Although no names were mentioned, everyone present knew this was directed at Yi Zhixie.
"Yes, I want to know too. How did you manage to bring this issue up? Have you been staying here all this time?" Shen Xiaoyan also looked at Yi Zhixie curiously.
After asking, Shen Xiaoyan suddenly had a flash of inspiration and, without waiting for Yi Zhixie to answer, continued, "You didn't come here just for this, did you?"
"You're really smart. You figured it out yourself," Yi Zhixie said to Shen Xiaoyan, looking at her as if she were amazing.
Shen Xiaoyan felt a bit speechless. It was the only answer she could think of.
"If I want to go back, how can I go back? What if I don't want to?" Sima Han continued to ask.
"If you are willing to go back, I naturally have a way to make you go back. If you are unwilling, with your current abilities, he cannot do anything to you," Yi Zhixie said indifferently.
Shen Xiaoyan had to admit that Yi Zhixie's words were very accurate.
If Sima Han was willing to go back and contend for the throne, no matter how difficult it was, he would find a way.
He could even find a way back himself, without Yi Zhixie's help.
If Sima Han was unwilling, the Grand Empress Dowager could do nothing to him.
She couldn't possibly send someone to persuade him just because he didn't want to go back and help her deal with the Emperor, right?
In that case, the Emperor would surely know, and might even come to visit Sima Han, winning his favor.
Then, the two of them would join forces to deal with the Grand Empress Dowager. That would be truly amusing.
Even though it was just a guess, the Grand Empress Dowager, who was as shrewd as Shen Xiaoyan, must have thought of it.
Therefore, even if Sima Han was unwilling, it wouldn't matter.
At most, he would just live his life like this.
After hearing Yi Zhixie's answer, Sima Han remained silent for a long time, not knowing what to say.
He was born into royalty and understood more than others from a young age. Moreover, he was deeply favored by the Grand Empress Dowager. It was impossible to say he had never thought about that position.
However, after the Emperor ascended the throne, he was demoted to a commoner, expelled from the capital, and forbidden to ever return to the place that gave him birth and raised him. His heart was filled with torment.
He was actually quite satisfied with his current life.
Being able to stay with his wife and children every day, without any schemes and struggles, was a life many people yearned for.
He had previously considered whether to spend the rest of his life with Lin.
Later, they would have a few more children, watch them grow up, get married, have children, and then he and Yue Qingxin would grow old together. What a happy thought.
However, when Yi Zhixie spoke to him about this just now, his heart had suddenly begun to pound.
Was he still thinking about that position?
"You know, a true man's ambition lies in all directions. Going back wouldn't be a bad thing," Yi Zhixie said with a sigh.
Yue Qingxin pursed her lips upon hearing this.
She also understood Yi Zhixie's words. A true man's ambition lay in all directions. In the past, Sima Han had also deeply cared about his country and the world.
Now, asking Sima Han to accompany her in this life of working with the sunrise and resting with the sunset, she wondered if it was truly too much for him.
If there were no opportunity, it would be fine. But now, the opportunity was clearly right in front of him.
"How about, you..."
"Xinxin, let me think about it again," Sima Han interrupted Yue Qingxin.
He knew that Yue Qingxin was willing to do anything for him. Although she loved the current peaceful life, as long as he showed the slightest inclination, Yue Qingxin would definitely be willing to go back with him.
Even if it meant returning to a life of endless worry and fear.
"Did he give you a deadline?" Sima Han looked at Yi Zhixie and asked.
"Not really. Even if you are willing to go back, we still need to plan. We need to come up with a reason that the Emperor cannot refuse to let you go back, right?"
"Then I will think about it carefully."
Sima Han nodded in understanding and then stated his temporary decision.
Shen Xiaoyan watched from the side, not interrupting. Even when Shen Xiaoming wanted to speak, she stopped him with her gaze.
Because she understood that when people are indecisive, they are actually least able to listen to others' advice. Once they listen to advice, the scales in their hearts will be tilted.
As the group fell silent again, Zheng Wei entered with a wooden tray.
"Mimi, where do you want to eat?" Zheng Wei asked, standing in front of Shen Xiaoyan.
"I'll eat inside. You guys continue talking," Shen Xiaoyan said, taking the wooden tray from Zheng Wei and walking towards the east wing room.
Yue Qingxin also stood up and followed Shen Xiaoyan into the east wing room.
Shen Xiaoyan placed the wooden tray on the kang table, then quickly climbed onto the kang bed. Looking at the bowl of noodles on the tray, she smacked her lips.
It really looked delicious.
"Sister, do you want some?" Shen Xiaoyan picked up a pair of chopsticks and offered them to Yue Qingxin.
"I'm full. Sister, you eat quickly. It won't taste good if it gets cold," Yue Qingxin waved her hand to refuse, then urged Shen Xiaoyan to eat quickly.
Shen Xiaoyan didn't stand on ceremony anymore and began to eat heartily.
Whether it was because Shen Xiaoyan was truly hungry, or because she felt a little embarrassed being watched by Yue Qingxin, Shen Xiaoyan finished eating very quickly.
After finishing, Shen Xiaoyan was about to stand up to return the wooden tray when she saw Huo Fen walk in.
"Madam, this is what Master Zheng prepared for you."
As Huo Fen spoke, she placed the wooden tray she was holding on the kang table. Shen Xiaoyan then saw that on the tray were crystal clear pastries, still emitting steam, looking very delicious.
Although she really wanted to eat them, Shen Xiaoyan felt a little embarrassed.
Was Zheng Wei trying to raise her like a pig?
She had just finished a bowl of noodles, and a large one at that.
Huo Fen placed the pastries on the table, picked up the empty noodle bowl that Shen Xiaoyan had finished, and withdrew.
Yue Qingxin looked at Shen Xiaoyan's hesitant expression, wanting to eat but also hesitant, and found it a little strange.
With a little thought, she knew why Shen Xiaoyan was like this.
"Seeing you eat for so long, I'm actually a little hungry too. These pastries look good. I'll try one first."
As Yue Qingxin spoke, she picked one up and took a bite.
"Mmm, delicious. Sister, you try one too." Before swallowing the pastry in her mouth, Yue Qingxin eagerly said to Shen Xiaoyan.
Shen Xiaoyan looked at Yue Qingxin eating with relish and unconsciously swallowed.
It really looked as delicious as she imagined.
But should she really eat it?
Shen Xiaoyan hesitated, unsure whether to maintain her image or satisfy her appetite.
After hesitating for half a moment, seeing Yue Qingxin reach for a second pastry, Shen Xiaoyan finally made a decision: eat.
Nothing was more important than being full.
She quickly picked up a pastry and put it in her mouth. Shen Xiaoyan chewed slowly, and tears actually welled up in her eyes.
It was too delicious. For a foodie, there was no greater enjoyment than eating.
Yue Qingxin's intention was for Shen Xiaoyan to eat with peace of mind and not feel embarrassed in front of her.
However, who would have thought that perhaps it was because the pastries were truly delicious, or perhaps because she was really hungry, or perhaps because she was influenced by Shen Xiaoyan's eating manner.