The matter of Huaiyu has not been resolved yet, and she always comes to plead with him about it.

  She instructed Frost Heaven with two sentences, then Xu Chuyi got up and left the guest room, walked around the corridor to the backyard, came to a corner, looked around to make sure no one was there, before slowly squatting down, carefully wiping away her tears.

  Mother said that the world is full of ups and downs, and many people have a lot of fate in their lives. If they encounter fate, they can't blame heaven or others. Just avoid it if possible. She did so, didn't blame anyone, and avoided whenever she could. But after walking so far, why couldn't she avoid it?

  Heaven knows how much effort she needs to put in to forget that there is such a person as Jiang Shen in this world, and just when it seems like she's making some progress, this person appears before her again, just like the heavens are playing a cruel joke on her, infuriating and making her feel helpless.

  There was a faint sound of footsteps behind him.

  Xu Chu Nian was taken aback for a moment, quickly grabbed a handkerchief to wipe her face, pretending to look at the ants on the ground.

  "Aren't you cold?" someone asked her.

  Hearing this voice, Chun Yan finally let out a sigh of relief and turned back to say: "I'll be right back to the palace."

  Chi Jin lowered his head and looked at her, his eyes sweeping over her slightly red eyes. He didn't ask anything, just said: "Today I went on patrol in the city and saw two very beautiful lanterns, so I bought them back. The princess is already playing with them, Xu Niang also go take a look."

  Tang Bao? Xu Chuyan stood up, moved his somewhat numb feet, and nodded: "Let's go."

  She's afraid of the cold, and her favorite thing on winter days is a hot water bottle. As soon as she has some free time, she'll hug it tightly and won't let go. The previous one broke the day before yesterday, but there wasn't enough time to get it fixed yet. This turned out to be good, as now there's a new one.

  The gloomy clouds on her head dispersed a bit, and Chunni smiled slightly, holding up her skirt and limping forward.

  Chihiro glanced at her: "Hurt your foot?"

  "Not really." Xu Chuyan said awkwardly, lowering his head, "I've been squatting for too long, it's a bit numb."

  The red light was bright and clear. He pointed to another corner: "There's a stool over there, next time you can sit down and watch the ants."

  This person is really... Xu Chuyi found it funny and also a bit touching.

  What Hua Yu said was right. Chi Jin is a very considerate person. He knew she was hiding her sorrow, but he didn't make things difficult for her either.

  "Thank you," she said.

  Hong Jin's expression remained unchanged as he gazed ahead: "Just a beggar woman, no need to thank her."

  She smiled and nodded along with him: "I'll go take a look at what it looks like."

  An ordinary copper kettle, elliptical in shape, was bought with red gold and is ingenious, lightweight, and has carvings of carp leaping at plum blossoms all over its body, with hollowed-out plum blossom patterns on the lid.

  Li Huaiyu weighed it in her hand for a while and smiled: "Bought for me?"

  Akane nodded without hesitation.

  Looking at Xuchu Nan's delighted expression beside her, Li Huaiyu beckoned to summon Chi Jin: "Don't you think this behavior is a bit too obvious? The entire Feiyun Palace knows I don't use hot water in winter."

  Chi Jin's face turned serious: "Your Highness, some things are better left unknown."

  That's also true. Looking at the initial fermentation, it seems that she didn't notice other people's thoughts. Otherwise, with her personality, she would have immediately returned the things to Chi Jin.

  Hua Yu thought for a moment, then said: "This Chun Yan looks soft on the surface, but deep down she still has the stubbornness of the Xu family. If you're being nice to her out of sympathy, there's no need - she still has me and General Xu."

  Sympathy? Chi Jin furrowed his brow: "What does she need sympathy for?"

  "Huh?"

  Yu Guang glanced at the person on that side, Chi Jin said: "Xu Niang is innocent to heaven and earth, and also innocent in front of people. Even if she encounters bad luck, she can still find a way to escape. Now she walks on the street, she can get the nod of approval from the surrounding villagers, and also get the gratitude and support of poor families, what's the use of sympathizing with her?"

  Hua Yu was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh: "I'm the narrow-minded one, you're more open-minded than me."

  "Your Highness needn't worry." He cupped his hands, "Akakane has always been prudent in his actions."

  "Good." Huaiyu clapped her hands, "I believe you."

  Xu Zhuni only saw them whispering to each other, and didn't pay attention to what they were saying. Holding the warm thermos, she let out a long sigh, feeling her frozen hands slowly warming up, and her heart also relaxing bit by bit.

  It doesn't matter, since we can't avoid it, let's just face it. We still have to live our lives, don't we?

  Jiang Sheng woke up feeling much clearer in the head. He stared at the unfamiliar bed curtains for a while, then turned his head to look towards the bedside.

  Xu Chuchang sat with her back to him, pinching the needle and thread in her hand, carefully embroidering the floral pattern on the collar of a small jacket.

  Staring at the garment for a while and confirming that it was impossible for an adult to wear, he spoke in a hoarse voice: "That child, is it Third Brother's or whose?"

  Startled, she pricked her finger with a needle and Xu Chuyan sucked in a breath of cold air as he turned to look at her.

  Woke up and didn't make a sound, suddenly speaking is really going to scare people to death.

  Jiang furrowed his brow and pulled over her bleeding finger, about to bow his head, but Xu Chuyan struggled free from him, sucked on it herself, and put her hand behind her back.

  "I came just to talk to Second Master about this matter." She pursed her lips, "The prince's pregnancy is a matter that I hope Second Master will not tell the emperor."

  Is it because of this that you're sitting here?

  The hand that had been frozen in mid-air slowly withdrew back, and Jiang Shen found it amusing: "What kind of relationship do you have with Li Huaiyu to be so protective of her?"

  Xu Chuyang thought for a moment and said: "When I had nowhere to go, she took me in."

  How could she have nowhere to go? Such a big Jiang Manor... Jiang Shen wanted to refute her, but thinking of some things, he lowered his eyes.

  He is a man of really bad character, likes to bully people. He clearly knows that she will not be happy when she sees him being intimate with others, but he deliberately goes to disturb her eyes, just wanting to see what she looks like when she gets angry.

  In the end, every time he went to Shaohua Academy, he couldn't find her.

  It was strange at first and didn't know where she had gone, but now it's clear that she had hidden in the ink house.

  He moistened his lips and said, "You tell me whose child she's carrying, and I'll consider whether or not to tell Third Brother."

  If it were someone else's, there would be no need to mention it, but if it were a descendant of the Jiang family, this matter would be huge.

  Xu Chunian glanced at him, after so many years of marriage, she could also guess some of his thoughts. After thinking for a moment, she stammered: "Anyway, it's not...not the emperor's."

  This man can't even lie convincingly, and he still wants to deceive him? Jiang Shen shook his head and ordered Xuan Tian: "Go find a servant in the mansion to ask around."

  The frosty sky responded with a sound and left, Xu Chu's brewing was somewhat urgent: "Do you have to be like this?"

  "It concerns the Jiang family's bloodline, can't be careless."

  Originally thought could persuade him, if not, at least deceive him a bit, but neither worked, initially annoyed and hated himself for being useless, got up and was about to leave.

  "Where are you going?" Jiang Shen hastily got out of bed without even putting on his shoes and grabbed her wrist.

  Xu Chuoyan turned around and said: "I'll go and get someone to prepare a carriage, so we can send the second young master back."

  "The river is deep and the air doesn't come from one place: 'So anxious to make me leave?'"

  "What's the point of Second Master staying here?" she said, "This line of city is desolate and barren, not even a red street or a smoke alley, it would be better for Second Master to return to Ziyang earlier, life will be more carefree."

  Jiang Shen took a deep breath and gritted his teeth: "How come I never noticed how sharp your tongue is before?"

  Xu Zhuni suddenly fell silent, her back looked stiff, and there was still some anger in it.

  Jiang's head hurt and he rubbed his temples, softening his tone: "Can't you just have a nice conversation with me?"

  He turned back to look at him and asked, "Is there anything else you want to say, Second Master?"

  He has always been able to talk, from seven years old to seventy years old, there is no woman he can't coax. However, now facing this pair of clear black and white eyes in front of him, Jiang Sheng couldn't help but stutter: "You... where did you put the divorce papers?"

  "Send it to Danyang's main city, give it to my family."

  His heart sank, and Jiang Shen was slightly annoyed: "You're so eager for everyone to know that we've broken up?"

  Xu Chuyan couldn't help but laugh: "Second Master, was this divorce letter written with a knife to your throat?"

  "Not really."

  "Since you've written it, why can't I give the divorce papers to my family?" Her throat felt a bit sore as she said, "The person being divorced should at least give their family an explanation, right?"

  "I...I didn't mean that." He was so angry he could have bitten his own tongue off. "What I meant to say is, can I take back the divorce papers?"

  So angry that he didn't know what to say, Xu Chuyan looked around and picked up the teacup on the table, poured half-cooled tea water into it, splashed the water with his hand, and asked him with red eyes: "Can the water be taken back?"

  Jiang Shen hesitated for a moment, then took her hand and poured another cup of tea: "Is this okay?"

  Xu Chuyi: "......"

  She handed him the teapot and said: "I wish Second Master a new cup of tea that suits his taste, I'll take my leave now."

  "Xu Chunian!" Jiang Shen shouted at her.

  It was as if he hadn't heard, the person in front of him walked away without looking back, like a flat tone, leaving his line of sight without any lingering attachment.

  Jiang stared blankly at the doorway, suddenly feeling that women were really hard to coax. In the past, no matter what happened, she wouldn't get angry, but now it was good, he couldn't do anything to appease her.

  "Your Highness." Xiang Tian returned with the news, cupping his hands and saying, "I've asked around, everyone in the manor says that the child in the princess's belly... is the flesh and blood of Lu Zhuanggui."

  "What?" Jiang Shen was shocked and came back to his senses, "You didn't hear wrong?"

  Frosty Sky shook his head: "I asked many people, and they all said the same thing. It doesn't seem like a lie."

  How could it be Lu Jinghang's? Such a big belly, just looking at it should be five or six months already. Five or six months ago, wasn't Li Huaiyu still by Xuanjin's side?

  His face looked somewhat unsightly, and Jiang fell silent.

  He suddenly felt that he was probably not the most miserable one after all.

  "Your Highness."

  Just then, Wu Hui returned and told Li Huaiyu everything that had happened at Zhang Lin's birthday banquet. Finally, he added a sentence: "I don't understand what Zi Yang meant."

  Jointly petitioning for reduction or exemption of miscellaneous taxes? Hua Yu leaned against the soft pillow, her expression very strange: "He is... also going to oppose Hua Lin."

  "What does this mean?"

  Huai Yu said in a low voice, "The taxes from Danyang do not go to the capital, and neither does it for Ziyang. Since he brought all the Jiang family members to Ziyang, he has not been in contact with the capital, no taxes are collected or handed over, and he doesn't even report for duty in the capital. It's completely an independent fief outside of imperial power."

  In such a situation, how would the memorial be written? It would definitely be written in an attitude that expresses the wishes of the local lords, asking the emperor to reduce taxes, anyway it has nothing to do with him, and the reduction of taxes is for other fiefs.

  Chang Lin Jun and those fools, really thought that Jiang Xuan Jin was kind enough to speak for them? Unbeknownst to them, once the memorial is submitted, in the emperor's eyes, they all become people on the same boat as Zi Yang Jun. Under current circumstances, they undoubtedly became Jiang Xuan Jin's chips to counterbalance the emperor.

  There is still a restless mind in the Emperor Zi Yang, with troops stationed at Linjiang Mountain. What if there are also Changlin Jun, Pingling Jun, Gongyi Jun and others behind him? Together, it would be half of Northern Wei's territory; how could he dare to make a move?

  Li Huaiyu sighed: "I can now imagine Hualin's expression when he saw the folded paper."

  He thought that by getting rid of Jiang Xuanjin, he could finally sit back and enjoy his reign, but who knew that Jiang Xuanjin would escape with his life and even send him a massive gift that shook the very foundations of society.

  Aren't you afraid of my 100,000 troops? Not only have I grasped the troops tightly, but also the surrounding vassals. Are you afraid or not?

  Looking at Jiang Xuanjin's attitude, it seems that he is not as rigid and loyal to the monarch as she had imagined. Even with Old Man Jiang putting pressure on him from above, he doesn't seem to have planned to follow this path to the end.

  However, who can predict what the future holds? Nobody knows whether Jiang Xuanjin's move is good or bad until the end.

  "This... " Wu Xiang couldn't understand after thinking about it, "The Jiang family has a reputation for being loyal and virtuous for generations, with imperial edicts to prove it, how could they do such a thing?"

  "Perhaps it's related to the troops stationed at Linjiang Mountain? I heard Qing Si say that the situation on the other side of Linjiang Mountain is a bit tense."

  "Just as expected: after all, it's still Northern Wei territory. Ziyang Jun not allowing the imperial army to approach within ten miles of the Ziyang border is indeed a bit excessive, no wonder there was such a big reaction from the capital."

  Not allowing troops to approach within ten miles of the border city is a rule between countries, and it is so within Northern Wei, saying that it is provocative is not an exaggeration.

  The white-haired man who had been silent beside him suddenly spoke up, "We don't have to worry about these things anyway. Dan Yang is located west of Zi Yang, and even if the imperial court's people attack, there's still Zi Yang in front to take the hit."

  It's interesting to say that this location is like a crescent moon, lying horizontally in front of Dan Yang and Kyoto, looking like a shield in front of Dan Yang.

  The people of the imperial court can't even get close to Zi Yang, let alone Dan Yang.

  "It's none of our business, so let's talk about some other good news instead." said Wu Dao, "Your Highness, do you still remember Nanping Jun?"

  "He said, 'How could I not remember him? At that time, the various regional kings had rebellious intentions and gathered in the capital. Li Shan pushed me to meet those monarchs. If he hadn't protected me, I would have lost my life and never returned to the palace.'"

  Yu Weng nodded: "Chang Lin's longevity banquet, Nanping Jun also went. Originally, there was a gift to be given to the subordinate, but the subordinate came alone and had no one to carry so many things, so he entrusted Chang Lin Jun to send it. Calculating the days, in two or three days, it should arrive."

  "Indeed, this is good news."

  Chang Linjun had no grudge against her, but their relationship was not close either. After all, they were neighbors, and it was good to have a chance to chat with each other from time to time.

  The same news spread here in Jiangshen was somewhat different.

  "What did you say?" Jiang Shen stood in the house, his face dark and ugly, "Third Brother has arrived?"

  Frosty Sky nodded: "The news that Lord Yu Feng just had someone pass on says that Your Highness and Chang Lin Jun are together, on the road to Yi Xian City, asking if young master is safe."

  If Jiang Xuanjin had come at a different time, Jiang Shentu would have scolded him severely without regard for his feelings, but now...

  Thinking of Li Huaiyu's temper, Jiang Shen shook his head repeatedly: "No way, he'll be furious to death."

  The whole Jiangfu knows that Ziyang Jun values his former wife, the Jun Furen. If the news is only passed to his ears, there may still be room for him to calm down, but if he sees it directly, what's the point?

  Jiang Sheng stood up and thought of going out.

  However, there were guards at the gate, and as soon as he stepped out with one foot, two knives were drawn.

  "Please rest well, young master." The guard said expressionlessly, "His Highness has ordered us to protect you fully here."

  Pfft! Protect him completely and still point the knife at him? Jiang Shen gritted his teeth, thought for a moment, and let Frost leave, telling him to definitely stop Third Brother from coming.

  Jiang Xuanjin's mood has been great all along, and even as he gets closer to the desolate Yi City, his eyes still shine with light.

  "Master, should we go find Second Master first?" asked Cheng Xū.

  Jiang Xuanyin was puzzled: "What's he looking for him for?"

  The master of the house was in a good mood, and his courage also grew bolder. He joked: "If we don't find Second Master, what's the point of coming to this city?"

  Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, and the light in his dark eyes grew even brighter, like a black pearl that had just emerged from the water, with a hint of moonlight flowing within.

  The long Lin Jun beside him stared at him in shock, thinking that this was not right. The gentleman he saw in Zi Yang was not like this, and when he became serious, he could scare the old man who couldn't speak, but how did he turn his face and become so gentle?

  Still... still a bit happy?

  With a serious expression, Zhang Linjun began to recall, wondering if Zi Yangjun had been switched with someone else somewhere without his knowledge.

  "Long live the king!"

  They had already reached the outskirts of the city when someone suddenly blocked their way. Raising his head, he saw that Frost and Yu Feng had returned together, both with unsightly expressions on their faces.

  "What's wrong?" Cheng Xiao asked, "If you have something to say, get on the bus and talk, don't block the way."

  Frosty Sky shook his head: "Chang Linjun can go first, Third Master, please listen to me for a moment!"

  Jiang Xuanjin heard the sound and lifted the car curtain: "What's going on?"

  Ran to the side of the car, Frost Tian Gongshou: "Pass on my young master's words, please return to Ziyang, don't go any further."

  He narrowed his eyes, and Jiang Xuanjin's voice turned cold: "What's the reason?"

  "The young master said, 'There are many things to attend to in Zi Yang...' "

  With a cold laugh, Jiang Xuanjin said: "Either you tell the truth or get out of the way."

  Do they need to be reminded of their many tasks? Moreover, since we've already arrived at the first-tier city, wouldn't turning back now be a waste?

  The frosty sky was stunned, and hesitated to say: "My family's young master said that unless it is absolutely necessary, he cannot tell you the reason. But if you must enter the city, it would be better for you to know in advance, so you can prepare."

  What's so serious? The crowd all curiously turned their heads around.

  Jiang Xuanjin stared at him steadily, as if he had a premonition, the light in his eyes slowly dimming.

  The princess's mansion was ready with the welcoming ceremony, hearing that Zhang Linjun and his party had entered the city, she wrapped up her tiger skin cloak and took Jiuzhong and others out to welcome them.

  When I got up in the morning, it was still a sunny day outside, but now when I look up, the sky above is all dark and cloudy.

  "Looks like it's going to rain?" Qing Xuan muttered.

  Bai Qi blew a breath into his hands and said, "If it's going to fall, it should be snow. On such a cold day, even if rain falls, it will freeze."

  It rarely snows in the first-line city, and it's hard to see it once every few years. If you can catch up with it, it's not bad. Huaiyu smiled and saw Longlinjun's royal flag from afar, hugging her belly and walking over.

  "Long Linjun is here," she said. "It's been six years since we last parted, I wonder if your body is still healthy?"

  The attendants around her all knelt down, and Huaiyu stared at the leading carriage, waiting for Zhang Linjun to come out and respond, exchanging pleasantries.

  However, after waiting for a moment, there was no movement in the car either.

  Hua Yu was taken aback and leaned in closer: "Is it Lord Changlin?"

  A slender hand stretched out and lifted the car curtain, and the person inside had a pair of pitch-black eyes that met hers, like icicles hanging from the eaves in deep winter, cold and sharp.

  Li Huaiyu took two steps back, and it was already too late to cover her stomach.

  "How...how is it you?"

  Jiang Xuanjin pinched the car curtain, his eyes scanning over her bulging belly, his voice low: "Why can't it be me?"

  She pinched herself, making sure this wasn't a nightmare, and then turned around and left.

  The fragrance of sandalwood came from behind her very quickly. She hadn't taken two steps when someone grabbed her shoulder.

  "I thought you didn't want to see me, so I didn't go to Changlin." He came up from behind her, his hand on her shoulder trembling slightly, "Actually, it was that you didn't dare to see me?"

  "Your Highness!" Just then, Wu and others rushed up together to protect her, but were deterred by Jiang Xuanjin's gaze.

  "You... " Huai Yu felt a bit dry in her throat, looked around and said casually, "You like the fox fur cloak?"

  "Li Huaiyu." His voice was low and trembling, "How long are you going to toy with me?"

  Is she teasing him? Her nose inexplicably felt a bit sour, Huai Yu turned her head and met his eyes, pointing to her own belly: "This is you teasing me."

  Heaven knows how excited she was when she first found out that she was pregnant and wanted to tell him, but ended up being locked in a dead jail with despair.

  From heaven to hell, it's just a matter of one day.

  Now he knows, what can he do? This is her child, it has nothing to do with him, even if he wants to admit his mistake...

  "Your Highness Princess Chang." Chong Xun suddenly spoke up, interrupting her thoughts.

  Hua Yu turned her head and heard him say, "Even if our master was wrong, when he married you, he was sincere in his treatment of you. Don't you think this will be a betrayal?"

  What? Hua Yu doesn't understand, at that time, she concealed the truth and didn't say anything, is it justified by emotions? Who should be blamed?

  "Whatever you want to say, just go ahead and say it. There's something not quite right here," said Yu Feng. "Chang Lin is still waiting in the back."

  Jiang Xuanjin pinched her shoulder, then released it, lowered his eyes and said in a pale tone: "Your Highness, please."

  This appearance, no matter how you look at it, doesn't seem like joy, but rather... extreme grief and anger suppressed?

  Li Huaiyu was dazed and was led by Jiang Xuanjin to his own mansion, looking down at his footsteps, which were actually empty and disordered.