Xin He looked up and saw the quiet Xiaochaihu standing on one side, probably having entered with Xiao Bei, but completely unnoticed due to their silence.
Xin He shook her head helplessly. Both were children, but some were more worrisome than others.
"Why didn’t you go with Xiao Bei?" Xin He asked.
Xiaochaihu said, "I don’t like crowds."
As expected, Xin He couldn’t help but laugh, "I shouldn’t have asked."
Xiaochaihu pursed his lips and then asked, "Is the princess facing some difficulties?"
Upon arrival, he noticed her furrowed brows and a sense of worry, even when smiling. He was not a careful person, but he always paid close attention to her emotions.
Xin He softly replied, "Mmm, just a minor thing."
The words she used to pacify Xiao Bei were used once again to pacify Xiaochaihu.
But while Xiao Bei believed her, Xiaochaihu looked at her firmly and said, "It’s not a minor matter."
Xin He slightly raised her eyebrows with surprise and chuckled lightly, "How good it would be if you would apply your intelligence to your studies."
"If the princess is in trouble, I can help ease her worries," Xiaochaihu said.
Xin He smiled, "I’m afraid there is no way you can help me with this."
Xiaochaihu pressed his lips together without saying anything, but his gaze remained fixed on Xin He with determination.
He had rarely seen her so downcast. In ordinary days, even when she was angry or annoyed, her eyes never held any trace of sorrow.
Xin He looked at the calm lake and whispered, "Sincerity is the simplest yet most luxurious thing. I used to think that with sincerity, nothing in this world could tear us apart. However, I overlooked one thing - one cannot always choose one’s position."
This time, the Emperor granted marriage to Marquis Mu Houchu, and a warning bell rang suddenly in Xin He’s heart. It turned out there was yet another way to deal with Marquis Mu Houchu.
Would she compromise or not?
If she truly compromised, she couldn’t blame Mu Houchu but also couldn’t forgive him. Even with all sincerity, how could a relationship withstand the consequences of the world’s constant changes?
Xiaochaihu said with a heavy voice, "It’s not necessarily beyond one’s control."
Xin He raised her eyebrows, "But what if it’s forced?"
"If it is sincere, there is no need for force. The princess should not doubt sincerity," Xiaochaihu looked at her and said.
Suddenly, Xin He seemed to understand something, and a knot in her heart mysteriously unraveled with Xiaochaihu’s words.
She should not doubt sincerity, nor should she doubt Mu Houchu.
Xin He smiled and said, "You are still young and haven’t even found a girl you like yet. How come you understand such great truths?"
Xiaochaihu looked at her and thought in his heart, it’s because I would never let you be forced into anything for any reason.
Xiaochaihu said expressionlessly, "I’ve read a lot of storybooks."
Xin He: "······"
Xiaochaihu pursed his lips, "The princess doesn’t have to worry so much, I will help her solve the problem."
Xin He smiled, "I guess I haven’t pampered you for nothing."
At that moment, Shulan entered the pavilion and announced, "His Highness has returned."
Xin He’s heart lightened up considerably. She looked up to see Mu Houchu walking towards Lake Heart Pavilion.
"Why is he back so soon?" Xin He whispered.
Mu Houchu glanced at Xiaochaihu before entering, "I handled something, and now I’ve come back to discuss it with you."
Xin He then asked Shulan and Xiaochaihu to leave.
"What happened?" Xin He asked.
Mu Houchu sat down beside her, "I had someone investigate the relationship between Duan Lan and the Yu State Song Family and discovered that there isn’t any relationship, not even a single letter between them."
Xin He narrowed her eyes, "But if there’s really no connection, it would be too bold for Duan Lan to choose the Yu State Song Family."
If it wasn’t their trusted force, and they still used the Song Family, wouldn’t the chances of the Song Family reneging suddenly be high?
Mu Houchu said solemnly, "It’s just that I didn’t find any. Perhaps there indeed is a connection, but it’s well hidden. However, there is another possibility... "
Xin He’s eyes flashed, "The Song Family is not aware of the situation."
"Yes, perhaps Duan Lan only bet on Song Yalin and had nothing to do with the Song Family."
Xin He sighed, "If that’s the case, there may still be other solutions to this matter."
She then said, "I still can’t be sure. Let me personally go and investigate."
Mu Houchu frowned, "You’ll go personally?"
Xin He smiled, "Have you forgotten? Xiao Bei’s engagement is coming up, and I have to visit the Song Family in person. I will act accordingly."
Mu Houchu thought about it and felt that it wouldn’t be dangerous, so he said, "Then be careful."
Xin He couldn’t help but say, "I’m worried that if Duan Lan learns of our actions, he’ll continue to interfere. If he keeps meddling, it will be hard for this matter to end."
Xin He wouldn’t underestimate Duan Lan’s means for a moment.
Unexpectedly, Mu Houchu laughed coldly, "He wants to, but I’m afraid he won’t have the chance."
Xin He was taken aback, "Why?"
"It’s because he’s too busy looking after himself," Mu Houchu said coldly.
Upon hearing Mu Houchu’s words, Xin He guessed that he must have taken action against Duan Lan! This time, Duan Lan resorted to despicable tactics, hitting Mu Houchu’s most vulnerable spot, so it was only natural for Mu Houchu to retaliate.
But Xin He never expected that Duan Lan would suffer so soon?!
Xin He widened her eyes and asked, "Didn’t you just find out about this yesterday? How did Duan Lan suffer today?"
She realized that she still knew too little about her husband’s abilities.
Mu Houchu drank tea calmly, "Do you really think that Li Junyan would use the Emperor’s entrusted Jinwei force against Duan Lan just because of your one-sided words?"
Xin He hesitated slightly, "I know, but what use is Li Junyan?"
"When Duan Lan faced an attack from the Jinwei in Yu State, you can say it was Li Junyan’s foolishness, but you can also say that Duan Lan’s heart had truly gone astray and was detected by Li Junyan, who then used the Jinwei’s forces. However, Duan Lan was more powerful in the end, and the matter was forcefully suppressed. As for what Duan Lan did that would displease the Emperor, we don’t know, and the Emperor doesn’t know, but if this story reaches the Emperor’s ears, he would become furious."
Xin He’s eyes lit up at his words, but then she couldn’t help but worry, "But Duan Lan is also very capable, with Li Junyan completely under his control. If Li Junyan comes forward to defend Duan Lan... "
Mu Houchu said coldly, "What if Li Junyan is already dead at Duan Lan’s hands? Will the Emperor still believe a single word from Duan Lan?"
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