Sheng Chuyi turned to Chu Ningrong and said in a coquettish tone, "Mother, please discipline Father."

Chu Ningrong smiled and gently scolded, "How old are you? Stop making a scene. Hurry up and eat. The breakfast today is really delicious. I'm starving."

Chu Ningrong was actually just as clear-headed as Jing'er.

The father and son are just making themselves laugh.

She was indeed very worried about Li'er and Han'er, but she would take good care of herself and wait for their triumphant return.

After the three finished their breakfast, Sheng Chuyi went to read the memorials, while Sheng Yuan went to see several ministers.

Those ministers had been clamoring to see him yesterday, but Shengyuan refused, citing poor health.

If they are not seen today, they will probably kneel at the entrance of the Hall of Diligent Governance and never get up.

"Those are all veteran officials, so you should control your temper and not argue with them. Speak slowly and calmly," Chu Ningrong instructed as she helped Shengyuan change his clothes.

Sheng Yuan got a headache just thinking about those stubborn old men.

"I understand. I'll try my best to control my temper." Sheng Yuan didn't want Chu Ningrong to worry.

Chu Ningrong said in a low voice, "If that doesn't work, then let the Crown Prince go see them."

Shengyuan waved his hand, "They must be talking about Li'er and Yi'er. If it were anything else, they would have gone to the Crown Prince long ago, because the Crown Prince is easier to talk to than me."

Chu Ningrong smiled gently, "Alright, then go ahead."

When Shengyuan arrived at the Hall of Diligent Governance, several senior officials were standing at the entrance waiting for him.

Upon seeing Sheng Yuan arrive, he immediately knelt and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

"My dear ministers, please rise. You are all pillars of our dynasty. You need not kneel in private. Please come inside and discuss what you have to say." Sheng Yuan gave you a slight helping hand and led the way into the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Several ministers hurriedly followed Sheng Yuan inside.

After taking his seat, Sheng Yuan loudly instructed the others, "Today we are discussing my family matters. Please offer seats to my ministers and serve tea."

The ministers looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

Shengyuan held a cup of tea and drank it quietly without urging him.

The atmosphere inside the main hall was very quiet.

After a while, one of the old ministers sighed and said, "Your Majesty, it was decided that His Highness the Crown Prince would lead the expedition, but it was changed to Prince Xian at the last minute. This is indeed very inappropriate."

“What’s wrong with that? I’m unwell, so the Crown Prince is staying in the capital to take care of me, and Prince Xian is going to war in his place. Isn’t that a perfect arrangement?” Sheng Yuan pretended not to understand the deeper meaning and spoke in a calm voice.

Sheng Yuan countered, "Could it be that Minister Liu has other ideas?"

"Your Majesty, I dare not presume to say such a thing. However, there has been much criticism from the ministers regarding Prince Xian's expedition this time. They have all witnessed His Highness the Crown Prince's achievements over the years..."

Liu Qin was interrupted by Sheng Yuan before he could finish speaking.

"Hmph, alright, stop beating around the bush with me. You just want to sound me out and find out if I've changed my mind about the crown prince. Today, I'll just be frank with you."

"My heart has always belonged to Prince Sheng Chuyi, and he will be the one to inherit my position. Instead of worrying about trivial matters, you should focus on assisting His Highness the Crown Prince and making his path easier."

“Three years ago, Sheng Chuli went to the frontier. Although he did it out of spite, it was also my idea. The two brothers, one a scholar and the other a warrior, support each other and hope to make our Holy Sky Dynasty more prosperous,” Sheng Yuan continued.

Upon hearing Emperor Shengyuan's words, the ministers immediately stood up, knelt down, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, we understand. We will do our utmost to support His Highness the Crown Prince from now on. Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

Sheng Yuan snorted lightly. They were all old foxes, just waiting for him to spell things out.

"Alright, you don't need to keep coming to me to sound me out. I'll make my words clear: Li'er will not become emperor. The position of emperor will always belong to His Highness the Crown Prince. Furthermore, tell those disloyal ministers that Sheng Chuli and Sheng Chuyi hold equal positions in my heart. One is responsible for stabilizing the country, and the other for governing the world. Neither is dispensable. If anyone dares to act recklessly, don't blame me for not showing any mercy." Sheng Yuan stood up, his face turning cold, and his tone becoming very serious.

Upon hearing this, the ministers immediately bowed their heads and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, we understand."

"Hmm, step down." Sheng Yuan turned his back to the ministers and coldly gave the order.

The ministers immediately withdrew.

"Does His Majesty mean that someone has already sided with Prince Xian?" Wang Wei asked in a low voice, standing next to Liu Qin.

Liu Qin stroked his beard and walked slowly toward the palace gate. Hearing Wang Wei's words, he glanced at him and said, "Be careful what you say."

"Although His Majesty has handed over the reins of government to His Highness the Crown Prince, the Imperial Guards are still in His Majesty's hands, as is that thing. His Majesty knows everything we do. Go back and give your student a good talking-to, tell him not to mess around," Liu Qin said coldly.

"Yes, yes, thank you for your guidance, sir. What about Prince Xian?" Wang Wei asked in a low voice.

Liu Qin glanced at him in surprise, momentarily wondering how this person had gotten into this position.

An old minister standing nearby spoke up, “His Majesty’s meaning was quite clear just now. How come you still haven’t figured it out? The future emperor’s throne will definitely be His Highness the Crown Prince, and the position of Grand General of the State will probably be reserved for Prince Xian. With one civil official and one military official forming a check and balance, it will not follow in the footsteps of the Qiong family. His Majesty’s meticulous planning is beyond our reach.”

"We civil officials should just focus on helping His Highness the Crown Prince. Let's not meddle in other people's business."

"Lord Liu is right, we will heed your advice."

Saint Chuli's side.

Saint Chuhan behaved as well as a kitten throughout the journey, staying in the carriage for several days without complaining about needing to come out for some fresh air.

Except when he needed to use the restroom, he would only call out to him once. Otherwise, he would not make a sound at all. If it weren't for the conspicuous carriage there, he would have thought that this person did not exist.

Saint Chuli, holding a bag of pastries, lifted the carriage curtain.

Then they saw Sheng Chuhan sitting in the corner of the carriage, staring blankly into space.

They didn't react at all when they heard he was coming.

Saint Chuli stepped into the carriage and placed the pastries on the table.

"Here are some pastries. You've been eating coarse grains all this way, it must have been hard for you."

When Sheng Chuhan turned her head and saw the pastries on the table, she wasn't particularly happy.

Saint Chuli thought she was ill, so he reached out and touched her forehead, but there was nothing wrong with her.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Saint Chuli asked with concern.

Sheng Chuhan shook her head, "No, I just miss my mother a little bit."

She had gone out to play many times since she was a child, but the thought of going away for a long time and not seeing her mother for a long time made her feel sad.

In particular, as the carriage traveled further and further away, her reluctance and longing grew stronger.

Saint Chuli said nonchalantly, "Is that so? Then I'll arrange for someone to take you back."

After he finished speaking, he was about to lift the curtain and go out when Sheng Chuhan quickly grabbed him.