The prince is more stable

Chapter 736 Separation of Husband and Wife
The prince is real, and so are the bandits.

Take what you like; this is the benefit brought by power and force. Otherwise, why would so many people in the world pursue power? Because it can indeed bring real benefits, and it's done openly and without anyone daring to resist.

If the emperor takes a fancy to someone else's wife, a minister's daughter, or even his own daughter-in-law, he can simply issue an imperial decree, and the woman will obediently be sent to the emperor's bed.

If the emperor were just an ordinary person with no power, he would have been beaten to a pulp long ago if he dared to make such a request.

See how fascinating power is?

Zhao Xiaoqian wasn't that ruthless. Perhaps because he wasn't old enough, he only had his eye on women who were single and didn't like to steal other people's wives.

Who knows in a few years? Cao Cao was such a man of great talent and ambition, his hobbies must have had their reasons. It's just that at his current age, Zhao Xiaoqian hasn't yet grasped Cao Cao's reasoning.

After returning to the Prince's residence, Zhao Xiaoqian chatted with the women in the household for a while, and then the entire Prince's residence sprang into action.

The women were busy packing their luggage, Chen Shou was busy going out to hire a carriage, and the servants in the mansion were happily lining up to receive their money. The mistress of the house said that starting tomorrow, all the servants would be dismissed, leaving only a few personal maids to serve the ladies.

Zhao Xiaoqian sat under the ginkgo tree in the backyard, letting his wife and servants do their work without participating.

Whether he could take his possessions with him or not was meaningless to him.

He was thinking about something else at the moment. There must be spies planted by the imperial court outside the Prince's mansion, watching his and his wives' every move. With such a commotion in the mansion today, if nothing unexpected happened, the fast horses would already be galloping on the road to Bianjing.

Zhao Xiaoqian did not intend to stop his informants from reporting the news; he knew very well that the news of his family leaving the city could not be kept secret.

Since I can't hide it anymore, I might as well be more open. He and Zhao Xu both know the current situation. Under such dangerous circumstances, is there a problem with me making arrangements for my wife and children in advance? It's just human nature.

He believed that Zhao Xu wouldn't care too much about the whereabouts of his wife and children. As long as Zhao Xiaoqian could return to Bianjing, nothing else mattered to Zhao Xu.

Zhao Xiaoqian considered himself quite lucky, as he had transmigrated to the era when Zhao Xu was in power. Zhao Xu was, in general, a wise ruler, and even a benevolent one in some respects. Unless the crime was extremely serious, Zhao Xu would not usually kill his subjects.

Even towards his own brother, who held military power and was gradually showing signs of instability, Zhao Xu did not intend to exterminate him. Instead, he bestowed upon him a certificate of merit to show his sincerity and subtly pleaded with him to return to Bianjing based on kinship and friendship.

If it were any other, slightly more ruthless emperor, Zhao Xiaoqian at this point would either be kneeling on the execution ground awaiting beheading with his entire family, or he would have already raised an army in rebellion, sweeping across the Central Plains.

Zhao Xu showed leniency in his actions, so Zhao Xiaoqian naturally wanted to reciprocate. This was perhaps the main reason why he decided to return to Bianjing.

Otherwise, I hold military power and dominate Yan and Yun. Even if I disobey the imperial edict and quietly wait for your death, I will lead my army back to the capital to seize the throne. What can you do to me then?

Sometimes, what determines the course of history is not entirely power struggles and interests; some emotions are simply insurmountable obstacles that cannot be ignored.

It's not about trying to establish a "loyal and righteous" persona, but about not letting yourself go to the other extreme of being "heartless and ungrateful".

The family tidied up until midnight, but the women still hadn't finished.

Packing is torture for women. They can't bear to part with any of the jars and pots. Everything is useful and must be taken. Even after simplifying and streamlining, there are still a lot of things they can't bear to throw away.

Zhao Xiaoqian originally planned to spend some time in bed with his wives tonight, since the couple would be separated for a long time. However, by midnight, Di Ying and the others were still busy tidying up, and none of the wives had a moment to spare.

Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to hold his son while they slept. The scene of the father and son sleeping together was somewhat poignant, like a single father struggling to raise his son. We are all trying our best to live...

The next morning, Zhao Xiaoqian woke up to find that Di Ying and the others had barely slept all night. Their luggage, in large and small bags, had been moved outside the mansion gate by the servants and loaded onto the carriage piece by piece.

There were more than a dozen carriages parked at the gate, all of which were hired by Chen Shou. Apart from the carriages used by his wives, the other carriages were used to carry luggage.

Just as he was about to call Di Ying and the others to get on the carriage and leave the city to join Zhang Rong's 5,000 troops, a stunningly beautiful woman in white gracefully approached. It was Yelü Nanxian.

Zhao Xiaoqian was quite surprised and turned to look at Di Ying.

Di Ying rolled her eyes and said, "I called her here. Since you say it's not safe within the Song Dynasty, I naturally have to take her with me. Otherwise, if she falls into the hands of the enemy, will you save her or not? Wouldn't that be considered being taken advantage of?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed and said, "My relationship with her is completely innocent..."

"I believe that you and she are innocent at present, but can you, my lord, say with your hand on your chest that your feelings for her are also innocent?"

Zhao Xiaoqian frankly said, "Of course my feelings for her are not innocent. What man can be without desire when faced with a stunningly beautiful woman? I'm not a eunuch, I just haven't succeeded yet."

Di Ying was not surprised at all. She snorted and said, "I knew you had ulterior motives. Fine, take them with you and save your husband from any worries."

As they were talking, Yelü Nanxian walked up to the two of them, pretending not to recognize them, and simply bowed gracefully to Di Ying.

Di Ying cut to the chase: "Have you packed your luggage?"

Yelü Nanxian seemed a little hesitant, but still turned around and pointed to the little palace maid behind her who didn't deserve to have a name.

The young palace maid carried a rather large bundle, which didn't seem to contain much. Compared to the mountain of luggage belonging to Zhao Xiaoqian's wives, Yelü Nanxian was as pure and elegant as a white lotus flower. "Princess Consort, your family's trip seems to be your private matter. I'm afraid it's inappropriate for me to go with you," Yelü Nanxian said hesitantly, glancing quickly at Zhao Xiaoqian as she spoke.

Di Ying displayed the decisiveness of a matriarch, waving her hand forcefully and saying, "I'll explain on the way. Now get in the carriage and prepare to depart... Let me say this first: my lord is about to undertake important matters, and the entire Song Dynasty may not be safe. It's not appropriate for you to stay in Zhen Ding City."

Yelü Nanxian finally looked Zhao Xiaoqian in the eye, a slight smile curving her lips.

"Is His Highness the Prince finally deciding to give in?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "I've never held back before, it's just that the time wasn't right."

Zhao Xiaoqian was not surprised by Yelü Nanxian's seemingly all-knowing tone.

After all, she was a daughter raised by a powerful family in the Liao Kingdom, so she still had a bit of political acumen and judgment. Although she didn't know much, she was still very perceptive and noticed the clues. She also clearly knew what he was going to do now.

Yelü Nanxian was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Your Highness, please take care... The internal affairs of the Song court are much more complicated than those of the Liao court. If Your Highness wishes to succeed, the support of the civil officials in the court is indispensable. Your Highness may wish to make use of the contradictions between the old and new parties."

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at her with great interest. This woman had given him another surprise. She seemed aloof and adorable, but she was actually quite capable.

“My ladies are going overseas, accompanied by five thousand soldiers. If they encounter any difficulties, I would appreciate it if Your Highness could offer them some advice. You are smarter than them, have a broader perspective, and are more clear-headed.”

Yelü Nanxian nodded: "Alright, I will assist your wife in establishing herself overseas."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded and said earnestly in the tone of a leader encouraging a subordinate, "I hope you can integrate into this happy and harmonious family as soon as possible."

Yelü Nanxian rolled her eyes at him, then turned to Di Ying and said expressionlessly, "Your husband is leering at me again, and he's even making suggestive remarks. Please keep an eye on him, Madam."

Di Ying smiled brightly: "I'm useless, I can't control my husband."

Yelü Nanxian was speechless with anger: "You..."

Just as he was about to turn away, Yelü Nanxian suddenly turned around, stared intently at Zhao Xiaoqian, and after a long while, said in a low voice: "You... take care. Be careful in everything you do. One wrong step and you will lose everything. Before making any decisions, think of your wife and children. Don't let them be left without anyone to rely on."

Before Zhao Xiaoqian could react, Yelü Nanxian had already boarded the carriage and never appeared again.

At the moment of parting, Di Ying disregarded the stares of others and hugged him tightly in public, remaining silent in his arms for a long time.

Zhao Xiaoqian felt a warm sensation in her chest; her tears had already soaked her bodice.

"My lord, take care of yourself. Success or failure is not important. I only wish that you are well and safe and that we can reunite."

“Madam, this is the last time I will cause you worry. After this matter, I will guarantee you a carefree life,” Zhao Xiaoqian solemnly promised.

Next, Jiang Miaoxian, Niaoniao, the Japanese sisters, and other women all stepped forward one by one to bid him farewell with tears in their eyes.

Zhao Xiaoqian comforted them one by one, made an appointment for their reunion, and forced a smile as he helped them onto the carriage.

Not far away, Zhang Rong, clad in armor, stood quietly on the side of the street, riding his horse.

Zhao Xiaoqian beckoned him over.

"Zhang Rong, I entrust my family, wife and children to you. Protect them well. If they suffer any harm, I will hold you accountable."

Zhang Rong respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general guarantees with his life that the ladies will be safe and the young master will be unharmed."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "You won't be able to participate in the important matters that are coming up. Are you resentful that I didn't give you a chance to make a contribution?"

Zhang Rong hurriedly shook his head: "Your Highness has entrusted me with the important task of raising a young prince. It is a blessing that I have earned this honor. I am only grateful for Your Highness's trust and have no resentment whatsoever."

"Well, let me give you a piece of advice. As long as you protect my wife and children, if things succeed in the future, you'll be on the first page of the merit list, and you'll definitely get the title of 'Founding Duke'."

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Rong felt as if a halo had shone upon him, instantly brightening his entire being, as if he were the protagonist making his entrance.

"The Founding Duke? Haha! Thank you! Thank you, Your Highness! This humble general swears to protect the ladies with his life. Anyone who dares to harm Your Highness's wives and children will have to step over this humble general's dead body!"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled, his words carrying much more weight than before. Clearly, Zhang Rong still cared about the opportunity to make merit. Now, Zhang Rong's future was bright, and relatively speaking, among the generals of Yanyun, he was the most relaxed.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xiaoqian continued, "After landing in Japan, you must quickly establish your authority there. Kill those who deserve it. The Japanese are different from those of our Song Dynasty. They respond to force, not gentleness. The more brutal you are, the more they will submit to you..."

“It doesn’t matter if I commit more killings, anyway, I checked my son’s body when he was born and he had swallow skin.”

(End of this chapter)