Phoenix Cries Return to Court

"Your Highness..." Lin Xihe sighed softly as she looked at the crying child in her arms.

"Master," Fu Chen choked out, "but I was so scared, so very scared. Just now in the forest, they all blamed me, even Father Emperor didn't believe me. I thought I was completely finished... I thought I couldn't even keep my position as Crown Prince, or even my life..."

Lin Xihe gently patted his back and comforted him in a soft voice, "Your Highness, don't be afraid. I believe in you. I know you would never do such a thing."

"Really?" Fu Chen looked up, glistening tears still clinging to his long eyelashes. Through his teary eyes, he gazed at the gentle features of the woman before him and suddenly blurted out, "Master, you look just like my Empress Dowager. I miss my Empress Dowager..."

As he spoke, grief welled up within him, and he snuggled closer to Lin Xihe, crying even more bitterly.

Lin Xihe's heart tightened suddenly, and her nose felt a little sore. She raised her hand and gently stroked Fu Chen's black hair, pulling him closer. "Your Highness, it's alright, it's all over now."

Fu Chen's sobs gradually subsided. She patted his back reassuringly and said earnestly, "Your Highness, you must know that the path to becoming the crown prince is never smooth. The higher your position, the more you must be mindful of potential dangers. What you just experienced was a wake-up call for you."

"In the past, the officials were very respectful to you, not entirely out of genuine trust, but mostly out of respect for your status as the crown prince and for the sake of the emperor's reputation. But once you show the slightest weakness, once someone stirs things up, that so-called respect will collapse instantly. Yesterday you were the center of attention, today you may be doomed. It's like going from heaven to hell in a single day."

She paused, then continued earnestly, "Although this wasn't your fault, it exposed your past oversights. Firstly, you usually only know how to guard your own little corner, being too impulsive, forgetting that the path to becoming crown prince is never about protecting oneself alone, but also about winning people's hearts and building your own network. You need to learn to understand the concerns and needs of those court officials and members of the imperial family, and treat them sincerely, so that you can earn their trust, instead of just using your status as crown prince to intimidate them. Secondly, your words and actions are not yet enough to truly convince the officials. Although you have a kind heart, you lack the composure and decisiveness that a crown prince should have. You are easily flustered in the face of events, which makes it easy for others to take advantage of you."

"From now on, you must not only uphold your principles but also learn to handle matters with composure. Think things through carefully and don't easily reveal your emotions. You must diligently cultivate yourself and improve your character, while also learning to discern people's hearts, distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and gather those who are truly capable. Today's crisis is both a calamity and an opportunity. It has allowed you to see people's true nature and understand the weight of the crown prince. Do not be discouraged by today's grievances, nor doubt yourself because of others' accusations. You are the crown prince of Dasheng, the future monarch. Only by standing tall and constantly identifying and addressing your shortcomings can you gain a foothold in this treacherous court, protect yourself, and safeguard the vast empire of Dasheng. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing these heartfelt words, Fu Chen felt a tremor in his heart, as if he had been awakened. The previous confusion, grievances, and fear vanished without a trace.

"Your Highness!" Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside the tent, accompanied by a clear male voice. The next second, the tent flap was lifted, and a gust of wind blew in some dust, disturbing the warmth inside the tent for a moment.

Shen Jueyan, dressed in a black brocade robe with her black hair tied up high, stepped into the tent and her gaze immediately fell on the two people inside. She saw Fu Chen holding Lin Xihe with tears streaming down his face, while the woman, dressed in a plain dress, was gentle and tender, patting Fu Chen's back and patiently comforting him.

What a loving couple! Shen Jueyan's heart sank suddenly, and an indescribable bitterness surged up from the bottom of his heart, and his face immediately darkened.

Lin Xihe looked in the direction of the voice and saw who it was. She paused slightly, then quickly pushed Fu Chen away from her arms and walked to Shen Jueyan. She curtsied and said softly, "Thank you for your help today, Young Master."

"It's alright, it's because Madam is meticulous and made preparations in advance." Shen Jueyan said coldly, his heart filled with jealousy.

Upon hearing this, Fu Chen suddenly realized what was going on and quickly stepped forward, saying, "I was wondering about the arrangement of the arrow fletchings and the anthocyanin powder! So you were already secretly on guard!"

"That's true," Lin Xi said gently. "One should not have the heart to harm others, but one must be wary of others. Fortunately, today's events ended without serious harm, and Your Highness is safe and sound, which is the best outcome."

As she finished speaking, she slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on Shen Jueyan's dark eyes. "Young Grand Secretary, how is the Emperor doing?"

"The investigation is still ongoing," Shen Jueyan said in a deep voice. "Not far from where the Third Prince was assassinated in the forest, we found traces of an ambush. Furthermore, a servant witnessed a man in black fleeing in panic after the incident."

"Does Father still doubt me? And what about my third brother?" Fu Chen asked anxiously.

"Your Highness, please put down your words. His Majesty is already aware that Your Highness has been wronged, and the whereabouts of the person who laid the ambush have been found. Once he is brought to justice, the truth will come to light." Shen Jueyan paused, then added, "The Third Prince's injuries have stabilized and he is fine. You need not worry."

"Madam." He turned to Lin Xihe and said in a low voice, "My visit today is related to an old case. Would you mind if we moved in to discuss it further?"

Lin Xihe composed herself and nodded. She had already suspected that the two matters were related and likely the work of the same person. However, this matter was of great importance and involved many people, so it required careful consideration. Moreover, Fu Chen's mind had just settled down, so it was not the best time to reveal it.

She then turned to Fu Chen and said softly, "Your Highness, please rest well and get your energy back. There is a banquet tomorrow night, and all the officials will be attending. After what happened today, tomorrow's banquet is not to be underestimated. The young Grand Secretary and I have some matters to discuss, so we will take our leave now and come to visit Your Highness again tomorrow."

After saying that, he turned to leave, but when he looked back, he saw that Shen Jueyan was still standing there, staring at him with a gloomy expression, showing no intention of moving.

A sudden urge struck her, and she instinctively reached out and tugged at his sleeve. "Let's go!"

Shen Jueyan lowered his eyes and looked at her hand that was holding his sleeve. He was overjoyed and his jealousy dissipated in an instant, but his face remained calm. He was led away slowly by her.

The two left the camp one after the other and walked slowly along the hunting ground path. Night was falling, the moon was bright and the stars were few, and the evening breeze was cool.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, the only sound the gentle breeze rustling through the grass and trees, creating a somewhat subtle atmosphere.

When they reached a secluded spot under a poplar tree, Shen Jueyan paused. Lin Xi and Fang Yu spoke, and a deep male voice reached their ears.

"Has the lady taken a fancy to the Crown Prince?"