Uncle Zhong had already arrived in the capital.

In that past life, Uncle Zhong hadn’t come at this time.

However, in that life, Uncle Zhong had mentioned he would come to the capital to deliver her father’s resignation request, but before he could arrive, chaos had erupted in the capital.

In this life, Uncle Zhong had come early, and even said he would take her home.

Home, back to the border commandery!

Her father wanted to bring her back!

Chu Zhao felt as if she had grown wings and taken flight, but upon hearing Xie Yanfang’s next words, she came back to earth.

Bring Uncle Zhong to Wangchun Garden?

Better not.

Her competition wasn’t worth watching, and besides, Uncle Zhong was her father’s man. After he arrived, the Third Prince and Xie Yanfang might both keep an eye on him. She, a mere girl, was insignificant, but Uncle Zhong was different—his every move represented her father.

At such a time, they absolutely must not.

“There’s no need,” Chu Zhao quickly shook her head and smiled. “Thank you, Third Young Master. Uncle Zhong is a rough man who barely recognizes a few characters. Even if he came, he wouldn’t understand. He would also feel restricted in a place like this. He’d be better off staying in the military camp. Since he wants to see me, I’ll go meet him as soon as today’s competition ends.”

Xie Yanfang didn’t particularly care whether that Deputy General Zhong came or not. He had only suggested it to comfort the girl. Since she declined, that was fine.

“Alright,” he nodded. “The military camp is managed by my people. They will take good care of Deputy General Zhong and won’t let them be mistreated.”

Chu Zhao didn’t refuse this kindness. After all, her father hadn’t returned to the capital for many years, and his reputation wasn’t good. People in the capital were known for treating others according to their status. With Xie Yanfang’s instructions to take care of them, Uncle Zhong and his men wouldn’t suffer harsh treatment.

Uncle Zhong had followed her father, and in that past life, they had suffered too much. She hoped to make their lives more comfortable.

“Thank you, Third Young Master,” Chu Zhao thanked him sincerely, then turned to leave.

Xie Yanfang called after her: “Miss A-Zhao.”

Chu Zhao quickly turned back, looking at him earnestly: “Does Third Young Master have any other instructions?”

Xie Yanfang asked: “I wanted to ask if Miss A-Zhao has any requests.”

Chu Zhao was puzzled and shook her head: “No, nothing else.” She added, “Third Young Master, you must keep a close eye on the Third Prince. He is even more cruel than you know. He is more bloodthirsty than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince’s love of martial prowess is on the surface, while the Third Prince’s is in his bones. Others cannot see it and don’t guard against it.”

Xie Yanfang nodded solemnly: “Very well, I’ll remember that.” Then he asked, “What I meant was, Miss A-Zhao, you have sincerely helped me—what can I do for you in return?”

So that’s what he meant. Chu Zhao smiled. Come to think of it, she did have many dissatisfactions, but upon further reflection, none of them mattered much. All her problems were her own, and as long as she didn’t indulge in unnecessary attachments, all problems could be readily solved.

And now her only worry—returning to see her father and being with him—had been resolved.

Although she didn’t know why her father had changed his mind, perhaps heaven had seen her changes and finally opened its eyes.

Her father had sent for her!

She could return to her father’s side!

After ten years across two lifetimes, she could finally see her father again!

She had no other wishes!

“I don’t need anything,” she smiled, her eyes sparkling like stars. “I am now completely satisfied and have no worries.”

With that, she waved goodbye to Xie Yanfang, turned, and walked away quickly. She rejoined her maid A-Le, who had been waiting nearby. The two girls put their heads together and whispered something, after which the maid also became extremely happy. The two, one in front and one behind, skipped away joyfully.

Xie Yanfang stood watching and couldn’t help but smile, though his smile gradually faded.

He had never seen someone without desires.

Many people, even if they stood before him without speaking, he could see what they wanted.

In this world, no one was without desires.

Of course, Chu Zhao had her desires too. She wanted him to be wary of the Third Prince and protect the Crown Prince.

He didn’t find it strange. Although Chu Zhao had said it wasn’t because the Third Prince had targeted and humiliated her, a young girl without reasons must have purposes.

He believed Chu Zhao’s purpose was for Chu Dai’s sake.

Chu Dai could no longer be reinstated, as his life was coming to an end, but he could have a dignified death, perhaps with posthumous honors and promotions, which would not only clear his previous crimes but also bring glory to his family.

At this moment, Chu Dai’s follower, Zhong Changrong, had also arrived in the capital with the resignation request.

That’s why he had proactively asked if she needed help.

For the sake of this girl who was so devoted to the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t mind helping Chu Dai.

But unexpectedly, he was refused.

The girl said she didn’t need anything, had no requests.

No requests? He, Xie Yanfang, had never met someone without requests.

And he knew that the girl was speaking the truth—she truly wanted nothing.

Just now, she had been as happy as she said: completely satisfied, without worries.

Xie Yanfang looked at the empty flower path before him and had a very strange thought: could it be that what the girl wanted was him?

Just like the rumors on the street, was she trying to get close to him?

Xie Yanfang couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Others might not know, but why should he join in the gossip? When that girl stood across from him, whether there was any emotion for him in her eyes—couldn’t he see for himself?

That girl, when facing him, only had scrutiny, appraisal, and urging. Though she seemed to stand close, she always maintained a distance, unlike with Xie Yanlai, with whom she could argue—

Arguing is also a kind of emotion, and not one that can be shared with just anyone, especially for people who are good at hiding their emotions.

Xie Yanfang then had an even stranger thought: could that rumor be true? Would Miss Chu be willing to stay with Xie Yanlai in life and death?

He threw back his head and laughed heartily.

Beside him, Butler Cai couldn’t help but interrupt, asking: “Young Master, what are you thinking that makes you so happy?”

Xie Yanfang said with a laugh: “Thinking about matters of romance.”

Butler Cai was shocked. Since when did Third Young Master Xie think about romantic matters?

Xie Yanfang was very pleased to have frightened the old butler and walked away with a smile.

Butler Cai came to his senses, somewhat helpless. The young master was becoming more and more mischievous, especially after each meeting and conversation with Chu Zhao—

Hmm?

“Young Master,” Butler Cai couldn’t help but follow and hesitantly asked, “whose romantic matters are you thinking about?”

Xie Yanfang laughed even louder.

This laughter drew many gazes from around them. Some looked at his joyful expression with uncertainty, whispering to each other—after all, Xie Yanfang was the Crown Prince’s man, and the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had just had such an unpleasant encounter.

Yet Xie Yanfang had come to attend the literary gathering at Wangchun Garden.

Was he planning to embarrass the Third Prince at the literary gathering?

And would the Third Prince let him off?

Regardless of the various speculations around them, Butler Cai followed Xie Yanfang and asked softly: “When will we return to the Crown Prince’s side?”

Xie Yanfang said: “Being here is also working for the Crown Prince.”

Butler Cai said helplessly, “But it shouldn’t just be for work. The Crown Princess and the Young Prince are there too. Family members should gather and enjoy themselves.”

Family?

“For a family to enjoy happiness for a long time,” Xie Yanfang said with a smile, “one must work. As for the Young Prince—”

He glanced at Butler Cai.

“He is the future support of the Xie family, but not the support of me, Xie Yanfang.”

So in terms of family, the Young Prince was the Young Prince, and in terms of rulers, the Young Prince was not his ruler.

He didn’t need to interact too much with the Young Prince.

…

…

At the imperial hunting grounds surrounded by mountains outside the capital, the shouts of people, neighing of horses, and barking of dogs nearly shook the forests.

Sitting on the slopes at high ground, one could feel the vibrations.

A small figure seemed unable to sit still and stood up on tiptoes to look—not down at the commotion, but up toward the higher mountains and dense forests.

“My Young Prince,” Eunuch Qi panted as he climbed up, “why did you come here?”

He glanced around. Of course, there were imperial guards standing watch, but after all, he was just a child.

“Eunuch Qi,” the child’s voice sounded somewhat sad, “I’m waiting for my uncle. Mother said uncle would shoot arrows from high places, hitting the mark every time.”

But he had waited all day, and had even specially stood at the highest point, yet he hadn’t seen the legendary figure of his uncle.