Sincerity for sincerity

"I was so anxious the whole way, but it turns out Lord Pei already had a way out." Xiao Diting casually let Pei Wenjin go, pulled out a chair and sat down, crossing his arms and distancing himself from everyone else.

Pei Wenjin knew he couldn't hide it and felt guilty. He tried to hook her sleeve under the table, but found nothing. He quickly became subservient and gave her a fawning look.

Unfortunately, the aggrieved party was furious at the moment and didn't appreciate the sympathy at all.

After the farce at the Hall of Supreme Harmony came to an end, it took some time before the group was finally able to get together. Pei Wenjin and Yu Lanjiang were busy with the Longcheng matter, so much so that they couldn't keep up with anyone.

Xiao Diting, who had been forcefully demanding a thorough investigation of the matter in the main hall, fell silent and hid in his own palace, ignoring everyone. There were occasional rumors in the palace that the princess had been in a violent temper lately and that no one should approach her to cause trouble.

Indeed, during his seclusion, Xiao Diting sorted out and understood many things.

When Yu Lanjiang first arrived in the capital, she devised a little scheme to make a good impression on her. Yu Lanjiang not only took it to heart, but also reciprocated with a small gift:

They pretended to hand over their personal seal to Xiao Diting, ostensibly to do her a favor and for mutual benefit, but in reality, they were using various underhanded tactics behind the scenes. From the beginning, Xiao Diting only learned the general outline of the matter and did not touch the core of the interests involved.

Simply put, he was used as a target; these people never truly connected with him!

Anyone would be angry about this.

Pei Wenjin felt a little guilty towards her, but Yu Lanjiang was completely different. He sat opposite her calmly, pretending to be reserved as he reviewed documents, occasionally straightening his back to stretch his limbs...

as well as……

Xiao Diting looked at Xiao Yiyu, who disdained sharing a room with the three of them and instead stood by the door, leaning against a pillar, feeding a handful of birdseed to the gyrfalcon.

Xiao Diting could no longer contain himself: "What is he doing here?"

Xiao Yiyu gave her a meaningful look and sneered, "Why can't I be here?"

Xiao Diting was completely convinced at this point, and spread his hands, saying, "Please continue."

Xiao Yiyu's uncomfortable gaze returned to the gyrfalcon, and he casually and elegantly began to stroke its feathers. His movements were so gentle that they actually looked somewhat... well, loving.

Xiao Diting closed his eyes, thinking to himself that the Crown Prince must have taken the wrong medicine. What was the difference between this heartwarming scene and a ghost movie?

Yu Lanjiang finally put down the documents in his hand, tapped the table with his fingertips, and his clear voice broke the deadlock in the room: "Your Highness, please don't be angry. This matter was indeed not well thought out by us."

She rose and walked to Xiao Diting, personally refilling her cup of warm tea. Her expression, which had been playful, was now serious: "The case of Ju Yanshan back then was far too complicated. General Longcheng came from humble beginnings and rose step by step to the rank of commander through his military achievements. He held the hearts of too many soldiers in his hands and had long become a thorn in the side of certain people. His letter of appeal was intercepted, his supplies were cut off, and the people involved behind the scenes were deeply entrenched, ranging from high-ranking officials in the court to local officials. Five years have passed, and much of the evidence has been wiped clean. Even if you wanted to investigate, there would be no way to trace it back."

“His Majesty has lost face in front of all the officials this time, and he will certainly not be able to swallow this insult.” Yu Lanjiang sneered, “Your Highness must be even more careful in the palace.”

Xiao Diting held the teacup, his fingertips tracing the warm rim of the cup, his eyebrows twitching slightly.

She recalled the string of Buddhist prayer beads that Xiao Yiyu had handed to his subordinate at the East Palace pavilion that day. At the time, she only found it strange, but now, after Yu Lanjiang mentioned it, she suddenly understood.

“His Highness the Crown Prince has been an ally from beginning to end.” Yu Lanjiang looked at Xiao Yiyu, who was feeding the birds at the door, and said with a hint of approval, “Before Xiao Pei entered the palace, he had already secretly contacted the Crown Prince. His Highness the Crown Prince was making arrangements in the Qing Palace and was also passing on detailed intelligence to us.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yiyu turned around from the doorway, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I'm not that kind-hearted; it's just a matter of mutual dependence."

He paused, his gaze falling on Xiao Diting, his tone softening slightly: "Where did Shouxi take you after you left the East Palace that day?"

Xiao Diting said bluntly, "After going to Xiuchun Palace, Shouxi has somehow colluded with the Second Prince."

"Second son?" Xiao Yiyu raised an eyebrow, looking as if he had expected it.

Pei Wenjin sighed and took over the conversation at the right time: "The Second Prince is in poor health and has been recuperating for many years. He seems to be indifferent to politics, but in fact he has been secretly cultivating a lot of power... His Highness the Crown Prince is mostly aware of this."

Xiao Yiyu rolled his eyes seriously and said disdainfully, "That's true. It's a pity that my stupid sister thought he was some kind of compassionate bodhisattva and got so close to him."

Pei Wenjin leaned close to Xiao Diting and whispered in her ear, "The death of Miss Chunlan and the assassination at the post station in the suburbs of the capital were, without a doubt, the Second Prince's doing."

Xiao Diting tightened her grip on the teacup, a wave of fear washing over her. If that were truly the case, then the Second Prince's threats would be far too heavy, causing her great anxiety.

“As soon as I received the news that His Majesty was going to deal with Xiao Pei, I immediately took the grain delivery records to Song Pingzhang,” Yu Lanjiang continued. “The records were signed by the grain transport official in his own handwriting and had the official seal of the Ministry of Revenue, which is enough to prove that the grain shortage was deliberately delayed by someone in the court, rather than Xiao Pei embezzling it.”

Pei Wenjin nodded and continued, "I had long anticipated that someone would forge my handwriting and personal seal, so I always kept this as a backup plan. Brother Pingzhang has worked with me for many years, so he naturally knows about this matter."

“We originally wanted to tell you in advance so you could be prepared,” Yu Lanjiang said with a guilty expression, “but firstly, time was of the essence; secondly, we were afraid of leaks; and thirdly, we really needed someone to openly attract His Majesty and the Second Prince’s attention, to make them lower their guard…”

"After much thought, you are the most suitable candidate. After all, you are on duty at the Dali Temple, and you are involved with both me and Xiao Pei. It is most appropriate for you to step forward."

She bowed solemnly to Xiao Diting: "Your Highness, we were rash about what happened that day. In order to make the operation go smoothly, we pushed you to the forefront as a cover without consulting you. It was our mistake. You have suffered grievances these days and almost got into danger. I, Yu Lanjiang, apologize to you here."

Yu Lanjiang, with his upright posture and always a towering figure, bowed deeply to Xiao Diting in apology, his attitude sincere.

Seeing her frank demeanor, Xiao Diting's anger subsided considerably. She knew the officialdom was treacherous, and their arrangement was a last resort; if she were in her shoes, she might have made the same choice.

The imperial court is like a game of chess; all matters involving interests are subject to scrutiny, regardless of the nature of the relationship.

"Enough, it's no use saying anything more now." Xiao Diting waved his hand, his tone softening. "I understand that you're trying to find out the truth and clear General Longcheng and Lord Pei's name. But next time something like this happens, at least give me a heads-up beforehand, don't leave me in the dark like a fool."

"Definitely!" Yu Lanjiang nodded immediately, a smile spreading across his face. "If you ever need anything in the future, Yu Lanjiang will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Xiao Yiyu chimed in detachedly, "Commander Yu's word is law; her meaning represents the entire Northwest. Don't you have anything to say?"

Xiao Diting rolled his eyes at him, and followed Yu Lanjiang's example to straighten up, clasped his hands respectfully and said, "After this battle, you and I are now allies, entrusting each other with our lives and fortunes, exchanging sincerity for sincerity."

"I have some things to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."

"Please proceed, Your Highness."

Yu Lanjiang patted Pei Wenjin on the shoulder: "What are you all standing there for? His Highness is magnanimous and won't hold it against us. Hurry up and send His Highness back?"

Pei Wenjin immediately stood up, walked to Xiao Diting's side, and said humbly, "Your Highness, I'll see you off."

Xiao Di didn't respond, but got up and walked out. Pei Wenjin quickly followed, and the two walked out of the Zhenfu Division one after the other.

It was still early, and the morning light shone through the clouds onto the streets of the capital. The roads, damp and cool from the melting snow, were already bustling with activity at the morning market.

The stalls along the street were filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, pastries, and all sorts of trinkets. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares and bargaining filled the air, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Xiao Diting took two steps, then suddenly stopped and turned to Pei Wenjin: "It's still early, why don't we go to the morning market?"

Pei Wenjin was taken aback, then a gentle smile appeared in his eyes, and he quickly nodded: "Okay."

The two walked side by side through the streets of the morning market, shedding the intrigues of the court and the constraints of official positions, and appeared somewhat like ordinary men and women.

"Pei Wenjin." Xiao Diting, who was walking ahead, suddenly called out to him.

"Um?"

"I still prefer your previous rebellious self."

As they reached a street corner, the morning market was bustling with people, and the pedestrians beside them kept changing. Her seemingly random remark stirred up a storm in Pei Wenjin's heart.

"Why do you say that?" Pei Wenjin felt a tightness in his throat. "I am still me."

"It's different now."

"How are they different?"

He seemed incredibly eager, suddenly shortening the distance between them, putting his arm around her shoulder, and easily leading her through a maze of turns until they reached a secluded spot.

Until their noses touched, tears welled up before his rapid breathing. Xiao Diting's breath hitched, but he still refused to give up and continued speaking through gritted teeth.

"As a subject, for nearly two thousand days and nights, how can you endure the suspicion of your ruler..."

“My father and His Majesty were old friends, and he was always more lenient with me… His Majesty was not as incompetent and tyrannical in his early years.”

Xiao Diting reached out and hugged Pei Wenjin, feeling his slight trembling. She patted his back reassuringly, saying, "Speak slowly."

"Your Majesty's actions that day truly filled me with resentment."

How can one not feel resentment? The young general should have inherited his father's legacy, galloping across battlefields and earning military merit through his own abilities. Unexpectedly, fate was unkind; his comrades died, he was forced to resign, and even after being sent back to the capital, he could not find peace.

How could he not understand the underlying conflicts behind these things?

Pei Wenjin not only knew this, but he also had to act as an accomplice to the wicked.

"...I really hate it."