This was where Fu Shen’s foresight showed. Yan Xiaohan, having spent a long time in the palace, had mastered the art of saying the right thing to anyone. Seeing Fu Shen had nothing more to say, he tactfully took over the conversation.
The Prince of Qi respected Fu Shen greatly but was only wary of Yan Xiaohan.
Though unsure why they had come together, it was clearly not just to offer congratulations. The Prince of Qi, already anxious about Emperor Yuan Tai’s arrangement for them to go to Jingchu together, became even more speculative, unconsciously speaking in an official tone.
One handling external matters, the other internal, they worked together seamlessly. Fu Shen, disregarding his “husband’s” dignity, leisurely examined the wrinkled infant and inquired about Fu Ling’s condition. Looking back, he noticed the Prince of Qi had broken into a sweat despite the early spring chill.
He glanced at Yan Xiaohan with a smile, signaling him not to go too far.
Yan Xiaohan understood and smoothly steered the conversation to casual topics. Fu Shen seized the opportunity to interject, “As family, let’s be direct. Next month’s Jingchu journey will require Your Highness’s care.”
The Prince of Qi was momentarily confused about what kind of “care” was meant, pausing before forcing a smile: “Lord Fu is too kind. On such a long journey, I should be relying on Sir Yan.”
“Our family member”… Unless the status difference was significant, what man would willingly admit to being the “wife” outside? The Prince of Qi wondered if Emperor Yuan Tai’s marriage decree intended Fu Shen to be the “wife”. Was Fu Shen saying this to embarrass Yan Xiaohan or to challenge the Emperor?
His puzzled reaction was noticed by both men. Fu Shen looked slightly disappointed, while Yan Xiaohan could barely suppress his schadenfreude. Clearing his throat, he said, “Your Highness and Princess have worked hard. We’ve disturbed you long enough and will take our leave.”
The Prince of Qi was eager for them to leave, offering insincere courtesies before finally seeing these two distinguished guests off. Returning to the inner chamber, he sat down unceremoniously, exhaling wearily.
Just then, Fu Ling awoke and asked concernedly, “Your Highness, what’s wrong?”
“Your elder brother… is he really a cut-sleeve?” the Prince of Qi hesitantly asked.
