The initial s... it sounds like Xu Qianyuan meant to say Xu Ruyan is stupid.
Xu Ruyan clearly knew what his father wanted to say, but he could never refute him because his father had always been the person he feared most since he was a child.
As far back as he could remember, his father always had a serious expression. Although he had heard that his father was the prime minister of the court, he had never seen him go to court. Instead, his father stayed at home to handle court affairs. As a result, he spent more and more time being disciplined by his father.
His father had many wives and concubines, but he and his elder brother were his only children. His elder brother was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and he was exceptionally talented and skilled in both literature and martial arts. Although Ye Chao did not value the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, his elder brother was so capable that he had long surpassed him by a great margin.
As a result, his father never disciplined his elder brother, and even took him along to participate in important matters. Because he was inferior to his brother in every way, he was often ridiculed by outsiders.
His father was very strict with him. In his memory, his father never smiled at him, whether he was still a child or had become a "Young Master Yan". His father's attitude towards him remained the same.
He always felt that his father didn't love him.
Xu Ruyan remained silent for a long time. His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but after a long while, he gave up and only replied, "I will follow Father's teachings."
Chen Xiao keenly sensed that something was wrong with Xu Ruyan, but it seemed to be related to Xu Qian, so she didn't interfere. She just chatted with Yuan Yin about random things, trying to distract Xu Ruyan.
As Chen Xiao had expected, Xu Ruyan quickly turned her attention to her conversation with Yuan Yin, occasionally chiming in with a few words, and seemed to be in a much better mood.
Xu Ruyu pursed her lips, thinking to herself: It seems I still need to find an opportunity to explain this matter to Ruyan as soon as possible.
Xu Qian was preoccupied and completely unaware of the undercurrents between them.
Chen Xiao is very good at noticing when other people's emotions are off. Like now, even though she is chatting with Yuan Yin, she still senses that Xu Qian is worried about something.
However, upon closer reflection, it becomes clear that it's nothing more than the unresolved matter of Chu Yanxi at the time, and he likely has some past relationship with Chu Yanxi. There's also the matter of the list he's now aware of; he knows all four people on it, especially the mastermind, the Minister of Personnel Yu Yao, and his elder sister Yu Yan—both are his closest friends.
Seeing Xu Qian's furrowed brows, Chen Xiao felt a little sorry for him and still comforted him, "Prime Minister, there is no need to worry. The Empress is still alive. As for Yu Yao and the others, they have nothing to do with you. Just consider them as people who misjudged you, and let it go!"
Xu Qian was actually shocked and dissatisfied with his close friend's actions, but it wasn't worth worrying about for so long. The moment he found out, this friendship was completely severed.
His current worries all stem from Chu Yanxi. She had only been in power for a short time before she passed away so inexplicably, which he found hard to accept.
But upon hearing Chen Xiao's words, Xu Qian didn't even catch the second half. He suddenly looked at her, his voice slightly agitated: "Is Your Majesty's statement true?"
Chen Xiao was taken aback by the eager gaze, and then realized what Xu Qian was concerned about. He nodded and said, "Of course it's true. Given our relationship now, why would I lie to you?"
Yes, both he and Chen Xiao now have divine assistance by their side and great responsibilities on their shoulders. Chen Xiao would never lie to him about such a thing.
As a result, everyone saw Xu Qian's brows relax and a faint smile appear on his face. He made no attempt to hide anything about his relationship with Chu Yanxi.
Everyone else knew a little about the two men, but Xu Ruyan knew nothing. He naturally had some doubts about his father's expression and behavior, but he only had doubts in his heart. He dared not bring it up rashly and embarrass his father.
Seeing that her younger brother had suppressed his thoughts, Xu Ruyu nodded slightly, which was a sign of recognition and satisfaction that her brother had grown.
Just then, the carriage gradually came to a stop.
It hasn't been long; they certainly haven't reached the capital yet.
The others also noticed this, and they exchanged glances without saying a word.
Immediately afterwards, Ye Qi asked in a low voice from outside: "Reporting to Master, Miss Yu... requests an audience."
Yu Yan!?
How could she know who was inside the carriage? And what was she doing here at this moment? Everyone was shocked.
They left the capital under the cover of guards, and the carriage belonged to the Xu family.
Right, this is the Xu family's carriage. Could it be that they're here for Xu Qian? The group quickly turned their attention to Xu Qian.
Xu Qian sighed, realizing he had acted too hastily and without sufficient precautions. If Yu Yan knew he was here, she could also know where he had been. Moreover, she might have known this the first time he went to the Dark Pavilion.
Chen Xiao remained calm, because no matter what, Yu Yan and the others would not rebel directly. Even if they did rebel, they wouldn't have as many soldiers as the Li Family Army, the Imperial Guard, and the Royal Death Squad.
Therefore, Yu Yan and his group posed little threat to her.
The carriage stopped in the South Alley, where many officials lived, but now that they were trapped in the palace, the place was quiet, and Yu Yan was the only one on the large street.
She waited a long time for a response, but she wasn't in a hurry. She simply spoke gently towards the carriage, "Lord Xu, it's been many years. Would you mind having a chat?"
They really came for Xu Qian!
It seems that Yu Yan only thought that Xu Qian was the only one in the carriage.
It wasn't that Xu Qian was afraid to talk to Yu Yan, but rather that he wasn't the only one in the carriage at the moment, and he clearly didn't know what to do either, so he cast a pleading look at Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao received a look from Xu Qian and said helplessly, "With a deity present, does the Prime Minister really worry that our lives are in danger?"
Xu Qian hadn't even considered the safety aspect, so he naturally shook his head upon hearing this.
Chen Xiao continued, "That's settled then. It saves us trouble by letting Yu Yan come up here, and we can just be frank and open with each other."
Is it really that direct?!
However, if they didn't meet today, they would have to meet tomorrow anyway, so Xu Qian nodded and said to the outside, "Please invite Miss Yu in."
So when Yu Yan entered the carriage, this was the scene she saw: the spacious carriage was almost full of people. On the left were the two young masters of the Xu family, on the right were Princess Yuanyin and a comatose woman, and in the middle were Xu Qian and a young woman.
Before Yu Yan could say anything, the young woman called out to her, "Miss Yu Yan, right? Please sit next to me."
Yu Yan guessed the young woman's identity almost instantly, pursed her lips slightly, and sat down.
Chen Xiao was also taking this opportunity to observe Yu Yan. To be honest, Yu Yan had no aggressive features. Even though she was over forty, she didn't have a single gray hair. Her features were gentle, and her demeanor was dignified. She didn't look like someone who played with men at all.
Yu Yan sat next to Chen Xiao, her eyes lowered, not daring to look directly at him.
After Chen Xiao finished looking Yu Yan over, he instructed Ye Qi outside, "The route remains the same."
"yes!"
The carriage slowly made its way towards the imperial city.
Chen Xiao then stared at Yu Yan and said calmly, "Miss Yu must also be here for the same reason. In that case, there's no need to test each other. Let's just be frank. Although I'm very curious as to why Miss Yu came to see the Prime Minister."
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