Only by having the descendants of those defeated by the founding emperor confront the descendants of the founding emperor himself could the imperial family maintain its stability.
The Crown Prince understood Wei Tingsi's plan almost instantly, and gratitude flashed in his eyes. "Alright, I will return to the capital as soon as possible."
"I will have Zian deliver a copy of the intelligence to Your Highness." Zian was Wang Jiyang's courtesy name. Wang Jiyang had gone to Beiding Prefecture for this very moment.
After discussing and deciding on their future path, the two quickly became friends and appeared before Zhao Shu in a pleasant conversation.
"Ah Jun, it's getting hot and late. Chang'an and I will accompany you to find the Hermit of Jiecao." Making a pact to help each other and becoming friends is one thing, but protecting my sister's reputation is another, and we can't be careless about it.
Wei Tingsi's face was extremely cold. He had just been giving him advice, and now he had even taken away his chance to be alone with Shushu!
Zhao Shu chuckled upon hearing this, feeling a warmth in her heart. However, she had her own thoughts. If Zhao Bi was indeed the son of Empress Yide, then the Hermit of Jiecao was likely unreliable. She might not necessarily go against the Crown Prince for Zhao Bi's sake, but she certainly wouldn't give him a kind look.
Just to be on the safe side, she declined the Crown Prince's suggestion. "Brother Crown Prince, I can go by myself. You're here to control the floods. If you run off to do other things, people will say you're neglecting your duties and criticize you. He will protect me." She pointed to Wei Tingsi.
Across from him, Wei Tingsi raised an eyebrow smugly. It was clear that while these two men could help each other and discuss matters of state, they were adversaries when it came to Zhao Shu.
"No, I'm not comfortable with that." The Crown Prince insisted on his decision. It would be fine if he didn't know, but if he did know and still let this fellow be alone with his sister, wouldn't he be a useless elder brother?
Zhao Shu was helpless and wanted to offer more advice, but Wei Tingsi said, "Old Chen, do you have nothing better to do than report to His Highness?"
Hmph, brother-in-law, if you're ruthless, don't blame me for being unjust.
Chen Jianbo was bitter. He had no family to rely on. He had an eighty-year-old mother and a baby crying for food. They all depended on him. He would have to make a living in the court in the future. What if the crown prince resented him after he ascended the throne?
But is the general not someone to be trifled with? Having been by his side for so many years, he knows him all too well.
After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, he decided that the general was more formidable, so he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I do have something important to report. The water level in Xidian Village has dropped somewhat, but it has left behind a lot of mud and rocks..."
Zhao Shu bowed to Chen Jianbo with sympathy. Before the Crown Prince could dismiss Chen Jianbo, she grabbed Wei Tingsi's sleeve and hurriedly left Jiangnan Prefecture, heading straight for the residence of the hermit Jiecao.
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