靳雅軒 gaze upon the prince's shadowed eyes, his tone filled with an unusual gravity. He knew that the prince harbored doubts, but he also sensed the unease etched into his features. With a deep sigh, he spoke openly, his voice tinged with a hint of sincerity.

"I admit, sending two of my most trusted lieutenants to the Southern Chen in such a forthright manner was too bold. Yet, I am confident in their abilities to return unharmed. They have both been on many missions before, always maintaining their identities hidden."

The years had seen them venture into foreign lands, executing their duties with the utmost discretion and never faltering. He had called upon the full support of the Dark domestically, even enlisting the personal assistance of the Grand Master himself to ensure their safety. He would not let them down.

"Should you not realize that Gu Yuanba and Lu Shaokong are irreplaceable ministers and strategists? Sending them into such a daring mission was overstepping, even for me."

Ding Yan noticed the prince's increasingly somber expression, the corner of his lips quirking up slightly as he hesitated. After a long pause, he opened up.

"I intend to go to the Tatan region in person to discuss the countermeasure against the Western羌. The Tatan region is suffering greatly under the raids, and as the sovereign of the northern Wei, visiting there is not an unreasonable request."

He had heard of Princess Chen Fanghua's journey to the Western羌 alliance and the whispered alliance between the Southern Chen and the Eastern Get. As a nation surrounded by three enemies, the Wei needed allies.

"Early on, I learned of Princess Chen's venture, and I have also heard rumors of the Southern Chen's intention to marry into the Eastern Get. As the Wei, we cannot afford to lag behind in forming our own alliances."

Once, he had heard of the prince's bold actions, but now, as he witnessed the prince showing tenderness to a woman, it seemed the empire's unyielding heart was beginning to show its softer side.

No sentimentality, no fear, no emotion—all were the empire's rules. Yet, even the unwavering was not immune to its own exceptions. The prince's emotions had taken a turn, and Ding Yan was not blind to it.

"It should be noted that you must agree to one condition if we are to embark on this journey. I demand to be present during the blood-reckoning ceremony."

He had never forgotten the events at the Luo Town, and he knew that his brothers' relationship, though tense, was one of mutual survival. They were all in a rope of sand, and the emperor's presence would shift the eyes of the world.

"The dragon's presence must be in Tatan to distract the gaze of the world, yet the one who goes is not necessarily myself."

Indeed, he and his brother knew each other's deepest secrets, and even a switched identity would not raise too many red flags.

"He would not be foolish enough to let the Luo Town incident happen again. But I need you to promise me one thing: I must be present during the blood-reckoning ceremony."

Ding Yan's heart twisted with concern as he spoke, knowing fully well the gravity of the prince's longing for the woman.

"Rest assured, I have not lost all sense of decorum. Knowing that the child still lives, I must find the true heir. I hope it is so."

Ding Yan hesitated, then stopped and fixed his gaze on the prince. "She wishes to leave the palace."

Jin Xiu's brow furrowed. Their decision to spare Gu Qingwei and the baby girl had been a show of mercy, and now, it seemed they were asking for more.

"I understand that her position is unusual, but a princess consort of the former crown prince can be kept in seclusion, and her wish to leave the palace is not unfounded."

Did he regret?

He had kept Gu Qingwei here to console him, to soothe the ache of his missing her. Now, it seemed he was portrayed as the villain.

"Not regretting at all."

"Since that is the case, I shall arrange for her to leave in a few days. With so few of Jin Yu's descendants remaining, and with a child in the fray, how can she stand against my path?"

His words implied that he held no fear in his heart for those who had fallen before him, and that a child's revenge would not deter him.

"But do you know if you are still under the influence of the共生毒?"

Ding Yan, unable to leave the room, stopped and furrowed his brows. The question hung in the air like a shadow, a silent query into the prince's deepest fears and vulnerabilities.