Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Xiao Yi frowned, then nodded. "You're right. We were originally heading north, and we've already covered most of the distance."

However, halfway there, they received an imperial edict from the old emperor, ordering the crown prince, also known as the Prince of the North, to return to the palace.

"Ah, what is the old emperor trying to do?"

Why was he in such a hurry to recall the deposed crown prince?

Tao'er wondered if the old emperor was harboring some kind of conspiracy!

"Because the court is unstable, and his health is getting worse and worse, I heard that he has taken too many longevity pills."

The imperial edict clearly stated that Xie Jingchen's status as crown prince was restored, and he was ordered to return to the palace immediately.

Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, as if he was considering something.

Is the news reliable?

No one would forge an imperial edict to lure Xie Jingchen back to the palace, and then...

For example, the Imperial Concubine's family...

After all, the Consort's banishment to the Cold Palace and the death of Prince Cheng were both inextricably linked to the Crown Prince.

Or perhaps the other princes…”

Tao'er felt that the old emperor's change was too fast and abnormal!

"The imperial edict is real, and the person who delivered it is Xiao Shunzi, a trusted confidant of Li Defu, who is most trusted by the emperor."

Furthermore, we learned from Xiao Shunzi that the fourth prince of Consort Shu and the eldest prince of Consort Duan were fiercely competing for power.

As a result, one person who embezzled disaster relief funds was imprisoned for life, with no chance of release except by death.

One who kept a private army was also exiled to Lingnan.

Xiao Yi lowered his voice and said.

"Then there are no other princes suitable to be the crown prince?"

"Isn't the emperor only having one son left, the crown prince?"

Tao'er thought to herself, "The emperor must have many sons, right?"

After all, with so many concubines in the harem, it would be quite a lot if each one gave birth to just one child.

Xiao Yi shook his head. "There aren't many princes who are usable. Some are too young, some are even still in their swaddling clothes. Some are either mediocre or ruthless, and some are both stupid and wicked!"

The Crown Prince is truly the best choice.

He was the Empress's son, rightfully so, and possessed both benevolence and exceptional talent.

No one is more suitable than him!

"I see. It seems the old emperor knows his days are numbered and has no choice but to recall Xie Jingchen to stabilize the court."

However, some people don't want the Crown Prince to return to the capital smoothly, which is why there are assassins chasing you all the way.

Although Tao'er didn't understand much about court affairs, she still got it.

Xiao Yi nodded approvingly, "Smart!"

That's it.

"Do you know who assassinated you?"

"The poison I was given came from the southern border region. I suspect it was the work of Prince Rui of the southern border."

General Xu, the father of the Imperial Concubine stationed in Xiqi, should also be involved.

It's estimated that some people in the palace also have access to this.

"In that case, it will be quite difficult for the Crown Prince to succeed to the throne smoothly."

To the south lies the covetous Prince Rui, and to the west, a powerful general with whom he harbors deep hatred.

If war breaks out, the people will suffer greatly, and it will be the ordinary people who will suffer!

Tao'er didn't want war either; she wanted to live a few days of peace.

"Tao'er, you don't need to worry too much. Although Prince Rui is the old emperor's younger brother, the old emperor still has sons. He can only become emperor by raising an army in rebellion!"

However, his actions were illegitimate and unjustified, and his unwarranted rebellion made it difficult for him to gain the support of the people.

Besides, rebellion is not such an easy thing, unless…”

"Unless what?"

"Unless General Xu of Xiqi is willing to form an alliance with him, then there is a fifty percent chance of victory!"

Speaking of this, Xiao Yi rarely showed a hint of worry.

"Do you think they might form an alliance?"

Tao'er thought they might actually do that.

After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

They all wished they could bring down the crown prince.

If the Crown Prince becomes emperor, that old scoundrel Xu will definitely not have a good end!

He fears that he will definitely form an alliance with Prince Rui.

If he succeeds, he can also gain credit for supporting the emperor.

Tao'er analyzed them one by one.

Xiao Yi nodded to Tao'er, his eyes full of admiration.

"What you said is also what I was thinking, but the Crown Prince is not to be trifled with; he also has some old ministers who support him."

Moreover, he will soon exonerate our Xiao family.

At that time, our Xiao family army will be his support. My father said that the Prime Minister also has some capable protégés in the court who support him and are also the Crown Prince's pillars.

My two older brothers, who have always kept a low profile, can also lend a hand.

In this way, the crown prince's power will not be small.

So you don't need to worry too much.

Xiao Yi began to explain in detail.

Tao'er slapped her forehead, "Oh right, I forgot about your Xiao family army! This army is perfectly capable of resisting that old scoundrel Xu!"

"Tao'er, let's not talk about these things anymore. You don't need to worry about these things. I will ensure your safety."

You have no idea how difficult my journey has been.

Those assassins are endless; I can't kill them all.

But thankfully, I made it to see you.

Seeing you makes me feel at ease.

Xiao Yi said with a smile.

"You really don't value your own life at all!"

Even if you're going to escort the Crown Prince to the capital, you don't have to risk your life!

Are you stupid?

Tao'er thought this person was really stubborn.

"My protection of the Crown Prince is not entirely because of him, but for other reasons."

When Xiao Yi said this, he didn't dare to look Tao'er in the eye.

Tao'er didn't notice anything unusual about Xiao Yi and casually asked, "Why?"

"You'll find out later!"

Xiao Yi stammered.

Tao'er didn't mind that he was unwilling to talk; she didn't like to force others anyway.

"By the way, why did you come back alone? Where are Qingfeng and Sister Dongkui?"

Weren't they with you?

Are they safe?

Tao suddenly remembered that there were still two people she hadn't asked.

"Tao'er, don't worry, they haven't come back, and they're not in danger. You don't need to worry!"

Xiao Yi quickly replied.

"That's good. So where did they go?"

It's been so long since I've seen them, and they smell really good.

"They went to the North, and I estimate they've arrived there by now and reunited with my parents."

Qingfeng is a father!

"What?

wow!

Dongkui is pregnant. I didn't expect Qingfeng to be so capable.

Tao smiled gently, genuinely happy for them.

Dongkui has achieved a fulfilling life.

"you do not say!

This kid's luck is unbelievable!

Xiao Yi also laughed.

"We don't know how the Prime Minister and his wife are doing either?"

Are you getting used to things over there?

Tao'er sighed, thinking of the First Madam and the others.

"They're doing well; they haven't suffered much along the way."

After all, my people have been secretly protecting us on the road.

They all said the things and food you gave them were very good.

I wasn't hungry or thirsty along the way, and arrived there safely.

And they'll be back soon, then you'll see them.

Xiao Yi had a slight smile on his face.

"Ah, weren't they just exiled to the north? How come they're back so quickly?"

Tao'er felt that today's impact was too great.

The Crown Prince has been reinstated, Xiao Yi has been poisoned, and the Xiao family is also returning to the capital.

"The Crown Prince told me that once he returned to the capital, he persuaded the old emperor to issue an edict to bring the Xiao family back to the capital for a retrial of their treasonous crimes."

So I believe my parents and brothers will be back soon.

Xiao Yi's eyes shone brightly, filled with light.

"That's great, the Xiao family is about to be exonerated."

There must have been something to do with Grand Tutor Qin Zhong in this. The Prime Minister once told me that he and Prince Cheng conspired to impeach the Xiao family.

By the way, the Prime Minister mentioned a letter, saying that it was not much different from one he wrote himself.

I wonder who could have placed this letter of treason in the master's study, only to have it found during a search?

"Tao'er, are you saying there's a traitor in our Xiao family?"

Xiao Yi's eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists tightly.

"Xiao Yi, I don't know either, this is just a guess."

You can send someone to the Seven Kill Pavilion to investigate!

Tao'er reminded her.

The person who entered the Prime Minister's study was definitely not an ordinary person!

"Okay, I understand. I'll have someone investigate."

"Peach, you said you had something to ask me, what is it?"

Xiao Yi suppressed his fierce aura and his tone became gentle.

I wonder if what I did just now scared the little girl.

I need to control my emotions in the future and not show them in front of her.