The three-year-old host decides to raise an emperor father for himself.

Did Xiao Lanxing achieve her goal?

Successful.

Rather, it was precisely because she chose bamboo as her material that she succeeded in her goal of enhancing Xuan Yuanjing's martial prowess.

It is precisely because it is bamboo.

If it were iron, refined iron, or other common materials that could be used to make weapons, even if the finished product were truly lethal, various limitations would still restrict Xuan Yuanjing's actions.

In the stillness of the night, in the dimly lit room, Xuan Yuanjing sat quietly by the bed, gazing tenderly at the little girl sleeping soundly on the bed.

He thought, perhaps this really is a lucky star sent to him by God.

——————————————————————————————

Pei Qingzhu: "So we'll use bamboo?"

In the darkness, Xuan Yuanjing's face was hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to discern his expression.

His voice sounded no different from usual: "Well, make a batch with bamboo first. If you have someone you can trust, you can have them try other types of wood."

Without needing to be explicitly stated, Pei Qingzhu understood Xuan Yuanjing's meaning.

He asked, "No need... to try?"

Xuanyuan Jing: "Not for now."

Xuanyuan Jing: "It's not time to tear off the mask yet."

Pei Qingzhu remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

The fact that the time hadn't come yet indicated that Xuan Yuanjing was already planning to break ties with someone.

Stepping out of the room, Pei Qingzhu's gaze fell on a corner of the courtyard, which was unknowingly covered with a thick layer of white snow, and a trace of melancholy arose in her heart.

He thought that, from his and Chen Li's perspective, it was a good thing that the prince was not bothered by his past relationship.

Unless a master is incredibly lucky, an indecisive one will only drag his subordinates down with him to hell.

However, Pei Qingzhu and Xuan Yuanjing share a common trait: they both value their families highly.

It was because the two of them resonated with each other, and Xuan Yuanjing had shown him kindness and support, that Pei Qingzhu was able to follow him wholeheartedly.

But it is precisely because of this that, at this moment, after realizing the decision hidden beneath Xuan Yuanjing's words, Pei Qingzhu is able to better empathize with his perspective.

Pei Qingzhu murmured softly, "It's really painful."

This reminded him of the feeling he had when he refused his superiors' advances, and was subsequently harassed and betrayed by a trusted "brother."

At that time, the so-called brothers were just "outsiders" with whom he got along fairly well after enlisting in the army. Xuan Yuanjing and Xuan Yuanlin were half-brothers, who had grown up together since childhood.

Pei Qingzhu gave a bitter smile.

I can't help at all.

——————————————————————————————

Xiao Lanxing: "Was I able to help Daddy?"

Xuanyuan Jing: "Yes, Xingxing was a great help."

Xiao Lanxing's eyes sparkled: "Really! I can..."

Xuanyuan Jing held up a finger to stop her from continuing, his eyes gentle: "This is fine now, Xingxing just needs to stay by Daddy's side."

The two years he missed caused Xuanyuan Jing to lose some things, but he was able to become the commander-in-chief because of his solid personal strength and leadership, not because of his princely status, which was almost certain that he had no right to inherit the throne.

Therefore, even after two years, Xuan Yuanjing is still Xuan Yuanjing, and will not become a helpless piece of trash.

He has his own pride, and it's one thing to accept his beloved daughter's help, but it's another to keep accepting her gifts.

Xuanyuan Jing, unusually unreserved, lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on Xiao Lanxing's forehead: "Trust Daddy. Xingxing has already given Daddy a lot of help. Daddy can handle the rest on his own."

Xiao Lanxing blinked.

After a moment, Xiao Lanxing nodded: "Alright then."

"If Daddy gets bullied again, even if he scolds me, I'll still beat him up."

Xuanyuan Jing smiled and said, "Okay."

——————————————————————————————

On the day of Laba Festival, someone came from the palace.

Xuanyuan Lin sent someone to invite Xuanyuan Jing to a banquet at the palace on New Year's Eve.

The visitor was Wang Tai, who had previously visited the Prince Jing's residence. He was accompanied by an imperial physician and two palace guards.

Wang Tai remained polite to Xuan Yuanjing. After waiting for a while, when he finally saw the slightly pale-faced Prince Jing in the hall, he simply glanced at him quickly and then lowered his head to tell him his purpose.

"...His Majesty has always kept the Prince in his heart, but he is busy with state affairs. Not long after the beginning of winter this year, many places suffered from snow disasters. His Majesty is concerned about the Prince, but he cannot ignore the common people."

"Look, it's almost the New Year, and His Majesty rarely gets to rest for a few days. He'd like to invite you back to the palace for a few days so the whole family can celebrate the New Year together."

Xuanyuan Jing's expression was indifferent. He had just opened his mouth when he coughed a few times before he could utter a sound. Then, his voice was a little hoarse as he said, "I appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty. However, I have unfortunately caught a cold these past few days. Your Majesty's health is precious. If you were to fall ill because of me, it would be rather inappropriate during the New Year."

"Besides, given how much my brother cares for me, if I were to return to the palace while I am ill, wouldn't that mean he would have to worry about me while he is handling state affairs?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Tai showed some concern, raised his head slightly as if to examine the person in front of him, but then stopped, smiled and said, "Your Highness, what you said is quite a coincidence."

"Before I left the palace, His Majesty happened to recall that the Empress had fallen ill these past few days and mentioned that Your Highness was currently in poor health, which made him very worried. So he asked me to bring an imperial physician with me."

"How about we have this imperial physician take a look at you?"

As he spoke, Wang Tai quickly explained, "Your Majesty knows that Doctor Fang in the Prince's residence is a rare and renowned physician. Putting aside everything else, the fact that Doctor Fang was able to wake Your Majesty up is already a tremendous achievement."

"But everyone has their own area of ​​expertise, and even doctors have their own areas of specialization. His Majesty is just concerned about you."

Xuanyuan Jing remained expressionless and nodded slightly: "Since it is my brother's will, then I'll trouble you."

There was no sign of rejection whatsoever.

A little later, the imperial physician who had been led to the side room to wait was led into the room. He walked to the center of the hall with his head down, raised his hand and bowed respectfully: "Your subject Liu Fubai greets Prince Jing. May Your Highness be well."

Xuanyuan Jing gave him a scrutinizing look, his eyes cold: "Hmm, get up."

Wang Tai took in this scene without making a sound, his gaze inadvertently falling on the purse hanging at Liu Fubai's waist. A slight smile appeared on his lips, which he quickly concealed.

After receiving permission, Liu Fubai stepped forward to take Xuanyuan Jing's pulse.

As he approached, Xuanyuan Jing smelled a faint medicinal fragrance and asked casually, "Do you have medicine on you?"

Liu Fubai lowered his eyes: "In response to Your Highness, no."

Xuanyuan Jing raised an eyebrow, glanced at him, but said nothing more.