Chapter 92: He Has Witnessed the Scenery of All Four Seasons

“Your Highness, the Prime Minister said General Shen will return in a few days. You should also prepare to return to the palace.”

The rear courtyard of the Shaohua Residence was silent, broken only by the faint rustling of wind through bamboo leaves. It was a stark contrast to the lively bustle of the day; now, a sense of desolation lingered in the air.

Xiao Yan pressed his lips together, his eyes dark and shadowed. “I understand.”

His brows drew together as he gazed at the dimly lit Shaohua Residence in the near distance, a sudden sense of melancholy welling in his heart.

He had never imagined that he would one day grow attached to this place. The Duke of Zhen’s manor, which he once detested above all, had now become somewhere he was loath to leave.

The guard stole a cautious glance at Xiao Yan and lowered his voice. “Your Highness... do you not wish to go?”

He paused, then shook his head. “No, it’s just...”

Just a bit of reluctance, that was all.

He had to leave.

If he wished to realize the desires in his heart, he had to go.

Only by making a name for himself could he be worthy of her.

He used to dream of one day destroying the Duke of Zhen’s manor, to avenge the humiliation he’d suffered over the past ten years. He didn’t know when, but at some point, that thought had faded, replaced by a fluttering in his heart.

And now his ambitions had grown.

Since learning the truth of his identity, he had begun to pay attention to court affairs and the current princes.

The Emperor was in good health and had yet to name a crown prince. Though the court appeared harmonious on the surface, underneath, turmoil seethed. The officials were split into three factions: one supported the Second Prince, another the Fifth, and the rest remained neutral—like the Prime Minister and General Shen.

The Prime Minister and General Shen both held high rank and great influence at court. General Shen especially was favored by the Emperor. Thus, both the Second and Fifth Princes sought to win them over, for their support would secure the throne.

For a time there was balance, but recently, the Fifth Prince had fallen from power. Now, only the Second Prince stood closest to the position of crown prince, with no one to counter him.

Moreover, the Second Prince had lately grown close to Miss Shen of the Duke of Zhen’s manor. If he could win General Shen’s backing, his claim to the throne would be unassailable. So, though the officials said nothing, most now sided with the Second Prince.

But Xiao Yan knew that Shen Nanyuan despised the Second Prince, so the Duke of Zhen’s manor might not support him. With Shen Yi’s character, he would surely remain neutral.

The Emperor and Empress’s relationship had always been harmonious—they were childhood sweethearts, raised together and deeply devoted. After the Empress’s son was lost among the common folk, she had lived in sorrow and melancholy ever since. The Emperor, heartbroken and helpless, could only spare no effort and manpower to search for the Third Prince all these years.

The Prime Minister, having served in court for many years, had some inkling as to why the Emperor delayed naming a crown prince.

Perhaps he believed the lost child would one day be found—or perhaps he simply wished to give the Empress hope.

“Your Highness, when you return to the palace, the only one who can rival the Second Prince is you.”

So the Prime Minister had told him.

“I have served the nation my entire life. At first, I sought only to fulfill Their Majesties’ long-held wish by finding Your Highness. Yet, in this past year, I have found you better suited to be the heir than the Second Prince. But should His Majesty name you crown prince, those officials who support the Second Prince will surely object.”

“Though General Shen and I have our differences, I know he is loyal to the country and its people. He fights on the borders to ensure the safety of our citizens. During your years in the Duke of Zhen’s manor, perhaps you were influenced by General Shen and learned to put the people first. Compared to the Second Prince, I believe you are the one who can truly guide our realm to peace and prosperity.”

“I am willing to serve by your side, Your Highness!”

Xiao Yan’s gaze passed through layers of darkness to the moonlit water in the distance, shimmering with silver ripples. His eyes were deep and solemn.

“You have lived for years in the Duke of Zhen’s manor. If General Shen is also willing to support you, then no matter how many officials stand behind the Second Prince, the position of crown prince will be yours.”

Most officials had served for many years and knew how to judge the winds. If both the Prime Minister and General Shen supported him, the others would shift their allegiance in time.

In this way, the throne would be firmly within his grasp.

“I know Your Highness is now under the protection of the Princess Yong’an. If the Princess and General Shen were to speak on your behalf... perhaps General Shen would be more inclined to agree.”

The Prime Minister could see that Shen Yi wished to remain neutral.

He wanted nothing to do with the conflict, seeking only to fulfill his duty.

That made persuading him all the more difficult.

Xiao Yan pressed his lips together.

But he was unwilling.

He did not want to use Shen Nanyuan to achieve his own ends.

Since the Prime Minister said he had proven himself capable over the past year, he would let His Majesty see it for himself.

Xiao Yan waved his hand. “You may go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Turning, he slowly walked back to his quarters the way he had come.

Unwittingly, nearly a year had passed since he began living here. The longing he felt—a sentiment he had never imagined—was nearly enough to drown him.

He knew this place too well.

Autumn had turned to winter, winter to summer again; he had seen every season in the Shaohua Residence.

Now, it was time to leave.

—

“Miss!” Jin Zhu hurried over, breathless. “I just heard something!”

Shen Nanyuan looked up, tilting her head curiously. “What is it?”

“I just heard that Xiao Yan and the young master had a martial contest—and Xiao Yan defeated the young master!”

The news left Shen Nanyuan stunned, and even Qing Ruo gasped in disbelief. “What?”

Everyone knew that Captain Shen’s martial skills were formidable—no one but General Shen himself could surpass him. Even Shen Nanyuan always believed that one day Shen Sinian would become the next God of War. To hear now that he had been defeated by Xiao Yan was so shocking she was speechless.

She had never imagined such a thing was possible, yet it had come to pass.

She rose to her feet, about to hurry to Shen Sinian’s quarters, when suddenly the two people at the center of all this appeared at her own courtyard gate. Shen Sinian approached with a broad smile, eyeing Shen Nanyuan up and down before saying, “Judging by your expression, it seems you’ve already heard?”

Behind him, Xiao Yan’s demeanor was calm, his face betraying little emotion, but it was clear he was in high spirits.

Shen Nanyuan nodded slightly. “I’ve heard.”

“The news travels fast,” Shen Sinian laughed. “Today, Xiao Yan officially completed his training—he’s already stronger than I am.”

“I wouldn’t dare claim that,” Xiao Yan replied. “Young Master’s skills are unmatched. Today was merely a stroke of luck.”

“There’s no need for false modesty. Sometimes, modesty isn’t the answer.”

Shen Sinian grinned. “Shall we have a drink together tonight?”