He claimed it was to share his father's burdens, but it was really just a ploy to gain real power.
Emperor Mingde was well aware of their ulterior motives, but even if he was unwilling to admit it, he was getting old and had to give his sons a chance to gain experience.
He was very willing to give Zhao Bi a chance, but he needed to think about giving it to Zhao Xiu. Zhao Xiu was the eldest son, and if he were given real power, he might become unruly.
However, in his mind, Zhao Bi's dishonesty was a sign of competence, while Zhao Xiu's dishonesty was simply rebellious.
There are still differences between sons.
His gaze swept over Xie Yun and the others, hoping they would offer some advice, but the old scoundrels kept their heads down, looking obedient.
After a moment of contemplation, he finally listened to Yi De's words: if the Crown Prince alone has merit while others have none, his prestige will likely grow higher and higher in the future, making it difficult for him to control him.
He nodded at him and said, “My dear consort is right. Here’s what we’ll do: after the Crown Prince’s wedding, Xiu’er will go to the Northeast to find your nineteenth uncle and learn from him. Bi’er will go to Chu. Minister Wei is a general of exceptional talent, and being by his side will help you grow.”
"Your subjects thank Your Majesty!" Zhao Xiu and Zhao Bi immediately knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude.
Xie Yun and Yan Shiren exchanged a glance, and the same thought flashed through their minds at the same time: their own sons were different. Last time, these two had made him lose face, and now, in order to suppress the Crown Prince, they had brought it up again.
However, they don't intend to object; you have to give some people a chance to make mistakes.
Zhao Shu was also very proper, as if Emperor Mingde had not mentioned Prince Yong at all. She ate her snacks in peace, and after Emperor Mingde said that everyone should leave, she did not linger and quickly left the palace.
Just as she stepped out of the palace gate and turned onto the bluestone street, someone called out to her, "Princess, please wait."
Zhao Shu turned around and found that it was Xie Yun who called her. Her impression of the Xie family was much better than that of other families, all thanks to Xie Yun's good interpersonal skills. Even if there were a few annoying people in the Xie family, it didn't matter.
"What is it, Lord Xie?" She stopped, jumped off the carriage, and showed respect to Xie Yun.
Xie Yun was extremely pleased with Zhao Shu's manners and intelligence, and said, "Princess, I'm afraid I'll have to retire for a while."
Zhao Shu narrowed her eyes upon hearing this, but quickly understood. "Lord Xie is truly insightful. I admire you."
Xie Yun chuckled self-deprecatingly, “One must be insightful in life. Once you see things clearly, everything will be fine. But Princess, you must hurry up with your affairs. I’m getting old, and I just hope for a better future for my descendants.”
Parents who love their children will surely plan far ahead for them. Xie Yun was a qualified head of the family. Even if we take a step back, as long as he preserved the pillars in front of the gate during his lifetime, he would not be considered a failure.
Clearly, his focus has shifted somewhat over the years.
"Lord Xie is truly humorous." Discussing one's life's most important matter on the street—isn't that humorous?
Xie Yun stroked his beard and laughed heartily, then ordered the sedan chair bearers to head towards the Xie family residence.
This left Zhao Shu both amused and exasperated. Upon returning to the Yongwang Mansion, she immediately summoned Xiao Zhu Zi and instructed him to "send someone to tell Father Wang to feign illness and then transfer power to Zhao Xiu, but without actually letting him take control."
"Yes." Little Zhu didn't quite understand, but he did as instructed.
The next day, Zhao Shu did not sleep well all night. As soon as it was dawn, she got up and was told that Xie Yun had resigned from his post.
Yang Zhong also resigned from his post.
Emperor Mingde promoted Lin Chaoying and Guan Heng, students from the Forestry University.
Huo Baichuan was gone, but the local reforms continued. Even though Lin Chaoying and Guan Heng were promoted, they had no power to reverse the situation, so it didn't matter.
"It's alright, these people are nothing to worry about." Zhao Shu wasn't too concerned. If these two had the intelligence of Xie Yun and the others, they wouldn't have run into each other at this time.
"However, we still need to keep a close eye on things, understand? Report any situation immediately."
"Yes, Princess." Little Zhu Zi had a premonition that another bloody storm was about to descend.
After giving the instructions, Zhao Shu played cards with Zhou Hanyan at the mansion. Occasionally, they would go out for a stroll, either to Jiangying Garden or the Sun family's house.
Of course, Qiu Tong would also come to talk to her.
Days passed by in a blur, and soon, the day of the Crown Prince's wedding arrived.
On the eve of the wedding, Zhao Shu, Zhou Hanyan, and Sun Yun were playing cards in the pavilion of Sendai Courtyard. Zhou Hanyan lost so badly that her face was covered in dirt. When the Crown Prince came in, she blushed.
"Brother Crown Prince, what brings you here?" Zhao Shu asked suspiciously.
Sun Yun felt a little awkward. She stood up and said, "This humble woman greets Your Highness, A-Jun. Since Your Highness has come, you must have something to discuss. I will take my leave now."
“Yes, yes, I’ll go back to my room too.” Zhou Hanyan echoed others in a very cute way. She mainly felt that her face was covered in too much makeup and she was too embarrassed to see anyone.
However, the Crown Prince raised his hand to stop them, saying, "You two don't need to rush off. I have nothing to do; I just came to see A-Jun. If I have disturbed you, please forgive me."
Since the Crown Prince had said so, the two of them couldn't bring themselves to say anything more, after all, he was the Crown Prince.
Xing'er called a maid to wash the ink off her face, and then made some snacks. The group then sat down in Sendai Courtyard, with each person taking their turn as host and guest.
Sun Yun was somewhat embarrassed, Zhou Hanyan was somewhat reserved, Zhao Shu felt somewhat confused, and even the Crown Prince seemed to have a strong sense of purpose, yet he was extremely restrained.
"Xing'er's skills are getting better and better." It was clearly just an ordinary lily cake, but he praised it.
Zhao Shu smiled and said, "These sweet potato balls are the best. Crown Prince, please try them. Ayun and Hanyan both like them."
"Is that so? Miss Sun likes it too." The Crown Prince muttered to himself, without looking at Sun Yun.
"Crown Prince, is it really just to see me?" Zhao Shu couldn't help but ask, noticing the melancholy in his eyes.
The Crown Prince smiled and gently poked her forehead. "You don't believe your brother's words."
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