An'an waved her little hands and babbled in the cradle, seemingly adding to the festivities for her uncle's happy occasion. Chun Tao served up freshly made osmanthus cake and freshly brewed osmanthus tea, their aroma filling the air.
Shen Yuewei picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and handed it to Xiao Chengjing: "Try it, Chuntao's cooking skills are getting better and better."
Xiao Chengjing took the spoon, took a bite, and found it sweet, soft, and fragrant with osmanthus. He nodded in praise, "It's really good." He watched Shen Yuewei smiling as she teased her daughter, the sunlight casting a soft glow on her. Peace and tranquility were the epitome of this. The conflicts in the capital, the Empress's schemes, and the rise of the Third Prince all seemed distant and blurred.
He temporarily set aside his identity as the Crown Prince, focusing solely on being Xiao Chengjing in this moment. He sat down beside Shen Yuewei, naturally taking An'an from her arms so she could free her hands to drink tea. An'an clutched her father's clothes, curiously reaching for the sachet that Shen Yuewei had given her, which was hanging from his waist.
“Your Highness,” Shen Yuewei held the warm teacup, watching the osmanthus petals fall in the wind, and suddenly asked softly, “If…if I always wanted to stay in Jiangnan, what would you do?”
Xiao Chengjing's fingers, which were teasing his daughter, paused slightly, and he didn't answer immediately. He looked down at his carefree daughter in his arms, then looked up at Shen Yuewei's clear and resolute eyes. After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his voice low and deep, carrying a hint of barely perceptible compromise and helplessness, yet also an undeniable sense of protectiveness:
“The osmanthus cake in Jiangnan is delicious.” He answered irrelevantly, then added, his gaze fixed on her, “Wherever you and An’an are happy, that’s where I’ll stay longer. The Eastern Palace… will always have its doors open for you. As for the rest…” He paused, a deep, sharp glint in his eyes, “With me here, no one can force you to do anything. If you want to see the world, I’ll protect the peace of that world for you. If you want to run a shop, I’ll ensure that no one on the Jiangnan trade route dares to disturb you in the slightest.”
He didn't promise to give up the idea of taking her back to Beijing, but he gave her the utmost respect and vowed to protect her. He no longer insisted on immediately taking her under his wing, but chose to take a step back and create a rainless sky for her in the world she wanted.
Shen Yuewei looked at him, at this man who had shed his domineering ways and learned to compromise, at the deep and helpless love in his eyes, and a complex warmth welled up in her heart. She softly hummed in agreement, picked up her teacup, and concealed a relieved yet slightly bitter smile on her lips.
The return of Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing to the capital was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the ripples spreading rapidly. The moment he stepped into the Eastern Palace, before he even had time to shake off the dust of his journey, he ordered someone to urgently summon the Third Prince, Xiao Chengyu.
Night, the study of the Eastern Palace. Candlelight illuminated two similar yet strikingly different faces. Xiao Chengyu stood with his hands at his sides, his posture still respectful, but the timidity in his eyes had faded, replaced by a calmness and a subtle, scrutinizing gaze.
"Third brother, sit down." Xiao Chengjing's voice was calm, revealing no emotion. He personally poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards him. "My trip to Jiangnan was very insightful. I heard you did a good job at the Ministry of Works, clearing silt and repairing warehouses, which benefited the people. Very good."
Xiao Chengyu thanked him cautiously and sat down: "Your Majesty is too kind. I was merely doing my duty and dare not take credit. Your Majesty's trip to Jiangnan must have been... very fruitful?" He asked tentatively, his gaze sweeping over the lingering traces of Jiangnan's gentle charm between Xiao Chengjing's brows.
"Gain?" Xiao Chengjing picked up his teacup, the rising steam blurring his expression. "The greatest gain is understanding what it means to 'find peace in one's heart'." He changed the subject, his sharp gaze fixed on Xiao Chengyu. "I also understand that some people and some things, seemingly without striving or competing, can win people's hearts without them even realizing it."
Xiao Chengyu's heart skipped a beat, but he remained humble on the surface: "Your Majesty's words are profound, and I am but a fool..."
"Dull-witted?" Xiao Chengjing chuckled, setting down his teacup. His voice was deep yet carried an invisible pressure. "Chengyu, we're brothers, no need for beating around the bush. The Empress's favor towards you is your good fortune. But remember, what lies behind this good fortune? Is it genuine care, or... using her to your advantage, nurturing a future threat?"
The study was deathly silent. A fine layer of cold sweat beaded on Xiao Chengyu's forehead. He hadn't expected his elder brother to be so direct, nor had he expected his brother to have such a clear understanding of the relationship between the Empress and himself.
"Your Majesty, I have no other thoughts! I only wish to share your burdens and serve my father faithfully!" Xiao Chengyu hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply.
Xiao Chengjing looked at him, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "I hope so. Remember your words. Do your duty and seek happiness for the people. Father and I have both seen it. If you do something wrong..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken meaning was more chilling than any threat.
The content of that night's conversation remains unknown. But since then, the Third Prince, Xiao Chengyu, has become more cautious and discreet in court, speaking little and focusing solely on his duties in the Ministry of Works. His proposals, however, are often more comprehensive and astute, as if guided by a master advisor, always managing to make things more perfect and eliminate potential problems before they arise. He remains respectful to the Empress, but that respect now carries a subtle hint of distance and self-preservation.
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