The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

The crown prince frowned deeply. He hadn't even considered sending a prince to lead troops to quell the rebels before resolutely refusing the offer.

Although he was usually kind and benevolent towards his younger brothers and never considered killing them, it did not mean that he would stand by and watch his brothers, who were vying for the throne, take this opportunity to achieve great military exploits, accumulate prestige, and thus threaten his position!

After all, in this treacherous and unpredictable court, every step must be taken with extreme caution; the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin. And this Crown Prince was certainly no fool; how could he not understand the implications?

"Third brother! Your wife is about to give birth and is currently at home. You'd better stay here and take care of her. You know, childbirth is no easy thing for a woman; it's like walking through the gates of hell! Besides, this is your first legitimate son! In my opinion, it would be best if you didn't go this time. After all, there's such an important matter at home that requires your personal attention."

Xiao Yuheng's expression darkened. He glanced at Duke Wen and saw a knowing smile on the other's lips. Xiao Yuheng recalled his conversation with Duke Wen a few days ago.

"Third Prince, I advise you not to have any unrealistic ideas. You want to lead troops out? If the Crown Prince had any brains, he would never agree to that. If he did, he wouldn't be able to sit on the throne. The Crown Prince will not only not let you go, but he will also not allow the troops under my command."

The moment Xiao Yuheng saw the Duke of Wen looking at him with such contempt and disdain, his anger flared instantly. He clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth, saying, "But this time is different. This is simply a golden opportunity bestowed upon me by heaven! If I am fortunate enough to go, I might be able to use my wisdom and strategy to bring all the troops of the Northern Camp in the outskirts of the capital under my control."

"Beida Camp on the outskirts of Beijing? If you have the ability, I wouldn't mind lending you a hand." Duke Wen's eyes were filled with unbearable malice. The Wen family army was originally under his command. He was the one who led these soldiers to help the emperor seize the throne. But our emperor is truly a master of discarding those who have served him.

The troops under his command have now been dispersed to the North Camp, West Camp, and the army responsible for the city's defense outside the capital. This redeployment and reorganization of troops has not happened only once or twice. After many personnel transfers and replacements, his original core troops have become fewer and fewer, and there are not many soldiers who can truly obey his command and are trustworthy.

At this moment, Xiao Yuheng clenched his fists tightly, his heart filled with doubt and confusion. Although Duke Wen had acknowledged his true identity and expressed his willingness to support him, for some reason, every time he spoke with Duke Wen, he always sensed a kind of contempt and disdain in the latter's words, even an undisguised disrespect. This baffled him greatly, and he simply couldn't understand the reason behind it.

"Duke Wen, how will you know I'm not up to it if you don't even try!"

But reality is cruel; the crown prince did not allow him to lead troops there.

"Your Highness, I have no other intention than to do what I can to help alleviate the worries of both Father Emperor and Your Highness, seeing Father Emperor bedridden. As Your Highness knows, my mother... I wish to earn some merit to atone for her sins..."

Upon hearing Xiao Yuheng's words, Duke Wen's old face twitched involuntarily. Was this brat slapping him in the face in front of so many people? Was he blaming him for not being able to protect his mother?

“This old minister believes that the Third Prince need not worry too much.” Li Xinhan, the father of the Third Prince’s wife, stepped forward. Everyone thought that as the Third Prince’s father-in-law, Li Xinhan would definitely speak up for his son-in-law.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is right. The Third Prince’s Consort is about to give birth, and the mansion cannot be left unattended.”

The Third Prince knew that this old man wouldn't help him. He and his mother had a perfectly good plan, but who knew that the unexpected would come from this blockhead Li Xinhan.

"Lord Li, you are worrying too much. Even if I am not in the residence for the time being, there is no need to worry. You know, the Princess Consort is a very capable person. She manages this residence perfectly, without the slightest mistake. Moreover, there are two concubines assisting the Princess Consort in managing the household affairs. They work together and help each other, so the affairs of this residence can naturally be handled properly, and there will absolutely not be even the slightest problem!"

Li Xinhan didn't even glance at the Third Prince's face, which looked as if ink could drip from it.