Xiao Changying was called back to the prince’s mansion because he had led people to arrive at Gudu Garden in time. Emperor Youning found the matter suspicious – the patrol squad had arrived too slowly, perhaps hiding corrupted elements who had taken bribes from the Yang family. Thus, he ordered the Lie Prince to thoroughly investigate.

Xiao Huayong was the Crown Prince, not just any royal prince. When he came, Xiao Changying had to return no matter how busy he was, unless it was an extremely urgent matter of life and death.

“Paying respects to the Crown Prince, your highness.” Xiao Changying arrived together with Xiao Changqing.

The people at Lie Prince’s mansion worried they couldn’t find Xiao Changying in time and not wanting to slight Xiao Huayong, had gone next door to invite Xiao Changqing.

“We’re brothers – Fifth Brother, Ninth Brother, no need for formalities.” Xiao Huayong maintained his usual gentle, honest, and humble demeanor.

“What brings the Crown Prince here?” Xiao Changying, already not close to Xiao Huayong and further distanced by Shen Xihe, had no desire for small talk.

“I just returned from the Duchess’s mansion. The Duchess asked me to convey her thanks to Ninth Brother for saving her.” Xiao Huayong said with a faint smile.

Beneath his long robe, Xiao Changying’s fingers clenched involuntarily: “Your Highness, this is a matter between my brother and the Duchess.”

“I understand,” Xiao Huayong replied calmly and gently. “Though Ninth Brother has done the Duchess a favor, propriety between men and women must be maintained. The Duchess wishes to avoid suspicion, hence asking me to convey her gratitude.”

Xiao Huayong raised his hand, and Tianyuan handed several letters to Xiao Changying: “This is my expression of gratitude. Ninth Brother had better read them carefully before deciding whether to refuse.”

Xiao Changying, who had intended to refuse directly, grew suspicious at these words and accepted the letters, emptying them.

Along with the letters fell a small ring. Xiao Changqing’s expression darkened.

Before Xiao Changying could react, Xiao Changqing pressed down on his hand and said to Xiao Huayong: “The Crown Prince’s strategy is masterful, but this gratitude is too great – my brother cannot accept it.”

As he spoke, he gently took the envelope from Xiao Changying’s hands, but as the corner of the envelope slid past Xiao Changying’s fingertips, he gripped it tightly and snatched it back before Xiao Changqing could react, opening the envelope.

Inside was evidence of Xiao Changqing’s bombing of the imperial tomb!

If this evidence reached the Emperor’s hands, Xiao Changqing would certainly die.

Xiao Changying closed his eyes briefly. His hands trembled as he folded the letter, and when he opened his eyes again, they were completely calm. He clasped his hands to Xiao Huayong: “Crown Prince Brother, I am deeply grateful for this gesture.”

“Little Nine!” Xiao Changqing said sternly.

Xiao Huayong’s gaze circled between the two brothers, and he smiled meaningfully: “Whatever you brothers intend, I don’t wish to interfere. However, anyone who dares to covet what is mine – be it people or possessions – I will ensure they die without a burial place.”

After delivering this warning, Xiao Huayong strode away.

Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying turned and bowed to his retreating figure: “Farewell, Crown Prince.”

Once he had disappeared, Xiao Changqing said: “You needn’t be coerced by him – this evidence isn’t conclusive.”

“It may not be conclusive, but you can’t explain it away either,” Xiao Changying countered. “You’re my brother – we rise and fall together.”

The Emperor didn’t need conclusive evidence. For something like bombing the imperial tomb, mere suspicion from the Emperor would be deadly enough. This wasn’t just about Xiao Changqing’s life anymore – if it forced the Emperor to issue an edict of self-blame, he and their mother and Pingling would all face the Emperor’s rejection.

“Do you know what accepting this means?” Xiao Changqing lowered his eyes.

He had guarded against everyone, believing he had left no loose ends, yet Xiao Huayong had still managed to unravel a thread of evidence. Even if not conclusive, in Emperor Youning’s hands it would be taboo. For ordinary matters, the Emperor might consider familial bonds, but this incident was the greatest humiliation since his ascension to the throne.

“It doesn’t matter,” Xiao Changying gave a light snort of laughter. “I can’t refuse.”

He couldn’t refuse what Xiao Huayong gave him – not just for Xiao Changqing’s sake, but also for himself, their mother, and their sister.

The Crown Prince had left the palace at age eight when he was only six and had just begun his education. They had no interaction with the Crown Prince afterward and had never personally experienced his methods. Today was the first time, and it made him deeply understand that the Crown Prince simply chose not to act – he knew everything and had plenty of methods. When he did strike, it was lethal.

“I’ve brought trouble upon you,” Xiao Changqing felt somewhat guilty.

Xiao Changying’s acceptance of this evidence meant he could no longer harbor any inappropriate thoughts toward Shen Xihe.

“She never had any intention toward me anyway.” Though heartbroken, Xiao Changying didn’t blame Xiao Changqing. “All these years, if not for Brother’s protection, I probably wouldn’t have made it to today. We’re born of the same mother. Even without the imperial tomb incident, I think the Crown Prince would have found other leverage to make me back off.

He… didn’t come to express gratitude, but to lay his cards on the table and intimidate us.”

He displayed his capabilities and methods as Crown Prince before them, letting them see clearly and judge the situation for themselves.

If they as brothers hadn’t yet become his enemies, he probably wouldn’t have just given this warning today but would have gone directly to the Emperor to expose them.

“The Crown Prince…” Xiao Changqing murmured.

These three words were too unfamiliar to them. Among all their brothers, Xiao Changqing could see through and predict them all. They had grown up together and understood each other, except for Xiao Huayong. They knew nothing about him.

Yet Xiao Huayong knew them inside and out – a truly chilling realization.

If he had been planning since he avoided the palace at age eight, what a terrifying person he must be. All these years he had stayed above the storm, watching the tumult, perhaps even orchestrating it. If he kept such close tabs on even them, one could imagine how deeply he had penetrated the court – likely even the Emperor didn’t know his true depth.

No, no one knew his true depth. Even though he no longer concealed himself from them, what he allowed them to see was only what he didn’t mind them seeing. His true power was unfathomable.

Thinking of this, Xiao Changqing couldn’t help but laugh softly, feeling strangely delighted. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on their brilliant and wise Emperor’s face – who thought he had every son under his control – when he was eventually defeated by the Crown Prince he never guarded against. What a spectacular sight that would be!

Shortly after Xiao Huayong left, Shen Qing delivered congratulatory gifts from the Duchess’s mansion. Seeing these gifts, Xiao Changying’s gloomy expression immediately brightened: “Tell the Duchess that I have received the Crown Prince’s thanks.”

Shen Qing had to return with the gifts. Xiao Changying looked toward the Eastern Palace: “Brother, you were right – she only had her eyes on the legitimate heir to the throne.”

He should have known – how could such a woman fall in love so easily?

It turned out he hadn’t won her heart, and even the high and mighty Crown Prince was experiencing unrequited love.

Otherwise, how could she let Xiao Huayong, who had come personally, lose face like this?

“We brothers have both fallen for the same woman.” Xiao Changying suddenly felt a kindred spirit with his brother in their shared misfortune.