Chapter 1612: Thank You
Qiao Xuan felt a tinge of regret and spoke with a smile, “Considering your chief’s indication, it seems something significant is brewing. It’s best for you to return home now. We’ll embark on our journey after the first month of the New Year, so there’s no need for you to come back to bid us farewell. If you have the time, visit Shaoding Village. I have something to send back to you, and you can take it along.”
“It’s not much, just two medium-sized boxes.”
The two boxes could easily be accommodated in the luggage-laden carriage, causing no inconvenience. Zhao Shu often had several attendants accompanying him whenever he ventured out, so the addition of two boxes wouldn’t pose any difficulty.
That’s why Qiao Xuan made the request.
Zhao Shu was delighted at the chance to assist Fifth Brother and Sister-in-law. He grinned and agreed, “Of course, Sister-in-law. Just prepare them, and I’ll send someone over to collect them. Don’t worry, Sister-in-law. I’ll ensure they reach safely.”
Qiao Xuan smiled appreciatively, “Thank you!”
Zhao Shu’s grin grew even more amiable and attentive. “You’re welcome, Sister-in-law!”
Xie Jingrong also made an appearance.
He was not one to merely scratch the surface. Extending his smile to Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, he conveyed, “Congratulations!”
Shao Yunduan returned the gesture with a cupped hand, “Thank you!”
Understanding the underlying message, Xie Jingrong exchanged smiles with them.
Had Xie Jingrong not informed the Princess Consort’s family about his intention to work for the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince might have been seriously tempted. He would have lost Shao Yunduan but gained Young Master Xie, making it a reasonable exchange. Shao Yunduan wouldn’t have been able to escape so smoothly.
This realization made Shao Yunduan understand that, in the Crown Prince’s eyes, he was merely a valuable tool and a useful chess piece.
For those old ministers burdened by reputation, many actions were constrained. Yet, Shao Yunduan, originating from humble beginnings without connections in the capital, had fewer reservations.
Without Shao Yunduan, finding a replacement with his level of suitability would be an arduous task for the Crown Prince.
However, if he could secure the eldest son of the Xie Family, it would serve as a compensatory measure for this loss.
Moreover, given the strained relationship between Shao Yunduan and himself, the Crown Prince felt a sense of disappointment and irritation, prompting him to let Shao Yunduan depart.
Unable to approach Xie Jingrong directly, Shao Yunduan had been eagerly anticipating this meeting to express his gratitude face-to-face.
The three of them gathered in the study for a conversation.
Sharing a similar perspective to Shao Yunduan, Xie Jingrong believed that while others might find it challenging to navigate Anze Province, Shao Yunduan might find a way.
In a place like that, peril and opportunity coexisted, offering a risk worth taking.
Crucially, the reality in Anze Province was dire. Serving as an official there equated to exile, rendering anyone who went invisible in the eyes of the capital’s residents.
Over time, the Eastern Palace’s influence on Shao Yunduan would fade away.
In such a desolate place, people would look down on him, forget about him, and allow him to cleanse the marks on his reputation.
It was a favorable outcome.
Xie Jingrong found it perplexing whenever he contemplated the state of the nation. He doubted the Crown Prince’s ability to secure the throne.
Honored Princess Mei’s Fourth Prince was formidable, and Empress Qi, the Third Prince, Princess Concubine Virtue, and the Second Prince all posed significant challenges, their influence extending deeper into the army than anticipated.
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