good season

Xiao Zhen smiled and said, "Your son and his friends are currently hunting in Shiji Mountain, having a wonderful time and forgetting all about home."

Xiao Zhen's words made the Earl of Changping even more worried.

Everyone knows that you "died" on Shiji Mountain back then.

Shijishan is no good place.

Xiao Zhen is dead, and the Fourth Prince is crippled. From then on, who would still go to Shiji Mountain?

Good people don't go there; only unruly kids go.

"Did you have someone lead them there?" Changping Earl asked.

Xiao Zhen shook his head: "Lord, you are wronging me. They went there on their own."

Others might not believe Xiao Zhen's words, but the Earl of Changping believed them; this was something Song Jing was capable of doing.

Recalling his guess about Xiao Yue's identity, the Earl of Changping took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Zhen, I am a rough man. I have been in the military since I was a teenager. Even after returning to the capital, I am still in the military. I don't understand the intrigues in the court, and I have never thought about taking sides. I only abide by one principle, which is loyalty to the emperor!"
"As long as they are descendants of the founding emperor, I will obey whoever becomes emperor."

Xiao Zhen thought to himself, "What a cunning old fox! He's trying to trick me into talking."

"Your Excellency has probably already guessed Guan Yue's background. He is the former Xiao Yue, but he also has another name, Zhao Yuan."

The boot finally landed.

The Earl of Changping breathed a sigh of relief. He had guessed correctly. Xiao Yue was Zhao Yuan, the only son of Emperor Xiaokang and the youngest grandson who died at the age of three!
He is also Princess Jiayi's nephew and Xiao Zhen's cousin.

"Heaven has eyes; Emperor Xiaokang has a worthy successor!"

These words came from the bottom of his heart. The Earl of Changping had a very good impression of Emperor Xiaokang. Once, he got into a fight with someone in the street and blocked Emperor Xiaokang's carriage. Emperor Xiaokang not only did not reprimand him, but also rewarded him with snacks and fruits and told him to go home early and not to make his grandmother worry about him.

During his childhood, apart from his grandmother, few people showed him kindness. Therefore, he remembered that chance encounter vividly, and he did not believe it when someone later said that Emperor Xiaokang had a bad temper.

He sighed and said to Xiao Zhen, "The current emperor has been on the throne for twelve years, and the world is at peace. Moreover, the current throne was passed down by the retired emperor himself, so it is legitimate."

The unspoken message is: Even if Zhao Yuan were still alive, the throne would not be his. Firstly, Zhao Yuan was only a grandson of the emperor, not the crown prince. Even if Emperor Xiaokang were gone, the throne would not be irreplaceable for him. Secondly, the retired emperor passed the throne to Emperor Yongjia, who reigned for more than ten years. The country was peaceful and there were no major achievements or mistakes. Asking him to abdicate to Zhao Yuan at this time would not be convincing to the people.

Xiao Zhen looked at him intently: "But what if the current emperor's ascension to the throne is illegitimate, and the retired emperor is being coerced by him?"

The Earl of Changping was taken aback. He shook his head and said, "This is a matter for the Emperor's family. It has nothing to do with us."

Xiao Zhen smiled and suddenly said, "Consort Li is using a substitute to confuse the royal bloodline."

The Earl of Changping stared wide-eyed at Xiao Zhen in disbelief, his lips moving but unable to utter a single word.

As everyone knows, Consort Li only had one child, who was the current Emperor Yongjia!

Xiao Zhen continued, "Back then, Consort Li gave birth to a princess. She conspired with the Marquis of Baoqing's family to exchange the princess for a baby boy brought from outside the palace. There is ample evidence to prove this."

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long silence, the Earl of Changping finally spoke slowly: "Xiao Zhen, is what you said true?"

Xiao Zhen: "I swear on the loyalty and bravery of my entire Xiao family that what I say today is absolutely true."

The Earl of Changping took a few deep breaths to calm himself down: "I want to see the Emperor Emeritus."

Xiao Zhen said, "Okay, I'll take you there."

The two did not ride horses, but instead rode in an unremarkable mule cart. The cart stopped in front of an ordinary courtyard. Changping Bo looked around and asked, "Isn't this Wuji Temple?"

Xiao Zhen said, "The Emperor Emeritus is here."

The Earl of Changping was taken aback. Then he thought to himself, if it were him, he would also be cunning and resourceful. Who would have thought that there were people who would cheat him out of money, people who would cheat him out of his virtue, and people who would even cheat him out of the throne?

A short while later, the Earl of Changping met the Emperor Emeritus.

"Your subject Song Guangming pays respects to the Emperor Emeritus! Long live the Emperor Emeritus!"

"I have abdicated for many years, so let's skip these formalities. Please take a seat!"

The Earl of Changping sat down cautiously before looking up. The Emperor Emeritus was sitting in a grand chair, dressed in a Taoist robe. Besides Zhao Guanyue, there were two other boys of similar age in the room. One was dark-skinned and thin, while the other had a scholarly air about him and was holding a book. When they saw him arrive, the two boys withdrew.

Changping Bo remembered that at the city gate, the two boys were following behind Zhao Guanyue. Even if they weren't attendants, they were friends who got along well.

Thinking of this, the Earl of Changping couldn't help but think of Song Jing.

If he hadn't used harsh methods back then, would Song Jing be among the boys following Zhao Guanyue now?
Forget it, he doesn't seek wealth or fortune through risk. His only wish for Song Jing is for him to be safe and healthy. As for anything else, he shouldn't think too much about it.

"Ah Zhen said you want to see me?" the Emperor Emeritus asked indifferently.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have not seen you for many years and I miss you dearly," said the Earl of Changping against his will.

The retired emperor snorted coldly: "After spending all these years at the border, you've learned to call yourself a subject. It seems you've forgotten that you are not only my subject, but also my nephew!"

The Earl of Changping quickly stood up, lifted his robes, and knelt down: "Your subject, nephew, dare not."

"Hmph, you probably harbor resentment towards me, resent that I sent you to the border, and resent that I didn't let you return to the capital."

“My nephew was naughty when he was young. If it weren’t for his uncle’s plans, he would have been ruined long ago, let alone what he is like today.”

The Emperor Emeritus was in a slightly better mood: "It's right that you think that way. I am your uncle, how could I harm you? But you have lived up to expectations, making many meritorious contributions on the border over the years, which makes me very pleased."

"Uncle, you flatter me. Now that I have joined the army, it is my duty to protect the country and my home. It is nothing to mention."

"Now that you're here, I suppose Ah Zhen has already told you about that matter. Hmph, if it weren't for the fact that you're my nephew, I wouldn't have let him come looking for you at all."

The Earl of Changping hurriedly said, "I told Xiao Zhen that I am a rough man and do not understand the intricacies of court politics. I will not take sides. My only principle is loyalty to the emperor. As long as he is a descendant of the founding emperor, I will be loyal to whoever is emperor, even if it means going through fire and water."

The retired emperor nodded: "Yes, he's grown up, matured, and can speak now."

Uncle Changping: "Nephew, just take this as a compliment from your uncle."

The Emperor Emeritus pointed at Zhao Guanyue and said, "This child was saved by Empress Xiaokang and his mother at the cost of their lives. He is also my only grandson. I am entrusting him to you. You must respect him, be loyal to him, and protect him. Can you do that?"

Zhao Guanyue silently walked to the side of the Emperor Emeritus. The fifteen-year-old boy was tall and elegant, with a noble air about him.

The Earl of Changping finally understood why Xiao Yue had disappeared from the capital after he grew up.

The young man before me exuded nobility from the inside out; no matter how you looked at him, he couldn't be associated with being a concubine's son or an illegitimate son.

So Xiao Yue spent his childhood in the capital, but as he grew up, he disappeared from people's sight.

"Your Majesty, I have met the Crown Prince. He is in the prime of his life, with an innate air of nobility. He is truly a blessing to the Great Yong Dynasty. I am willing to obey Your Majesty's will. I will obey the Crown Prince's orders even at the cost of my life!" Zhao Guanyue stepped forward and helped him up with both hands: "When Song Jing returns to the capital, have him come to me."

Changping Bo smiled wryly: "That kid is good for nothing except playing games."

But in his heart he was thinking that if this matter succeeded, that kid's fortune might surpass that of his two older brothers.

After seeing off the Earl of Changping, Xiao Zhen was also about to leave. The Emperor Emeritus frowned: "Are you going back to the Princess's residence?"

Xiao Zhen: "I haven't visited my maternal grandfather yet since I came back."

The Emperor Emeritus: "I am your maternal grandfather!"

Xiao Zhen: "I'm talking about Qingqing's maternal grandfather."

The Emperor Emeritus: "Would you like me to bestow a marriage upon you?"

Xiao Zhen's lips twitched. If he were to ask the Emperor Emeritus to grant him a marriage without his consent, Zhen Wuduo would definitely not agree. Others might listen to the Emperor, but Zhen Wuduo might not.

"Not yet. I'll tell you when things are settled, and then you can grant me the marriage."

The Emperor Emeritus looked disgusted: "After all this talk, she still hasn't agreed to the marriage. Tsk tsk tsk, I thought you were so capable. Fortunately, that girl is now my goddaughter, so I can decide her marriage. Alas, thank goodness for me, otherwise you wouldn't even be able to find a wife!"

Xiao Zhen was too lazy to pay attention to him. If you're so capable, then raise someone else's son. I certainly can't compare.

Meanwhile, the Third Prince was at Wuji Temple seeking an audience with the Retired Emperor.

The person sitting cross-legged in Wuji Temple at this moment is the stand-in that the retired emperor has used for more than ten years.

Over the years, the reason why the retired emperor could go out for a stroll without being discovered by Emperor Yongjia was because there was a double in the Changshou Palace.

"Your Highness, the Emperor Emeritus is still meditating and will be meditating for at least several hours. You should go back first."

The speaker was Wang Daban, who had served the retired emperor for decades and was respected even by the Yongjia Emperor.

The third prince had no choice but to return home disappointed.

He had just arrived at the entrance of the prince's residence when he encountered a messenger from the palace.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered you to come to the palace with me."

The third prince's expression hardened. Why had his father suddenly summoned him to the palace?

He had no time to think and followed the imperial eunuch into the palace.

At this hour, Emperor Yongjia should have been reviewing memorials in his study, but he returned to his palace early.

He was in a bad mood because just now, Lu Qian had finally found out something.

Some people say that Zhao Guanyue looks very much like Xiao Yue, the concubine of Princess Jiayi!

It can only be described as very similar; I cannot be certain.

Because Xiao Yue was only twelve years old when he last appeared in public.

Zhao Guanyue is now fifteen years old. Although only three years have passed, boys of this age will undergo significant changes in height, appearance, and voice.

The person who provided the information to Lu Qian was not familiar with Xiao Yue and had only met him once or twice. As a child from a concubine's family, no one would care about him unless they had ulterior motives. Otherwise, no one would deliberately befriend a child with an awkward background.

But just the resemblance is already quite serious.

Lu Qian immediately reported this news, and Emperor Yongjia felt as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart, making it hard to breathe.

If Zhao Guanyue is Xiao Yue, does the Emperor Emeritus know this?

With Xiao Zhen by his side, unless the two brothers deliberately conceal it, the Emperor Emeritus would definitely find out.

But this won't be a secret forever; Xiao Zhen can't hide it forever, and it will be exposed sooner or later.

This is deceiving the emperor. Unless Xiao Zhen is stupid, he wouldn't hide it from the retired emperor.

The retired emperor must have known this, so why would he allow a concubine's son to inherit the throne from his own son?
If even the heir apparent of the Prince of Lu could come up with an answer, then Emperor Yongjia certainly could too.

Xiao Yue was not the son of Xiao Fuma at all, nor was he a concubine's son.

His father was Emperor Xiaokang, Zhao Xian!
Emperor Yongjia clenched his fists tightly. Was it because of his fourth son?
The fourth son is so disappointing, disappointing the Emperor Emeritus and consequently causing him to be disappointed in all of my other sons.

Yes, of my adult sons now, only my third son is truly capable.

The retired emperor believed that I had no successor, so he found Zhao Xian's son and wanted him to succeed me to the throne.

dream!

Just then, a palace attendant entered and said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is unwell and requests your presence."

Emperor Yongjia flew into a rage: "She's unwell, why didn't you call the imperial physician? I'm not an imperial physician!"

The eunuch was startled and quickly withdrew, repeating Emperor Yongjia's words verbatim. The messenger from Cining Palace had no choice but to return to see Consort Li.

Emperor Yongjia let out a long sigh of relief. Consort Li would only cause trouble!
The real problem that led the Emperor Emeritus to do this may not lie with me or my son, but with Consort Li.

As his son, I have always known that the Emperor Emeritus looked down on Consort Li, otherwise he would not have refused to give her the title of Empress.

It's laughable that the son became emperor, but his birth mother wasn't the empress dowager.

If my mother were not Consort Li, but Consort Shu, or some other consort, would this have happened?
And then there's Zhao Guanyue. Jiayi has such audacity; she actually hid Zhao Xian's son in her own residence.

Zhao Xian's son?
Zhao Xian had only one son, Zhao Yuan!
I did intend to eliminate him completely back then, but before I could take action, Zhao Yuan died.

It's normal for two- or three-year-old children to die young; I didn't suspect anything back then.

But looking back now, it's easy for a two- or three-year-old child to die, and it's just as easy to make a two- or three-year-old child appear dead.

Therefore, Zhao Yuan faked his death back then!
Yes, if Xiao Zhen could fake his death, then Zhao Yuan certainly could too.

The idea that Xiao Zhen lost his memory after being rescued and didn't know his own identity is just a lie; I will never believe it.

Xiao Zhen faked his death back then. He didn't dare to return to the capital, so he went to Changshou Palace to seek refuge with the retired emperor.

Emperor Yongjia felt that he had guessed correctly. He thought that Xiao Zhen had been with the retired emperor for the past two or three years, but he did not know that, except for the beginning, Xiao Zhen had spent most of his time in the capital, and even with his princes.

The Third Prince arrived at this time. When he saw Emperor Yongjia, he was startled. Emperor Yongjia's expression was terrifying, as if he wanted to kill someone!
To realize that an emperor is about to commit murder means that something terrible is about to happen. (End of Chapter)