The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 491 Father and Son's Karma
As dawn broke, a pale, bluish-white light spilled over the eaves and into the corridor. Xiao Yan stood with his hands behind his back, occasionally pacing back and forth, but his gaze always unconsciously fell on the closed door.

He didn't leave all night, but he showed no signs of fatigue. Only his eyes had barely perceptible bloodshot veins. Although his face was calm as water, his fingers behind his back were tapping unconsciously from time to time, revealing a hint of unease.

In the courtyard outside the corridor, Miao Chengtian quietly directed the maids to move about, preparing hot water and clean cloths. Everything was in good order, yet the sounds were suppressed by a shared expectation.

Upon hearing the good news, Ji Ruxue rushed over after waking up. Although she complained that Xiao Yan hadn't told her, seeing his expression, she finally softened her tone and spoke with concern in a gentle voice. After talking with Xiao Yan for a while, she was also feeling unwell, so Guangmu Tian and Xuanjing Tian advised her to rest in a room a little further away to avoid disturbing the pregnancy. Although she left, her heart was already with him.

Time crawled slowly, clearly audible, with the ticking of the hourglass.

Suddenly, the Empress's suppressed groans in the inner chamber became rapid, followed by the encouraging voices of the surrendered officials. Xiao Yan's back straightened almost imperceptibly, and Ji Ruxue, who was standing in the corridor, couldn't help but come out with her hands on the door, her face full of eagerness.

Suddenly, an extremely loud and powerful baby cry shattered the silence, like the first ray of dawn piercing everyone's eardrums.

gave birth!

Almost the instant the cry subsided, the faint sounds inside and outside the hall seemed to be cut off for a moment by the crying. Then, the small commotion of joy that Guangmu Tian and the other holy maids and servants could not suppress surged up like a tide and could not be stopped.

The inner door was pulled open a crack from the inside, and Jiang Chen's figure flashed out. His forehead was covered with a thin layer of sweat, his hair was slightly disheveled, and there was a faint trace of fatigue between his brows and eyes, but his eyes shone with a bright light of relief.

She looked at Xiao Yan, who immediately stepped forward, and smiled. Her voice was clearer and crisper than usual: "Mother and child are safe. It's a boy. Listen to that voice, he's really strong."

After saying that, she smiled even more broadly, her eyes crinkling into a smile: "You're a father now."

A surge of heat crashed into Xiao Yan's chest, washing away all lingering anxiety. He took a deep breath, the air carrying the scent of morning grass and the lingering night dew. As he exhaled heavily, the last trace of tension between his brows completely dissolved, transforming into an almost dizzying sense of relief and joy.

Overjoyed, he turned around and gently embraced Ji Ruxue, who was equally delighted. Then, he cupped the surrendered minister's face and kissed her forehead fiercely: "You really didn't let your husband's love go to waste!"

In front of so many people, even a surrendered official's ears turned bright red. She spat lightly, but before she could say anything more, Xiao Yan laughed and stepped past her, pushing the door open and entering.

The delivery room was warm, carrying a faint smell of blood, yet enveloped by a stronger fragrance of herbs. The Empress lay on the brocade couch, her face pale, her sweat-dampened hair clinging to her cheeks, her phoenix eyes slightly closed, her long eyelashes trembling, clearly exhausted. Hearing footsteps, she forced her eyes open, and the moment her gaze met Xiao Yan's, a faint yet tender smile appeared on her face.

"Husband..."

Xiao Yan quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee beside the couch, and took her slightly cool hand in his.

"Yun Ji," he called softly, a thousand words clearly contained in that one sound.

The Empress slightly tightened her grip, her gaze shifting to the swaddled baby that Qianwu had carefully brought to her.

Qianwu held the tiny baby wrapped in soft, bright yellow silk, her face full of tenderness, and then gently placed it into Xiao Yan's somewhat helpless arms.

Xiao Yan's movements were initially clumsy, but unusually steady. The child's crying had stopped, and as if sensing that he had been changed into a different embrace and feeling the person's heavy presence, his wrinkled but already spirited little face moved, and he even slightly opened his eyes, revealing a glimmer of innocent black light.

Xiao Yan looked down at the small yet vibrant life in his arms, meeting its bewildered gaze, and was momentarily stunned. This was his bloodline, the eldest son born to him at the cost of the Empress's life.

An unprecedented emotion, a mixture of immense responsibility and intense protectiveness, surged within him, heavy yet warm and burning. He gazed intently at the child's features, as if trying to etch them into his heart, yet he could never get enough of looking at him.

He raised his head, his gaze turning to the Empress who was looking at them tenderly from the couch, and said gently, "Since your formal name is Mingzhao, then let's call you 'Aji' as your childhood name, shall we?"

"Aji?" The Empress repeated the name softly.

“Hmm,” Xiao Yan nodded, looking down at the baby in his arms, “‘Ji’ is the chief of all grains, the foundation upon which the people depend, and the basis of the nation. May he understand the importance of the people’s livelihood and be able to shoulder the responsibility of the nation.”

The Empress's pale face softened with a smile, dispelling some of her postpartum fatigue and making her appear exceptionally gentle: "Aji... I like this name. It's down-to-earth and shows responsibility, very good."

Xiao Yan smiled slightly, then turned his head and instructed Miao Chengtian, who was standing to the side, "Send an order to the Tian Ce Mansion to immediately draft a document and inform all the prefectures and armies under my command that my eldest son, Li Mingzhao, shall be established as the heir apparent from this day forward."

"Yes!" Miao Chengtian's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately responded, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Once the order was issued, it quickly spread from the Prince of Qin's residence, then suddenly affected the entire city of Bianjing, and continued to spread outwards.

First, within the Prince's mansion, the joy that had been suppressed all night erupted. The maids and servants beamed with pride, congratulating each other. The news, like wings, flew over the high walls and into the streets and alleys.

Solemn and joyous bells rang out from the Bell and Drum Towers, echoing one after another over Bianjing. Government officials rode swiftly through the main streets, loudly proclaiming the joyous news of the birth of the Crown Prince and the arrival of an heir for the Prince of Qin. Meanwhile, the Kaifeng Prefecture officials quickly drafted public notices to reassure the people, which were then immediately posted throughout the city gates and market entrances.

In an instant, even though it was still early morning, the entire capital city was abuzz with excitement.

"It's born! His Highness the King of Qin has an heir!"

"It's a prince! Heaven bless the King of Qin, heaven bless us!"

"Great joy! With a successor to the throne, there is hope for peace!"

People poured out of their homes, gathered in the streets, their faces beaming with smiles, and chattered amongst themselves. The tavern owner broke open the clay seal, displaying the wine at his door for anyone to take; the tea server loudly proclaimed that tea was free today; the old man selling steamed buns distributed hot buns to the children who gathered around…

Cheers, laughter, and blessings resounded throughout the city. The bells of the Daxiangguo Temple and the Taoist temple also rang out, joining the city-wide celebration and praying for the newborn crown prince.

Soon after, high-ranking officials from the Tiance Mansion and the Privy Council, led by Han Yanhui and Jing Xiang, were the first to enter the mansion to offer their congratulations. Their words were earnest, praising it as "the foundation of the nation has been established, a blessing for the world." Many other ministers also called it "a sign of divine mandate and an auspicious omen," linking it to previous auspicious omens such as "the Yellow River is clear" and "auspicious grain," and the calls for him to ascend the throne grew even louder.

Inside the Prince's Mansion, although the faint sounds of bustling crowds could be heard from outside, the inner courtyard maintained its proper order and a semblance of postpartum tranquility.

Ji Ruxue, Yelü Zhiwu, Bago, Yang Yantian, and other women came to visit one after another, taking turns looking at the baby in the cradle. Seeing the healthy infant and the tired but well-behaved Empress, Yelü Zhiwu seemed lost in thought for a moment, while Xue'er's eyes were filled with a gentle smile.

Qianwu directed the servants to bring out the meticulously prepared tonic soup, with everything prepared with utmost care. The surrendered minister then carefully examined the Empress's pulse, prescribed a remedy, and couldn't help but personally carry Aji around several times, chatting and laughing with the women about how the child resembled the Empress in some way and how he looked more like Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan stayed by the Empress's bedside, contentedly watching the warm and harmonious scene in the house. After everyone left one by one, worried about disturbing the Empress's peace, he watched as the wet nurse placed the well-fed and sleeping Aji into the exquisite cradle next to the bed.

He held the Empress's hand, and the two did not say much, only occasionally exchanging a glance and chatting quietly.

In the afternoon, just as the Empress was about to rest and go to sleep, Qianwu entered and whispered, "My lord, the Prince of Wei has heard the good news and is already outside the mansion, requesting an audience with you and the Princess."

Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and looked at the Empress.

A complex emotion flickered in the Empress's eyes, a mixture of anticipation and melancholy, which eventually subsided into calm. She smiled and nodded slightly to Xiao Yan.

"Please invite him to the main hall," Xiao Yan instructed.

Inside the main hall, Li Maozhen was already seated and waiting. He had changed out of his military uniform, which had been worn through the journey, and was now dressed in civilian clothes. His hair was neatly combed, and on his handsome face, which bore a resemblance to the Empress, the sharpness and stubbornness of the former Prince Qi had been replaced by a calmness. Although his sharpness was still there, it was no longer so intimidating.

At this moment, only a barely perceptible tension and shame surged deep within his heterochromatic eyes.

Hearing footsteps, he hurriedly turned around and saw Xiao Yan and the Empress, whom he was helping to walk slowly towards them. The Empress insisted on getting up and even changed into a dignified palace dress. Her hair was neatly combed, and although her face was still pale, she had a graceful demeanor.

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Maozhen stepped forward three steps, lifted his robe and bowed, then touched his forehead to the floor tiles, performing a standard courtier's salute. His voice was solemn as he said, "Your subject, Li Maozhen, pays respects to His Highness the Prince of Qin and His Highness the Princess."

Xiao Yan stopped, accepted the bow, and then spoke, his tone calm and light, "Your Highness, you must be tired from your journey. Please rise and sit down. There's no need for such formalities."

Li Maozhen thanked the emperor and rose to his seat. His gaze immediately fell on the empress. His Adam's apple bobbed, and after a moment of hesitation, he spoke with difficulty, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Yun Ji... is the princess in good health?"

"Thank you for your concern, brother. Everything is fine." The Empress's voice was gentle, but it clearly carried a hint of detachment. There were some things that Xiao Yan could choose not to pursue, but she couldn't truly remain silent.

A flicker of pain crossed Li Maozhen's eyes. He took a deep breath, rose, and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, this time addressing the Empress. His tone was utterly sincere, even tinged with a hint of desolation.
"All that has happened in the past is my fault, brother. Obsessed with a vain ambition for hegemony, I acted impulsively and recklessly, bringing ruin to the Qi Kingdom and to our brother-sister relationship. If it weren't for Your Highness's boundless magnanimity, I fear I would have already... regretted it too late. Now that I have returned and see the people living in peace and the new government in good order, I realize that I was merely a frog in a well, only making myself look foolish. Today I am here not to seek forgiveness, but only to hope that the Queen... can know even a fraction of my remorse."

He spoke these words extremely slowly and solemnly, each word seemingly squeezed out from the depths of his heart, utterly sincere, without the slightest hint of affectation or pretension.

The Empress listened quietly, her phoenix eyes glistening with tears. The grievances, worries, disappointments, and even the sorrow of being imprisoned for half a year that she had endured for more than a decade seemed to slowly melt away in the face of her brother's belated confession.

She was silent for a moment, feeling Xiao Yan gently hold the back of her hand, and when she spoke again, her voice was much softer: "It is best that you, brother, have seen through the illusion and come to your senses. The past is past, there is no need to mention it again. Now, the King's forces are in need of capable people. I hope that you, brother, can give full play to your talents and wholeheartedly assist the King to bring peace to the world, so as not to waste your life's learning and the King's trust."

Upon hearing this, Li Maozhen's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and a sense of relief and joy appeared in his eyes. He nodded gratefully to Xiao Yan, and then solemnly said, "Your subject will follow the Princess's teachings and will do his utmost to repay Your Highness and the Princess's kindness in not abandoning him."

Xiao Yan, who had been watching from the side, nodded slightly and said, "It is a blessing for the world that my brother thinks this way." Then, he turned his head and gestured to Qianwu beside him.

Qianwu understood, and immediately had the wet nurse carefully bring the awakened little Aji from the cradle. The little guy was awake and didn't cry, but just opened his big, dark eyes and curiously looked around.

Xiao Yan took the baby from the wet nurse, his movements much more practiced now. He walked towards Li Maozhen, and under Li Maozhen's slightly surprised gaze, slowly handed over the swaddled baby: "Brother, come and see your nephew."

Li Maozhen froze, almost surprised and delighted. He glanced at the Empress, who smiled and nodded slightly. Then he looked helplessly at the infant being brought to him.

As a regional warlord and a powerful figure of his time, Li Maozhen's hands, which had once commanded thousands of troops and killed countless people, trembled slightly at this moment. He hesitated for a moment before awkwardly extending his arms, and Xiao Yan laughed heartily, steadily placing Aji into his embrace.

The tiny life force settled into his arms, carrying the scent of milk and warmth. Li Maozhen held him stiffly, afraid to move, lest he hurt him with too much force, or drop him with too little.

He lowered his head, looking at the innocent little face in his arms. He could vaguely see his sister's features in those eyes and brows. A mixture of overwhelming emotion—the excitement of blood ties, immense guilt, and the joy of seeing her again—surged through him like a tidal wave. This once powerful Prince Qi, holding his newborn nephew, felt a lump in his throat, overwhelmed with emotion. After a long while, he could only manage a soft, almost sighing sob.

"...Good, very good. May they...enjoy lasting peace."

The Empress watched from the side, tears finally falling from her eyes, yet her expression was also filled with a relieved smile.

Xiao Yan did not disturb the silence, but simply smiled with emotion.

Only after Li Maozhen calmed down did he carefully hand the child back to the wet nurse, his movements becoming much more natural. He bowed deeply to Xiao Yan and the Empress once more, everything understood without words.

At this moment, Bago appeared outside the hall, holding a letter with a feather in it. Xiao Yan glanced at it and knew it was an urgent military report or intelligence. He then gestured to the Empress and Li Maozhen, instructing Qianwu to look after the Empress and allow the siblings to catch up. He then stepped out of the main hall first.

In the side hall, Bago presented a report: "Your Highness, urgent news from Raojiang, sent jointly by Du Xunhe and Zhong Xiaokui."

Xiao Yan unwrapped the sealing wax and quickly glanced at the letter. Inside was Du Xunhe's somewhat anxious and helpless apology, detailing his arrival at the Ten Thousand Poisons Cave only to find that Chi Meng had left a letter and run away, and that he had already ordered the night watchmen to secretly protect him as planned. Attached was Chi Meng's whimsical letter to her parents.

As Xiao Yan read the letter describing how Chi Meng disliked the complicated rules, wanted to venture into the world on her own to Bianliang, and even wanted to check along the way whether the Central Plains and even the Yellow River had cleared up, the solemnity on Xiao Yan's face gradually faded, and he finally couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

"That little vixen..." he muttered to himself, folding the letter. "That's just her personality. It's alright, let her go and see for herself. Since the arrangements have been made, just follow the plan and ensure her safety. There's no need to forcibly restrain her. Just let her report her whereabouts to me every day. Let her... take her time and see."

As he spoke, he remembered something, folded the letter, and handed it to Bago: "Oh, right, show this letter to Xue'er so she knows about this and doesn't worry her."

"Yes," Bago acknowledged, then added, "Should we reply to Minister Du and reassure him?"

"Tell him to take care of the follow-up matters with peace of mind. I am aware of this matter, so there is no need to panic." Xiao Yan waved his hand, showing no anger whatsoever.

After dealing with this matter, Xiao Yan's expression turned slightly serious. After pondering for a moment, he said to Bago, "Have someone tell Duan Chengtian to bring Li Siyuan from the prison. Also, have Wen Tao and Shangguan Yunque take Li Cunli and Zhang Xuanling to the study in the west wing. After you deliver the letter to Xue'er, bring Li Cunren as well."

"Yes, sir." Bago's eyes sharpened, and he left to carry out the order.

Xiao Yan put his hands behind his back, gazed at the sky for a moment, then strolled to the study in the west wing, sat behind the desk, and quietly waited, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.

Soon, the sound of shackles grew louder as they approached. Duan Chengtian and two night watchmen escorted in a gaunt, ragged figure—it was none other than Li Siyuan.

The days of confinement and the severe torture inflicted by Gongyang Zuo had long since worn away the Holy Lord's proud appearance, leaving only a shell of a man clinging to life. Only his eyes, when they met Xiao Yan's gaze, unconsciously revealed a look of flattery and fear.

"I am a sinful subject, Li Siyuan, and I pay my respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Qin..." He fell to the ground, his voice unusually obsequious.

Xiao Yan looked down at him, his gaze as cold as if he were looking at rotten wood: "Li Siyuan, what else do you have to say?"

After being severely tortured by Gongyang Zuo, Li Siyuan confessed to plotting against Xiao Yan by using surrendered officials. Knowing he was doomed, he felt a glimmer of hope when Xiao Yan brought him here. Hearing this, he grasped at the last straw, abruptly looked up, and cried out urgently:
"Your Highness! Your Highness, have mercy! This sinful subject... this sinful subject, though unforgivable by death, has recently pondered in prison and has gained a deep understanding of the situation in Jiangnan, of my rebellious son... and of Zhang Zifan. This sinful subject is willing to atone for his sins by going to Jiangnan, and with his silver tongue, will surely persuade Zhang Zifan to defect and surrender, offering up Li Xingyun's head! Or even, or even, if Your Highness so desires, this sinful subject can also take that rebellious son's life. If Li Xingyun loses Zhang Zifan, it will be like losing an arm, and the Southern Tang dynasty will surely fall into internal strife. At that time, Your Highness's army will march south, and you will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort! I only beg Your Highness to spare this sinful subject's life and give this sinful subject a chance to serve you!"

After saying this, he kowtowed repeatedly, and blood quickly appeared on his forehead.

Xiao Yan listened quietly to him finish speaking, his face still showing no emotion, and only asked indifferently, "Zhang Zifan? Perhaps... someone is more capable of persuading him than you."

Li Siyuan was taken aback, not understanding why.

At this moment, the study door was pushed open again. Shangguan Yunque entered, his expression complex, clearly knowing who Li Cunli was there to see. Immediately afterward, Bago led a woman into the study.

The woman was tall and slender, dressed in a neat and tidy outfit. The horrific scars that once covered her entire face had mostly disappeared, leaving only faint traces, half-hidden by delicate silver ornaments. Her exposed skin was smooth, and her features had regained some of their former beauty. However, her eyes were as cold as frost as she stared intently at Li Siyuan on the ground. It was none other than Li Cunren.

Following them, Wen Tao helped Zhang Xuanling, whose Taoist robes were neat but whose expression still held a hint of bewilderment and madness, into the room. Since being provoked by Xiao Yan last time, Zhang Xuanling had managed to suppress some of his madness over the past six months, but his mind remained muddled and he was far from returning to normal.

Li Siyuan didn't even glance at Li Cunren, but kept babbling about his loyalty. He only kept glancing at the people who came in out of the corner of his eye. Only when he saw Li Cunli did his eye twitch and a fierce look flash in his eyes.

But when his gaze finally landed on Zhang Xuanling's face, he was terrified, as if he had suddenly seen a ghost. In an instant, all color drained from his face, his pupils contracted sharply, and his whole body trembled inexplicably. Pointing at Zhang Xuanling, his teeth chattered, "You...you...Zhang Xuanling?! Impossible! Didn't you already..."

Zhang Xuanling's originally mad and bewildered gaze was drawn to Li Siyuan's sudden and extremely terrified reaction.

His gaze gradually met Li Siyuan's square face and large ears. His thoughts, which had been stagnant for many years, seemed to be cleaved open by a lightning bolt, suddenly becoming clear. Countless memories flooded into his mind in an instant: the so-called fierce battle at the Celestial Master's Mansion, the abduction of his young son... countless fragmented images surged and pieced together wildly.

"Ugh...ah..." Zhang Xuanling let out a painful groan, clutching his head and staggering a step. He then suddenly stood firm, and when he raised his head again, the years of cloudiness in his eyes had vanished instantly. He stared intently at Li Siyuan: "It's you, it's actually you, Li Siyuan! You villain! You traitor! Give me back my son! Give me back my son—!!"

He was like a mad tiger, with lightning crackling in his hands, and was about to pounce when Wen Tao and Shangguan Yunque immediately stepped forward to stop him and held him tightly.

But Zhang Xuanling's frantic struggle and overwhelming hatred, as well as Li Siyuan's horrified state that almost caused him to lose control of his bladder, still made for a great show, leaving both Li Cunli and Li Cunren stunned to varying degrees.

Under this extreme stimulation, Zhang Xuanling's long-buried memories finally surged back, completely restoring his clarity. He was blocked in front of him, and although he no longer roared, he was still breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on Li Siyuan, wishing he could eat his flesh and sleep on his skin!
Xiao Yan watched this scene calmly until Zhang Xuanling's emotions had calmed down a bit, then slowly spoke: "Master Zhang, your injustice has been redressed, and your enemy is right before your eyes. It's good that you have regained your clarity of mind. I have already informed Longhu Mountain in advance. Your wife, Master Xu Huan, the Grand Master of the Celestial Master's Mansion, will arrive in Bianliang soon to reunite with you."

Zhang Xuanling's body trembled again, but he immediately turned to look at Xiao Yan. The hatred in his eyes hadn't subsided, yet tears instantly streamed down his face. He pushed aside the support of Shangguan Yunque and the other man, and kowtowed deeply to Xiao Yan as if a mountain were collapsing and a jade pillar was being toppled, his forehead slamming heavily onto the floor tiles. His voice choked and trembled: "Your Highness...Your Highness's great kindness...This old Taoist...This old Taoist...I truly have no way to repay it! No way to repay it!"

Xiao Yan accepted his bow, then turned his gaze to Li Siyuan, who was ashen-faced and slumped on the ground: "Li Siyuan, you are a hypocrite who deceived the world. You sowed the seeds of evil back then, and you should have thought that this day would come. Now you will pay for it all. Li Cunren, spare his life for now."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Cunren, who was standing in the hall in a daze, suddenly moved. Everyone saw a blur and then heard several very faint muffled sounds.

Li Siyuan let out a miserable howl, his life force instantly dissipating, and he collapsed to the ground. It turned out that Li Cunren's palm struck his dantian squarely, and all of Li Siyuan's hard-earned power was completely destroyed in an instant.

"I'll cripple your martial arts, but spare your life." Xiao Yan's voice was completely calm. He looked at Zhang Xuanling, "After Xu Huan arrives, once you and your husband are reunited, take this man south to Jiangnan to find Zhang Zifan. Tell him who his biological father is, and what kind of person his adoptive father is. Whether he stays or goes, whether he surrenders or fights, is up to him. I will not force him, but only to fulfill the bond between you two as father and son."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanling burst into tears once again, kowtowing heavily to Xiao Yan, his forehead slamming against the floor with a thud: "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for granting my request! I will do my utmost to tell my son the truth! I... I..." By the end, he was sobbing uncontrollably.

On the other side, Li Cunren looked at Li Siyuan, who had lost all his martial arts skills and was like a cripple on the ground. She looked at her elder brother, whom she had hated for countless days and nights and had respected and feared for many years, and now he had ended up like this. She knew that it was more satisfying than killing him.

The resentment that had been building up in her chest for so long seemed to finally find an outlet, and tears silently streamed down her face. But now it was not sadness, but relief.

She turned abruptly to face Xiao Yan, knelt down, and bowed her head: "Your Highness, to avenge this deep-seated hatred for Cunren, Cunren's life is dedicated to serving Your Highness to the death. I am willing to be Your Highness's blade, serving you faithfully until death. If I break this oath, may I be punished by heaven and earth!"

Bago, watching from the side, darted around before leaning closer to Xiao Yan and speaking rapidly in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Your Highness, the Thirteenth Protector was once the adopted daughter of the Prince of Jin, and she has considerable influence among the former Shatuo followers. Taking her into the household might be beneficial in appeasing the old loyalists of Hedong. Moreover..."

Her voice was even lower, tinged with a hint of ingratiation and calculation, "If sisters are of one mind, it will be good in the future...to serve Your Highness wholeheartedly together, won't it?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan slightly turned his gaze to Bago's face, but remained silent, neither rebuking nor agreeing. He simply looked at Li Cunren and said calmly, "I understand your intentions. Get up. You will have your chance to prove yourself in the future."

Li Cunli had been silently watching everything since he entered, witnessing Li Siyuan's despicable begging for life and eventual degeneration into a cripple, his exploitation and ruthlessness towards his adopted son and even himself, his ugly behavior in front of his enemies, and Li Cunren's vow of loyalty to the death.

Li Cunli shook his head, and the last bit of attachment he had to Tongwen Hall and Li Siyuan finally vanished completely.

He straightened his robes, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Xiao Yan with utmost solemnity, without the slightest hesitation: "Your Highness is all-seeing and discerning, enabling Cunli to see the truth and distinguish loyalty from treachery and good from evil. Cunli...is sincerely convinced and willing to follow Your Highness for the rest of his life, to serve you faithfully and diligently."

Xiao Yan's gaze swept over Li Cunli, then over Li Siyuan, who was lying on the ground like mud, over the excited Zhang Xuanling, over the bowed Li Cunren, and finally back to the beam of light shining through the window, where dust danced.

Outside the study, one could faintly hear the distant cheers of celebration for the crown prince from Bianjing.

(End of this chapter)