Chapter 929: Chapter 925: Countermeasures (Part 3)

"Min." It’s no longer strange to describe him, Xiqiu sat up straight, looked at Min and asked, "What are you really thinking?" That day he said he didn’t want to be a Prince, only Xiao Huaimin, but today his attitude has changed completely, making her suspect. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Min sighed inwardly. He knew nothing could be hidden from his mother. After a moment’s contemplation, he looked anxiously at Xiqiu and replied, "Mother, if I say it, will you be angry with me?"

Xiqiu seemed to have already anticipated what he was going to say.

She paused, would she be angry?

She didn’t know... She’s always said that the path is his own, and no matter how he chooses, she will support him. But at this moment she realized she wasn’t as magnanimous as she thought. Just thinking about what Min would face in the future made her heart involuntarily clench.

Seeing that Xiqiu didn’t speak, Min’s heart rose: "Mother?"

Xiqiu was startled, and when she came to her senses, she looked at him a bit nervously and nodded: "You say, I’m listening." Min breathed a sigh of relief, bowed his head and said: "I... I’ve changed my mind, I told Father, I want to go back to the Imperial Palace..." After speaking, he looked up at Xiqiu.

It was indeed so.

Min truly changed his mind, otherwise how could he recover so quickly and continue attending classes at Wenhua Hall? She should have thought of it sooner.

"Can you tell me why you changed your mind again?" Xiqiu gently asked.

Min lowered his eyes slightly. His mother’s injury, the unrest of Shen An and Shen Ning, and even Lord Shen’s aggressive approach, were all caused by his identity. And he, hiding under his father’s halo, enjoying peace, unable to do anything...

He can live like this for a day, a month, or even a year, but not for a lifetime!

He can no longer watch as those he cares for are hurt because of him, he needs to become strong, strong enough that no one in this world can hurt her!

Absolutely not allowed!

His thoughts shifted, he looked at Xiqiu with firm eyes, word by word he said: "Uncle is right, whether I fight or not, I have already become a thorn in others’ eyes, and there’s only one ending either way!" After a pause, he added: "Since this is the case, why should I not fight."

No surprise, no shock, Xiqiu felt only heartache, she looked at Min and sighed deeply, after a long time she spoke: "Mother only hopes you can live happily, since you think doing that is right, I don’t want to interfere with your decision, but there’s one thing you must remember."

Min waited seriously, waiting for Xiqiu’s next words.

Xiqiu gently caressed his face, smiling as she said: "No matter the outcome in the future, you are always the child of me and your father."

Min’s tears fell, he nodded heavily.

In the evening, Fourth Master Xiao returned, Xiqiu leaned against the bed head waiting for him. Fourth Master Xiao paused and asked: "Why are you still up?" No matter when he returned these two days, Xiqiu was always waiting for him like this.

"Can’t sleep." Xiqiu looked at him: "Fourth Master, Min told me."

"Hmm." Fourth Master Xiao came over, softly said: "This time you were injured, the child also had a scar in his heart, for him to have such thoughts, I feel both heartache and comfort." He paused and said: "He is virtuous and humble, if nurtured well someday he will surely be talented and virtuous, whether ascending the throne or appointed as a prince, he will have the ability to take care of the people, what we need to do is just protect him in his youth when his wings are not yet strong, so don’t overthink, I handle everything."

Xiqiu understood, but still felt reluctant in her heart, Fourth Master Xiao persuaded again: "You know, what did he say to Shen An and Shen Ning?"

"What did he say?" Xiqiu knew Min went to the study, but didn’t ask what he said specifically.

Fourth Master Xiao whispered in her ear, Xiqiu was shocked beyond measure: "Did he really say that?"

"Though I had such plans too, hearing it from his mouth surprised both me and Second Brother, such strategic thinking..."

Xiqiu also sighed, at such a young age having political sensitivity, she wasn’t sure whether it was fortunate or unfortunate: "Then what are your plans, Fourth Master?" He’s been busy these two days.

Fourth Master Xiao paused, replied to Xiqiu: "...Remember I mentioned the matter of the Prefect of Zhejiang?"

Xiqiu nodded, it was initially suggested that Tong Shen Zhi should exercise elsewhere, then it was put aside and not mentioned again, Fourth Master Xiao continued: "The person appointed, Ministry of Personnel has reviewed, will assume position shortly." After a pause, he added: "This person’s surname is Wang, originally the Prefect of Changzhou, was dismissed and investigated during the Min Family uprising in Jiangnan!"

Xiqiu was stunned, this Lord Wang indeed has great influence, actually managed to get transferred to Zhejiang.

A dismissed Prefect couldn’t have such capability, someone must have benefited from this: "Is it... Lord Zhang?" Xiqiu speculated.

Fourth Master Xiao got up, poured a cup of tea, drank slowly, nodded: "It is!"

Xiqiu finally understood his meaning, they plan to gradually weaken the Shen influence, and Lord Zhang has always been Shen’s weapon, once Lord Zhang is removed from the Cabinet, it will be a fatal blow to Shen.

She said softly: "Is there anyone in the Ministry of Personnel implicated in this?" Fourth Master Xiao put down the teacup, looked at Xiqiu and replied lightly: "Afraid Lord Jiang won’t escape this time." Though not exactly implicated, Jiang Shilin, being in the Ministry of Personnel and also a student of Lord Zhang, if involved in this matter, wouldn’t be too unjust for him.

The image of Jiang Shilin unintentionally appeared in Xiqiu’s mind... Again and again, in politics, she didn’t know when he stood against Xiao Mansion and Tong Mansion.

She couldn’t help but feel relieved, if Tong Xiyan were still in Jiang Mansion, at such times, it would be very difficult for him.