My parents were doing well. Father had finally overcome his inner barrier and began studying Nanrui’s historical texts, finding a new spiritual focus. One day, Hongdi chatted with my father and found they were incredibly compatible, often summoning him to the palace for long conversations, eventually appointing him as a reader in the royal study.
Mother was busy caring for Miao Yin. She made soups and medicines to nourish Miao Yin and prepared clothes and shoes for the future grandchild.
I began my duties in the Ministry of Revenue, rising at dawn for morning court, then handling official business, busily seeking guidance from the deputy minister and colleagues, barely having time to drink tea. Fortunately, most in the ministry were Liu Hua’s faction and were extremely welcoming, generously sharing their knowledge. Though busy, I gained much and earned a reputation for diligence and humility.
In truth, my current abilities were at best supportive. Their respectful treatment was due to my Yu Wang title and Hongdi’s support, with potential to become the future heir. I was well aware and dared not slack, working diligently to live up to Hongdi’s expectations.
Gradually, I had shed my previous wariness. I had thought Hongdi was kind because of the Wujin symbol, but even without returning it or revealing its whereabouts, he remained friendly and supportive, never mentioning the symbol. His care for my family was even more touching. During a private conversation, he even recalled his oath to return the throne to the Xuan Emperor’s descendants, lamenting that I was not yet capable of controlling the situation and must proceed gradually.
His every word and action considered me, leaving no room for doubt.
The same was true for Jiang Yunqiao. Although the factional struggles between Liu and Gan had positioned us as competitors, she remained unconcerned, maintaining our interactions without hesitation. Her actions were always transparent, often helping and guiding me. After guarding against her for so long without finding anything suspicious, I gradually opened my heart to her.
Not long after, a significant event occurred. The Qi Emperor suddenly fell seriously ill and passed the throne to Crown Prince Xia Zhiyuan. Xia Zhiyuan ascended, becoming the new emperor of Qi.
I knew An Jin and the others had certainly begun to act, but I never expected their move to be so swift.
