Xiao An slowly stood up and ambled to the door of the imperial study. He pushed the door half open, looked outside to see that it was completely dark, then closed the door and turned back.
"Jingyun said he would return today, right?"
Bai Han bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's letter from two days ago stated that he would return tonight or tomorrow."
Hearing Bai Han's reply, Xiao An's eyes grew somewhat desolate. He sighed softly and shook his head. "At this hour, it seems unlikely!"
"Alright, then let's go for dinner!"
As he spoke, Xiao An returned to his desk, solemnly put away his personal vermillion-stamped directives, and tidied up several memorials.
Seeing this, Bai Han's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Logically, he should be the one handling these matters, but what was wrong with His Majesty today?
Although he couldn't quite grasp the underlying reasons, Bai Han understood one thing: His Majesty seemed preoccupied, and he needed to proceed with even greater caution.
The two walked in silence, heading directly to the imperial kitchen. On a table half a zhang wide, dozens, even hundreds, of dishes were laid out. Before Xiao An, a pot of wine was also placed.
Bai Han poured a cup of wine and respectfully presented it to the Emperor.
Xiao An glanced at Bai Han, then waved his hand. Bai Han, understanding the implication, said to the eunuchs serving nearby, "You may all withdraw."
When they were alone, Xiao An pointed to several dishes on the table. "These should be some of your favorites. Let's eat together."
Bai Han, awed and humbled, quickly waved his hands. "I am here to serve Your Majesty; how could I dare eat with you?"
Seeing Bai Han's demeanor, Xiao An's eyes were filled with disappointment. He sighed and asked, "Is everyone afraid of me?"
"Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, representing the might of the heavens. Naturally, people dare not offend your majesty."
Clearly, Bai Han's answer did not satisfy Xiao An. He picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and gently set it down. "You speak the truth, but you only told half of it."
"Do you think I was too harsh on Liu Xiangnan?"
This was a life-threatening question, one that Bai Han found difficult to navigate.
He could only clasp his fists again and say, "Your Majesty is wise. Your decisions are naturally reasoned. I cannot fathom them, nor dare I comment."
Hearing his words, Xiao An became dispirited again. He did not speak further but drank several more cups of wine before saying again, "Enough of this. Sit and have a meal with me. Oh, and pour yourself a cup of wine here."
Bai Han was so startled that he nearly fell to his knees.
"Your Majesty, spare me. I..."
Before he could finish, Xiao An waved his hand, interrupting him. "Come now, I've already dismissed everyone. What are you afraid of? This matter is between you and me."
Bai Han hesitated for a moment, then cautiously stepped forward, grabbed the wine pot, and refilled the Emperor's cup. He then retreated to the far end of the table and poured a cup for himself.
Xiao An beckoned. "There's no one else around, why are you staying so far away? Come closer. I have a few words to say to you."
Bai Han, with no other choice, walked up to Xiao An, cup in hand.
"Do you know why I have been avoiding Fang Zheng?"
Bai Han pondered for a moment, then replied, "Your Majesty, you must feel there are some matters you cannot speak of to the old Prime Minister."
Hearing this, Xiao An nodded. "Yes, I cannot speak of them to him. However, I believe Fang Zheng can understand my intentions."
"Liu Xiangnan's influence in the army is too great. It will be very disadvantageous to Jingyun in the future."
"And Fang Zheng, although he retired years ago, has been living in the capital. Therefore, officials, big and small, naturally visit him frequently."
Hearing this, Bai Han began to understand. His Majesty Xiao Jingyun, while claiming to want to speak with him, actually intended for him to deliver a message to Fang Zheng.
"Your Majesty, I don't believe the old Prime Minister has any other intentions."
"Perhaps we could grant him a few hundred mu of land to manage, and he could relocate there to be self-sufficient."
Xiao An nodded approvingly at Bai Han's suggestion. "That's a good idea. I will consider it."
At this point, Bai Han fully understood. Xiao An was aware of everything and had even made plans. Some words were merely being spoken through his mouth, nothing more.
While eating, Bai Han made up his mind. Since His Majesty wanted him to relay a message, he shouldn't delay. He would find an opportunity to meet Fang Zheng tomorrow.
As they were speaking, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard from outside. Hearing the footsteps, Bai Han quickly retreated a couple of steps and put down his chopsticks.
A young eunuch rushed in, knelt on one knee, and announced loudly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned and has entered the East Gate."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Han, who had appeared somewhat dejected, was instantly revitalized. His eyes shot out a golden light, and he became full of energy.
Bai Han, understanding the situation, quickly bowed and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. I will arrange for the reception of the Crown Prince's imperial procession immediately."
He then hurried out.
Meanwhile, Liu Rumei, after entering the city, headed straight for the mansion of the old Prime Minister, Fang Zheng.
She had already arranged with Liu Kai to meet at the old Prime Minister's residence. Therefore, by choosing this location, Liu Rumei hoped to take the opportunity of escorting the young girl back to glean more information about her father from Fang Zheng.
At this moment, Liu Kai and the old Prime Minister Fang Zheng were already extremely anxious, having even skipped dinner. They stood by the entrance, looking out expectantly.
Finally, Liu Rumei, accompanied by Xiao Qing and others, rushed over.
Behind Liu Rumei were the young girl and her retinue.
Seeing their return, Fang Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. He exchanged glances with Liu Kai, and they both let out long sighs almost simultaneously.
Liu Kai quickly descended the steps and stepped forward to help Liu Rumei dismount her warhorse.
The young girl, however, leaped directly from her horse and, with a few quick steps, arrived before Fang Zheng, kneeling on one knee. "Grandpa, I'm back."
Fang Zheng nodded, the stone in his heart finally lifted. "Good, it's good that you're back. Hurry home, your mother has been waiting anxiously."
"Grandpa, what are you saying? If my mother is anxious, aren't you? Don't you miss your granddaughter?"
Hearing her words, Fang Zheng burst into laughter and patted her arm. "Alright, don't say such things in front of outsiders."
He then turned to look at Liu Rumei, who was standing at the foot of the steps.
Liu Rumei, seeing that the grandfather and granddaughter had finished their exchange, stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Fang Zheng. "Greetings, Uncle Fang."