You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

Facing Lou Li's fierce gaze, Xiao Yan responded with only a faint smile, a smile that exuded confidence.

After the court session ended, Xiao Yan did not rush to leave, but slowly walked towards Shen Cong'an. "Lord Shen is quite adept at mediating disputes, making everyone's plans fall through. I just wonder who Father will send to the Northern Border. Oh, by the way, Lord Shen, you must have already thought of a candidate for the suggestion you made."

Xiao Yan's face held a smile, but it concealed murderous intent.

He really should have sent someone to kill Shen Cong'an; then his plans wouldn't have been ruined today.

But then I thought that killing Shen Cong'an directly would be too lenient on him and would easily attract unnecessary trouble and suspicion, so I could only try to win him over.

After all, Shen Cong'an is much smarter than Lou Li.

A sly glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He decided to give Shen Cong'an another "chance." "Lord Shen, how about we make a deal? You help me get to the Northern Border smoothly. This doesn't conflict with your support for my brother. You just need to help me this once, and I'll guarantee your Shen family's prosperity for generations. I'll keep my word. Otherwise, hmph, you'll bear the consequences."

Shen Cong'an's expression changed slightly. He knew Xiao Yan's methods, but he would not give in so easily.

“Your Highness is mistaken. I am wholeheartedly devoted to the country. The selection of officials should be decided by His Majesty. Moreover, I am merely a minor official in the Ministry of War. How dare I presume to comment on matters between you and His Highness the Crown Prince? If Your Highness is truly determined to protect the country, why not petition His Majesty again? Perhaps His Majesty will change his mind if he sees your genuine resolve.”

Shen Cong'an's tone was neither humble nor arrogant, nor was he flustered.

Xiao Yan chuckled, seemingly dissatisfied with Shen Cong'an's answer. He spoke with a mocking tone, "Lord Shen is truly cunning as a fox. I know you are loyal to my elder brother, Emperor Xiao Long, but I have plenty of patience. We'll see. And Lord Shen, remember this: even the best can make mistakes."

After speaking, Xiao Yan turned and left, leaving behind a meaningful silhouette, which made Shen Cong'an's unease begin to spread imperceptibly.

Counting the days, Mo'er was already at Void Mountain. Void Mountain was full of capable and extraordinary people, who would surely be able to protect Mo'er. His panic gradually subsided.

After Xiao Yan left, His Highness the Crown Prince appeared.

He was observing from the shadows, not because he didn't trust Shen Cong'an, but because he didn't want Xiao Yan to find out.

Shen Cong'an said in a low voice, "Your Highness, judging from today's situation, General Xie Yanting may have already fallen into the hands of the Third Prince..."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, "That's what I think too. Fortunately, Uncle Xie's reputation is so great that the entire Xie family wasn't easily framed. And thanks to you for mediating and stabilizing the situation. However, the matter in the Northern Border cannot be delayed, and we must find a solution as soon as possible."

Shen Cong'an pondered for a moment and suggested, "Your Highness, we might as well investigate Xie Yanting's disappearance secretly. The border is certainly not easy to cross right now, which means that Young General Xie Yanting is very likely being hidden by the Third Prince's men. General Xie will probably strengthen border defenses to prevent the Northern Barbarians from taking the opportunity to cause trouble. I have confidence in General Xie. If a war really breaks out, the Northern Barbarians may not come out on top. As for the Lou family, since they each have their own schemes, they will definitely reveal more of their true colors."

Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. He knew that in this power struggle, not only bravery was needed, but also wisdom.

He must proceed cautiously, ensuring the safety of the northern border and the Xie family while also uncovering the Lou family's conspiracy to consolidate his own position.

As the crown prince, he had to strategize and plan.

Meanwhile, Lou Li's face was ashen as he returned to his residence.

Xiao Yan's sudden change of heart disrupted his plans, and he had to quickly adjust his strategy and find a new breakthrough.

Upon returning to his residence, Lou Li immediately summoned his trusted confidants to discuss countermeasures.

His gaze was piercing, and his voice was deep and firm: "Xiao Yan wants to go to the Northern Border and get rid of us, but it won't be that easy. We must find a way to stop him, and at the same time accelerate our pace of taking over the Northern Border army."

A trusted confidant suggested, "My lord, since the Third Prince is no longer at our service, why should we remain loyal to him? We can do him a favor and have this family rescue Xie Yanting from the Third Prince's clutches. In this way, the Emperor and everyone else will think that we are fearless in the face of power, righteous and awe-inspiring, and not on the same side as the Third Prince, thus allowing us to stand out and gain the Emperor's trust."

A ruthless glint flashed in Lou Li's eyes: "Hehe, your suggestion is good, but we're not at that point yet. But we can start preparing for this, but remember not to leave any traces. We might need it later. Hehe, also, strengthen our control over information in the Northern Territory. We must ensure that we have every piece of intelligence in our hands first."

"Yes, my lord."

As night deepened, the lights in Lou Li's mansion remained bright until late into the night.

If a person does not serve himself, he will be destroyed by heaven and earth.

Lou Li knew very well that Xiao Yan was not only hypocritical but also arrogant.

He used to be involved with the woman from the Xie family. He was arrogant and looked down on everyone. Later, when he found out that the emperor would never let him marry that woman, he immediately started to have close relationships with other women. When he realized that the Lou family could be used, he immediately started to meet with his sister frequently.

He originally thought Xiao Yan was just a womanizer, which wasn't surprising at all for a prince. But his sister said that the Third Prince had no concubines and that he was perfunctory in bed with her.

When his wife told him this embarrassing story, he knew that things probably wouldn't go as planned.

Clearly, Xiao Yan was not only a bad person, but he was also a bad man.

As a fellow man, he knew all too well the differences between the participants in this event.

No wonder, given his nature, he has been delaying marriage for so long. The birth of the emperor's first grandson would have brought him so much benefit, yet Xiao Yan has never taken advantage of this.

Lou Yao, who had just married into the Third Prince's household, was currently furious.

Upon returning to the mansion, Xiao Yan went straight to his study. As a newlywed, she had just begun to experience matters of the flesh, and none of the things the matrons in the mansion had taught her before her marriage had come in handy. She didn't realize that Xiao Yan was impotent, but she felt that she had been mistreated and was quite angry.

"Your Highness, please calm down. There's trouble at the border, and everyone is trying to find a solution. His Highness must also be trying to share the Emperor's burdens, which is why he hasn't been able to attend to you."

The nanny beside Lou Yao closed the door.

Most of the people in this mansion belong to Xiao Yan. It's hard to say that while Lou Yao is venting her anger here, someone might go and inform the Third Prince and gossip about her to him.

"Are you just leaving me hanging because you're busy? He said I was beautiful, that he could never forget me after just one glance, but he doesn't cherish me now that he's married me, sob sob..."

Lou Yao plopped down on the ground and started crying, completely abandoning any semblance of the dignified demeanor expected of a well-bred young lady.

The nanny could only try to comfort her and tell her to stop crying.