Chapter 0011: The Foolish and Incompetent Second Prince, Xie Chengze Who Killed His Father with Filial Piety

The air fell into a brief silence.

After a moment, Shen Yuan abruptly stepped back, while Xie Jinyu suddenly stood up.

“Second Brother—”

“Your Highness the Second Prince, what is the meaning of this?”

“Do not misunderstand, Shen Shilang,” Xie Chengze hooked his finger under Shen Yuan’s chin and said with a smile, “This prince’s health is no longer in good condition, but there are still many corrupt officials gnawing away at the fortunes of our great Da Jian’an Dynasty. I hope you will remain by the Crown Prince’s side and serve him with loyalty.”

Shen Yuan was taken aback, his gaze growing increasingly profound as he looked at Xie Chengze.

He had thought that the reborn Xie Chengze had spoken those earlier words to win him over, and he had even prepared to firmly refuse. Yet, to his surprise, Xie Chengze had actively pushed him toward the Crown Prince.

Why?

In his previous life, Xie Chengze had repeatedly made overtures to win him over. He was well aware of how much of an asset he was to the Crown Prince. If Xie Chengze had any sense, he would not have given up on recruiting him, lest he align himself with the Crown Prince’s faction.

Now, by pushing him away, what exactly was Xie Chengze trying to do?

Was he afraid that if Shen Yuan joined his faction, it would alter the course of the previous life? Did Xie Chengze also intend to follow the trajectory of his past life, making meticulous preparations to overthrow the Crown Prince with a foolproof plan?

Just moments ago, Shen Yuan had been impressed by Xie Chengze’s insights into the court and Yi Province, thinking he had grown considerably since his rebirth. But now, it seemed he was still as foolish and incompetent as ever.

It appeared Shen Yuan had been overthinking things.

Shen Yuan took a step back and said firmly, “I know my own mind. There is no need for Your Highness the Second Prince to trouble yourself!”

He would pledge his allegiance to the Crown Prince on his own—Xie Chengze’s unnecessary interference was nothing but adding legs to a snake!

Xie Jinyu also stepped forward, taking Xie Chengze’s hand. “Second Brother, I don’t need anyone else. I only need you by my side.”

Shen Yuan nearly choked on his breath.

He knew the Crown Prince valued brotherly affection and was still in the early stages of his growth. Yet, as someone with the soul of a seasoned statesman, Shen Yuan was infuriated by these words, his frustration boiling over inwardly.

A soft-hearted heir apparent was a grave taboo!

Xie Chengze also looked at Xie Jinyu with a complicated expression: Seriously, brother, you really dare to say anything.

Fortunately, Shen Yuan had studied under Shen Taifu, who was responsible for teaching the Crown Prince etiquette, ethics, and morality. Shen Taifu was a staunch supporter of the emperor, and Shen Yuan, having grown up under his guidance, naturally adhered to the same principles: “Loyal but not stubborn, strategic but not rebellious”—the kind of steadfast minister a ruler most favored, one who would never plot treason or rebellion.

Had it been any other ambitious statesman, they would have long since cast aside this indecisive Crown Prince and seized the throne for themselves.

Rubbing his temples, Xie Chengze said with a weary expression, “I will speak to His Majesty about the matter of going to Yi Province. You may leave now. This prince is tired.”

“Second Brother…” Xie Jinyu wanted to say more, but Xie Chengze shot him a glare. Pressing his lips together, he had no choice but to leave with Shen Yuan.

Once they had left Cheng Huan Palace, Xie Jinyu’s face, which had been full of grievance and dependence, abruptly darkened.

“Shen Shilang,” Xie Jinyu’s gaze held a warning as it fell upon Shen Yuan. “By refusing my Second Brother just now, were you intending to pledge your allegiance to him?”

Shen Yuan was momentarily stunned, then understanding dawned. It seemed the Crown Prince still understood the gravity of the situation—he feared that Shen Yuan might join Xie Chengze’s faction, thereby strengthening the Second Prince’s influence and threatening his position as Crown Prince.

“You worry too much, Crown Prince.” Shen Yuan pledged his loyalty, “Since ancient times, the imperial court has always frowned upon princes forming cliques for personal gain. Naturally, I would not join the Second Prince’s faction, but instead devote myself wholeheartedly to serving His Majesty.”

“It’s good that you understand.” Xie Jinyu felt a slight relief in his heart.

Ever since Shen Yuan returned to the capital, he had gained the favor and attention of his second brother. Xie Jinyu was truly worried that his second brother would ask for Shen Yuan, and once again, like in their childhood, prioritize Shen Yuan over him.

He had only just managed to reconcile with his second brother and could not tolerate any discord at this moment.

“Let’s go. I will introduce you to some people. It will be beneficial for you and Second Brother when we head south to Yi Province.” Xie Jinyu said indifferently.

Shen Yuan bowed, “As you wish.”

…

After Shen Yuan and Xie Jinyu left, Wuhen soundlessly landed behind Xie Chengze, “Your Highness.”

Xie Chengze turned around, “Found it?”

Wuhen half-knelt, using his sleeve to brush the fine sand off Xie Chengze’s feet before putting on the crimson boots, “Yes, the matter has been taken care of.”

“You don’t need to dress me.” Xie Chengze retracted his foot slightly. As a grown man, having another man help him put on shoes felt rather odd.

Wuhen paused his movements and looked up, puzzled, “Your Highness has been acting strangely lately, as if you’ve become a different person.”

Xie Chengze: “…Fine, fine, put them on. I love it when you help me with my shoes.”

Wuhen lowered his head, a faint smile flickering at the corner of his lips before vanishing instantly.

His Highness truly never changes.

Once the shoes were on, Xie Chengze headed toward the Imperial Study with Wuhen. But as soon as they stepped out, he spotted a somewhat familiar figure climbing his palace wall using a large bamboo ladder.

The guards at the entrance were scratching their heads in frustration, trying to dissuade him, “Fourth Highness, Fourth Highness, please stop climbing! If you fall, how will we explain it to the Second Highness?”

“Don’t mind me! I sneaked in on my own—it has nothing to do with you!” Xie Zimiao diligently climbed the ladder, a small red sandalwood box strapped to his back. “I just want to catch a glimpse of Second Brother from afar. Once I deliver this ginseng, I’ll leave!”

Xie Chengze was amused and called out cheerfully, “Then keep climbing. Second Brother is leaving now.”

“Alright!” Xie Zimiao replied. Two seconds later, he realized what was said and hurriedly turned to look, “Second Brother? Second Brother, you’re out?”

He turned too abruptly, and the heavy wooden box on his back, pulled by gravity, tipped backward. The two guards widened their eyes in alarm but dared not let go of the ladder, fearing it would topple and injure Xie Zimiao.

“Ah—Second Brother, save me!” Xie Zimiao covered his eyes in fear.

Xie Chengze strode forward, his arms sinking slightly as he firmly caught the falling Xie Zimiao. He sighed helplessly, “Next time you fall, remember to cover the back of your head first.”

Xie Zimiao spread the fingers covering his eyes. The young man, who had just begun tying his hair up, smiled with exceptionally innocent eyes, “Second Brother, I’ll remember that.”

Xie Chengze set him down and straightened his dishebled cyan court robe, “I’m going to see Father. Leave the item with the guards and return to Yu Fu Palace.”

Xie Zimiao hastily handed the heavy wooden box to a nearby guard and tentatively sidled up to him. Seeing that Xie Chengze showed no displeasure, he promptly took advantage of the situation and clung to his arm, “Second Brother, I want to see Father too!”

Xie Chengze ruffled his hair, “Fine, as you wish.”

The two went to the Imperial Study, only to be informed by the guards that His Majesty had gone to the Imperial Garden. So they changed course and headed there, finding Emperor Jian in the pavilion enjoying the flowers and playing chess.

Freed from the burden of memorials, Emperor Jian appeared much more spirited. When he spotted Xie Chengze and Xie Zimiao, he waved enthusiastically. “Come, come! Both of you, join me for a game of chess. Prime Minister Li’s skills are simply awful—I can’t bear to play with him anymore!”

Prime Minister Li, standing nearby, chuckled awkwardly.

Xie Zimiao pretended not to hear and took a seat to prepare tea, leaving Xie Chengze to sit opposite Emperor Jian and study the board.

Emperor Jian’s black pieces were steady and experienced, solidly built with both offense and defense, making them difficult to counter. Though Prime Minister Li’s white pieces were at a disadvantage, they showed clever tactics; with a little effort, winning the game wouldn’t be hard.

It seemed Prime Minister Li was holding back—as a subject, one must humor the emperor, unable to lose outright or win decisively.

But as a son, there was no need for such courtesy.

Xie Chengze went all out, ruthlessly crushing the black pieces until Emperor Jian, frustrated, tossed the board aside. “Well, Xie Chengze, you didn’t spare me at all, did you?”

Dodging the scattered pieces nimbly, Xie Chengze retorted with disdain, “Father, your chess etiquette is terrible.”

Losing is one thing, but why get so worked up?

Just then, Xie Zimiao eagerly handed over a teacup. “Second Brother, have some tea~”

Emperor Jian: …

And where is my tea