The Crown Princess is busy fishing

After a long pause, he suddenly changed the subject and spoke:

"I heard from your mother that you are having a close relationship with that Miss Lin. Do you have any plans?"

Xiao Yunqing's heart skipped a beat, but she straightened her back, her expression calm, and cupped her hands, saying:

“Father, it is indeed as you said. In the past, when we were far away in Lingnan, there were many inconveniences.”

Now that Lord Lin and his family have returned to the capital, I am preparing to visit them to propose marriage.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and asked further:

"Is it Lord Lin, the one who invented the crossbow?"

Xiao Yunqing nodded heavily, his expression becoming increasingly solemn, and his speech unconsciously quickening:

"That's not all, Father, you may not know this."

The gunpowder formula was discovered accidentally by the young master of the Lin family when he was making medicine.

Fishermen's songs have been of great help to me in Lingnan, proposing salt production methods, modifying warships, and saving me from danger.

"Your Majesty, we have long been deeply in love, and the many experiences we have shared along the way have made this affection unforgettable."

Xiao Yuan frowned, his eyes instantly sharpening.

Before he could speak, Xiao Yunqing continued:

“Father, I am aware that the current situation is delicate, with various forces vying for power.”

That is precisely why I cannot abandon Yuge; she is by no means an ordinary, delicate young lady.

"Once this matter is resolved, I hope my father will grant my request."

Xiao Yuan waved his hand and said in a deep voice:

"We'll talk about that later. Let's go, come with me to the palace first."

The most urgent task is to meet with His Majesty and see what his decision is regarding the gunpowder formula and the ballista blueprints.

Both of these are vital national assets, concerning border security and the rise and fall of national power; not a single mistake can be tolerated.

"Within and outside the court, countless eyes are watching; various factions are stirring beneath the surface, all vying for leverage and personal gain. You must not let your guard down."

Xiao Yunqing composed himself and bowed in response:

"Your subject understands and will not give others any opportunity to take advantage of this."

As the father and son walked to the palace gate, the Second Prince, Xiao Zhengxuan, happened to be walking towards them.

He wore a sky-blue brocade robe, embroidered with dark patterns all over, understated yet luxurious.

Her dark hair was neatly tied up with a jade crown, and her eyes and brows were smiling, giving her a gentle and approachable appearance.

"Imperial Uncle, Cousin Yunqing, it's been a long time!"

Xiao Zhengxuan cupped his hands in a respectful manner, his voice calm and gentle, revealing no sign of anything amiss.

"I heard that my cousin Yunqing encountered assassins when he returned. Is he alright?"

The worry in his eyes was genuine, and he even took two steps forward to lightly support Xiao Yunqing's elbow, as if to check the injury.

Xiao Yunqing subtly avoided the greeting, returning the gesture with a cupped hand, her expression indifferent.

"Thank you for your concern, Second Prince. These petty thieves are nothing to fear."

They were all repelled by my guards and did not harm me in the slightest.

Xiao Zhengxuan subtly withdrew his hand, closed his folding fan, lightly clapped his palm, and sighed with a slight frown:

"This was truly a close call! My cousin Yunqing returned carrying secrets concerning the fate of the nation, so it's no wonder he's attracted attention."

I've heard that the assassin is ruthless and highly trained, no ordinary bandit; it seems someone is plotting this behind the scenes.

As he spoke, he raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yunqing and Xiao Yuan, before changing the subject.

"It's quite a coincidence that the Crown Prince's side has been making frequent moves lately, trying to win over court officials and gathering all sorts of information."

The Crown Prince also showed great interest in the gunpowder mentioned in his cousin's memorial; it's unclear... whether this has anything to do with the assassin.

Xiao Yuan's expression darkened slightly, and he said in a deep voice:

“Zhengxuan, you can’t say such things carelessly. The Crown Prince is devoted to the country and would never do such a foolish thing.”

Xiao Zhengxuan's expression hardened, and he quickly bowed and apologized, his face full of fear:

"Uncle, please forgive me. I misspoke."

I also hoped that this matter had nothing to do with the Crown Prince, but I was worried about my cousin's safety and spoke carelessly in a moment.

After all, the political situation at court is complex and turbulent, with many unseen conflicts. I simply cannot bear to see my cousin suffer innocently.

His words were so sincere that it was hard to criticize him.

Xiao Yunqing remained calm and bowed in thanks:

"The Second Prince's care is truly appreciated and will be remembered by Yunqing."

However, Yun Qing only believes in the facts. The most important thing now is to meet with His Majesty; everything will be decided by His Majesty."

Xiao Zhengxuan smiled faintly and nodded in approval:

"My cousin's composure and vision are truly admirable."

"I was being narrow-minded. Uncle, cousin, hurry to the palace, lest you be late."

After saying that, he stepped aside to make way for the two, watching them leave with a smile still on his face.

But the depths of his eyes are unfathomable, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

After Xiao Yunqing and his son disappeared around the corner of the palace gate, the attendant beside him leaned closer and whispered:

"Your Highness, aren't you afraid of offending the Crown Prince with those words just now?"

Xiao Zhengxuan glanced at him, lightly tapping his palm with his folding fan, his expression leisurely:

"Fool, it was meant to be a veiled meaning, so I'll stop here."

He managed to be a good person in front of his uncle and son, while also causing some minor trouble for the Crown Prince.

No matter how the situation changes in the future, we will have room to maneuver. What's the rush?

After speaking, he walked away with his hands behind his back, strolling leisurely in another direction, his back view steady, as if everything was under his control.

Xiao Yunqing and his son walked briskly along the palace path. Xiao Yuan, with a stern expression, admonished them in a low voice:

"Zhengxuan is adept at these kinds of tricks, and his methods of sowing discord are highly refined."

From now on, you'd better be more careful and not let him sway your judgment with just a few words.

Xiao Yunqing nodded in response:

"Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

The second prince may seem harmless, but he is actually very calculating. His words, though seemingly caring, are actually a trap.

However, with his meddling, the Crown Prince's side probably won't let it go easily, and who knows what other changes might occur.

Xiao Yuan frowned, his gaze serious: "Hmph, who cares about any variables? We're upright and have nothing to fear."

The presentation of gunpowder formulas and crossbow blueprints to the palace this time was of great importance.

As long as the twists and turns and confidential details of the journey are truthfully reported, His Majesty will weigh the matter.

If the Crown Prince is truly devoted to the country, he will not be affected by these unfounded suspicions.

If you harbor ulterior motives, you won't be able to hide your secrets.

As they spoke, the father and son hurried toward the imperial study, before they could even announce their arrival.

The eunuch on duty had already deftly lifted the curtain, his face beaming with a smile:

"Your Highness, Your Highness, please come inside quickly. His Majesty is waiting."

Stepping inside, a cool breeze carrying the scent of ambergris greets you.

Emperor Qianyuan looked up from the memorial, saw the two men, immediately stood up, took a few quick steps, and smiled sincerely:

"Your Highness has arrived. Yunqing, we've been waiting for you to return. Please rise and take a seat."

After the two expressed their gratitude and took their seats, Emperor Qianyuan's gaze settled on Xiao Yunqing, full of approval:

“Yunqing, I have heard many people talking about your achievements these days.”

I still remember two years ago, when you petitioned in court to expand the navy, which shocked the entire court.

Nine out of ten of the old ministers in the court are pessimistic.

It is said that countless amounts of money and grain have been spent, and it is difficult to recruit boatmen and soldiers. The difficulties seem like one mountain after another that cannot be moved.

I thought about it very carefully before deciding to let you try, but I was also very hesitant."

As he spoke, Emperor Qian Yuan leaned slightly forward, his expression full of emotion and admiration:

"I never expected you would actually manage to get it done!"

Not only did it enable the navy to expand smoothly, but it also produced important national weapons such as gunpowder and crossbows, which was a great achievement.

Emperor Qianyuan could not hide his excitement. He got up and walked to Xiao Yunqing, personally helping him up as he tried to get up again to express his gratitude.

He patted him hard on the shoulder.

"Looking across the court, there are very few people who are so young and promising, who dare to think and act, and who have accomplished great things!"

"Your father has raised you exceptionally well, and I am very pleased."