Ganqingmen.
The fourth quarter of the hour of Chen (7:45 AM).
The morning court session had just ended, and the officials had not yet dispersed. They all knew that today was the day the Crown Prince was to depart, so they stayed here to see him off.
Outside the palace, ten thousand elite soldiers stood in neat rows, their silver spears gleaming in the sunlight, exuding an imposing and majestic aura.
Everything is ready, except for the east wind.
Inside the palace, the Crown Prince was bidding farewell to the Emperor and his officials, appearing every inch the refined gentleman.
He bowed towards the head of the table, his posture extremely upright, and his tone full of sincerity.
"Father, I will do my utmost to investigate thoroughly, properly resettle the disaster victims, and bring those corrupt officials to justice!"
His voice was loud and clear, like the ringing of bells, and every word was resounding and accurately reached the ears of the officials.
Everyone present felt a surge of pride as they looked at the gentle and polite Crown Prince, whose imposing presence shone through.
Sitting at the head of the table, Sheng Jin was filled with mixed emotions. He suppressed all his grudges and walked step by step to the Crown Prince.
He was taller and more imposing than the Crown Prince, but his eyes were full of satisfaction, and he did not bring any sense of oppression when he stood in front of the Crown Prince.
"Okay, okay, okay."
He said "good" three times in a row, and at the same time, Sheng Jin reached out and patted him on the shoulder.
"You've grown up, it's time for you to go out and gain experience, Your Highness. Although the Jiangnan region is treacherous, I believe you are capable of navigating it."
It's not hard to tell from Sheng Jin's words that he is ultimately satisfied with the Crown Prince, and his words are full of blessings.
All the officials who have reached their positions today are no pushovers, and upon hearing the Emperor's praise, they all offered their congratulations.
"Yes, yes, Your Highness, your trip will surely go smoothly."
"Yes, yes, that's right. Like father, like son. How could his son be bad if he was personally taught by His Majesty?"
"Yes, with the Emperor and His Highness, the people of Jiangnan are saved."
The officials whispered among themselves, their voices neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough to reach the ears of the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
The emperor heard this but said nothing, after all, he had shown some fatherly tenderness today.
He knew the journey was extremely risky, with countless people plotting against him. He could only hope that the Crown Prince was lucky enough and wise enough not to fall into someone else's trap!
After all, he was the child he had watched grow up. He was polite, knew how to behave, and had never made a single mistake.
And regarding the Crown Princess...
Sheng Jin himself knew that he was in the wrong and that he had let down the Crown Prince, who had done nothing wrong.
But sometimes, when your opinion differs from that of your superiors, you are the one in the wrong.
Sheng Jin didn't think about it any further. At this moment, he hoped that the Crown Prince could return alive.
Those scoundrels in Jiangnan should have been dealt with long ago; hopefully, the Crown Prince can do so.
"Remember, always be careful."
As if sensing Sheng Jin's sincerity, the Crown Prince's conversation with the Emperor this time was even more heartfelt.
His eyes stung a little, and looking at his father, who was still in his prime, he felt a sense of dependence and joy welling up in his heart once again.
However, Sheng Changfeng knew he had grown up and it was time to go out and make his own way in the world.
Success or failure, he must come back alive!
Thinking of this, Sheng Changfeng quickly lowered his head and bowed to the Emperor again.
"Yes, Father."
However, before Sheng Changfeng could kneel down, the Emperor stopped him midway.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to the Crown Princess?"
After thinking for a moment, Sheng Jin still asked the question. He had no evil intentions at the moment, but he was afraid that the Crown Prince would have regrets.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's gaze softened, a hint of lingering affection and reluctance flashing in his eyes, but in the end...
His gaze gradually dimmed, but his voice remained as gentle and warm as jade.
"No, I'm afraid that once I see the Crown Princess, I won't want to leave. I specifically instructed her last night, but I only ask that Father Emperor take good care of her for me."
The Crown Prince's last words were filled with deep reluctance and a heartfelt plea.
Sheng Jin understood that the Crown Prince was asking him to secretly take care of Xi'er and her child.
But he would do all these things without the Crown Prince saying so, after all, Xi'er was the woman he loved most in his life.
"Um."
Seeing the pleading look in Sheng Changfeng's eyes, Sheng Jin finally nodded in agreement. He would have taken good care of Xi'er anyway.
Xi'er is six months pregnant and will give birth in four months.
Regardless of whether the Crown Prince returns or not, this child is his chosen successor, and he will do everything in his power to protect the child.
Moreover, the imperial physician secretly told him the baby's gender—it was a boy—which made things even more logical.
That child is blessed; he carries Xi'er's blood, so naturally he will love him dearly.
The Crown Prince, unaware of what the Emperor was thinking, bowed deeply to the Emperor and all the officials.
This bow brought tears to the eyes of many.
Everyone knows that even with capable ministers and generals protecting him, the trip to Jiangnan was still fraught with risks, and he could even lose his life at any moment.
The Crown Prince... is a good one!
He was willing to make this trip for the common people. Whether he succeeds or not, he is already the rightful crown prince and deserves everyone's support.
Everyone was moved to tears.
Apart from Prince Jing, who was submerged among the officials, there was also Sheng Changling.
He watched the prince's triumphant appearance in the crowd and snorted disdainfully.
However, because he was surrounded by so many people, his voice could not reach the emperor's ears for the time being.
Even so, Sheng Changling's appearance was still seen by many officials.
However, these officials dared not say much. They all knew that Prince Jing did not favor the Crown Prince.
Therefore, when these people heard Sheng Changling's cold snort, they all tacitly pretended not to hear it.
"Always good at putting on airs."
King Jing grew angrier the more he read, and finally couldn't resist making a comment.
An official close to him tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to behave and not attract the emperor's attention.
King Jing then toned it down a bit, but his face was still very sour. He squinted at the Crown Prince in front of him, looking down at him with a disdainful expression.
Sheng Changfeng was unaware that Prince Jing, who held a prejudice against him, was involved, and even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.
He never took Prince Jing seriously, and although Prince Jing was troublesome, he would never resort to any despicable means.
Hmm...right, we don't need to care about others.
After bowing, Sheng Changfeng straightened up and headed towards the palace gate.
Two ministers followed behind him, one on his left and one on his right, each step exuding an air of pride and magnanimity…
The bugle call to march had sounded, and the soldiers, carrying relief funds and provisions, were already waiting outside the gate.
Everything is unknown.
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