Xin Yi, overwhelmed by the surging emotions from the wandering soft lips, turned and nestled into Bai Jiu's embrace, his hair damp and face flushed. Bai Jiu's fingertips brushed his temple, chuckling, "Why aren't you speaking?"

"Ji Baiyue has come to the capital," Xin Yi pondered. "Lijin is probably unstable."

"That's his problem." Bai Jiu played with a lock of Xin Yi's hair between his fingers. "Lijin commands over seventy thousand troops, while Shangjin only has eighty thousand. Moreover, he still has Xin Jing's old subordinates in Lijin. Logically, the two Jins combined shouldn't be able to surpass him. Yet, he not only allowed Shangjin to gain the upper hand but also retreated himself to preserve the peace. Even if someone was playing tricks behind the scenes, he still bears responsibility."

"I haven't known much about the Three Jins for a long time, and many people can't remember either," Xin Yi frowned slightly. "But Shangjin is indeed difficult to deal with."

"Then don't deal with him." Bai Jiu's voice was gentle. "If you were still in Beiyang, with Lijin in your grasp, how would you deal with Shangjin?"

"Proceed step by step, recovering scattered military power," Xin Yi thought. "Drive a wedge between Shangjin and the Qiu clan, and neutralize Xiajin's ambition."

"Childish." Bai Jiu's lips curved, and he lowered his head to lightly tap Xin Yi's temple as if in reward. He said, "If this problem were in my hands, I wouldn't do it this way. Beiyang was divided into three Jins for the convenience of managing its vast territory, not as fiefs planned for kings and marquises. The Three Jins, in the end, are merely local prefectures and states under the Prince of Yan's Manor. If they've been doing it for too long and forgotten their place, it's time to replace them with someone else to sound the alarm. The Prince of Yan's Manor has never ceased to exist. Even if the Prince of Yan died heroically, and all three young masters passed away, there is still a legitimate heir alive."

Bai Jiu's fingers lifted Xin Yi's face. In his close-set, narrow eyes, there was a vast, unfathomable depth. He said, "You are the Prince of Yan's heir. No matter the time or circumstances, you are the Prince of Yan's heir. As long as you are alive for one day, the Prince of Yan lives, and Beiyang must obey. You don't need to proceed step by step; Beiyang's decisions of life and death are yours alone to make. The Prince of Yan's Manor has never wronged the Three Jins, but if they are the first to be duplicitous—"

The atmosphere solidified, and a dangerous glint appeared between Bai Jiu's brows.

"Then strike swiftly, to eliminate future troubles."

Xin Yi's eyes widened slightly.

Bai Jiu's kiss had already landed on the corner of his lips. The man's narrow eyes were half-closed, so intensely captivating that it made one's fingertips tremble. He suddenly flipped Xin Yi beneath him, propping himself up above and laughing aloud, "Are you scared?"

Xin Yi suddenly raised a fist to cover his nose, his face flushing crimson. 'No, I don't dare look directly at such a person.' Bai Jiu leaned down and kissed the other side of his fist, meeting his gaze across it. He quickly shook his head, to prove that he was absolutely not afraid.

"That's right then. Do whatever you want to do." Bai Jiu gradually kissed his nose, then ruffled his slightly damp hair, murmuring, "Now, you have someone backing you."

Xin Yi's nose stung, and he reached out to wrap his arms around Bai Jiu's neck. Bai Jiu, getting his wish, covered his lips with his own.

In those years, the titles of "Dragon Colt and Phoenix Chick" illuminated Great Lan. Beiyang's Phoenix Chick was Xin Jing, and Nansui's Dragon Colt was Bai Xuan, both truly the top disciples under Elder Baishi. However, this Dragon Colt Bai Xuan was very different from Xin Jing. Although their names were renowned across the North and South, almost no one had the chance to meet Bai Xuan. Only Xin Jing, who studied on Nansui Mountain year-round, shared a deep bond with this senior brother. Unfortunately, after Xin Jing's death, Bai Xuan also hastily passed away, and Elder Baishi was heavily afflicted, confining himself to his bed and taking no more disciples thereafter.

Ji Baiyue also once held great respect for this Dragon Colt. Although this person had never set foot below Nansui Mountain, he was knowledgeable about detailed matters and often spoke astonishing words. When he was by Xin Jing's side, Ji Baiyue had imagined that it would be a stroke of luck if he could share a cup of tea with Young Master Bai Xuan.

But people always imagine things they admire to be too beautiful. For instance, now, Ji Baiyue felt as if the tea in his hand weighed a thousand catties.

"Not good tea," Bai Jiu said. Dressed in a wide, cloud-patterned robe, its water-like color couldn't dispel the coldness in his narrow eyes. He smiled, gently brewing tea, and said, "I've wronged Deputy General."

Ji Baiyue's back was ramrod straight. He said, "I wouldn't dare."

"What are you nervous about, Deputy General?" Bai Jiu smiled, his gaze sweeping outside the pavilion. Old Qu immediately signaled someone to bring a soft cushion for Ji Baiyue. Ji Baiyue stood up, thanked them formally, and then sat down again.

"I only invited Deputy General here for tea," Bai Jiu said, lightly tapping the cup with his fingertip. "Just enjoy yourself, Deputy General."

"The Prince of Pingding's tea is naturally good tea," Ji Baiyue said, holding his cup. "It's just that your subordinate has been in Beiyang for a long time and is used to drinking wine. I'm afraid I can't offer any profound insights."

"After the First Young Master's death, your stationing in Lijin was a great contribution, Deputy General," Bai Jiu smiled. "Your unwavering loyalty is praised by all who hear of it."

"I wouldn't dare accept such praise." Ji Baiyue paused. "The Young Master today..."

"The Young Master is currently working at the Court of State Ceremonials, and since there is a foreign envoy delegation seeking marriage, he's busy." Bai Jiu sipped his tea, regretting somewhat, "He left the manor this morning without even dining with me."

"Then the Young Master yesterday..."

"Deputy General." Bai Jiu put down his tea and said slowly, "I hear Deputy General has quite some insights into the 'cut sleeves' affliction. Are you going to lecture me today?"

"My words yesterday were inappropriate, your subordinate is ashamed." Ji Baiyue bowed. "I haven't seen the Young Master in a long time and lost my etiquette. I hope the Prince of Pingding will punish me."

Bai Jiu smiled, raising his eyes. "Deputy General is not under my command, why would I punish you?"

"Your subordinate will not forget." Ji Baiyue looked up, earnestly saying, "If not for Bai—" Bai Jiu's gaze turned chilling, and Ji Baiyue abruptly stopped. "Regarding the matter of the Prince of Ping, we received the Prince of Pingding's assistance. This is a great kindness I dare not forget."

Bai Jiu didn't speak, and he couldn't get up either.

Ji Baiyue straightened his spine and said gravely, "It's just, why doesn't the Prince of Pingding explain the truth to the Young Master? Since the Prince of Pingding now favors the Young Master, why bother remaining silent about the previous—"

"Ji Baiyue."

Ji Baiyue instantly fell silent.

Bai Jiu's narrow eyes were already cold and frosty. He said, "Although Xin Zhenxiao is dead, there are still people alive. If I don't want to speak now, then I won't, and I won't allow others to be garrulous. If you can't control your tongue, then don't keep it."

Ji Baiyue was speechless.

"I saved you merely for the sake of loyalty. If you cannot be loyal to him with that heart, then you might as well not have a heart at all. The Young Master has just returned, and many matters in Beiyang are unfamiliar to him. Since you are in Lijin, you should fulfill your duty. Even if the Crown Prince's reach is long, it cannot cover the sky of Beiyang." Bai Jiu's tone sharpened. "Furthermore, Beiyang's sky, without Xin Yi, cannot hold up for long."

Ji Baiyue lowered his head, silent, and after a long while, slowly said:

"Your subordinate understands."

"Great Yuan is determined to marry a princess," Xiao Jin mumbled, chewing on a flatbread. "Why haven't they been so proactive in previous years?"

Xin Yi also held a flatbread, nibbling it. He had woken up late again this morning and hadn't even had time to eat before coming out, so he could only eat flatbreads with Xiao Jin while standing guard outside.

Today, the foreign envoy delegation was hunting by the Prince of Qin's horse-riding grounds. This decree was actually requested by the Prince of Qin himself. As soon as His Majesty heard it, he softened his stance, and the person who had been facing the wall naturally no longer needed to.

"They've just been waiting for this year," Xin Yi said, quickly finishing a flatbread. "In recent years, the horse-trading policies have had many loopholes, and Great Yuan has grown fatter and fatter. Now that they've secured a princess, it also serves as a deterrent to neighboring countries around their borders."

"What if war breaks out? What about the princess?" Xiao Jin reached out and immediately exclaimed, "What kind of appetite do you have! I bought ten flatbreads and they're gone so quickly?"

"Next time, let's buy them from Xiaoxiao Restaurant," Xin Yi said, dragging a food basket out of the carriage. When opened, it was full of Xiaoxiao Restaurant's generous portions. "Marriages are for stability; why do you always think about war?"

Xiao Jin quickly picked out a few of his favorites before saying, "Don't tell me you haven't thought about it; I don't believe it. My sister and Xie Jingsheng have both said that Great Yuan won't be honest for long."

"It's no use if you understand," Xin Yi laughed. "His Majesty needs to understand it too."

"I don't know what His Majesty is thinking," Xiao Jin pouted. "He still hasn't mentioned your return to Beiyang, just like how he completely avoided mentioning my father's title back then. You say this emperor is generous, yet he still cares about titles. But if you say he's petty, he didn't reclaim the fiefs of Beiyang and Shanyin either." Xiao Jin shook his head. "I just don't understand him."

"Isn't it very simple?" Xin Yi quickly ate another red bean bun and asked, "Are the Capital Guards Bureau's troops under your command?"

"Of course," Xiao Jin said, biting into a pastry with a sweet filling. "Naturally, I call the shots."

"Wrong," Xin Yi said, a faint dimple showing. "You can only manage, but not deploy. The Capital Guards Bureau's troop deployment orders will definitely not be with you. Moreover, after the reinforcements before the New Year, the forces have expanded to fifty thousand. Yet, in the capital, you actually only use five thousand. You haven't even seen the remaining forty-five thousand people. Even though they fall under your jurisdiction, His Majesty alone makes the decisions for them."

"Don't even mention this upsetting matter." Xiao Jin squatted and shifted, saying aggrievedly, "I originally thought coming to the capital truly meant I'd get fifty thousand men. Only after arriving did I realize this position is just a 'Capital Idle Affairs Commissioner'."

Xin Yi was about to say something else but suddenly swallowed it, only biting his bun in silence.

"Hey, this capital is full of— Hiss!" Xiao Jin stopped speaking with a hiss, not understanding why this person wanted to step on him. When he turned his head, he saw the Prince of Qin slowing his horse and riding over, though he hadn't noticed him approaching.

"Why isn't Your Highness hunting anymore?" Xiao Jin brushed the crumbs from his hands. "Or do you have any instructions?"

The Prince of Qin reined his horse in not far away, his gaze heavily fixed on Xin Yi. He gave Xiao Jin a forced smile. "The Fourth Prince is in high spirits. Lord Xiao and Heir Yi, why don't you both come along too?"

The two had no choice but to mount their horses and follow. When they arrived, they saw that Chagatai had already warmed up quite a bit. Arslang was nowhere to be seen, likely having formed his own group to play. The Prince of Qin pointed to the target at the far end of the horse-riding grounds and said, "These are all captive prey, not very interesting. How about we play this instead? We'll release a sheep in the field, and the Fourth Prince can pick a few people to compete in horsemanship and snatch the sheep. Whoever gets the sheep and hits the target wins a prize. How about that?"

"Good," Chagatai responded, his gaze shifting to Xin Yi. "The Young Master is the Prince of Yan's son; I presume he's skilled in riding and archery, so I'll choose the Young Master."

The Prince of Qin said, "Since that's the case, this Prince will choose a guard." He turned around and casually pointed at someone. "There's a reward for hitting the target."

Xiao Jin, on his horse, was eager to try. "Add me too, won't you? Since it's for a prize, can your subordinate also get a reward?"

Chagatai laughed, "Lord Xiao holds a position; what if you get injured?"

Xiao Jin immediately said, "The Young Master is a royal noble and can still participate, what am I compared to that?" Saying this, he patted his own shoulder. "Besides, your subordinate has thick skin and flesh; I won't get hurt."

Hu Yong also picked someone, gathering a total of thirteen or fourteen people to participate. The horse Xin Yi was riding belonged to Bai Jiu's manor, so there shouldn't be any problems with it. However, he also didn't believe the Prince of Qin was truly so bored as to just want to play a game. He couldn't take this game too seriously, but he also couldn't take it too lightly.

As soon as the sheep was released, people spurred their horses to chase it. Xin Yi rode his horse, only following among them, keeping a distance from those behind but not surpassing those in front. Xiao Jin rode his horse like a madman, passing by Xin Yi with a gust of wind, rushing off with his bow to chase the sheep.

The frightened sheep, unable to choose its path, had its way blocked and could only turn back and run. The sound of hooves behind Xin Yi quickened, closing in. The people in front pulled their reins and turned back. Xin Yi spurred his horse out of the pincer attack, raced past the sheep's straight path, bent down, scooped up the sheep, and galloped away. The people behind chased relentlessly, and some had already drawn their bows, ready to shoot at the target. Xiao Jin suddenly charged out, blocking Xin Yi's path from behind, holding on tightly.

Xin Yi understood his meaning. With a slight loosening of his arm, the sheep seemed to accidentally slip from the horse, starting to run wildly again. Xiao Jin reined in his horse, causing it to rear, and everyone else had already run off after the sheep. He whispered, "There's definitely a problem."

Xin Yi remained silent, spurring his horse to chase again.

This time, it was the Prince of Qin's guard who scooped up the sheep, cleverly choosing to circle closer to the target. Everyone else then drew their bows, intending to block him by hitting the target first. Xin Yi was only in a rear position. He saw the leading guard had already drawn his bow, and the sheep had fallen to the ground and run off again. Suddenly, someone in the middle turned around, an arrow nocked, aimed directly at Xin Yi.

The arrow shot from the string directly at his face—a short-range, high-speed attack!

The horse Xin Yi was riding suddenly neighed, rearing its front hooves high. He used the momentum to roll off the horse, the arrow grazing past his arm.

Xiao Jin's arrow also suddenly left his fingers, pinning the shooter by the shoulder. He shouted, "Seize this man!"

Xin Yi was fine after rolling off the horse, but the attack had been truly perilous. He suddenly turned his head, staring at the Prince of Qin.