If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

The moment the words "deposed crown prince" were uttered, the court was never at peace.

For several days in a row, the court assembly in the Taiji Hall became a power struggle between the Wang family and the Yu family.

Yu Liang went from saying "Even a tiger won't eat its cubs" to "The crown prince is the foundation of the nation," stating frankly that while the crown prince was guilty, his crimes did not warrant such a severe punishment. Deposing the crown prince would shake the very foundation of the nation and destroy its own defenses, only causing pain to those close to him and joy to his enemies. He spoke with great passion, and at one point, he was almost moved to tears.

In contrast, Wang Dun and his son Wang Jue remained silent. The Wang family members, disciples, and former officials behind them would naturally take action on their behalf, refuting Yu Liang's words one after another.

Seeing that the Wang family father and son were unmoved by either soft or hard tactics, Yu Liang decided to persuade Xi Jian; if Xi Jian promised not to pursue the matter, the Wang family father and son would have no reason to punish the Crown Prince.

"If the Grand Secretary believes the Crown Prince is innocent, why not allow your daughter to attend such a banquet as well?"

Yu Liang was immediately speechless.

The emperor looked at the Wang family members kneeling in the hall, and then at the silent voices of Xi Jian and his son, knowing that there was no room for maneuver.

The imperial court was never ruled by him, the emperor.

It's all because the Crown Prince underestimated the enemy.

"Issue the imperial decree: The Crown Prince is morally deficient and unfit for great responsibilities. Effective immediately, he shall be demoted to a commoner, removed from the Eastern Palace, and imprisoned in a separate residence. He shall not leave without an imperial edict."

Wang Dun slowly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

After the court session ended, Xi Jian walked out along the palace corridor; Xi Rui followed behind his father, sensing that his father seemed to have something on his mind.

"Father, is there anything you want to tell your son?"

Xi Jian stopped and looked back at the Taiji Hall behind him. The glazed tiles on the roof shimmered in the autumn sunlight. The towering peaks and majestic buildings resembled a giant beast that had devoured the blood and bones of countless people.

He sighed softly, "That kid from the Wang family, he really has some tricks up his sleeve."

Xi Rui was silent for a moment, then said, "I only just realized it myself..." He paused, then lowered his voice, "Fanfan was bullied, and he made such a huge fuss about it, even going so far as to depose the Crown Prince. Isn't this clearly announcing to the world that Fanfan is the one he has his eye on?"

"With the name of the Langya Wang family attached to her, which man in the capital would dare to get close to my little sister? Who wouldn't be afraid of offending the Wang family? He's not standing up for Fanfan at all, he's clearly—"

By drawing a line on the ground, he was telling the whole world that the Xi family's daughter was the one he, Wang Jue, had chosen; those families who had originally been considering marrying into the Xi family would probably not even dare to think about it from now on.

If the Wang family can exert their influence, even the crown prince can be deposed. What are they compared to them?

Thinking of this, Xi Rui felt both absurd and indignant, yet also somewhat admiring.

What's absurd is that this person would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even turning the entire court upside down; what's admirable is that this person is courageous and insightful, and no matter what he does, he has a perfect plan and is sure to win, hitting the nail on the head with every move.

Such a person, if an enemy, is a nightmare; but if one is on your side...

He dared not think.

A slight smile rippled through Xi Jian's chest, and the gleam in his eyes betrayed his admiration for the young man, Wang Jue.

"A man of ruthless methods, meticulous mind, and flawless planning... it would be a pity to only have him serve as a minister to a king."

Xi Rui understood his father's implication and was startled. "Father is confused. Aristocratic families may allow the Wang family to become powerful, but they cannot allow him..."

Whoever is chosen by the powerful families will become the emperor.

The aristocratic families granted the emperor a certain degree of legitimacy, but that was all.

All major political affairs were managed by powerful families, with several families taking turns in power, one after another.

If any powerful family attempts to overthrow the emperor and establish itself as emperor, it will inevitably provoke a united resistance from other powerful families.

To put it bluntly, you can stand up for your brothers and act as the big brother, which is the benefit of your ability and loyalty;

But if you suddenly want to be a father to your brothers, no one will agree.

Wang Jue's paternal uncle, Wang Zhang, once attempted to seize Jiankang and declare himself emperor, disrupting the balance of power. However, he was ultimately abandoned by his own family and other powerful clans, destined to fail.

"Never mind." Xi Jian's voice returned to its usual calm. "I was just saying it casually. Being an emperor in this world isn't so easy."

"Go home and see your sister."

Xi Rui: "Father, what do you plan to do with Madam Yu and Xi Yao?"

Xi Jian's eyes were cold. "An eye for an eye."

Xi Rui didn't quite understand.

"I have my own plans, you don't need to ask any more questions."

"oh."

Xi Rui looked at his father's cold, hard profile, hesitating to speak.

He longed to ask his father if he had ever considered Xi Hui and Xi Yao as his children.

But my father's words and actions over the years seem to have already explained this problem.

Leaving aside the fact that Xi Hui and Xi Yao's background disgusted their father, the things that the father and son had thoroughly investigated since returning to the capital were enough to send chills down one's spine.

They clearly intended to spoil Fanfan and Asong, and once Fanfan and Asong were dealt with, how could their eldest son, who was the most troublesome to them, possibly fare well?

Xi Jian's eyes unconsciously reddened.

"That strange dream... was probably a warning from your mother. She was blaming me for not taking good care of you and your siblings."

Xi Rui: "Father, please don't say that. You don't have three heads and six arms. The matter in Jingkou has already kept you busy, not to mention that the royal family and several powerful families are eyeing our military power."

"Life is rarely perfect, but fortunately, it's not too late."

"Let's go, Father, back to the manor. Fanfan and Asong are still waiting for us at home."

Xi Jian smiled. He didn't know when it had happened, but his eldest son had grown into someone who could put his mind at ease.

Father and son strode out of the palace gate.

That evening, Xi Jian had Xi Rui personally write a letter and send it by servants to the Zhou family's residence in the capital.

The following evening

Zhou Shuhuai arrived as promised.

He wore a light brown robe, without a single wrinkle at the collar or cuffs; a blue palace sash was tied around his waist, adorned with a small jade pendant.

The gatekeeper led him through the front garden and into the inner garden. The man's gaze occasionally swept over the flowers and trees in the garden, his eyes filled with just the right amount of appreciation.

Xi Jian, Xi Rui, and Xi Song were all in the front hall.

Zhou Shuhuai took two quick steps, stopped at the threshold, and bowed respectfully, "Junior Zhou Shuhuai greets General Xi."

Xi Jian looked him up and down carefully.

The young man in front of me was just over twenty years old. He was slender, with a gentle face and a warm and refined air about him, like a bamboo stalk that would bend in the wind but would never break.

"Young Master Zhou, there's no need for such formalities; please have a seat."

Zhou Shuhuai thanked him, sat down in the guest seat with his back straight, hands on his knees, and eyes looking straight ahead.

Xi Rui cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Zhou, my sister was imprisoned yesterday, but fortunately you came to her aid. A woman's innocence is of utmost importance, and I, Xi You'an, am deeply grateful for your life-saving grace."

Zhou Shuhuai bowed slightly. "General Xi, you flatter me. It was just a coincidence that day, a small favor. I dare not thank you."

Xi Lingxian arrived late, wearing a peach-pink wide-sleeved shirt, bright and beautiful, like a crabapple blossoming in the wind.

A hint of amazement flashed in Zhou Shuhuai's eyes, his gaze frank and open. "Miss Xi."

Xi Lingxian returned the greeting and sat down opposite him.

The banquet was held in the main hall of the Xi residence.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere at the table gradually relaxed.

Xi Rui was a straightforward person, and after a few drinks, he became more talkative.

"Brother Zhou, how did you end up at the Prince's residence that day, and how did you manage to save my sister so conveniently?"

Zhou Shuhuai pondered for a moment, "To be honest, Brother Xi, at the banquet at the Prince's Mansion that day, I noticed that Miss Zhang's expression was subtle and unnatural, and I felt that something was amiss. After Miss Xi left her seat, a maid quickly came forward to collect the teacup she had used, which was clearly an act of disposing of stolen goods. Just in case, I took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention and went around to the backyard, but I didn't expect..."

Xi Jian glanced at him.

They are thoughtful and observant, which earned them a place on the shortlist.

If such a person were to rise to prominence during the Zhou family's heyday, he might very well have been able to rival Wang Jue.

"Brother Zhou, let me toast you again." Xi Rui raised his cup.

Taking advantage of her brother's opening remarks, Xi Lingxian formally expressed her gratitude, "Young Master Zhou, I will never forget your kindness in saving me. I offer this small cup of wine to express my heartfelt thanks."

"You're too kind, young lady."