Bairen's illness wasn't too severe to begin with. After taking some medicine and sleeping for a while, he felt much better, except that when the medicine took effect, he broke out in a sweat all over his body, making him feel very uncomfortable and wanting to take a bath.

"Don't fuss," Qi Xiao poured a cup of tea and handed it to Bairen, "You were almost better, if you catch a chill it might relapse and become even worse."

Of course Bairen had to listen to Qi Xiao, but he was really uncomfortable. He could only plead softly: "Then have someone bring me a basin of hot water so I can wipe my face, okay?"

Qi Xiao paused for a moment and smiled: "That's fine, come..."

The maids outside heard the summons and quickly sent in the washing items to serve. After wiping a bit, Bairen indeed felt much better. Qi Xiao dismissed the servants, sat on the bed to tidy Bairen's hair.

Bairen looked even paler than usual due to the illness, appearing more pitiful. Qi Xiao's heart ached with love, he couldn't help lowering his head wanting to kiss him again. Bairen quickly dodged, laughing: "Don't mess around, I want to talk to you about something..."

Qi Xiao took his hand, squeezed it and nodded: "Go ahead."

"Didn't you say before...that Wenyu wanted a piece of the action?" Bairen frowned irritably and sighed, "I didn't take it to heart at the time, but now I see...you were right, and he doesn't just want a piece..."

Qi Xiao gave a mocking laugh: "What did I say that day? You're just too sincere, only knowing to worry about Roujia. I knew the hidden danger was here."

Bairen frowned: "Moreover, ever since he arrived, he's been currying favor everywhere. I heard from my confidants that he's been secretly inquiring about my actions in the capital over the past six months, and even wanting to use heavy bribes to buy off my people. The latter I'm not afraid of, I'll just do a thorough investigation of the manor after he leaves. But the former matter..."  

Bairen glanced at Qi Xiao worriedly. Qi Xiao instantly understood and smiled: "Bairen...are you worried about me?"

Bairen felt very uncomfortable and said softly: "Let's talk business, I'm worried there will be gossip."

Qi Xiao hugged Bairen from behind and said in a low voice: "Are you afraid? Afraid you won't be able to marry a princess consort in the future?"

Bairen didn't say anything. Qi Xiao's hand mischievously slid under the hem of Bairen's inner robe, gently caressing Bairen's tight, delicate skin, teasing in a low voice: "Roujia is about to get married, do you also want to start a family?"

Qi Xiao naturally knew that Bairen was worried that the gossip would hurt him, but he still couldn't help teasing him. Unexpectedly, these words hit right on Bairen's troubles.

If it were any other time, Bairen would have dodged long ago. Seeing that he didn't move at all, Qi Xiao thought he was unwell again. He felt Bairen's forehead and seeing it wasn't hot, he smiled with relief: "Why aren't you talking? Hm?"

Qi Xiao held Bairen and turned his head around, only to see Bairen looking very pale. He laughed: "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong and offend you?"

Bairen shook his head. After hesitating for a long time, he said softly: "Your Highness, in the future...you will have to marry a princess consort."

Qi Xiao never expected Bairen to think of this. Usually Bairen tried his best to avoid such topics. Bringing it up out of the blue today...Qi Xiao's heart stirred, this silly thing must have pondered it hundreds of times in his heart.

Qi Xiao stopped teasing him and said gently: "What nonsense are you saying."

Bairen pursed his lips and shook his head, unwilling to discuss further. Qi Xiao knew his thoughts were heavy and was afraid he would overthink and torture himself again. He had to say: "Bairen, that day when I said I liked you...did you think I was joking?"

Bairen quickly shook his head, feeling guilty in his heart for bringing this up. Qi Xiao laughed: "If I didn't know your personality so well...I would have mistaken you for deliberately trying to make me say these sweet nothings. Bairen, since you know I'm sincere, why worry about me marrying a princess consort?"

Bairen was shocked and couldn't help but look up at Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao gave a self-mocking laugh: "To make me say such things repeatedly, you're really something. Alright, since you've forced me to speak the truth, you should also show your hand. Bairen...do you want to marry a prince consort?"

Bairen's voice was a bit hoarse as he said softly: "Of course not."

Qi Xiao chuckled: "At least you're honest...If you dare to marry, I'll take care of her before you even bring her through the door, and then I'll come settle the score with you."

Qi Xiao spoke fiercely but his actions were very gentle, still holding Bairen in his arms. He laughed: "Going to cry again? I find you're becoming more and more like a child. How long have you been holding this in your heart?"

Bairen was usually very self-possessed by nature, but in front of Qi Xiao, he could no longer maintain that aloofness. He hesitated and said hoarsely: "Since that day...the day we argued, I started worrying."

Bairen still found it unbelievable and said again: "You really...won't marry?"

Qi Xiao smiled: "Let me ask you first, if I do marry, and still have people frequently fetch you like now, will you still come?"

Bairen was stunned for a moment, then shook his head: "I won't come."

Qi Xiao sighed: "There you have it, how can a princess consort compare to you. Come...since I can't marry a princess consort, please take on some of the responsibilities a princess consort should fulfill, Prince Consort..."

As Qi Xiao spoke, he started to grope Bairen again. Bairen's face instantly flushed red as he quickly resisted: "I'm not done talking yet...don't..."

Qi Xiao had to look at him and smiled: "What else do you want to say?"

Bairen looked hesitant, fidgeting for a long time before saying softly: "Your Highness just said I'm...becoming more and more like a child, are you unhappy? I...I don't know what's wrong with me, I think more and more nowadays, I annoy even myself..."

Bairen was originally a very indifferent person, but at some point, he started thinking of Qi Xiao every day and night. The more he thought, the more he worried. Bairen was afraid it would make Qi Xiao annoyed and never wanted to reveal a word to him.

But occasionally, he would accidentally let it slip like just now. Bairen felt very vexed in his heart. He was most unwilling to make Qi Xiao feel he was troublesome, but what he feared most happened.

Seeing Bairen still blaming himself, Qi Xiao couldn't bear it anymore. He lowered his head and kissed Bairen's lips, directly pushing him onto the bed, passionately making out for a long time before releasing him. He panted in a low voice: "Wrong...I just like you looking ahead and behind for my sake...pondering restlessly."

Qi Xiao still felt unsatisfied. He bit Bairen's lip lightly and said in a low voice: "You're not doing it on purpose, are you? You have to make me feel distressed."

Bairen hadn't recovered his senses yet. He dazedly licked his sore lower lip and said incoherently: "We...we haven't finished discussing, what if Wenyu spreads some rumors..."

Qi Xiao laughed and sat up, saying lightly: "Don't worry, I have already made arrangements." Not wanting Bairen to be anxious, Qi Xiao explained the plan to him in detail. At the end, he smiled and said: "Give him a little lesson. If Wenyu is deterred, that would be best. If he insists on courting death by provoking me, I will grant his wish."

Now that Bairen knew of Qi Xiao's plan, he naturally felt at ease. Unfortunately, Wenyu was unaware and offended the Emperor's taboo when he went to the palace to pay his respects the next day.

Of course, the Emperor's face was still as kind as usual, even bestowing many playthings. But as soon as he ordered Wenyu to kneel in respect, his expression turned cold.

Fu Hailu handed the freshly brewed tea to the Emperor and said softly: "This is what the second prince brought from the south this time. The crown prince had brought it before too, and Your Majesty liked it very much."

The Emperor took the tea but did not touch it, placing it directly on the desk. After a while, he said: "Fortunately, it was Bairen who was sent that day. Wenyu...although a few months younger than Bairen, he is much more scheming."

Fu Hailu had also understood the implications in Wenyu's words while chatting with the Emperor. Hearing this, he smiled wryly: "But in front of Your Majesty, it doesn't amount to much."

The Emperor shook his head and laughed: "He was just well-prepared. What did Huo Rong say yesterday, do you remember?"

Fu Hailu lowered his head: "Huo Rong said that the second young prince repeatedly asked the crown prince to recommend him in front of the crown prince. The crown prince advised him not to make trouble, but the second young prince was immediately displeased and took the his brother's invitation card to deliver it to the crown prince's residence without authorization.

"It's just that...Your Majesty knows the crown prince's temperament. He didn't pay him any attention, and only discussed matters related to the grand wedding with the crown prince, never meeting the second young prince."

The Emperor sneered: "It's not just that...According to the spies in the Lingnan Prince's Manor, these past few days, Wenyu has been trying to befriend everyone who came to visit the manor, acting even more like the prince than Bairen, the crown prince. He's quite restless. Just now, he even tried to tell on Bairen between the lines, hehe...He really takes me for his muddled old father, easy to fool. Bairen may not be good at anything else, but at least he knows his place."

Fu Hailu hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked: "Should we find a way to give the second young prince a few words of advice?"

The Emperor shook his head: "No need...As long as we understand in our hearts, that's enough. I used to always feel that Bairen was cold and distant, not close to me. Now compared to Wenyu, he's much more likable...Tell Huo Rong to keep a close eye on the crown prince's side. The Lingnan King dotes on Wenyu. If I allow the crown prince to establish ties with Lingnan through him...the consequences would be endless."

Fu Hailu quickly nodded: "Yes."

In the crown prince's residence, Huo Rong relayed word for word to Qi Xiao what he was told in the palace. Qi Xiao nodded: "Understood."

Then he turned his head to look at Jiang Deqing. Jiang Deqing took the hint and handed an exquisite small box to Huo Rong. Huo Rong looked puzzled. Qi Xiao smiled faintly: "These are two gold-plated, jeweled longevity locks. You don't often return to your hometown, but you should always bring some toys back for your children. Just be careful not to expose your whereabouts. After all...your adoptive father Fu Hailu doesn't know you have these two little sons."

Huo Rong's heart trembled. He gritted his teeth in gratitude. Qi Xiao wielded both kindness and authority as he smiled again: "Sometimes when I think about it...I feel that this is not a long-term solution for you. When a suitable opportunity is found, I will help you break free. At that time, with the vast world before you, there will surely be a place for your family to settle down safely."

Huo Rong was greatly moved. He immediately knelt down to express his thanks.