"Moreover, I feel that even if Marquis Changning leaves the court, itâs not a big issue. He hasnât truly cut off his involvement with court affairs," His Highness Crown Prince said, looking down. "Father Emperor, why are you so anxious?"
"If something major happens in the court, Father Emperor can always send a message to Funan. I believe that even while in Funan, Marquis Changning would care about the major affairs of the court. Of course, I think that the messages should not be sent too frequently, otherwise, if Marquis Changning discerns your intentions, he might leave Funan."
Baili Yanâs eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he stepped forward to pat His Highness Crown Prince on the shoulder, "Well said, youâve got it right."
He thought to himself, Ye Ziâan wants to completely detach from the court; heâs dreaming.
Although frequent letters are not possible, sending two matters a year to Funan is feasible.
This way, Ye Ziâanâs wish to stay peacefully in Funan would be impossible, and this arrangement would satisfy him. At least, he wouldnât be the only one bearing the burden.
The Emperor was pleased, staying to dine with the Empress and His Highness Crown Prince before departing.
However, His Highness Crown Prince did not take his leave immediately.
The Empress expressed her dissatisfaction to His Highness Crown Prince, "Isnât Marquis Changning being overly pretentious? Not only did you, as a major figure in the court, personally go to persuade him, but your Father Emperor also holds him in high regard. How can he still not be satisfied?"
"Mother Empress, please donât speak hastily," His Highness Crown Prince said. "You donât know, Marquis Changning stepped away from the court precisely because he was content. Father Emperor wanted to appoint him Prime Minister, but he has no desire for power. If he were power-hungry, he wouldnât have left now, nor would he at his age. You know how much Father Emperor relies on him; if he werenât content, would he leave now?"
"You forget there are still people aged sixty or seventy in the court." After a pause, His Highness Crown Prince continued, "Also, my visit to Prince Anâs Mansion was to see the sick, not to persuade. Mother Empress, please donât say otherwise."
"Youâre right," the Empress sighed. "I just feel like youâre a bit isolated in strength; your younger brothers are all grown now. Although itâs not obvious yet, just wait and see in the next two or three years, and theyâll start competing."
"So what?" His Highness Crown Prince was unconcerned. He had fully grasped his cousinâs advice, understanding that as long as he did not err and remained diligent, even if Father Emperor was dissatisfied with him, he would have no grounds to depose him.
"Mother Empress, you shouldnât worry about these matters. If you have the leisure, itâs better to manage Father Emperorâs harem well. Avoiding mistakes is the greatest help for me," His Highness Crown Prince said straightforwardly. "If people canât find faults with me, and then turn to you, that would be troublesome."
The Empress was so shaken by this statement that she resolved, "Yes, my son is right. Mother Empress will certainly be extremely vigilant in the future, not to drag you down."
The news of Ye Ziâanâs departure from the Capital City also reached the Mu Residence and the State Duke of Defenseâs Residence.
Yang Xiayun was filled with envy.
"My elder sister is really living a life thatâs enviable. She left just like that," Yang Xiayun sighed. "I thought that once I returned to the Capital City, I would have a place to go during idle times at the residence. But now that weâve returned, sheâs left."
"Isnât there still the Mu Residence?" Luo Linhao comforted her. "In a few years, when Hongjun and Hongbo grow up, we will also go to Funan."
"I canât be as carefree as my elder sister," Yang Xiayun shook her head. "Our Hongjun isnât Lele or Yangyang. We must keep a close watch on the child."