Xu Huizu quickly replied, "Please rest assured, Duke, many people are still in Goryeo and haven't returned yet. Although we have people staying in the manor, they are all too incapable of handling the situation."

Xu Huizu's meaning was quite clear: many members of the Zhongshan King's lineage were still in Goryeo and hadn't returned. The people in the palace were all insignificant; even if they wanted to cause trouble, they lacked the ability.

Getting too close to civil officials is definitely not a good thing; there are precedents for this.

Let's not dwell on things from long ago, but just talk about the events of the Ming Dynasty! The case of Hu Weiyong a few years ago involved quite a few military officers. Many of them were just brainless, daring to get involved with Hu Weiyong, which really led them to their doom. This serves as a cautionary tale.

Chang Mao smiled and said, "That would be wonderful, of course, but these military families, once they become rich and powerful, forget their roots. His Majesty treats them well, but they have no sense of proportion and always want more. If they want to die, fine, but don't drag others into it!"

Xu Huizu felt a chill run down his spine, sensing that the Duke of Kaiguo's words had a hidden meaning. Although everyone considered the Duke of Kaiguo a playboy and indeed somewhat unsuitable for refined social occasions, Xu Huizu understood that the man before him was quite shrewd, especially since some of the information was secretly instructed by His Majesty.

Now that the Founding Duke has said this, could it be that His Majesty is intentionally saying something?

Chang Mao seemed unconcerned about Xu Hui's group's inner thoughts and continued, "Just you wait and see! We're not involved right now. If someone's tired of living, you can't persuade them even if you want to. Let's just close the door and live our own lives. Don't you think that makes sense?"

This put Xu Huizu in a dilemma. His instinct was to nod in agreement with Chang Mao's statement. However, given his personality, he naturally wouldn't easily agree, and he needed to think about this matter carefully.

Seeing Xu Huizu's expression, Chang Mao just smiled and didn't say anything more, letting him continue to ponder.

Xu Huizu, who seemed to have some worries, was indeed still pondering. He dared not underestimate the current emperor, who had been a man of deep thoughts since childhood. Now, he was even more cunning and skillful. Even as the Duke of Zhongshan and the emperor's brother-in-law, he dared not be reckless in front of the emperor and needed to be even more careful.

Ignoring Xu Huizu's current thoughts and ideas, when the sound of the whip cracked, the civil and military officials lined up and walked towards the Fengtian Hall. At this moment, the distinction between civil officials and military generals was very clear.

After the civil and military officials kowtowed, the morning court session of the new day naturally began, and it seemed to be no different from the past.

At most, it was Xu Huizu, the Duke of Zhongshan, who returned to the capital and reported to His Majesty the Emperor on some matters concerning Goryeo. This matter indeed occupied an extremely important position in today's morning court session, and much of the discussion was related to the war with Goryeo.

Everything that needed to be said has been said. Xu Huizu's performance aligns with most people's perceptions. Although he held a prominent position, he was indeed very cautious. Some who had the privilege of serving in the same court as Xu Da felt that Xu Huizu truly possessed some of the qualities of the Prince of Zhongshan, and there was practically nothing to criticize about him.

Since nothing unexpected or dramatic seemed to have occurred in the imperial court, many people were naturally relieved. At least it appeared that nothing serious had happened today, but what might happen next was hard to say.

As soon as the court session ended, Chang Mao vanished in a flash; he had to go to his office. Those who didn't know him would assume he had a lot of official business to attend to, and those who didn't understand him would think he was incredibly diligent.

However, anyone with even a little knowledge of him knows that this man is clearly avoiding certain people. Once he disappears into the Governor's Mansion, it's not easy for ordinary people to find him, and even military officers find it difficult to get an audience with him.

You wouldn't see him unless it was official business, and if it was, it was even easier. Besides, there were the Right Vice-Commander and others; ordinary official duties wouldn't fall to the Duke of the Founding for him to handle personally. If you were to talk about avoiding leisure or getting into trouble, this man was undoubtedly the most outstanding in the Ming Dynasty.

Xu Huizu couldn't avoid it; many colleagues still wanted to chat with him. It had been over a year since they last met, and whether discussing official business or personal matters, it was perfectly normal for them to strike up a conversation with Sun Yat-sen at this point.

Even with Xu Huizu's usually meticulous nature, he couldn't maintain a stern face or shoo away everyone around him at this moment. His usual strictness didn't mean he was completely ignorant of social etiquette.

Just as Xu Huizu was dealing with these colleagues, his savior appeared.

Wang Chengen revealed a fawning smile and said, "Duke of Zhongshan, His Majesty summons you to the Wuying Hall for a meeting."

Xu Huizu, with a serious expression, immediately knelt down and said, "Your subject Xu Huizu accepts the decree!"

Alright, now everyone else should leave. Since His Majesty the Emperor has summoned them, it must be a matter of utmost importance. No one dares to delay, or they might be charged with a grave offense of disrespect!

Wang Chengen continued, "Your Excellency, His Highness the Crown Prince is also in the Wenhua Hall. His Highness is quite concerned about the affairs of Goryeo, so please go to the Wenhua Hall soon, Your Excellency."

Xu Huizu knelt down again, his expression still serious, "I will obey the Crown Prince's instructions."

The others were filled with envy. Everyone knew that the current Crown Prince was the Emperor's darling, and everyone knew that the Retired Emperor only had eyes for the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince's position as heir apparent was now incredibly secure; he was destined to be the next Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

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