李公公的到来，像一颗投入平静湖面的石子，在江南这处隐秘的居所激起了层层涟漪。
萧承璟靠在引枕上，脸色依旧带着伤后的苍白，但眼神已恢复了往日的锐利与深沉。他听着心腹侍卫低声禀报李公公在“锦薇记”与沈月薇的对话，尤其是那句“殿下子嗣乃国本”，以及皇帝赏赐的药材，薄唇紧抿，下颌线绷紧。
"Father... he finally knows." He murmured, his tone unreadable, but the fingers gripping the book tightened slightly. The Emperor's "concern" was both protection and an invisible shackle. This meant that Shen Yuewei and her unborn child would be completely exposed to the gaze of various forces, with no chance of escape. And that phrase "the foundation of the nation" elevated the child's importance to a matter of national stability, subtly elevating Shen Yuewei's status, but also making her an even more conspicuous target.
"Your Highness, Eunuch Li requests an audience," a guard announced.
"Please." Xiao Chengjing composed himself and regained his usual calm.
Eunuch Li bowed as he entered, his face displaying just the right amount of respect and worry: "This servant greets Your Highness! May Your Highness be blessed with good health and peace! His Majesty, upon hearing of Your Highness's peril, was deeply concerned and specially ordered this servant to travel day and night to visit you! His Majesty has decreed: My son, Chengjing, should prioritize the nation and take good care of your health. The affairs of Jiangnan will be handled by me and the court officials. There is no need to rush; return only after you have fully recovered! Furthermore, Lady Shen has rendered meritorious service in protecting you, and the imperial heir in her womb is the foundation of the nation. You are instructed to take good care of her and not allow any mishap!"
Xiao Chengjing struggled to rise to receive the imperial decree, but was quickly pressed down by Eunuch Li: "Your Highness is injured, His Majesty has granted you the privilege of not having to stand on ceremony!" He carefully observed the Crown Prince's complexion and injuries, his eyes revealing genuine worry: "Your Highness has suffered greatly! This servant sees that the injury... is truly dangerous! His Majesty is furious and has ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate to thoroughly investigate this matter, and will surely find that audacious traitor and cut him into a thousand pieces!"
"Thank you for your concern, Father, and for your hard work, Eunuch." Xiao Chengjing's voice was steady. "My injuries are no longer serious, and I will recover after a period of rest. The matter in Jiangnan involves many things, and I have already made a plan. I will report to Father in detail after I recover. As for Madam Shen..." He paused, his tone becoming more serious, with an undeniable protectiveness, "I will protect her and her child. Please rest assured, Father."
Eunuch Li, ever as astute, immediately picked up on the Crown Prince's emphasis on Shen Yuewei. He smiled broadly, "Your Highness is too kind! His Majesty is naturally at ease. When I came, Her Majesty the Empress repeatedly instructed Your Highness to take good care of your health (this title can also be used for the Crown Prince), saying that Her Majesty is chanting sutras and praying for Your Highness's speedy recovery and return to the capital." He subtly invoked the Empress's name, both to express concern and as a reminder—the position of Crown Princess was vacant, attracting attention from all sides.
Xiao Chengjing's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded: "I understand. Please thank the Empress Dowager for her concern."
Eunuch Li inquired in detail about the recovery of her injuries, conveyed the many precious medicinal herbs and tonics bestowed by the Emperor and Empress, and then took his leave. Before leaving, he casually mentioned, "As for Miss Shen, she seems to be in good health, and the imperial heir in her womb is stable. Your Highness, please rest assured."
After seeing Eunuch Li off, Xiao Chengjing leaned back on his pillow, remaining silent for a long time. His father's intervention had made the situation even more complicated. He had to quicken his pace. The net in Jiangnan needed to be closed, the situation in the capital needed to be broken, and more importantly… He looked out the window in the direction where Shen Yuewei might be, his gaze becoming unusually resolute. He had to give her and their child a legitimate and safe identity and position before she gave birth! This determination was stronger than ever before.
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