ordered me to bring her remains back to the capital."

Xiao Chengci took a sip of hot tea and then said, "I just happened to come and see you."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. This matter happened so suddenly that His Majesty's good intentions have come to naught, which is truly a pity."

Pei Minxue sat silently to the side, drinking tea and observing the two cousins' feigned affection.

Shang Huai looked much thinner than before.

Perhaps it was because they were in the north, but Pei Minxue felt that Shang Huai seemed much more gloomy.

Xiao Chengci feigned concern and asked, "I wonder if any of the attendants who escorted the princess to her wedding survived?"

Shang Huai sighed, "The robbers were ruthless; they didn't leave a single survivor."

Pei Minxue silently sipped his tea, watching the two perform quietly.

Shang Huai suddenly asked, "Brother Minxue, I wonder how Madam Pei and the Duke are doing?"

“Everything is fine.” Pei Minxue thought for a moment and then added, “My mother has been at home recently, trying to find a noble lady in the capital for me, saying that I’m not getting any younger and it’s time for me to get engaged.”

"Really? Then I congratulate you in advance, Brother Min. If I have the chance, I will definitely come to the capital to celebrate with you."

Pei Minxue waved his hand, "There's nothing to congratulate me on. I was engaged before, but the girl caught a cold and passed away."

Pei Minxue feigned a sigh, "Otherwise, I should be having a beautiful wife in my arms now. Fate is cruel, what a pity."

After Pei Minxue finished his reflection, Shang Huai did not respond.

Pei Minxue wanted to remind Shang Huai that Pei Zhi died of illness and had nothing to do with anyone else.

“Brother Minxue is better than me; at least he has already arranged a marriage.”

Shang Huai lowered his eyes. "Unlike me, I've already been betrothed, but we haven't even had the engagement ceremony yet, so I don't have any official status."

Pei Minxue sat up straight; he really couldn't respond to what Shang Huai had said.

Moreover, by bringing up the matter of titles and status in front of Xiao Chengci, wasn't Shang Huai indirectly provoking Xiao Chengci?

"They say that true love will eventually be united, but life is unpredictable. She was the one who took the initiative to say that she wanted to marry me, but she left me first."

Why did Pei Minxue suddenly feel like there were nails on the chair? Otherwise, why would he be sitting so unsteadily?

Always remain vigilant, always ready to rush in and break up the fight.

Pei Minxue didn't dare to respond to Shang Huai's words.

Pei Minxue didn't respond, but Shang Huai could talk all by himself.

"Perhaps it is because God cannot bear to see lovers, that is why I am separated from her by death."

Pei Minxue took another big gulp of tea and forcefully changed the subject.

"General Shang, you are so handsome, and at such a young age you are already a marquis. You must be very popular in the north, right?"

Shang Huai chuckled: "So what if I'm popular? I can't find another girl who can ride horses and hunt with me, and chat with me about everything under the sun."

Xiao Chengci, who had been silent for a long time, placed his teacup on the table, making a crisp sound.

Xiao Chengci pressed his hand on the teacup, the veins on the back of his hand bulging.

Clearly, Xiao Chengci had been enduring it all along.

Pei Minxue knew that Shang Huai was deliberately provoking the Crown Prince.

"General Shang, my sister has already passed away, but we must still look forward."

Shang Huai countered, "I wasn't in the capital. Did Brother Minxue go to pay respects for Zhizhi on her seventh and hundredth days after her death? Did he offer sacrifices to her on holidays?"

Pei Minxue replied perfunctorily, "It has been offered sacrifices, it has been offered sacrifices."

Since Pei Minxue learned that Pei Zhi was not dead, he has never gone there again.

It's an empty space inside. Who is he going to mourn? Isn't this cursing Pei Zhi?

If he weren't afraid of being discovered, Pei Minxue would have smashed the tombstone.