Xiao Jinfeng, holding his tobacco pouch, fixed his deep gaze on Xiao Jinheng like a falcon.
Xiao Ying and Xiao Jun stood behind Xiao Jinheng, their expressions serious, hands resting on their sword hilts, ready to respond to any sudden developments.
With Commander Kong absent from the Crown Prince's side, they were the only ones left to protect their master, so Xiao Ying and Xiao Jun dared not relax for a moment.
Er Longzi, meanwhile, stood to the side with his arms crossed, his gaze indifferent and his expression placid.
Even if these two guards attacked together, they would not be his match.
"When did Second Brother start smoking?" Xiao Jinheng asked calmly.
He had intended to go find the village child just now, but before he could even cross the threshold, Xiao Jinfeng had blocked his path.
Xiao Jinfeng, exhaling smoke, smiled faintly, "It's just something to pass the time when I'm bored..."
He would never dare to be so presumptuous after returning to the palace, or his mother would flay him.
Hearing this, Xiao Jinheng cut to the chase, "Second Brother, you came to Dashui Village specifically to find me, didn't you?"
Hmph, so grown up, and still a 'mama's boy.' Truly accomplished.
He had to obey every command from Consort Xian. Even a single mistake would result in severe punishment for Xiao Jinfeng.
It was likely Consort Xian who had sent him this time...
Xiao Jinfeng put down his tobacco pouch and coughed lightly, "Cough, cough, not exactly. Dashui Village has delicious food and its people are simple and honest. I just came to relax!"
"Relax?" Xiao Jinheng's lips twitched.
Was he trying to fool a ghost?
"Second Brother!" Xiao Jinheng stood up, his handsome face filled with a murderous aura, "Let's be upfront. If you intend to do anything to me, you'll have to ask my uncle first. Moreover, the Emperor already knows I've returned to Dashui Village, and a large contingent of the Imperial Guards will arrive soon to protect me..."
With that, Xiao Jinheng leaned on the table, looking at Xiao Jinfeng with a half-smile, "Second Brother is a smart man and wouldn't do something that cuts off his own retreat. To put it plainly, Consort Xian's covetousness is nothing more than the position of Crown Prince. I don't know how much strength she has secretly accumulated, but the Emperor is almost fully aware of the conspiracy you are planning!"
"If Second Brother abandons the darkness and embraces the light, and awakens early, perhaps the Emperor will overlook your past transgressions and forgive you this once. If Second Brother wishes to fight to the death and remain obstinate, then I am willing to accompany you to the end!"
Xiao Jinfeng: "..."
Why are you telling me all this out of the blue?
I wasn't planning on fighting you!
Besides, he understood the court's situation better than anyone. His mother's current power was not enough to shake the foundations of the Great Liang Kingdom.
Moreover, the current circumstances did not allow him to engage in a real fight with the Crown Prince.
"Oh, Heng'er, what kind of person do you think Second Brother is!" Xiao Jinfeng smiled helplessly, "Do you really see me as so power-hungry and useless?"
"I didn't say that!" Xiao Jinheng murmured as he sat down.
Xiao Jinfeng stroked his tobacco pouch and sighed, "I am trapped in a dilemma, Heng'er. Do you really think I'm interested in the position of Crown Prince? Heh, you're terribly mistaken..."
"In the eyes of the officials, I might be a dissolute prince who idles away his time. But my mother has very high expectations for me. She even consulted a fortune teller for my destiny, saying I am a reincarnation of an emperor and destined to become emperor in this life. However, in my opinion, this is pure nonsense. I know myself best, and no one can change my true nature!"
Xiao Jinheng listened, somewhat bewildered, and stared at Xiao Jinfeng in surprise, "What do you mean, Second Brother?"
What does it matter to me what kind of person you are?
Xiao Jinfeng pursed his lips and smiled, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed expression, and relit his tobacco pouch, "What I mean is, I don't want to fight with you anymore. Whoever wants to be Crown Prince can be it, I'm not interested. Isn't it good to live a simple life in the countryside? Why bother with all that?"
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
Can you be trusted when you say this?
Besides, if Consort Xian heard this just now, she would probably skin you alive.
"Since Second Brother says so, then we have nothing more to discuss!" Xiao Jinheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his tense expression easing slightly, "But one thing, Second Brother must not harm anyone from the Old Yun family. Otherwise, don't blame your Imperial Brother for turning ruthless..."
Xiao Jinfeng heard this, remained silent, slowly stood up, and with Er Longzi, left the west house to go back to sleep.
Unless he had nothing better to do, he wouldn't go around biting people like a mad dog.
And since he was living so comfortably with the Old Yun family, why would he harm them?
The next morning, in the kitchen.
Zhao Guihua had just walked in and was about to light the stove when she saw Murong Qing standing at the stove, stir-frying dishes with a spatula.
Slices of cabbage stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, with some streaky pork added.
The fragrant aroma made the family members wake up early.
Zhao Guihua's eyebrows curved, and she said sourly, "Miss Murong is up quite early. You must have been tired from sitting in the carriage for so many days, you should be resting..."
Hmph, this young girl, always trying to steal the spotlight.
Even cooking breakfast, she wanted to show off. It was so annoying.
Murong Qing turned her head and smiled, "Auntie Yun, I'm not tired. What would you like for breakfast? I'll make it for you!"
Zhao Guihua: "..."
Do I need you to cook what I want to eat?
You're not Jin He's wife, don't try to get close to me.
"No need, move aside. The kitchen is too smoky, you might choke. Give it to me!" Zhao Guihua stepped forward to grab the spatula.
Murong Qing, with quick reflexes, pushed Zhao Guihua's hand away, her smile undiminished, "Auntie Yun, it's just breakfast, isn't it all the same who makes it? Besides, as a junior arriving at the Yun family, I should let everyone taste my cooking..."
Zhao Guihua couldn't help but click her tongue after hearing this.
In fact, without guessing, Murong Qing's cooking must be good, otherwise, she wouldn't have raised Jin He to be so plump and fair.
Just then, Du Tieshan and Jin Huaihua arrived at the kitchen door. As they were about to enter, they suddenly heard Zhao Guihua's sarcastic voice.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Miss Murong, listen to what you're saying. What's so great about being able to cook? Why show off? Why don't you go out and ask, who in our Old Yun family can't cook? Even Xiao Bao can make himself fried rice. What's so special about good cooking? As long as it fills your stomach, it's fine!"
Du Tieshan and Jin Huaihua outside the door: "..."
Why is eldest sister acting so strangely?