Uncle Zhong had already arrived in the capital.
In that previous life, Uncle Zhong hadn't come at this time.
Though in that life, Uncle Zhong had mentioned coming to the capital to deliver Father's resignation request, but before he could make it, the capital fell into chaos.
This time, Uncle Zhong had come early, and even said he would take her home.
Home, back to the Border Commandery!
Father actually wanted to bring her back!
Chu Zhao felt as if she had grown wings and taken flight, but upon hearing Xie Yanfang's next words, she landed back on the ground.
Invite Uncle Zhong to the Spring Gazing Garden?
Better not.
Her competition wasn't much to watch anyway, and Uncle Zhong was Father's man. If he came, the Third Prince and Xie Yanfang might take notice. As a young woman, she was insignificant, but Uncle Zhong was different—his every move represented Father.
At a time like this, it absolutely must not happen.
"No need," Chu Zhao quickly shook her head, smiling. "Thank you, Young Master Xie. Uncle Zhong is a rough man who can barely read. Even if he came, he wouldn't understand, and he'd feel out of place in such a setting. He's better off staying in the military camp. Since he came to see me, I'll go meet him as soon as my competition ends today."
Xie Yanfang didn't particularly care whether Deputy General Zhong came or not; he had only suggested it to comfort the girl. Since she declined, he let it go.
"Alright," he nodded. "The military camp is under my jurisdiction. My men will take good care of Deputy General Zhong and ensure they are treated properly."
Chu Zhao didn't refuse this kindness. After all, her father hadn't returned to the capital for many years and his reputation wasn't favorable. The capital was full of people who judged others by their status. With Xie Yanfang's assurance, Uncle Zhong and the others wouldn't be mistreated.
Uncle Zhong had followed her father and endured so much hardship in that previous life. She hoped they could live more comfortably now.
"Thank you, Young Master Xie," Chu Zhao expressed her gratitude sincerely and turned to leave.
Xie Yanfang called out to her, "Miss Azhao."
Chu Zhao promptly turned back, looking at him earnestly. "Is there anything else, Young Master Xie?"
Xie Yanfang asked, "I meant to ask if Miss Azhao has any requests for me."
Puzzled, Chu Zhao shook her head. "No, nothing." Then she added again, "Young Master Xie, you must keep a close watch on the Third Prince. He is even more cruel than you realize, more bloodthirsty than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince's martial nature is superficial, but the Third Prince's runs deep in his bones. Others don't see it and remain unguarded."
Xie Yanfang nodded gravely. "Understood, I'll remember that." He then asked, "What I meant was, since you are sincerely helping me, what can I do for you?"
So that's what he meant. Chu Zhao smiled. If she were to list her dissatisfactions, there were many, but upon reflection, they all seemed trivial. All her problems were her own; as long as she didn't lose herself in infatuation again, everything could be resolved.
And now, her only worry—returning to see her father and being with him—had been solved.
Though she didn't know why Father had changed his mind, perhaps Heaven had seen her transformation and finally opened its eyes.
Father was coming for her!
She could return to her father's side!
After ten years spanning two lifetimes, she would finally see her father again!
She had no other desires!
"I need nothing," she replied, her eyes sparkling like stars. "I am completely content and free of worries."
With that, she waved at Xie Yanfang, turned, and hurried to join her maid A Le, who was waiting nearby. The two girls leaned in, whispering excitedly, and then the maid also beamed with joy. The pair, one after the other, skipped away cheerfully.Xie Yanfang stood in place, watching as he couldn't help but laugh, though the laughter soon faded away.
He had never met a person who desired nothing.
Many people, simply by standing before him—even without speaking—revealed their desires to him.
In this world, no one is without wants or needs.
Of course, Chu Zhao had them too: she asked him to guard against the Third Prince and protect the Crown Prince.
He wasn’t surprised. Although Chu Zhao claimed it wasn’t because the Third Prince had targeted and humiliated her, a young girl without a reason must have a purpose.
He believed Chu Zhao’s purpose was for Chu Ling.
Chu Ling could no longer be reinstated; his life was nearing its end. However, he could be granted an honorable conclusion—such as a posthumous title and promotion in rank. This would not only clear his previous charges but also bring honor to his family.
At this very moment, Chu Ling’s attendant, Zhong Changrong, had also arrived in the capital with a request to resign from his official post.
That was why he had proactively asked if she needed help earlier.
Out of regard for the girl’s dedication to the Crown Prince, he didn’t mind lending Chu Ling a hand.
But unexpectedly, she refused.
The girl said she needed nothing, desired nothing.
Desired nothing? He, Xie Yanfang, had never met someone who desired nothing.
Moreover, he clearly knew the girl was speaking the truth—she truly desired nothing for herself.
Earlier, she had been as happy as she described: content and carefree.
As Xie Yanfang gazed at the empty flower path before him, a strange thought arose: Could it be that the girl’s desire was him?
Was it truly as the rumors on the street claimed—that she wanted to get close to him?
Xie Yanfang couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Others might not know, but why should he join in the speculation? When the girl stood opposite him, could he not see whether there was any affection for him in her eyes?
Facing him, the girl only scrutinized, assessed, and urged. Though she seemed to stand close, she always maintained a distance—unlike with Xie Yanlai, with whom she could even argue—
Arguing was also a form of emotion, one not easily directed at just anyone, especially for someone skilled at concealing their feelings.
Then, an even stranger thought occurred to Xie Yanfang: Could that rumor be true? Was Miss Chu willing to stick by Xie Yanlai through life and death?
He threw his head back and laughed heartily.
Beside him, Cai Bo could no longer resist interrupting, asking, “Young Master, what are you thinking that makes you so happy?”
Xie Yanfang replied with a smile, “Thinking about matters of the heart.”
Cai Bo looked astonished—since when did Young Master Xie the Third ponder matters of the heart?
Xie Yanfang was quite pleased to have startled the old man and, laughing, turned to walk away.
Cai Bo collected himself, feeling somewhat helpless. The young master was becoming more and more mischievous, especially after each meeting and conversation with Chu Zhao—
Hmm?
“Young Master,” Cai Bo couldn’t help but follow and asked hesitantly, “Whose matters of the heart are you thinking about?”
Xie Yanfang’s laughter grew even louder.
The laughter drew many glances from those around. Some saw his joyful expression, while others looked hesitant, whispering among themselves—after all, Xie Yanfang was the Crown Prince’s man, and the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had just had a bitter falling-out.
Xie Yanfang had actually come to attend the Hope Spring Garden Literary Gathering.
Was he here to embarrass the Third Prince at the gathering?
And how could the Third Prince let him off easily?
Regardless of the varied expressions and speculations around them, Cai Bo caught up to Xie Yanfang and asked in a low voice, “When are we returning to the Crown Prince’s side?”
Xie Yanfang replied, “Being here is also for the Crown Prince’s affairs.”
Cai Bo said helplessly, “But surely it’s not only for business. The Crown Princess and the Little Highness are both here. It’s a chance for family to gather and enjoy themselves.”
Family?"For loved ones to remain joyful," Xie Yanfang said with a smile, "one must take action. As for Little Highness—"
He glanced at Cai Bo.
"He is the future reliance of the Xie family, but not my personal reliance."
Thus, as family, Little Highness is Little Highness; as sovereign, Little Highness is not his sovereign either.
He need not interact excessively with Little Highness.
...
...
Outside the capital, the imperial hunting grounds encircled by mountains echoed with human shouts, horse neighs, and hound barks, nearly shaking the forest canopy.
Sitting on the high slopes, one could feel the vibrations.
The small figure seemed unable to remain seated, standing up on tiptoes to peer—not downward at the commotion, but upward toward the higher mountains and dense woods.
"My Little Highness," Qi Gonggong panted as he climbed up, "why have you run all the way here?"
He glanced around; of course, imperial guards stood watch nearby, but after all, this was just a child.
"Qi Gonggong," the child's voice carried a tinge of sorrow, "I'm waiting for my uncle. Mother said Uncle would shoot arrows from the heights, never missing his mark."
But he had waited all day, even deliberately standing at the highest point, yet never caught sight of his legendary uncle's figure.
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