Just as Shang Xiye and Wuying were about to turn into the inner palace, they suddenly heard someone call out from behind, "Ninth Prince, please wait!"

Turn around.

Minister of War Yuan Zhou Hanzheng hurried after him.

"Ninth Prince, may I speak with you in private?" Yuan Zhouhan's eyes revealed a hint of urgency.

Shang Xiye frowned. He was worried about the affairs of the country, but he was also very concerned about the safety of his wife: "If Lord Yuan has nothing urgent, could you wait for me for a moment?"

Yuan Zhouhan was slightly taken aback. This was the first time the Ninth Prince had deliberately delayed his visit, knowing full well that he wouldn't come unless there was a reason. But he felt that his matter was quite urgent; otherwise, he wouldn't have chased after him in front of others.

Seeing Shang Xiye's predicament, Wuying covered her lips and secretly advised him, "Your Highness, the secret report came that the Duchess of Chen and Miss Chen have left the palace in a miserable state; the Empress is also anxiously trying to talk to the Emperor right now, so the Princess Consort has probably already dealt with them. You don't need to worry too much about the Princess Consort."

Shang Xiye felt relieved upon hearing this; it seemed his little wife was quite capable.

She dealt with so many troublesome people so quickly!

Finally, he turned back and glared at Wuying:

Who said I was postponing important matters because I was worried about the Queen? I always get things done!

Shadowless: "..."

Your Highness, could you be any more arrogant?

Shang Xiye and Yuan Zhouhan arrived at the side hall where the ministers were discussing matters, and looked at him indifferently.

Yuan Zhouhan didn't mince words and went straight to the point: "This humble official has two matters to discuss with Your Highness, one is a matter that can't be considered official business, and the other is a private matter."

"A business matter that isn't really business?" Shang Xiye didn't think Yuan Zhouhan was a humorous person.

“Because this matter seems to have nothing to do with my Great Zhao, but it happened in the Di Kingdom,” Yuan Zhou Han clicked his tongue, seemingly unsure how to explain.

The Di Kingdom was located southwest of the Great Zhao Kingdom, bordering Xidan, which was at war with the Great Zhao Kingdom. To be on the safe side, the Great Zhao Kingdom also planted many spies in the Di Kingdom during this sensitive period.

Even Shang Xiye himself had many spies and informants in the Di Kingdom, so he fully understood Yuan Zhouhan's wording and caution.

But as far as he knew, the Di Kingdom had been peaceful recently, and there was nothing to be alarmed about.

"Many of the informants we had previously placed there have settled down and retired. Not long ago, two of these retired informants suddenly sent back a message saying that nearly half the people in their nearby villages had been arrested or disappeared without a trace."

From the dying victims, they gleaned half a sentence about gaining control of the world, leading them to speculate that the Di Kingdom would soon be engulfed in internal strife.

After Yuan Zhouhan finished speaking, he looked back at Shang Xiye seriously and asked, "What does the Ninth Prince think of this matter?"

Shang Xiye spoke at a measured pace, his voice deep and steady: "The war in the Northwest is at a stalemate. If the Di people, who are on good terms with Da Zhao, were to fall into chaos at this time, it would indeed be detrimental to Da Zhao. This matter should not be publicized. Lord Yuan should closely follow up on the situation and pay close attention to its development."

Wu Ying scratched his head and pouted.

Why would the old man of the Yuan family prevent his prince from seeing the princess because of such uncertain and trivial news?

That old bastard is wicked!

I'll never speak up for him in front of the prince again. He should just wait!

After finishing his business, Yuan Zhouhan's usually serious demeanor suddenly changed, and he grinned at Shang Xiye with extreme shyness.

The old man, a burly man with a stubble beard, gave a truly startling smile, which nearly made Shang Xiye jump out of his wheelchair on the spot: "Lord Yuan, if you have anything else to say, please speak frankly."