At twilight, Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao followed Murong Yuan to Jianzhang Palace.
After fourteen years of absence, the majestic palace remained as solemn as ever.
Only this time, it wasn't as cold as when Xie Xun had knelt outside fourteen years ago, begging Emperor Hongtai.
"You two wait outside for me."
Murong Yuan instructed, ascending the white marble steps.
Emperor Hongtai was reviewing imperial edicts in his study when the grand minister Du En entered and quietly reported, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Emperor Hongtai hummed, "Let him in."
Du En withdrew, and shortly after, Murong Yuan strode in, kneeling respectfully before the Emperor, "Father Emperor, my third brother has safely arrived at the Palace of the Crown Prince and is waiting outside. Shall I summon him in?"
Emperor Hongtai's vermilion brush paused momentarily, "No need, let him return. He can attend the banquet at Ganlu Hall later."
Murong Yuan's lips curved slightly, "Father Emperor, since he hasn't been seen for fourteen years, wouldn't it be... improper to simply dismiss him?"
"Hmm?" Emperor Hongtai glanced at him.
Murong Yuan immediately straightened up, "Yes, I shall convey your message to my third brother."
Outside, Xie Xun hadn't looked anywhere but at Jiang Xiaoxiao, afraid she might feel cold, he took her hands and warmed them in his palms.
Jiang Xiaoxiao muttered softly, "To think we'd have to wait so long just to see the Emperor."
Xie Xun smiled faintly, "He won't see me."
"Ah? Why?"
"Because that's how it was fourteen years ago."
Xie Xun spoke of it as if the past agony had long faded, sounding nonchalant.
"Then why come if you knew the Emperor wouldn't see you?"
Xie Xun lowered his lashes, "Just to retrace the path my late mother walked."
As he finished, Murong Yuan emerged, his expression apologetic and awkward, "My apologies, third brother. It seems Father Emperor is in a foul mood and doesn't wish to see you for now. But rest assured, the Palace of the Crown Prince will always be your home. Stay there, and let me know if you need anything."
Xie Xun understood, "In that case, we won't attend the palace banquet either. My late mother had a private villa outside the palace when she was alive - I can stay there, no need to trouble the Crown Prince."
Murong Yuan paused, "Oh come now, third brother!"
He smiled wryly, "You've grown accustomed to life in Yunzhou and picked up quite the temper. Tonight's palace banquet is specifically for welcoming your return to Yanjing. All the civil and military officials will be there. Are you really going to skip it just like that?"
"Besides, you can't take out your frustrations on Father Emperor!"
Xie Xun scoffed coldly, "You expect me to join those 'loyal officials' who once vilified and sought to expel me from Yanjing in merrymaking?"
"Third brother, those are ancient grievances from years ago. Why hold onto them?" Murong Yuan reasoned, "Listen to me - what's done is done. Life is long, you can't cling to those old grudges forever, or how will you live?"
He continued, "Don't worry, I'll speak up for you with Father Emperor. It's not what you think - he's probably just afraid that seeing you will remind him of the late Empress... Er... Mmm..."
Murong Yuan's words were cut off mid-sentence as he found himself unable to speak. He turned his piercing gaze toward Jiang Xiaoxiao.
The daft girl wore an utterly innocent, clueless expression.
He had clearly underestimated her before!
His master's judgment must have been accurate - this girl was no ordinary person.
And that appearance...
Disregarding her foolish demeanor, her face surpassed even Ye Chan's beauty.
Thinking that in a few days Xie Xun would be sealed, and this girl would become his, Murong Yuan felt a sense of intrigue as he eyed Jiang Xiaoxiao.
Jiang Xiaoxiao met his gaze, "Big brother, if you can't talk, it's better to stay silent, or you might get scolded."
After speaking, she followed Xie Xun out of the palace.
It took Murong Yuan a long time to find the man in black robes and undo the spell Jiang Xiaoxiao had cast on him.
When he returned to Jianzhang Palace and informed Emperor Hongtai of Xie Xun's refusal to attend the banquet, he had expected his father to be furious with Xie Xun, further souring his impression.
But to his surprise, the moment he finished speaking, Emperor Hongtai unleashed a torrent of reproaches upon him.
Scolding him for previously swearing to take care of his younger brother but now failing even a simple palace banquet - an act of defiance against the Emperor.
Murong Yuan was dumbfounded. How could he shoulder such a grave blame? He hurriedly knelt, promising to leave the palace and find Xie Xun immediately.
Outside Jianzhang Palace, Murong Yuan recalled Jiang Xiaoxiao's earlier words - that if he couldn't talk, he should say less, or face scolding.
That wretched girl!
Murong Yuan's face darkened.
Xie Xun led Jiang Xiaoxiao out of the palace.
"Did your late mother really leave you a private villa?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.
"There is one, but I've never been there," Xie Xun replied, "My old nanny only told me the address. Whether we can find it remains to be seen. But it's late now, so we'll find an inn to rest first and search tomorrow."
Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded - as long as Xie Xun was happy, she didn't mind where they went.
As the two walked side by side, the sound of hoofbeats approached from behind.
The rider was none other than Murong Yuan.
"Third brother!"
Murong Yuan reined in his horse and called out, "Where are you two going?"
Xie Xun didn't turn around, his tone indifferent, "Is there something?"
"Third brother, let's not make a fuss, alright?" Murong Yuan pleaded, "All the officials are waiting for you at Ganlu Hall right now. You're the guest of honor - how can you not show up?"
Xie Xun said, "They're welcoming Murong Xun, the third Imperial son, but I'm not him. My surname is Xie."
"Look at you, still bearing grudges, aren't you?" Murong Yuan chided, "Father Emperor has promised that as soon as you return to Yanjing, he'll bestow a royal title upon you. Aren't you a grown man now? Stop acting so childish!"
He dismounted and approached Xie Xun, tugging at his sleeve, "Listen to me and come back. You'll get to see Father Emperor at the banquet soon. Whatever grievances you have, you can tell him then."
Upon hearing this, Xie Xun's expression turned mocking, "Someone took something from me, and I despise that person. I want him to go to hell. Can I say that?"
Murong Yuan's facial muscles twitched - Xie Xun clearly knew that his purple gold dragon aura had been seized by him.
"Oh? Was the one who stole from you in Yunzhou? Don't worry, no need to bother Father Emperor with this. I, your brother, can take care of it for you. But right now, you must return with me to the palace immediately!"
Xie Xun stood motionless, the chill in his eyes seemingly solidified into substance. "Who was it that decreed my exile from Yanjing back then? Let the same person request my return, or else I will not go."
