How much merit could there be in merely verifying the evidence Prince Xin Xiao Changqin gave to Minister Pei Zhan?

“Your Highness, what achievement did you credit to my grandfather?” Shen Xihe didn’t believe Emperor Youning would directly promote Censor Tao Zhuanxian at this time.

“Four years ago, when An’nan fought with the Wendan Kingdom, An’nan fell repeatedly because Wendan discovered a shortcut to secretly move strong forces inside, catching us off guard,” Since he had done it, he naturally wouldn’t keep it from her. “Later, local officials, unwilling to take responsibility, tried to shift blame to the Pei army. Little Eight recaptured the city and secured An’nan, partly because they never discovered how Wendan troops had entered so silently.”

Many suspected there must have been a secret passage to allow for such a surprise attack, but the cause remained unclear all these years.

“Your Highness knows how they infiltrated and had my grandfather present this information to His Majesty.” If so, Emperor Youning had no choice but to richly reward Censor Tao – this solved a major concern weighing on His Majesty’s mind.

“Now the Xue clan exists in name only, while the Cui clan grows too powerful. His Majesty has decided to promote Xue Cheng to Minister of War. Though Censor Tao is Youyou’s grandfather, in His Majesty’s eyes, I am short-lived, and I haven’t planted forces in court these years. Having another Grand Secretary’s wife’s family also adds a face to the Crown Prince’s wedding. He isn’t wary.” Prince Xiao Huayong stood with hands behind his back, apricot blossoms spreading naturally above him. In the vast clarity of heaven and earth, he held the universe in his hands with casual ease.

Prince Xiao Huayong wouldn’t live many years, and the Tao family lacked deep roots. Even if they grew powerful in these few years, without Prince Xiao Huayong, it would be meaningless.

Promoting Censor Tao would create an illusion that His Majesty was maintaining the Crown Prince’s position and authority, better to have others watch him than His Majesty alone.

Emperor Youning’s control over the court ran far deeper than anyone imagined. Prince Xiao Huayong had remained inactive these years to make His Majesty believe he was isolated, with neither officials nor brothers by his side. Because of this, Censor Tao’s merit-based promotion came easily.

Shen Xihe was grateful for Prince Xiao Huayong’s planning on her behalf, but too many words of thanks displeased him. She had stayed long in the Eastern Palace, planning to leave after dinner, but Prince Xiao Huayong unexpectedly suggested: “There’s a restaurant outside the palace. Let me take Youyou to try it today.”

They left the palace for the restaurant Prince Xiao Huayong had reserved. The owner was a beautiful young woman, and surprisingly, the food was flower cuisine.

Every dish featured a different flower as an ingredient, elegant and delicious, drawing endless streams of diners.

Shen Xihe found it novel and ate quite a bit. After dinner, they walked back to the Noble Lady’s mansion in the sunset light.

“Would Your Highness like some tea before returning to the palace?” Shen Xihe rarely invited Prince Xiao Huayong.

Prince Xiao Huayong was very tempted but glanced at the sky – he had other matters to attend to: “Not convenient today, but I’ll remember Youyou’s invitation and claim it another day.”

He smiled at Shen Xihe and turned to leave directly.

Shen Xihe, inexplicably owing a promise: …

Hongyu couldn’t help laughing. Shen Xihe swept her a glance: “What’s so funny?”

Knowing Shen Xihe wasn’t angry, Hongyu said: “This servant recalled Sister Zhenzhu mentioning Noble Lady’s teahouse incident with Prince Heir Bu.”

Shen Xihe couldn’t help smiling too, remembering how Bu Shulin had similarly ended up inexplicably owing her favors and lives.

Thinking of it this way, she and Prince Xiao Huayong occasionally had similar ways of doing things.

With Xue Heng’s resignation dangling like a piece of fat meat, everyone coveted it and naturally stopped pursuing Xue Kui. Except for Prince Xin Xiao Changqin, no one was displeased, including the Pei family, who shifted focus after discovering how Wendan troops had infiltrated years ago.

“Brother, let this matter rest for now,” Prince Xiao Changying hurried to stop Prince Xin Xiao Changqin upon learning he planned to assassinate Xue Kui.

His Majesty had just released the man – an immediate assassination would slap His Majesty’s face, especially since Prince Xin Xiao Changqin planned to frame His Majesty, making everyone think His Majesty was a despicable person saying one thing to your face and doing another behind your back.

Getting Xue Heng’s position up front, then assassinating Xue Kui right after.

“Let it rest? Impossible.” In Prince Xin Xiao Changqin’s heart, the Gu family was an untouchable nerve. Xue Kui dared mention them and must pay a brutal price, lest future cats and dogs dare use the Gu family as leverage.

She and her family were already dead – why wouldn’t these people leave them alone?

“Brother, Crown Prince secretly met with Xue Heng, leading to Xue Heng’s early retirement to save Xue Kui. This means the Crown Prince doesn’t want Xue Kui dead. Killing him now offends not just His Majesty but also the Crown Prince.” Prince Xiao Changying earnestly advised.

They might handle one side skillfully, but offending both the Crown Prince and His Majesty meant attacks from both front and back.

“Don’t worry, I will handle—”

“Your Highness, Crown Prince has arrived,” Before Prince Xin Xiao Changqin could finish, Prince Xin’s Chancellor came to report.

The brothers exchanged glances and hurried out to respectfully receive him.

After formalities, Prince Xiao Huayong got straight to the point: “Xue Kui – I forbid his death.”

“Crown Prince is too domineering,” Prince Xin Xiao Changqin coldly smiled.

“I am indeed this domineering. What can you do about it?” Prince Xiao Huayong gazed at him coldly. “I came to inform you – this is already a grace, preserving your face.”

“Does Crown Prince truly think you have no leverage in my hands?” Prince Xin Xiao Changqin refused to yield.

“However much leverage you have on me spread it all you want. See if I can’t turn the tide.” Prince Xiao Huayong remained composed, his gaze deep, tone heavy and slow. “Just wonder what would happen if Lady Gu were brought before His Majesty? Privately switching death row prisoners – Fifth Brother, you’re truly audacious.”

Prince Xin Xiao Changqin’s gaze turned sharp as a knife, coldly staring at Prince Xiao Huayong.

Prince Xiao Changying was also shocked, looking at Prince Xin Xiao Changqin in disbelief. After a moment, he found it reasonable – his brother cared so much for Fifth Sister-in-law, he surely could have avoided overseeing the execution that day, yet accepted without hesitation, likely planning the switch from the start.

“Where is she?” Prince Xin Xiao Changqin asked coldly.

“A life for a life. Will Fifth Brother trade?” Prince Xiao Huayong asked lightly.

It was more than just a life for a life – if Gu Qingzhu were brought before His Majesty, court officials would all attack Prince Xin Xiao Changqin. This was a capital offense.

But Prince Xiao Huayong didn’t want Prince Xin Xiao Changqin’s life. Prince Xin Xiao Changqin was more interested in life.

In the future, if he… having Prince Xin Xiao Changqin balance His Majesty and others would let Shen Xihe reap benefits while lying low and growing stronger.

After a long silence, Prince Xin Xiao Changqin finally spoke: “Please have the Crown Prince send the person to Prince Xin’s mansion.”

Prince Xiao Huayong left Prince Xin’s mansion wearing a satisfied smile.

“Brother, did you switch death row prisoners?” Prince Xiao Changying was shocked and angry.

What kind of leverage was this? Unless Gu Qingzhu died, this could never be covered up – they would be controlled by others for life!