I Am a Salted Fish in Ancient Times

Chapter 16

Xiao Shan said, "That's how it is for those who sit on the throne—suspicious and distrustful." As he spoke, Xie Zhui suddenly realized he had voiced his thoughts aloud. He looked at Xiao Shan and blinked, his expression dazed.

Xiao Shan chuckled and continued, "It's true that Father Emperor loves Second Brother and sincerely involves him in court affairs. But as long as Father Emperor doesn't want to become the Emperor Emeritus, he will never hand over all power to Second Brother at this time. Otherwise, who would the people of the realm listen to—Father Emperor or Second Brother? If their opinions differ, which side would the court officials take?"

Moreover, the Emperor ascended to his position through intense struggles and has always tried to prevent Xiao Jin from following the same path. So long as Xiao Jin didn't entertain thoughts of rebellion, his position as Crown Prince would remain secure.

But at the same time, the Emperor, from his own perspective, felt the need to guard against insatiable ambition. What if he gave Xiao Jin too much power and one day Xiao Jin, dissatisfied with his position as Crown Prince, overthrew him?

Xiao Shan understood this aspect of the Emperor's thinking. However, as long as the Emperor wasn't a blind, deaf, and an overly suspicious fool, other matters could be addressed gradually.

Xiao Shan always believed that, as a prince, to live a content and carefree life, one must be open-minded and not overly ambitious. Otherwise, life would be exhausting and filled with envy for others.

His own mindset was very balanced and steady. His plan for the future was to have a wealthy and leisurely status, spending his days enjoying simple pleasures like cricket fighting and bird watching.

Because he understood and accepted this, his days were less troubled and more carefree.

Xie Zhui thought carefully about Xiao Shan's words and found some truth in them.

The Emperor was relatively clear-headed and handled state affairs fairly. Trusting someone wholeheartedly was difficult, but as long as the Emperor remained this way, the Crown Prince would eventually ascend to the throne.

However, Xie Zhui was curious about what Xiao Shan would say or do if the Emperor were a tyrannical and foolish ruler.

Considering Xiao Shan's personality, he thought that Xiao Shan might indeed do something rebellious.

Seeing Xie Zhui deep in thought, Xiao Shan suddenly smiled, his eyes curving. Xie Zhui usually didn't smile much. His features were stern and heroic, and when he forced a smile, it only tugged at the corners of his mouth, looking very stiff.

But when he genuinely smiled, his brows and eyes softened, and his gaze became clear. It made him look both sincere and handsome.

Xiao Shan asked, "What are you smiling about?"

Xie Zhui shook his head. "Nothing."

Seeing that Xie Zhui didn't want to elaborate, Xiao Shan didn't press further. He lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked outside, saying, "The sky has cleared."

Following Xiao Shan's gesture, Xie Zhui looked outside, but his gaze first fell on Xiao Shan's hand.

Xiao Shan's hand was fair, with distinct joints, straight and long fingers.

In contrast, Xie Zhui's hands were very rough, not soft at all, with calluses formed from years of wielding swords, spears, and other weapons.

He didn't look like a typical ger at all. His features were too rugged, and his physique was tall and strong. After his identity as a ger was discovered, he had overheard soldiers whispering about how someone with his appearance could possibly be a ger.

After the Emperor bestowed the marriage, he had also heard people mockingly say behind his back that holding him was no different from holding a man—hard and unyielding, incapable of any finesse in bed.

But Xiao Shan didn't mind at all. At night, he embraced him with great enthusiasm.

At first, he even thought that Xiao Shan was doing this to gain control of the northern military. It seemed like a transaction of interests: Xiao Shan provided him with the dignity and benefits befitting a Prince Consort, and he, in turn, provided Xiao Shan with various information about the northern border to help him control it.

But that wasn't the case. Xiao Shan never even asked about these matters.

Of course, there was another possibility—that Xiao Shan was doing this deliberately, playing the long game. Xiao Shan might be trying to completely control him, so he could better utilize him in the future.

This thought flashed through Xie Zhui's mind but was quickly dismissed.

Xiao Shan was lazy by nature, reluctant to even attend court, let alone scheme.

Moreover, given Xiao Shan's temperament, if he didn't want to do something, no amount of benefit could compel him. The idea that he would endure discomfort to embrace and please Xie Zhui in bed for the sake of power and status was simply unthinkable.

Xiao Shan would never compromise himself in that way.

After much consideration, Xie Zhui could only arrive at one conclusion: Xiao Shan treated him this way simply because he was his Prince Consort. They were married and became a couple, so Xiao Shan provided him with what a Prince Consort should have, including intimacy and protection in front of others.

Xie Zhui didn't want to jump to conclusions, but he couldn't find any other reason for Xiao Shan's actions.

When the news reached the northern military camp, Zuo Li, Yin Tong, and Xu Guang were speechless for a long time.

Now, hearing Yin Tong's vague words, Zuo Li suddenly felt uncertain about entering the city gates.

Xu Guang sighed, glanced at Yin Tong, and said in a low voice, "If you don't want to cause him trouble, remember his current identity. He is no longer General Xie Chen of the northern border; he is now Prince Li's Prince Consort, Xie Zhui."

Yin Tong's expression changed several times before he muttered a curse under his breath.

Meanwhile, knowing that Xie Chen would be arriving in the capital, Xiao Shan had early on sent Ji An to personally keep an eye on the Xie residence, ready to escort Xie Zhui over as soon as he arrived.

Xie Zhui, usually so composed, found himself unusually restless today.

He paced back and forth several times before Ji An hurriedly came in from outside, his face beaming with joy. "Your Highness, Prince Consort, Young Master Xie has entered the residence."

Xie Zhui's heart tightened suddenly, and he couldn't help but look at Xiao Shan.

Xiao Shan stood up and said, "Then, let's go over now."

Xie Zhui nodded.

As they walked out together, Xiao Shan smiled and said, "You've already had the Xie residence cleaned inside and out several times. Elder Brother won't have to worry about tidying up the house when he gets back."

Xie Zhui said, "This is all thanks to Your Highness’ thoughtful planning."

Xiao Shan, surprised, asked, "Xie Zhui, did you coat your tongue with honey today? Your words are exceptionally pleasant, quite different from usual."

Xie Zhui: "..."

With Xiao Shan's teasing, the worry and nervousness in his heart completely dissipated.

The two of them took a carriage to the Xie residence.

When they arrived, the servants were busy arranging the items that had been brought back. Xie Chen was standing in the courtyard.

Xie Chen had a white silk cloth covering his eyes, his hair tied with a square scarf. His face was very fair, making him look like a scholarly and elegant gentleman.

Xie Zhui walked forward, stood still, and called out, "Elder Brother."

Xie Chen turned toward the sound of his voice, then reached out to pat Xie Zhui's shoulder, grinning, "Xie Zhui."

It was clear that the two brothers had endless things to talk about. Xiao Shan stepped forward and also called out, "Elder Brother."

Hearing Xiao Shan's voice, Xie Chen quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness..."

Xiao Shan supported his arm and said, "Elder Brother, we are family; there's no need for such formalities."

Xie Chen replied solemnly, "Etiquette must not be neglected."

Xiao Shan smiled and looked at Xie Zhui, "You have a good talk with Elder Brother. I'll come to pick you up in the afternoon."

Xie Chen asked, "Your Highness won't be staying for a meal?"

Xiao Shan replied, "Father Emperor has summoned me to the palace. Today is a good opportunity for you and Xie Zhui to catch up. I'll come back another day for a proper visit."

Hearing this, Xie Chen did not insist on him staying.

After Xiao Shan left, Xie Chen dropped his formal demeanor and let Xie Zhui help him into the hall.

Once they were seated, Xie Chen softly asked, "Is he good to you?"

Xie Zhui replied, "He's quite good to me."

Xie Chen moved his lips, hesitating before voicing his concern, "The return of the northern soldiers to the capital is bound to attract attention. Inevitably, some malicious rumors will spread about you. When he hears them, will he believe you?"