Princess Hongnong and Fu Xuan reside in a two-part house on West City Street. The house is low and somewhat cramped. Their driver, guards, and maid all squeeze into one place, while the couple lives in the left and right rooms of the second part, with the central hall left for entertaining guests.

Zhao Xin was led through the courtyard to the hall, noticing that although everything was neatly arranged, the small courtyard made it feel cramped, with just enough space for two people to pass by.

A moment of inattention could easily lead to bumping one’s head or elbows.

Zhao Xin has learned over the past few days that before his arrival, Princess Hongnong’s movements weren’t restricted. They could freely move around the city and even liaise with officials from Cheng Country, and through them, contact Fu Zhi in Yongzhou.

Only upon Zhao Xin’s arrival were they guarded, with government officials and soldiers outside. Daily, fixed supplies of vegetables, fish, and meat were sent in, but people and messages were not allowed out.

Zhao Xin thought as he walked that compared to before, his arrival might not be a good thing for them.

I wonder if the Princess and Prince Consort want to return to Luoyang...

Zhao Xin stepped into the hall and looked up to see a pair of handsome middle-aged gentlemen and a beautiful lady seated in the upper seats. He immediately collected himself and respectfully greeted them.

A clear voice rang out, "Rise."

Princess Hongnong, with a serious face, scrutinized Zhao Xin and asked, "How is Your Majesty?"

Zhao Xin hesitated for a moment before replying, "His Majesty is well."

Princess Hongnong further inquired, "How are the Three Dukes doing?"

There aren’t any Three Dukes now; Zhao Hanzhang leads alone. Nonetheless, Zhao Xin smiled and responded, "All the ministers in the court are well."

Princess Hongnong’s expression softened, and she asked, "How is Chang’an?"

Zhao Xin replied, "Chang’an is very well."

If Chang’an is good, then Fu Zhi is well, too. Princess Hongnong seemed even more pleased and asked, "What is the purpose of the envoy’s visit to Shu?"

Zhao Xin had been expecting her to ask about Fu Tinghan, but was surprised when she didn’t; however, he kept a straight face and changed his tone, saying, "I am ordered by His Majesty to bring the princess and the prince consort back to court."

Princess Hongnong was taken aback; she thought it was Fu Changrong who sent him but didn’t expect it to be the Little Emperor.

She is Emperor Hui’s daughter, so she and the Little Emperor are cousins. The Jin Dynasty’s familial ties are weak, and she didn’t think the Little Emperor would send someone for her merely because she’s his cousin. She hasn’t even met the child.

She was already in Chang’an when he was born, and has been confined there ever since.

She couldn’t help but look at Fu Xuan.

Fu Xuan glanced at the minister from Cheng Country standing aside and directly asked, "Did King Li Cheng agree?"

Zhao Xin slightly curled his lips, bowed, and replied, "Do not worry, Prince Consort; I will do my best to negotiate to ensure you return to court."

In front of the minister from Cheng Country, they exchanged a few words. Zhao Xin confirmed they seemed well and were not harassed, then made his farewell.

Fu Xuan raised his robe and stood up, nodding gently, "Let me see the envoy out."

Zhao Xin bowed and stood aside, waiting.

As Fu Xuan passed by, he paused, then walked slowly forward. The two walked out one after the other, with the minister from Cheng Country left behind due to the limited space.

Somehow, the servant from the Princess Mansion guiding them squeezed between them, causing the minister from Cheng Country to fall far behind.

When he realized what happened and tried to catch up, another servant in front demonstrated a comical left-foot-tangling-right-foot move, and fell towards him...

By the time he annoyingly pushed the person away and looked up, Fu Xuan and Zhao Xin had already turned a corner, leaving no trace behind.

The minister hurried to catch up.

Fu Xuan escorted Zhao Xin to the front courtyard. He glanced at the soldiers guarding at the door and asked, "How is Changrong?"

Zhao Xin promptly replied earnestly, "Rest assured, Prince Consort, Mr. Fu and the Great General are deeply affectionate and all is well."

Fu Xuan chuckled lightly, "Good."

After a moment, he softly said, "Please convey to him that we are doing well in Shu, and he doesn’t need to insist on anything. Parents are just part of one’s journey, where there are meetings and departures, so don’t be too stubborn."

He turned to face Zhao Xin and, ignoring his stunned expression, directly said, "He must walk the future path alone, bearing the consequences himself. I can’t help him, nor should he help me, so as for fetching us back to Luoyang, either way is fine, but do not go to great lengths over it."

Zhao Xin remained in shock until he returned to the post station; Fu Xuan’s words shattered his longtime perceptions.

Can the parent-child relationship really be this free and unfettered?

When parents are in trouble, shouldn’t children do whatever it takes to save them?

Shouldn’t parents worry intensely and find ways to solve their children’s predicaments?

But Fu Xuan said, they are just a part of Fu Tinghan’s journey, which eventually comes to an end. It’s okay to miss them but don’t be overly tied up, nor turn back.

Zhao Xin sat in deep contemplation for a long time. When his follower came to change the water, he snapped back to reality, saying profoundly, "If I go back and tell my father that his journey with me is over and he shouldn’t interfere in my life affairs, what do you think he would do?"

The follower seriously thought and replied, "He would probably break your leg, ending your journey so you’d stay in his."

Zhao Xin shivered at that thought and promptly discarded the notion. How could he expect his father to have Prince Consort’s wisdom?

At that moment, Zhao Xin felt a surge of jealousy towards Fu Tinghan.

He wasn’t jealous of Fu Tinghan having Zhao Hanzhang as an unwed wife;

But he envied him for having Fu Xuan as his father.

However...

Thinking of Princess Hongnong’s indifference, Zhao Xin sighed, "Every family has its hardships; even with someone as outstanding as Tinghan, difficulties persist."

The follower was curious, "What difficulties does Mr. Fu have?"

Zhao Xin waved his hand, "Nothing much, prepare for tomorrow, we’re going out for breakfast again."

He has to send today’s negotiation details back to Luoyang; he guessed Cheng Country’s willingness to step back relates to the three counties south of Guanghan.

If they relied solely on themselves to seize it, who knows how long it would take, especially if the residual forces in the three counties received Zhao Hanzhang’s support; Cheng Country’s ambition to unify those areas would be even more difficult.

Likewise, Zhao Hanzhang’s attempt to surpass Cheng Country’s control over those three counties would be very challenging.

Privately, Zhao Xin wished to agree with Cheng Country, but the matter is serious and needs Zhao Hanzhang’s approval. Plus, it’s uncertain whether the Jin Ministers there would follow Zhao Hanzhang’s orders.

When Luoyang received the message, the civil and military ministers faced it.

Having just returned from Liang County, Zhao Shen glanced at it and remarked, "If the Great General wants to control the three counties, either pass through Guanghan or cross the natural barriers, though the latter poses a risk of losing twenty to thirty percent of troops."