Xiao Yeyang presented the results of his investigation into officials affiliated with the Eight Princes Party to His Majesty, then stood silently to the side waiting.
As the Emperor looked over the materials in his hand and nodded with satisfaction, he looked at Xiao Yeyang contentedly after he finished, "You’ve handled the task well, much more efficient than those at the Ministry of Justice."
Xiao Yeyang did not take all the credit for himself, modestly saying, "This is because I’ve crossed paths with the Eight Princes Party several times before and am familiar with their mode of conduct. Plus, with the information previously collected by the Ministry of Justice officials, I was able to successfully complete the task His Majesty assigned."
The Emperor nodded with a smile, pleased that his nephew didn’t claim all the credit and knew to show consideration for his colleagues and subordinates, "I understand. Once this matter is settled, both the Jinling Guard and the Ministry of Justice will receive commendation."
Xiao Yeyang bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor turned back to the documents, pondering how to deal with the officials listed, then waved his hand to indicate that Xiao Yeyang could leave.
Xiao Yeyang stood still without moving.
After a moment, when the Emperor noticed Xiao Yeyang hadn’t left, he asked, "Is there anything else?"
Xiao Yeyang dropped the seriousness he had when reporting on the task, a shy and awkward smile appearing on his face as he delicately reminded, "Your Imperial Uncle, Uncle and Yiyi have entered the capital."
The Emperor’s heart stirred, setting aside the materials in his hands and looking at Xiao Yeyang with a smile, "So what?"
Seeing the Emperor not continuing the conversation, Xiao Yeyang got straight to the point and knelt down to plead, "Yeyang requests Your Imperial Uncle to grant a marriage."
The Emperor shook his head with a laugh, "Look at how anxious you are."
Xiao Yeyang gave an embarrassed smile, "Your Imperial Uncle, I will soon come of age and should also marry."
The Emperor stood up, walked over to Xiao Yeyang, extended his hand to help him up, and said with a sigh, "Time flies fast; you’re already of age." He then patted Xiao Yeyang on the shoulder.
"Your marriage to the Yan Family’s eldest daughter was arranged by your mother, and I certainly will not obstruct it. However, as this concerns your lifelong happiness, shouldn’t you inform your father, the Prince?"
Xiao Yeyang immediately frowned.
Seeing his nephew’s reluctance and knowing he hadn’t returned to the Prince Residence since coming back to the capital, the Emperor felt somewhat helpless, "You can’t avoid dealing with your father on this matter. You’ll eventually have to return to the Prince Residence to marry, won’t you?"
Xiao Yeyang’s frown deepened as he looked at the Emperor, "Your Imperial Uncle, the Ma Family mother and son are best at putting on a show. After getting married, I don’t want to live in the Prince Residence."
The Emperor glanced at him, "Not live in the Prince Residence? What, do you want to hand over the title of the residence to Xiao Yechen?"
Xiao Yeyang fell silent for a while, "I can fight for what I want myself, but I can’t let Yiyi suffer with me."
The Emperor was speechless, "The Ma Family up against Miss Yan, who’s to say who will suffer more?" That girl would even dare to order him around.
Xiao Yeyang still looked unwilling, "Just the presence of the Ma Family mother and son is enough to be an eyesore."
The Emperor found himself at a loss for words. After a long pause, he finally said, "Yeyang, the Imperial Family’s face cannot be thrown away. Your family’s issues should be solved behind closed doors, and don’t make a spectacle that everyone knows about!"
With his brows tightly knit, Xiao Yeyang left the Qianqing Palace. He also knew that living elsewhere after getting married was almost impossible. But just the thought of living under the same roof as the Ma Family mother and son made him feel sick.
Forget it, don’t think about that for now. The first step is to settle the marriage.
Xiao Yeyang left the palace gates and went straight for the Prince Residence.
Soon, he arrived at the Prince Residence.
Xiao Yeyang stood outside the gate, gazing at the Prince Residence that felt both strange and familiar, slightly lost in thought, as scenes started to flood his mind.
His mother playing with him in the Residence...
His father bringing the Ma Family mother and son through the door...
His mother resolutely leaving the Residence...
The Ma Family mother and son taking over his mother’s courtyard...
In the cold winter, him being pushed into the lake by Xiao Yechen...
Him being taken out of the Residence to live in the Imperial Palace by his Imperial Uncle...
As scenes flickered through his mind, the anger in Xiao Yeyang grew more intense. Just then, the butler, having received news, hurried out to greet him.
"This servant humbly welcomes the Second Young Master back to the Residence!"
Hearing the address, Xiao Yeyang’s eyes suddenly narrowed, observing the butler impassively until the butler’s head could not dip any lower. Then he spoke, "I remember you. Back then, it was you who told father that it wasn’t Xiao Yechen who pushed me into the lake, but that I, out of my own carelessness while playing, fell in."
The butler’s heart chilled as he was about to speak in his defense when he felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by his whole body flying backward, crashing heavily against the Residence wall.