The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Xiao Yunqing looked guilty:

"How could I not know? I just feel a bit of regret. Being born into the royal family, one is truly not in control of one's own destiny."

He thought that his loyalty and military achievements would ensure the safety of his family, but he never expected that he would still have to walk a dangerous path in this game of power.

My father has spent half his life on the battlefield, and now he has to make such a choice for the sake of the family's peace. It's truly a bitter pill to swallow."

Lin Yuge gently held Xiao Yunqing's hand and comforted her:

"My lord, there is no need to blame yourself too much. This is not solely your fault."

Amidst the ever-changing political landscape of the imperial court, every family sought ways to survive and thrive.

We are fortunate to have this way out now, even though it is a misfortune.

Moreover, Lingnan has been established for a long time, which could be an opportunity for us.

After Lin Yuge's persuasion, Xiao Yunqing gradually let go of her resentment.

So the couple began to discuss the specific arrangements for what to come next.

The next day, Xiao Yuan entered the palace and had a private conversation with Emperor Qian Yuan.

All that is known is that when Xiao Yuan left the palace, his expression was calm yet resolute.

Meanwhile, Emperor Qianyuan stood by the window in his study for a long time, gazing in the direction Xiao Yuan had left, his eyes deep and complex.

He seemed to have mixed feelings of emotion and a touch of indescribable melancholy.

After returning to his residence, Xiao Yuan summoned his retainers and advisors.

He formally announced his decision to relinquish military power and move his entire family to Lingnan.

Upon hearing this, everyone was first taken aback, then looked at each other in bewilderment, and the council hall fell into a brief silence.

But those who had followed Xiao Yuan for many years quickly recovered from their shock.

They knew that the prince always acted with great care and consideration, and that this decision must have had its own underlying reasons and helplessness.

An elderly minister stepped forward first, speaking respectfully and sincerely:

"Your Highness, this decision concerns the rise and fall of the Prince's Mansion. Although we may not fully understand it at the moment, we will certainly obey Your Highness's orders."

However, the military power in the north is the foundation of the royal family, cultivated over many years; it would be a real pity to relinquish it all at once.

After speaking, tears welled up in her eyes.

Xiao Yuan slightly raised his head, his expression solemn yet resolute:

"How could I not know?"

However, now that my royal family has two princes, I am attracting too much attention and it is time for me to retire to the background.

Moreover, Yunqing has been operating in Lingnan for many years, and now he has been granted the title of King of Lingnan.

Judging from the current situation, although Lingnan is far from the capital, it is like a safe harbor where the Prince's Mansion can temporarily escape the turbulent waves of the court.

I have also had a deep discussion with His Majesty. Although His Majesty did not say it explicitly, he seemed to tacitly approve of my actions, and I expect there will be no unexpected complications along the way.

After hearing this, although everyone was still reluctant to part with him, they gradually understood the prince's good intentions.

In other parts of the capital, various factions reacted differently upon hearing that the Prince of Zhenbei had relinquished military power in the north.

Some people gloated, believing that the Prince of Zhenbei had cut off his own arm and would be no longer a threat.

Some people, however, were full of suspicion, secretly wondering if there was a bigger game going on behind the scenes.

What kind of secret agreement did the Emperor and the Prince of Zhenbei reach?

Some people couldn't help but feel regretful, for the Prince of Zhenbei had made outstanding military achievements, held military power in the north for many years, and had never lost the right to protect the country.

Now that they have fallen into such a predicament, one can't help but sigh at the unpredictable changes in the political landscape.

Inside the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, the family disregarded outside gossip and proceeded with preparations for leaving the capital in an orderly manner.

Two months later, the handover of military power on Xiao Yuan's side was completed, and the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion officially set sail south.

Unlike in the past, this time Emperor Qianyuan personally led his officials to see him off.

After everyone took their leave, Emperor Qianyuan waved for the others to step aside and earnestly gave Xiao Yuan some advice:

“Brother Yuan, you said you were tired and insisted on resigning from your military duties. Although I agreed and set you free.”

But wherever you are, I hope you remember our agreement, and my promise will always stand.

Xiao Yuan's expression was solemn as he clasped his hands in a respectful greeting and said:

"Your Majesty, your younger brother will never forget it."

In the Lingnan region, I will assist Yunqing in managing it carefully, protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people, promoting agriculture and commerce, and making that land prosperous and thriving.

"When Your Majesty has any needs in the future, my family and I will certainly do our utmost to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

Emperor Qianyuan nodded slightly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes:

"I trust you. I only wish that you can leave behind the strife and enjoy peace on this journey."

Thus, the Prince of Zhenbei's family settled down in Lingnan, but it was no longer the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion, but the Prince of Lingnan's Mansion.

Only one empty house remained in the capital, for the family to stay in occasionally when they returned.

In the years that followed, the rivalry between the princes in the capital intensified.

Various factions have taken sides, undercurrents are swirling in the imperial court, and the implementation of government orders is being hindered, creating an atmosphere of impending storm.

In Lingnan, Xiao Yuan and his son Xiao Yunqing worked together to reform the bureaucracy, select capable officials, and govern Lingnan in an orderly manner.

They built water conservancy projects, reclaimed wasteland, and grain production increased year by year.

Encouraging trade and establishing commerce with Southeast Asian countries, the markets in Lingnan flourished, with a constant stream of merchant ships and carriages coming and going.

Lin Yuge's fleet sailed south several times, exchanging trade with various countries in the southeast.

They brought back a large number of rare and exotic goods.

They also exported Daqian's silk, ceramics, and tea overseas, accumulating enormous wealth for Lingnan.

Xiao Yunqing used this wealth to further strengthen military construction and build a solid coastal defense barrier.

They trained an elite navy that became a formidable force along the coast.

They also valued culture and education, establishing numerous schools in Lingnan.

Renowned scholars from various regions were invited to give lectures, leading to a flourishing of literary culture and the emergence of numerous talented individuals in Lingnan.

In the autumn of the thirty-second year of Mingde, on a fishing boat at sea.

"Grandpa, come help me! Qianqian is sure to catch a big fish this time!" a young girl shouted excitedly.

She gripped the fishing rod tightly in her hand, her face flushed red, her eyes filled with anticipation and focus.

"Coming! Grandpa's coming right now."

On the deck, Xiao Yuan, who was nearly sixty years old, stood up from the soft couch and walked steadily toward the girl.

The little girl was Xiao Qianmo, the youngest daughter of Xiao Yunqing and Lin Yuge, who was just five years old this year.

He gently patted Xiao Qianmo's head, his eyes full of doting affection, then stood beside her and carefully examined the movement of the fishing rod.

A gentle sea breeze, carrying a hint of salt, lifted the hem of his clothes.

"Grandpa, this fish seems really strong!" Xiao Qianmo said, pouting.

Xiao Yuan replied with a smile, "Qianqian, don't be impatient. We'll deal with it slowly and we'll definitely be able to subdue it."

Under Xiao Yuan's guidance, Xiao Qianmo carefully reeled in and let out the line, engaging in a battle with the fish underwater.

Finally, a violent splash erupted on the water's surface, and a large fish burst forth, shimmering with dazzling silver light in the sunlight.

"Wow! Grandpa, we did it!" Xiao Qianmo cheered excitedly.

Xiao Yuan took the fish off the hook, put it in the fish basket, then picked her up and pointed to the distant sea horizon, saying:

"Qianqian, look at this ocean, boundless and vast, it nurtures countless lives and hopes."

Just like this land of Lingnan, as long as we cultivate it with care, we can reap endless beauty.

Xiao Qingqian nodded as if she understood, and leaned on his shoulder.

The fishing boat slowly approached the shore, and Xiao Yuan took her hand and led her off the boat: "Let's go back. Your brother and the others should have finished school by now."