Lin Si held his laughter in. He had made his point. Now that he had proven his hearing was fine, he stopped gesturing.

Zhong Wan forced himself to act nonchalant. He asked, “What do you have to tell me?”

Lin Si wiped the amusement off his face and solemnly gestured, “Master, a few days ago, the members of the imperial clan wanted to choose a day to send Xuan Rui back to Qian An.”

Xuan Rui’s case had been mostly resolved. Emperor Chongan had only stripped him of his royal title. He hadn’t taken back the estate and lands in Qian An. Now that things had settled, it truly was time to send him back to Qian An.

Zhong Wan asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lin Si signed, “Before the request had been brought to the Cabinet, Prince Yu had already ordered someone to intercept it.”

Zhong Wan furrowed his brows. “Since when has Prince Yu started caring about Xuan Rui?”

Lin Si gestured, “That’s the strange part. These past few days, I’ve stayed by Young Miss and Little Young Master’s sides. Young Miss listened to you, Master, and now discusses with me when anything comes up. When an imperial clan relative visits the estate or when messages are exchanged, Young Miss never orders me away. Based on what they said a few days ago about what they wanted to do, they clearly intended to send Xuan Rui away as soon as possible. However, just two days ago, they suddenly changed their minds. They said that Nanjiang is far away and that proper preparations hadn’t been completed yet.”

Zhong Wan didn’t even need to think to know that this was an excuse.

Lin Si signed, “I felt that something was off. After further investigation, I finally learned that Prince Yu had told someone else about this matter and had borrowed the hand of that person to stop Xuan Rui’s return. I’m uncertain about the meaning behind this, so have come to tell Master in a rush.”

Zhong Wan leaned against the headboard. He furrowed his brows once more. “What does Prince Yu want to achieve by keeping Xuan Rui here..”

Lin Si gestured, “There’s no way Prince Yu doesn’t know about the relationship between you and Young Prince Yu. Perhaps he just wants Xuan Rui to stay in the capital to piss Young Prince Yu off?”

“No.” Zhong Wan shook his head. “It’d be too stupid for him to go through such trouble just for this sole purpose. Could it be that he wants to use Xuan Rui to threaten Yu She in a life and death struggle? No.. that’s not right either.”

Zhong Wan burst into laughter. “There’s no need for threatening. Yu She himself wants to take Xuan Rui’s life.

“How long is Prince Yu’s reach? In an emergency, is he capable of stealing someone from the Imperial Clan Court?”

Lin Si wasn’t too sure. He signed, “I’ll go investigate.”

“I’ll tell Yu She to investigate too,” Zhong Wan lowly said. “But if I were to make a guess, I’d say Prince Yu probably isn’t capable.”

Olc Vl ujhfv ja Itbcu Qjc. Itbcu Qjc mbcalcefv, “Po tf mbeiv gfjiis bgvfg atf Pwqfglji Jijc Jbega jgbecv, mbeivc’a tf pera tjnf qgfnfcafv atf Pwqfglji Jijc Jbega ogbw yglculcu eq atf wjaafg bo rfcvlcu Wejc Eel yjmx ab Hljc Cc lc atf olgra qijmf? Slatfg kjs, ogbw rajga ab olclrt, atf fwqfgbg tjr cfnfg mjgfv jybea atlr mjrf.”

Then, Zhong Wan whispered, “It seems more like a spur of the moment decision.”

Lin Si nodded and gestured, “Exactly so. Based on the timeline, it was probably around the time that the emperor decided to admit Young Prince Yu as his son.”

Zhong Wan muttered, “If the Imperial Clan Court were to send Xuan Rui away, Yu She would definitely order his own soldiers to escort him. Even after Xuan Rui reached Qian An, he probably still wouldn’t completely relax. He’d leave people there to stand guard in case Xuan Rui pulled another secret return journey to the capital. Which also means.. as soon as Xuan Rui exits the Imperial Clan Court, he’ll fall into Yu She’s grasp.

“Is Prince Yu trying to avoid this? Why?

“Why has Xuan Rui suddenly become important?”

Lin Si couldn’t understand this part either.

Zhong Wan fell silent for a moment. Following that, he said, “You can go. Leave this to me. All you have to do is keep Congxin and Xuan Yu safe.”

Lin Si nodded and stood up. Zhong Wan added, “Also.”

Lin Si hurriedly listened, diligent.

Zhong Wan sighed. “When you have the time, go see Xuan Jing.”

Lin Si lowered his gaze. A while later, he gestured, “When he was asleep, I visited him a few times.”

“What use is it if he’s asleep?” Zhong Wan asked. “Last time, he told me that he no longer blames you. Stop wasting time. Hurry and go clear things up with him.”

Lin Si’s pupils shifted. He nodded and left.

As soon as Lin Si left, Zhong Wan grabbed some clean clothes and put them on. He tasked someone to invite Yu She over.

Before Yu She could find the imperial doctor, he got urged back by Zhong Wan. Yu She ordered the messenger to leave first. Expression one of exasperation, he lowly asked, “How come you can’t be separated from me for more than a moment?”

Zhong Wan was speechless. His ears turned red and he almost forgot the official business he needed to share.

“I have, I have important things to tell you.” Zhong Wan repeated everything Lin Si had just told him to Yu She. He added, “Look into it. I have a guess in my heart, but I’m not too sure. Therefore, I don’t dare to tell you.”

Yu She fell silent for a moment. He smiled. “What’s there not to dare to speak about? I, too, already have my suspicions.”

Yu She sat down and narrowed his eyes. “The past few days, Prince Yu’s life hasn’t been too great. The Court is unstable and the emperor is constantly promoting me. He’s anxious.?A wily hare has three burrows. He’s started finding a backup plan for himself.”

Zhong Wan softly said, “He wants to use Xuan Rui as his last resort.”

“Xuan Jing and Prince Yu’s estate have been enemies for many years. Xuan Jing can’t be trusted,” Yu She softly said. “If I happen to swallow all of Xuan Qiong’s power in one bite in the future, he could still make a risky move at the very end and kill both me and Xuan Jing. And then..”

Zhong Wan said, “Place Xuan Rui on the throne as a puppet king.”

Yu She scoffed. “How strange. What a good life Xuan Rui has, right? So many people want to help him ascend to the throne.”

Yu She glanced at Zhong Wan. His expression was dark. “And someone also spent many years risking possible death to protect him.”

Zhong Wan smelled a hint of?vinegar. He burst into laughter. “We’re talking about official business right now.”

“Regardless of how useless Xuan Rui is, he’s still Prince Ning’s eldest biological son of the legitimate line. By blood, he’s the most important person aside from the imperial princes. He’s also the type who’s easy to trick.” Even Zhong Wan himself had to admit this. “He truly is a God-given puppet.”

Yu She quieted temporarily before saying, “I have a plan.”

Zhong Wan lifted his gaze. Yu She stood. “You don’t need to worry about this anymore. I have my reasons for entering the palace tomorrow.”

Zhong Wan was shocked. “What’s the rush? What plan do you have? A-aren’t you going to discuss with me?”

Yu She glanced at Zhong Wan. “Xuan Rui has already become Prince Yu’s target. You’re really not in a panic?”

Zhong Wan secretly thought to himself,?the smell of vinegar is getting stronger.

Zhong Wan reached out and held onto Yu She’s wrist. He quietly said, “I am in a bit of a panic, but I’m more worried about you.”

Yu She’s expression instantly became a lot more pleasant.

Yu She shared his plans with Zhong Wan. Zhong Wan clicked his tongue. “You..”

“The simplest plan is sometimes the most effective. Since the enemy is in the shadows whereas I’m out in the light, I’ll simply use this to my advantage.” Yu She lifted his hand to stroke Zhong Wan’s forehead. “You still have a fever. Lie back down. I’ll attend the morning assembly tomorrow and be sure to give you a response when I return.”

With no other option, Zhong Wan could only obediently lie back down.

The next day, Emperor Chongan excused morning court, as expected. However, Yu She still appeared at the Cabinet on time.

This was the first time that Yu She was appearing in public following Emperor Chongan’s imperial decree that had taken him back.

The senior cabinet officials didn’t know what to call Yu She either. They stared at each other, a bit bewildered. However, Yu She’s expression was the same as it normally was. He calmly said, “Everyone simply carry on as usual.”

Everyone felt like a huge burden had been lifted off their shoulders. They messily bowed before continuing to work on their own tasks.

Yu She looked over documents for a bit, then walked over to Senior Cabinet Official Sun’s desk.

Senior Cabinet Official Sun hurriedly made to stand up. Yu She politely pressed down gently on his arm, quietly saying, “There’s no need to be like this, Senior Cabinet Official Sun. It is I who have something to trouble you with.”

These years, Yu She had always acted rebelliously. He had a horrible reputation.

Upon first finding out that this person was going to join the Cabinet to learn politics, all the cabinet members had simultaneously confirmed to themselves the rumor that he was Emperor Chongan’s illegitimate son while also complaining in their hearts.

They feared that Yu She would eat cold food powder here and go crazy. They feared that Yu She would suddenly start repeatedly attempting suicide. They feared that with one misstep, everyone would get blamed for Yu She’s actions.

Unexpectedly, aside from occasionally arriving late and leaving early, Yu She hadn’t actually done anything out of line.

Yu She was very quiet. If one didn’t pay special attention, they wouldn’t even realize that there was such an important?god?in the Cabinet too.

The documents that passed through his hands, no matter what type, would often be covered with his unique and straightforward comments.

It couldn’t actually be said that he was impressive because of this. However, in comparison to Xuan Jing, who couldn’t understand anything he looked at, or Xuan Qiong, who didn’t have a brain yet still liked giving random orders, he was simply too amazing.

After these past few days of interaction, the senior cabinet officials had all slightly changed their impressions of Yu She.

For example, if this were the other two imperial princes, they absolutely wouldn’t be speaking to a senior cabinet official with such an attitude or tone of voice.

Unknowingly, Senior Cabinet Official Sun had already become biased. Upon seeing that Yu She was modestly asking for his help, he quickly lowered his voice and asked, “I’m unsure.. I’m unsure what orders Heir has?”

Yu She hesitated for a moment. It seemed like it was slightly inconvenient for him to speak up.

Senior Cabinet Official Sun hurriedly said, “Heir, speak without regard.”

Yu She shook his head and smiled. “It’s a matter regarding the?indoors-one. I don’t want to bother My Lord.”

For a moment, Senior Cabinet Official Sun did not realize who “the indoors-one” was. But he had already spoken. “All Heir needs to do is give the order.”

Yu She squeezed his thin lips together and whispered, “The indoors-one was raised on Prince Ning’s estate. My Lord probably knows this.”

Senior Cabinet Official Sun almost choked. His expression changed several times. He laughed dryly, “Ah, Guiyuan.. I’ve seen him before, in his youth.”

Yu She nodded. “So My Lord has definitely heard of the former Prince Qian An’s case?”

Senior Cabinet Official Sun nodded. “Wasn’t Heir the one in charge of that case?”

“Yes, but the former Prince Qian An is a member of the imperial clan. He can’t be taken to the Dali Temple. Since the beginning of the case, he’s been kept under house arrest at the Imperial Clan Court,” Yu She shared with concern. “The case has already been closed. After so much time, though, he’s still being kept in the Imperial Clan Court.”

Displeased, Senior Cabinet Official Sun said, “The Imperial Clan Court has been neglectful.”

“Well, it’s not that bad. They technically haven’t been slow, but..” Yu She lowered his voice even more. “Guiyuan is worried about him. He refuses to eat or drink. I see this daily, so have become anxious too.”

Senior Cabinet Official Sun ignored the strongly suggestive tone that Yu She was using. He lamented reluctantly, “Prince Ning truly didn’t raise this adopted son for nothing.”

Yu She said, “Right now, my identity is awkward. I don’t have any power over the Imperial Clan Court either. I want to ask Senior Cabinet Official Sun to help me write a document asking the Imperial Clan Court to start discussing this matter sooner. I don’t know if that’s convenient or not?”

Vfclbg Jjylcfa Yoolmlji Vec rwlifv jcv rjlv, “Lbk lr atja vloolmeia?”

Vfclbg Jjylcfa Yoolmlji Vec tjv bglulcjiis yffc j yla uejgvfv. Lf ofjgfv atja Te Vtf kjr agslcu ab klc tlw bnfg, atja Te Vtf kjr jrxlcu obg j ylu ojnbg ktlmt kbeiv gfcvfg tlw raemx yfakffc j gbmx jcv j tjgv qijmf. Lf tjv cfnfg fzqfmafv atja atf olgra alwf Te Vtf jrxfv tlw obg rbwfatlcu kbeiv jmaejiis yf obg Itbcu Qjc. Ccv atja la kbeiv jmaejiis yf j ajrx atja kjr yfsbcv aglnlji.

A favor that required almost no effort. Why not?

Senior Cabinet Official Sun whispered, “If Heir is in a rush, there’s actually a much simpler and faster solution. You can avoid the Imperial Clan Court and directly finish this task.”

Yu She said, “Please enlighten me, Lord Sun.”

“I daren’t,” Senior Cabinet Official Sun softly replied. “This isn’t a big deal. You needn’t bother with the yamens or continue the back and forth argument with the Imperial Clan Court. Right now, you only need to write a?booklet?explaining the situation. Then..”

Senior Cabinet Official Sun gestured for Yu She to look at the pile of booklets nearby that was two feet tall. “Put it with today’s booklets. In only a short while, it’ll get sent to the emperor. If the emperor reads it, he’ll definitely permit your request and directly send it to the Imperial Clan Court.. It’s not too important. If the emperor doesn’t read it, it’ll get returned to us in the evening. We’ll stamp it and still send it to the Imperial Clan Court. The Imperial Clan Court will then have to immediately send the former Prince Qian An away too. There won’t be any delay.”

Yu She nodded. “So this could be accomplished so effortlessly. Much gratitude for the lesson, My Lord.”

“I daren’t, I daren’t. This was just a trivial matter. I’ll write the booklet for Heir right now.” Senior Cabinet Official Sun was more than willing to complete this favor for Yu She. “If Heir doesn’t find anything to change after looking at it, it can be sent to the emperor in an hour.”

The corners of Yu She’s lips slightly curled up. “I’ve troubled My Lord.”

Yu She returned to his desk and quietly waited. At night, the booklets not seen by Emperor Chongan all got sent back. As expected, Senior Cabinet Official Sun’s booklet was untouched.

Emperor Chongan didn’t have too much energy today. The booklets sent to him by the Cabinet had all been separated into different categories. He normally only looked over the most important ones, not even flipping through the remaining insignificant ones. He directly sent them back for the Cabinet to take care of.

Senior Cabinet Official Sun intended to help Yu She. Thus, he had placed his booklet in the unimportant category.

After plucking the booklet out of the bunch, Senior Cabinet Official Sun added his comments and tasked the Imperial Clan Court to immediately escort Xuan Rui back to Qian An. There could be no delay. Yu She personally stamped the booklet.

The enemy was in the shadows. He was in the light. Might as well use this to his advantage.

The imperial decree had been given. Prince Yu could no longer stop anything.

When he returned to his estate in the evening, Yu She wasn’t in a rush to seek Zhong Wan out. He first summoned his trusted family soldier over, then ordered someone to invite the imperial doctor.

This was the person Yu She had originally intended to task with protecting Xuan Rui on his journey back to Qian An. Before the family soldier could say anything, Yu She calmly said, “I’m exempting you from your assignment. You don’t need to follow him anymore.”

The trusted subordinate blanked for a moment. “Heir, didn’t you say that you wanted us to keep a close eye on the former Prince Qian An the entire way in order to avoid him being deluded by ill-intending people and subsequently causing trouble again?”

The trusted subordinate had been shocked by Yu She’s sudden change of mind. He honestly couldn’t understand. Yu She had spent so much effort stealing Xuan Rui out of the Imperial Clan Court. But now, he wasn’t planning on keeping an eye on him anymore?

Wasn’t that a waste of time and energy?!

“No need. I have other plans.” Yu She’s gaze was dark. “You guys will only mess things up if you go.”

The trusted subordinate wanted to speak again. Yu She added, “Naturally, you’ll still have to follow him. Stay with him until he leaves the city. After he leaves the city, come back. There’s no need to worry about anything else that happens.”

The trusted subordinate was shocked. “Isn’t that the same as us having not gone?”

Steward Feng brought the imperial doctor over. Yu She waved his hands. “I know what I’m doing. I still have business to attend to. You may leave.”

The trusted subordinate left, extremely concerned.

The imperial doctor didn’t dare to look at or listen to anything he shouldn’t be witnessing. After the family soldier had already walked off into the distance, he finally approached and said, “Heir.”

“Previously, I was very busy, so didn’t have the time to ask you.” Yu She gently knocked on the surface of the desk and relayed what had happened in Zhong Wan’s room yesterday. He glossed over the details and process, ambiguously explaining the situation to the imperial doctor.

Yu She was very vague in his recalling. However, the imperial doctor was very knowledgeable. Was there anything he hadn’t heard of? He didn’t need Yu She to say anything else before he had already started nodding in understanding.

Yu She lowered his voice and asked, “Will that get in the way?”

“This..” The imperial doctor pondered for a bit before seriously stating, “Young Master Zhong is truly in poor health. However, he’s in the prime of his youth. It’s impossible to get rid of his lusts and desires. They’re part of human nature. If things really occurred as Heir said, happening only once, then it won’t get in the way.”

The worry on Yu She’s face didn’t dissipate in the slightest. A while later, he lowly said, “My biggest fear is that he won’t be willing to accept it happening only once.”

The imperial doctor froze for a moment. He lifted his head and glanced at Steward Feng who was nearby. “Heir means..”

As they spoke, the young maid in charge of serving Zhong Wan carefully walked into the room. She said that Zhong Wan was inviting Yu She over.

Yu She waved his hands, signalling for the young maid to leave. As if he was being troubled by some great worry, he looked over at the imperial doctor and said, “See the way he can’t even bear to be separated from me for an instant? Do you think he’ll know to control himself?”

Zhong Wan had clearly still had a fever at the time. The more Yu She thought about it, the more regretful he became. He regretted being wicked and bullying him. He shouldn’t have tormented him so much. He was angry, but had nowhere to let out his anger. He could only make things difficult for the imperial doctor. Eyebrows furrowed, he inquired, “Do you know or not how much he clings to me?”

The imperial doctor’s expression was blank. He screeched in his heart,?why would I know?!

Steward Feng was standing right next to Yu She. Upon noticing this, he hurriedly smoothed out the situation. “Heir, there’s no need to worry! There’s a solution! The imperial doctor has a solution.”

The imperial doctor thought to himself,?what solution could I have in regards to your bedroom activities?!?Bearing the humiliation, the imperial doctor finally spoke up after racking his brains, “Heir, how about this.. I can prescribe Young Master Zhong some medicine that’ll calm him down.”

Yu She furrowed his brows. “More medicine?”

Yu She remembered very clearly that this imperial doctor was the one who had said that Zhong Wan was in poor health and ought to eat less medicine while slowly recovering.

“No, no. He can just drink it as tea.” The imperial doctor relayed to Steward Feng, “Get some mulberry leaves, white chrysanthemums, and dried orange peels. After adding them to boiled water, you can add a bit of honey and serve it to the patient as tea.”

These were all mild ingredients that?cleared the fire?in one’s body. Steward Feng found this reliable. He told Yu She, “It’ll probably be effective.”

But Yu She didn’t feel that this was a good solution. “It’s just your usual, boring fire clearing tea.”

The imperial doctor could only say, “Or you could also add some honeysuckle flowers..”

“Nevermind. As much medicine as you prescribe, you can only heal his physical body.” As if simultaneously worried and delighted, Yu She easily rejected the imperial doctor’s work. “You cannot heal his heart that wants to stay close to me at every moment of the day.”

Imperial doctor: “..”