The group walked for two hours before returning to the palace. Chu Shaoling brought Wei Ji back to Bitao Palace. The palace servants packed up the luggage from the trip, creating another flurry of activity.

Chu Shaoling ordered people to tidy up while he went with Wei Ji to rest in the bedchamber. The palace servants came in and removed the outer robes of the two, changing them into casual clothes. Chu Shaoling changed into a loose silk robe tied with a belt, instantly feeling much more comfortable.

Wei Ji took his belongings out from Chu Shaoling's trunks, stacking them into a small pile, his mind still silently pondering the Liaoliang matter. Chu Shaoling found it amusing. He rubbed his neck, sore from riding in the carriage, walked over and hugged Wei Ji from behind, lazily saying: "Were you drawing maps in the carriage today?"

Wei Ji was stunned for a moment before hurriedly taking it out to give to Chu Shaoling. The two of them had discussed it in the carriage for half a day, referencing the map. Chu Shaoling made a few small detailed changes to Wei Ji's military formation. Through casual conversation, the two had already planned out a strict annihilation campaign. Chu Shaoling took the map, glanced at it, turned around to open the incense burner, and casually tossed the map in.

"Your Highness?" Wei Ji looked at Chu Shaoling in confusion. What was this for?

Chu Shaoling chuckled lightly, embraced Wei Ji and kissed him, slowly saying: "Remember, no matter when, you can't surpass Wei Zhan. Your older brother is still honestly training in the army, yet you dare to think about going to war? Such grand ambitions."

Originally, Chu Shaoling could sense that Wei Ji had some genius in military strategy. Today, he intentionally tested him and discovered that he was indeed a rare talent. What was rare was that when Wei Ji spoke of military strategy, he had none of the impulsiveness of his age, but was stable and steady, advancing step by step, very appropriately. Chu Shaoling was naturally pleasantly surprised, but just because Wei Ji had this talent didn't mean he had to go to the battlefield to use it.

Not to mention that Chu Shaoling couldn't make the decision now, and Wei Ji's current status also couldn't get him onto the battlefield. Even if one day Chu Shaoling could make the decision himself, he still wouldn't let Wei Ji go to war alone. Chu Shaoling couldn't possibly let Wei Ji leave.

Chu Shaoling even wondered if he should forbid Zhang Lifeng from teaching Wei Ji in the future. Originally, he felt that Wei Ji liked these things and would be happy learning them. It was also to let him become Zhang Lifeng's disciple so future promotions would be easier. But now, Chu Shaoling had some hesitation. He actually didn't need Wei Ji to be so outstanding.

Although it was very selfish, Chu Shaoling would rather Wei Ji not know anything. As long as he could stay carefree by his side, eating, drinking and having fun, that would be good. The reason he spent so much effort struggling in the palace every day was so that one day he could hold power and let Wei Ji enjoy a lifetime of peace, right? Then why did Wei Ji still need to work as hard as him?

Not only that, but Chu Shaoling had an even darker thought in his heart. Wouldn't it be good for Wei Ji to depend on him for a lifetime? That way, not many people would know there was even a person called Wei Ji. Let Wei Zhan bear the burden of the Wei family, and Wei Ji could safely enjoy the family's glory. Wasn't the reason for continuously promoting Wei Zhan for this purpose?

Wei Ji was still looking at Chu Shaoling in a daze. Chu Shaoling closed his eyes and said softly: "Let those military officials worry about these major matters. We can't manage that yet, understand?"

Wei Ji hesitated for a moment before nodding. In fact, he still didn't quite understand, but Wei Ji could see that Chu Shaoling didn't like him mentioning the Liaoliang war. Naturally, he wouldn't bring it up again. As long as it was Chu Shaoling's wish, Wei Ji would obey.

Chu Shaoling held Wei Ji in his arms and kissed the top of his head. At this moment, Chu Shaoling even despised his own hypocrisy a little. If he truly cared about Wei Ji's wellbeing, he should have sent Wei Ji to the army early on and let Zhang Lifeng teach him well. Every time there was a war, he should have let Wei Ji go along. That way, Wei Ji would definitely grow into a valiant general with a name that would go down in history.

But he didn't. Instead, he used Wei Ji's absolute trust and obedience in him to ruthlessly break Wei Ji's wings.

When Wei Ji grew up and understood everything, would he hate him?

Chu Shaoling gently stroked Wei Ji's back and whispered: "If I let you do something that was harmful to you, would you do it?"

Wei Ji didn't expect Chu Shaoling to suddenly ask him this, but he still answered honestly: "I would." Let alone harming himself, even if Chu Shaoling ordered him to die immediately, Wei Ji wouldn't hesitate in the slightest.

Wei Ji also sensed that something was off with Chu Shaoling's expression and asked softly: "What's wrong, Your Highness?"

Chu Shaoling shook his head and said lightly: "It's nothing. I just suddenly felt that I'm not good enough to you."

Wei Ji was stunned. He still couldn't figure out what was going on with Chu Shaoling and could only carefully hug him back, saying: "There's no one, no one who treats me better than Your Highness."

Chu Shaoling's heart warmed. This silly thing... Chu Shaoling bent his knees and knelt on the bed, taking the opportunity to push Wei Ji down and press on top of him, hoarsely saying: "Today, you're the one provoking me."

"Your Highness! Mmph..."

Outside the bedchamber, the Empress Dowager's head palace maid brought over a set of formal robes, bowing her head and saying: "This is a set of formal robes the Empress Dowager ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to make for Prince Qin. The Empress Dowager told this servant to bring it over for the Prince to try on. If it fits, the embroiderers will embroider the back dragon pattern in preparation for the Prince to wear on the 15th for moon appreciation."

Wang Muhan glanced inside and said softly: "Wait a bit. The Prince is resting right now."

The palace maid was also someone who could speak before the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager's people had more status than palace maids elsewhere. The palace maid was also familiar with Wang Muhan and smiled upon hearing this: "Eunuch Wang is teasing me again. The Empress Dowager hasn't even rested yet since just returning, but the Prince is already like this? Eunuch Wang, please do me a favor and announce me. After I finish this matter, I can go back. There's still a big pile of things waiting for me on the Empress Dowager's side."

Wang Muhan smiled wryly: "I'm really not trying to scare you. Just wait a bit. It's just a moment's matter. If you're really in a hurry, give the things to me. After the Prince tries them on, I'll have someone send them over."

The palace maid looked inside and shook her head with a smile: "That won't do. If I go back like this and the Empress Dowager asks me if it fits or not, how should I answer? I'll just wait." The palace maid lowered her voice and chuckled: "Now the Prince also has someone favored by his side?"

Wang Muhan inwardly laughed and could only reply perfunctorily: "Mm, yes, he does."

The palace maid was bored waiting and casually chattered with Wang Muhan: "Since he's so favored, why haven't I heard of the Prince going to the Empress Dowager to ask to raise a concubine? The Empress Dowager dotes on the Prince so much. It's just a matter of a sentence."

The palace maid thought of something and chuckled, "Could it be that the prince is young and too shy to say it? Then the eunuch should have done it for him. The Empress Dowager summons the eunuch every few days to ask about the prince's well-being, yet the eunuch concealed it so well!"

Wang Muhan laughed, "How would you know? Miss, please take pity on me and don't mention this in front of the Empress Dowager."

The palace maid thought it was Chu Shaoling's instruction and covered her mouth, chuckling, "I know, what's the point of having an extra mouth? Don't worry."

The two were chatting quietly outside the bedchamber. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, someone called from inside. The palace servants standing outside quickly brought water in. Those who entered didn't dare to raise their heads, and after putting things down, they hurriedly retreated and stood outside the screen.

Chu Shaoling leaned on the soft pillow, gently caressing the still slightly trembling Wei Ji, and chuckled, "What's wrong? Look at your flushed face, are you sick?"

Hearing this, Wei Ji blushed. Chu Shaoling smiled, turned over and got off the bed to take a cloth soaked in water to clean him. Wei Ji didn't dare to let Chu Shaoling serve him and hurriedly wanted to get up too. Chu Shaoling laughed, "Stay put, your legs are soft and you're still moving around."

Chu Shaoling wrung out the cloth and walked to the bed. Wei Ji knelt up to take the cloth, but Chu Shaoling dodged and said, "Close your eyes."

Chu Shaoling first wiped Wei Ji's face, then washed the cloth and wiped his body. Wei Ji was both embarrassed and apprehensive. When Chu Shaoling told him to raise his hand, he raised it; when told to turn around, he turned. After wiping, Chu Shaoling brought another set of inner garments for Wei Ji. Left with no choice, Wei Ji had to change into them in front of Chu Shaoling.

Wei Ji was so embarrassed that even his ears turned red. Chu Shaoling smiled and hugged him from behind, unable to resist teasing, "Did it feel good just now?"

Wei Ji didn't know whether to say it felt good or not, he stammered with a red face, unable to speak. Chu Shaoling didn't force him and said softly, "When you're a bit older, I'll make you feel so good that I won't let you off so easily. Even if you cry and beg for mercy, it'll be useless."

Chu Shaoling pulled over an outer robe and put it on, calling out, "Alright, come in."

The palace servants filed in, took away the basin, cloths and other items, and replaced the bedding, soft pillows and such on the bed. Wang Muhan heard the commotion outside and hurried in, bowing, "Prince, the Empress Dowager sent someone to deliver the ceremonial robe you are to wear for the Mid-Autumn Festival. She wants you to try it on, and if it doesn't fit well, it can be sent back for alterations."

Chu Shaoling nodded. After everything was tidied up and Wei Ji had finished dressing, he ordered them to enter. While the palace maids helped him dress, he asked, "There's nothing else from the Empress Dowager's side, right?"

The palace maid quickly lowered her head, "No, when this servant came, His Majesty was in the Empress Dowager's palace."

Chu Shaoling nodded and dismissed them after trying on the robe.

Chu Shaoling turned around the screen and smiled at Wei Ji, "Still embarrassed?"

Wei Ji had already calmed down a lot, but when Chu Shaoling asked this, his face turned red again. He could only clumsily change the subject, "Your Highness, aren't you going to pay respects to His Majesty?"

"I'll go in a bit." Chu Shaoling poured himself a cup of tea and drank it. "I knew he would go to Ci'an Palace. If I go, it will be inconvenient for the Empress Dowager."

Wei Ji frowned, "How would it be inconvenient if Your Highness goes?"

Chu Shaoling thought it would be better to tell Wei Ji sooner, "The Empress Dowager is arranging a marriage, so it will naturally be inconvenient if I go."

Chu Shaoling sat down and chuckled, "You know the Fourth Princess who will be going to Donghua Temple with us this time, right?"

Wei Ji nodded.

"Fuyi is of age, and the Empress Dowager wants to find her a good match." Chu Shaoling pulled Wei Ji to sit down with him. "What about your brother Wei Zhan?"

Wei Ji was startled, "My brother?!"

In Ci'an Palace, the Emperor put down his teacup and said slowly, "Wei Zhan?"

"Yes." The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Your Majesty must know more about this person than I do. I was just about to ask you, what is his character like? What about his appearance? I have only heard good things about him, but have never actually seen him."

The Emperor had never been particularly fond of Fuyi, but he had never thought of marrying off a princess to the Wei family. He was clearer than anyone about who had promoted Wei Zhan. If he now allowed Wei Zhan to marry a princess, wouldn't that be giving Chu Shaoling too much power?

The Empress Dowager could see that the Emperor was unhappy, which she had anticipated. To get the Emperor to agree to this matter, she naturally had to make some sacrifices. The Empress Dowager smiled, "The Emperor is busy with state affairs, and now with the Liaoliang incident, you probably don't remember. But Fuyi is already thirteen years old. I know the Emperor loves the princesses and is reluctant to marry them off early, but it's never wrong to decide on a match early. Now that the princes and princesses are all grown up, the Emperor should pay more attention."

The Empress Dowager smiled benevolently, "I only care about Ling'er, Yang'er, and Fuyi. I won't interfere with the other princes and princesses' marriages. But for these three children, I want to keep an eye on their matches myself."

The Emperor's heart stirred. As long as the Empress Dowager only intervened in the marriages of Chu Shaoling, Chu Shaoyang, and Fuyi, that was not bad.

Empress Ling had passed away early, so now the marriages of the princes and princesses were decided by the Emperor and Empress Dowager. Not to mention Fuyi's marriage, even Chu Shaoruan's marriage and the marriages of all the other princes and princesses had to take into account the Empress Dowager's wishes. Now that the Empress Dowager had made a concession and would no longer interfere in others' marriages, this was quite a temptation for the Emperor.

The Empress Dowager had shown great sincerity, so the Emperor naturally also had to show his filial piety. The Emperor smiled, "Who doesn't know that Mother loves the children? Since Mother has taken a liking to him, he must be a good choice. Let's do as Mother wishes."

The Empress Dowager straightened her robe and smiled as she took the cup of tea the Emperor handed her.