"Even if she disliked it, women were only useful for tying up power," Ji Shu said with a sneer. It was perfectly normal for them to regard women as nothing more than tools because that was the only reason they existed. In this era where there were no women's rights, they were only seen as other people's properties.

Ji Sheng didn't give out his opinion. "She might try to escape again."

"I have already sent my order to watch over her. With so many guards, I doubt she'll be able to escape."

"That's good to hear."

Ji Shu's words had more power compared to Ji Sheng in the palace. After all, everyone knew how much the Emperor doted on Ji Shu's mother. On the other hand, Ji Sheng's mother was left forgotten in the harem with only occasional visits that didn't seem to be of importance at all. She was also very docile as she shied away from troubles and remained low key.

The two princes talked with each other for some time, discussing this and that. There were some matters that couldn't be brought up to the court yet, so they discussed it in private. Besides, the two brothers were silently probing each other's view and goal through the seemingly random chats.

After an incense stick (an hour) time, the two brothers bid their farewell. Ji Sheng tapped the table with his rough hand, which was the result of intense training over the years. "Yang Xian."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

Ji Sheng furrowed his brows. "Drop the formalities. What's your opinion about Ji Shu?"

When they were meeting each other, they would never call each other with the name directly. After all, they were not close to each other and it might be seen as impolite. But when they were discussing in private, Ji Sheng simply ignored their titles.

"He's a very ambitious man," Yang Xian replied. "I reckon he'll be able to become a powerful hindrance for the crown prince's path to the throne."

Ji Sheng nodded, agreeing with Yang Xian's view. It was just a short meeting after a few years, but he could see that Ji Shu was still very ambitious. He would do everything at all cost for his pursuit of power, even disregarding human lives.

"Tell me more of the young lady in Wei Household."

Yang Xian arched his eyebrows. "You're finally interested? I have told you numerous times that there's an interesting girl, but you didn't want to listen."

"I'm listening now."

"You're really." Yang Xian rolled his eyes. If this was done in public, many people would be horrified by his lack of manners. However, the two of them were very close to each other and after many life and death's experience in war, they naturally grew closer as brothers. When it was in private, there was no longer any formality between the two of them.

"Third Miss Wei, Wei Liuying, is a concubine born daughter. She's smart, but she always stays low and never stands out more than necessary. If anything, she's known to be a useless lady that's forgotten because there were several other concubine daughters who were similar to her."

Thinking about that, Yang Xian's lips couldn't help but to curl up. If Wei Liuying's position had been higher, there would be more people paying attention. But because Wei Xiao Hua performed worse and Wei Liuying was nothing more than a concubine daughter, it was easy to forget her.

After all, many concubine daughters were also useless since they would only ever get married as concubine in the future. Most of them still studied vehemently, though, as they wished that they would gain a better chance by trying hard.

"Also, I think she's raised like a boy considering that she's good at history, philosophy, and many others. In addition, Shi Yan said that she's not that bad in terms of martial arts. Even though Shi Yan himself is only standard at most, to be able to defeat him showed that her skill is decent."

Ji Sheng nodded. "Shi Yan is not that good, but not everyone can defeat him."

In his store, Shi Yan suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose in confusion. Who was talking about him? Could it be that some ladies were missing him?

Yang Xian smiled. "So, how about if you come with me to have a chat with her?"

"You mean in a few more weeks?" Ji Sheng looked back.

Considering that it was Ji Shu who gave the punishment, it was easy to guess that Wei Liuying wouldn't be able to get up from her bed for a long time. Ji Shu never cared for the fairer gender and always treated them harshly. Not that the other princes care, though Ji Shu was the most extreme.

"Well, I'm thinking of visiting her tomorrow in her room…" Yang Xian's words trailed. He wouldn't be able to wait for a few weeks. Since she couldn't come, why didn't he come to visit her and have a chat about the books?

Ji Sheng paused for a moment. "Sure."

"Really? You'll come?"

"If you alarm the guards, I'll send you to training."

Yang Xian rolled his eyes again. Come on, he was not Shi Yan. How can it be possible for him to alert the guards?

In the store, Shi Yan sneezed once more.