The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

That afternoon, Shen Yinian sent an invitation and visited the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion under the pretext of appreciating a newly acquired ancient painting.

Duke Xiao Wen personally received him.

Xiao Wen was nearly fifty years old, with a robust build and a resolute face.

"What brings Your Highness to this old man's place today?" His voice was loud and clear, with a smile, but his eyes were sharp.

Shen Yinian smiled warmly and behaved humbly: "Your Excellency is too kind. I have long wanted to come and bother you, but I was afraid of delaying your business."

"I recently came across a painting by a master called 'Visiting Friends in Autumn Mountains,' which delighted me. Knowing that both the Duke and the Heir Apparent are masters of this art, I brought it here for you two to appreciate."

Xiao Wen laughed and stroked his short beard: "Your Highness is too kind. I am a rough man and do not know much about these things, but my son is quite fond of them."

He turned to his servants and ordered, "Go and invite the young master over."

Before long, Xiao Yu arrived.

He was dressed in a blue brocade robe today, which made his figure look even more upright. When he saw Shen Yinian, he bowed respectfully and said, "Xiao Yu greets Your Highness, the Carefree Prince."

Shen Yinian rose and gestured for him to help him up, saying, "Young Master Xiao, there's no need for such formalities."

His gaze fell on Xiao Yu, with a hint of admiration, "It's been a long time, Your Highness's demeanor is even more impressive than before."

Xiao Yu remained calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Highness flatters me."

The three sat down, and Shen Yinian ordered his attendant to unfurl the scroll. The conversation then revolved around the painting.

He spoke eloquently and had insightful understanding of the paintings. He neither showed off nor hid his knowledge, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

After chatting about paintings for a while, Shen Yinian changed the subject slightly, his tone helpless: "Speaking of which, I went to see Ayan a few days ago."

Xiao Wen paused slightly in his teacup, and Xiao Yu also raised his eyes.

Shen Yin sighed softly, "She's been confined to her residence by Father, and she's been depressed and lost a lot of weight. As her older brother, it breaks my heart to see her like this."

He looked at Xiao Yu with sincere eyes, "Ayan is a bit spoiled, but she's not a bad person at heart."

"I hope the Crown Prince will not hold a grudge against her because of her marriage to him. She values ​​this marriage very much."

Xiao Yu paused for a moment before speaking, "Your Highness is too kind."

"Her Highness the Princess is of noble birth and has a straightforward nature. His Majesty has his reasons for disciplining his children. Xiao Yu dares not have any other thoughts."

This answer was perfectly watertight, attributing everything to His Majesty's will.

Shen Yinian looked at him, smiled, and changed the subject, saying instead:

"Father recently left the capital and entrusted important matters of the court to several important ministers. The Duke and the Heir Apparent must be even busier now."

Xiao Wen put down his teacup, his voice steady: "It is our duty to share His Majesty's burdens."

Shen Yinian nodded: "The Duke's loyalty to the country is admirable."

"Although I am not talented, I hope to do my part for my father and the court. When my father returns to the capital, I plan to volunteer to enter the court and gain experience. There will be many things I need to learn from the Duke and the Heir Apparent."

His words were a preliminary indication of his intentions; Shen Yinian planned to enter the court.

Xiao Wen and Xiao Yu exchanged a glance. Xiao Wen chuckled, maintaining his noncommittal attitude.

"It is a good thing that Your Highness is willing to share His Majesty's burdens. His Majesty is wise and will make arrangements accordingly."

Knowing that he could only touch on the topic briefly today, Shen Yinian took the opportunity to rise and say goodbye.

"I have troubled you for quite some time today. The painting will remain at your residence for your perusal, Your Excellency and the Heir Apparent. I shall take my leave now."

Xiao Wen and his son escorted him to the gate of the mansion.

Watching Shen Yinian's carriage disappear into the distance, Xiao Wen's smile faded, and he said to his son:

"This carefree prince usually keeps a low profile, but it seems he's not someone to be trifled with."

Xiao Yu gazed in the direction the carriage had disappeared, his brow furrowing slightly. "He came today for the sake of the Princess and the Empress, but even more so for himself. Father, we..."

Xiao Wen raised his hand to interrupt him: "His Majesty is in his prime, the Imperial Concubine is a new favorite, and the princes are still unknown. It is too early to take sides at this time."

"We'll discuss everything once His Majesty returns to the capital."

"As for your marriage to the Princess, His Majesty has already issued the decree, and it will not be changed."

"As for the rest, let's wait and see."

Xiao Yu bowed: "Your son understands."