After a brief pause, Shi Muyuan continued, "I'm afraid the right time for you will only come when you're the only one left in the royal family."
These words hit the nail on the head, but it wasn't the time to reveal his ambition.
Prince Lian quickly knelt down in front of the throne and kowtowed. At this point, it seemed the only option was to yield to advance.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. It's all my fault. But I've never had any intention of treason. My loyalty to Your Majesty is as clear as day. I'd be willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty."
The young emperor just rolled his eyes and didn't want to dwell on this matter any longer.
"Since you've said so, I'll give you this chance."
Hearing this, Prince Lian felt a sense of unease. He always had a feeling that the young emperor must have some other scheme.
Sure enough, just as he was thinking this, the young emperor spoke.
"The ancestral mansion hasn't had anyone go back for a long time. I'm afraid some thieves might have their eyes on the things there. You go and check it out. And take this time to reflect on yourself."
On the surface, it sounded good, but in fact, it was just a way to send him away. How could Prince Lian not understand? He was quite disdainful, but on the surface, he had to pretend to be helpless. He couldn't leave easily.
Once he left, he would have no way of knowing the changes in the capital city. Maybe he'd never have anything to do with Changjing City again.
Thinking of this, he immediately lowered his eyes and started to play the emotional card with the young emperor.
"Actually, I know I've made a huge mistake this time. I didn't think things through. I understand that Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager are angry. But, Your Majesty, please think twice. If I don't stay by Your Majesty's side, what if Your Majesty is misled by villains and makes a big mistake?"
His words were clearly pointed, which immediately enraged the young emperor.
The young emperor raised his hand and threw a memorial at him. Blood immediately appeared on his forehead.
"It seems I haven't given you enough lessons. Even now, you still don't know your mistakes and are trying to sow discord here. The Empress Dowager has never had any other thoughts about the royal family. She's always been dedicated to the Great Liang Dynasty. Do you think everyone is like you?"
After being scolded again, Prince Lian's anger grew stronger, but he didn't even dare to show the slightest bit of temper. It was because of his current status that he didn't dare to provoke this young emperor in front of him.
He kowtowed deeply on the ground, hiding all his emotions. But from his stiff body and clenched fists, it was obvious that after this, Prince Lian would probably hate them even more.
However, those were all things for the future. For now, they only cared about whether Prince Lian could leave Changjing City.
Shi Muyuan didn't want the emperor to carry a great deal of hatred, because that would put his life in danger in the future. So she stepped forward and took all the blame on herself.
"I can temporarily overlook what happened before. Now I'll give you this chance. If you're willing to leave Changjing City and go to Luolin, you can still keep your title of prince. But if you don't agree, you should know the consequences."
Prince Lian gritted his teeth and endured for a long time before finally nodding his head.
"The Empress Dowager and Your Majesty are so magnanimous. I'll surely reflect on myself. I don't know when I'll be able to come back after going to Luolin. Can I set off in a couple of days?"
His proposal was acceptable, and Shi Muyuan had already stated all the requirements in advance.
"Remember to take everyone in your mansion with you."
Taking revenge for one's father was nothing new in this world. Having read so many novels and watched so many TV shows in her previous life in the modern world, she wouldn't easily let him have a chance to stage a comeback. She had to be more vigilant in the future.
Prince Lian was also quite surprised that this Empress Dowager had thought things through so thoroughly. In the end, he agreed to everything.
Now that the matter of Prince Lian was temporarily put aside, Shi Muyuan took the initiative to mention Lan Xi to the young emperor.
"I think General Qin and Lord Lan are both capable men. If we keep them in the court, they'll surely be able to help Your Majesty a lot in the future. After we get the antidote back, let them both enter the court to serve as officials."
Ji Heng had a different opinion from the Empress Dowager on this matter. Of course, he knew that Qin Feng was a capable man, but that Lan Xi was so cunning. He didn't know if Lan Xi had been up to something behind their backs. It didn't seem appropriate to appoint him so easily.
"Mother, how about we put the matter of Lord Lan aside for now?"
Seeing the young emperor's thoughts, Shi Muyuan took the initiative to persuade him. "Lan Xi is good at psychological warfare and has profound knowledge. Having him by Your Majesty's side will be a great help."
"Anyway, he used to be a subordinate of the King of the Western Regions. Unless he can offer something to show his sincerity, I still hope Mother will think twice."
The young emperor had made his point so clear. Although Shi Muyuan felt a bit discouraged, it only lasted for a moment, and then she regained her usual composure.
"If Your Majesty wants sincerity, it's very simple. I need half a month. I'll make a bet with Your Majesty. If I win, Your Majesty will agree to let Lord Lan enter the court to serve as an official."
It was the first time the Empress Dowager had done something like this, like a child. The young emperor became interested, and a smile appeared in his eyes.
"I'll be waiting to see."
Soon, the news of their bet spread throughout the court and the harem.
Lan Xi, who was in the palace, of course heard this news. He never thought that just because he had only agreed to that woman for now, she would have so much trust in him. Wasn't she afraid that he would go back on his word?
Out of curiosity, he couldn't help but go to Shoukang Palace. Unexpectedly, he was refused entry.
Lan Xi had been wandering the martial arts world for many years. Relying on the King of the Western Regions' influence, it had been a long time since anyone had dared to be so bold in front of him. Xiao Xiao was the first.
His face looked rather unpleasant, but he didn't plan to cause a big scene here.
"I just want to see the Empress Dowager. I have something very important to ask her."
Xiao Xiao blocked the palace gate with her body and refused to let him in no matter what.
"If Lord Lan has something to say, please come back when the Empress Dowager is in a better mood. The Empress Dowager has been in a bad mood recently. Lord Lan, don't come here looking for trouble."
His face had been mercilessly rejected. Lan Xi was very depressed, but he was also a bit helpless. After all, Xiao Xiao was that woman's favorite and capable assistant. He couldn't afford to offend her if he wanted to get close to the Empress Dowager.
There was nothing he could do. He had to soften his attitude and hoped that Xiao Xiao would let him in.
"I know the Empress Dowager is in a bad mood. How about this? I'll go in and tell her a few jokes."