Palace maid Shuoning

(One)

As Jiang Shuoning and Gao Shuran stepped into the Prince's Mansion, they saw Zhou Zhengyin and Huo Xiao walking towards them.

"Where did you go just now?"

Zhou Zhengyin's gaze fell on the two of them, his expression showing some anxiety. He then instructed Minglan to escort Gao Shuran back to the courtyard.

Gao Shuran curtsied slightly, nodded to Huo Xiao in greeting, and then turned and headed towards her own courtyard.

Zhou Zhengyin glanced around her, but couldn't find Ya Ya. He frowned slightly, looked at Jiang Shuoning, and asked softly, "Auntie, where's Ya Ya?"

Jiang Shuoning remained calm and replied, "We ran into Baozhong on the way. Yaya wanted to go to the Xie residence to play, so Baozhong took her away."

Huo Xiao noticed a slight change in Zhou Zhengyin's expression and quickly changed the subject:

"Your Highness, the city is bathed in the bright spring sunshine today, and it is a good thing that the concubine can go out for a stroll. I brought some tonics, which will be perfect for the concubine to continue her recuperation."

Jiang Shuoning looked up and smiled faintly at him:

"For the past three months, Lord Huo has sent tonics almost every day, which is more than enough. Thank you, Lord Huo."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Zhengyin concealed his unusual expression and slowly said, "Aunt, come with me to the study. Zhou Xiao will be here shortly."

Jiang Shuoning nodded slightly, and then went to the study with him and Huo Xiao.

At 9 PM, the candlelight flickered in the study.

Jiang Shuoning frowned, looking at Zhou Zhengyin, his tone revealing his urgency:

"You're going to war? Why did the Emperor specifically choose you? The Southern Jin Kingdom has been unconquered for three years, and the court is full of renowned generals. You've never set foot on the battlefield before. Isn't going there to your death?"

Looking at her anxious expression, Zhou Zhengyin smiled faintly:

"It was I who asked Minister Gao and my master Yang Fan to recommend me to the Emperor. This time, the Crown Prince also strongly recommended me."

Aunt should understand that the Crown Prince's true intention was to hope that I would perish on the battlefield. But his thinking is far too simplistic. Aunt, rest assured, this time I will be accompanied by Shan Hengzhe, and Father has also granted me the authority of commander-in-chief.

This is my chance to turn things around. As long as I achieve great things, I can gain a foothold in the court, accumulate enough power, and contend with the Crown Prince's faction.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuoning slowly lowered his eyes and said no more.

Seeing Jiang Shuoning's dejected expression, Huo Xiao lowered his voice and spoke at the opportune moment:

"Consort, there is no need to worry. The Prince's expedition is precisely to break the deadlock through military achievements and establish a foundation for himself."

Another secret report came in: Baozhong sent someone to tell me to seize an opportunity to destroy the workshop that produces acacia seeds, and the site has already been handed over to me.

Recently, undercurrents have been brewing within the Crown Prince's inner circle. Bao Zhong has now seized the source of the acacia seeds, along with evidence of the Crown Prince's faction for personal gain and embezzlement of public taxes, and has recorded and preserved all of it.

However, there is still one crucial trump card up our sleeve, but the time is not yet ripe to reveal it.

Zhou Zhengyin's expression was solemn. He looked up at Huo Xiao and said in a deep voice, "Tell Baozhong to protect himself at all costs and not to let the Crown Prince notice anything amiss."

Huo Xiao bowed and replied in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will remind Bao Zhong many times to be cautious in his actions, to keep a low profile, and not to leave any clues."

Huo Xiao got up and opened the door, while Shan Hengzhe stood to the side.

Zhou Xiao waved his folding fan, a faint smile playing on his lips, and glanced at everyone in the room: "Oh, quite a gathering tonight."

After saying that, he stepped aside to let the people behind him pass. "With Ninth Brother about to go to war, it's a good opportunity for us, who have secretly formed an alliance, to meet up."

Bao Zhong, dressed in a guard's uniform with his hat brim pulled down, stepped forward, looked up at Huo Xiao, and said in a low voice, "Brother Huo."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Zhou Zhengyin's heart skipped a beat, and he strode quickly to the door.

The moment her gaze fell on Baozhong, her eyes suddenly reddened.

(two)

Inside the study, Zhou Zhengyin, Huo Xiao, Bao Zhong, Zhou Xiao, Jiang Shuoning, and Shan Hengzhe were all present.

Trusted guards had already been stationed outside the gate, with multiple layers of security, preventing unauthorized personnel from approaching.

With red eyes, Zhou Zhengyin stood in front of Bao Zhong, his chest churning with a mix of emotions, his throat dry, and his lips trembling. Ignoring everyone in the room, he lifted his robe and knelt heavily on the ground.

"Your Highness, you mustn't!"

Bao Zhong's pupils dilated suddenly, his expression changed drastically, and he immediately bent down to help.

Huo Xiao, Zhou Xiao, and Shan Hengzhe also quickly stepped forward and reached out to help him.

"Don't stop me!"

Zhou Zhengyin brushed aside the crowd's support, raised his eyes to gaze at Bao Zhong, choked up several times, and his voice became hoarse:

"Baozhong, in my entire life, apart from my father, the only people I would kneel before are you and my aunt. A simple thank you is too little."

"Wait until I pacify the Southern Jin Kingdom and await news of victory. From now on, it will be my turn to protect you and your aunt."

Bao Zhong immediately knelt on one knee, firmly supporting his hands, his Adam's apple bobbing slowly, his voice deep and resolute:

"There is no distinction between us; we are all of the same fate. So how can one protect the other?"

The day you woke up after your suicide attempt, I resolved to sacrifice myself to help you. This path was one I chose myself.

Fortunately, I, Baozhong, didn't misjudge you. Through trials and tribulations, we've both transformed, and thankfully, we haven't come to the point of turning against each other.

Huo Xiao, Zhou Xiao, and Shan Hengzhe stood to the side, watching the two treat each other with sincerity and disregard past grievances. They felt both bittersweet and heartfelt gratification.

Huo Xiao subconsciously looked up and gazed at Jiang Shuoning, who was sitting at the end of the table.

She kept her eyes downcast, her face calm and expressionless, seemingly having let go of the past with Baozhong.

But only she knew that the bitterness surging in her heart was far more intense than she appeared outwardly calm.

Bao Zhong bent down to help Zhou Zhengyin up, gently patted his shoulder, smiled faintly, quickly suppressed his earlier emotion, and changed the subject to get to the point:

"Alright, it's all in the past. I risked coming here tonight to remind you to be careful on your journey to war. The Crown Prince has already planted spies, ready to kill you at any opportunity."

He then turned to look at Shan Hengzhe, his gaze calm: "Remember, secretly increase the number of guards and maintain full defense. Do not let your guard down."

Shan Hengzhe nodded emphatically in acceptance.

Bao Zhong raised his eyes, turned his gaze to Huo Xiao, and spoke in a calm tone:

"Brother Huo, I have given you the address of the Acacia Seed Poison Shop. You must capture Zhou Jin's trusted confidant and keep him alive so that he can identify Zhou Jin himself later."

Huo Xiao smiled slightly, his eyes filled with confidence and composure: "Brother Xie, rest assured, this matter has already been planned and is under my control."

Bao Zhong and Huo Xiao exchanged a smile, both of them understanding each other perfectly and confident in their plans.

Zhou Xiao leaned back lazily in his chair, gently fanning himself with a folding fan. His smile seemed casual, but his eyes held a hint of deep thought.

"Everything has a plan, but Zhou Heng should not be underestimated. He is cunning and treacherous, and his scheming is far superior to that of ordinary people."

The case of my third brother is shrouded in mystery, and the real culprit remains at large. This matter has been entrusted to me for a thorough investigation.

He closed his fan, raised his eyes to look directly at Zhou Zhengyin, and spoke frankly and confidently in front of his trusted allies:

"Ninth Brother, with everyone here today, give me a clear answer in front of everyone. When the Crown Prince falls from power and the court is purged, and you take charge of the situation, you must allow Shu Ran and me to withdraw unscathed."

Zhou Zhengyin looked up at Zhou Xiao and solemnly agreed:

"Sixth Brother, rest assured, a word I, Zhou Zhengyin, keep is a word. Once things are settled, I will make all the necessary arrangements, discreetly, without arousing Father's suspicion, so that you and Shuran can live happily ever after."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiao threw his head back and laughed loudly, then gently waved his folding fan.

Jiang Shuoning, who was standing to the side, turned to look at Zhou Xiao and gently instructed, "Shu Ran is five months pregnant. From now on, you need to take good care of her at night."

Zhou Xiao nodded in agreement: "Thank you for your guidance, Consort." He suddenly seemed to recall an amusing incident, a smile playing on his lips, and changed the subject:

"If I leave the capital with Shuran in the future, the position of Princess Consort will be vacant, and it will likely be yours, Consort. At that time, I will congratulate you on becoming a Princess Consort."

As soon as the words were spoken, Bao Zhong, Zhou Zhengyin, and Huo Xiao all showed different expressions.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuoning calmly raised her eyes, a composed smile spreading across her face.

"Since the Sixth Prince has snatched away the Prince's wife and gained such a great advantage, the vacant position of Princess Consort should naturally be filled by the Sixth Prince himself."

Zhou Xiao was taken aback upon hearing this, then lightly tapped his palm with his folding fan, his smile casual yet playful, his eyes full of cunning:

"Oh dear, that concubine's mouth really knows how to keep its mouth shut. So, if I steal the princess away, I'll have to pay her the title of princess instead? I'm losing big time in this deal."

He sighed deliberately, glanced at everyone in the room, and intentionally teased her:

"But if the concubine truly desires this position, why should I fill it? Ninth Brother's heart already belongs entirely to you; why should anyone else interfere?"