Chapter 1636: Leaving the Capital
Chapter 1636: Leaving the Capital
Early in the morning, a discreet carriage gradually departed from the capital, blending into the vast and bustling crowd.
Once outside the city, Qiao Xuan couldn’t resist lifting a corner of the curtain to peer outside. Turning to Shao Yunduan with a smile, she remarked, “This will be a positive change for us. Let us soar in the heavens and swim in the vast sea!”
Regardless of the Crown Prince’s fortune, they had no desire to revel in his glory. If the Crown Prince faced misfortune, they aimed to avoid entanglement.
Shao Yunduan chuckled, embracing Qiao Xuan. “Your sentiments echo exactly what your husband is thinking. You and I share an unspoken understanding.”
The two exchanged smiles.
Wu Guan awaited them twenty miles away. Upon their rendezvous, the group set off together.
Seven carriages moved in unison, presenting a majestic sight. However, for travelers embarking on a long journey, their luggage was surprisingly minimal.
… The Crown Prince contemplated whether he should meet Shao Yunduan before his departure. Despite everything, Shao Yunduan was still aligned with him. Shao Yunduan’s stubbornness kept him from betraying the Crown Prince.
In the Crown Prince’s heart, he still held admiration for Shao Yunduan and wished for him to reconsider.
Yet, summoning him for a meeting might imply a concession, making the Crown Prince feel somewhat embarrassed—typical of his indecisive nature.
However, Shao Yunduan had already set out before the Crown Prince could make a decision.
After Shao Yunduan’s departure, the Crown Prince felt a twinge of annoyance.
Princess Consort sensed his thoughts and attempted to persuade him. “…You’ve done everything you could for Lord Shao. Without your recognition and support, he wouldn’t have achieved such prominence with his background and lack of connections. He wouldn’t have offended the Tian Family upon arriving in the capital because of Ms. Qiao!”
“These are all your doings. He could have had a better future, but because of Ms. Qiao, he chose this path and let down your kindness and expectations!”
“In my opinion, he’s a fool! It’s good that he’s gone. Crown Prince, you don’t have to blame yourself. You didn’t do anything wrong!”
Hearing Princess Consort’s words, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but laugh. He burst into laughter and said, “I was feeling uneasy, but after hearing what you said, I feel much better. You are indeed my good wife!”
Princess Consort smiled shyly. “It is my duty!”
“It is my good fortune to have such a good wife like Princess Consort. As for Officer Shao, well, let’s not dwell on it! Is Mr. Xie still at your home?”
Princess Consort was uncertain of Xie Jingrong’s whereabouts in her own home, but as he was on good terms with her nephew, she nodded with a smile. “Yes, he has always been around. I will ask someone to inform him to meet you.”
This year marked Qi Xuan’s 47th year. In July, there would be another Fall Quarter Examination, and in the following spring, another Spring Quarter Examination after three years. A new Primus would be crowned.
The Crown Prince harbored the hope that Xie Jingrong would be the new Primus.
By then, Shao Yunduan would fade into obscurity.
People would remember the Crown Prince’s failure in retaining his trusted officer.
The Crown Prince shared this sentiment. He nodded and smiled.