Zimu is bold, as long as Xie Yunzhen and Ji Mingzhu are present, she can play with anyone.

Zishan is more reserved and only plays with familiar people.

The Emperor wanted to hug him, but he refused.

He slipped away like a loach, grabbed the edge of the table, and stumbled into Xie Yunzhen’s arms.

"Dad～"

He called out while climbing onto Xie Yunzhen’s body.

He wanted his father to hold him.

Xie Yunzhen’s sour emotions were finally soothed, and he rarely held his son in his arms, even kissing his little cheek.

Zishan was obedient, letting his father hold him.

His gaze remained fixed on the Emperor, as if observing a stranger who suddenly appeared.

The Emperor wasn’t angry.

"I forgot, children are shy around strangers."

Then, he continued to tease Zimu with a jade pendant.

Laughing, he said, "I didn’t expect Ah Zhen to be so reticent, but his daughter is so lively and adorable."

Xie Yunzhen said lightly, "The little Princess would surely be more lively and more adorable."

The Emperor does not yet have a daughter.

But there are many concubines in the palace who are pregnant, and sooner or later a little Princess will be born.

In front of someone you like, whether male or female, people want to appear both devoted and affectionate.

The Emperor’s expression was awkward as he glanced at Ji Mingzhu inconspicuously.

Except for greeting him, she hadn’t said a word, just quietly sitting beside Xie Yunzhen.

If not for her stunning appearance, she might have gone entirely unnoticed.

Even after so long, Ji Mingzhu’s aversion to him hadn’t lessened at all.

This made the Emperor feel dejected.

But he knew deep down, he couldn’t compete with Xie Yunzhen.

Wealth and power are not what Ji Mingzhu desires the most; a lifelong companionship with one partner is.

And that, he could never provide.

People have a perverse nature; the more unattainable something is, the more it remains etched in one’s mind.

That’s how the Emperor felt about Ji Mingzhu.

Between the empire and the beauty, he chose the former without hesitation.

But in the quiet of the night, he would repeatedly think of the beauty.

He withdrew his gaze and took a sip of hot tea with a calm demeanor.

He asked Lan Ci, "Why haven’t I seen that business-savvy sister-in-law of yours? Since this matter involves her as well, I wanted to hear her thoughts. I also brought some people along; if things work out, they will inevitably have to interact, so it’s good to meet in advance."

Liu Xu knows business, but she is not a member of the Royal Family.

The most important business is still in the hands of the Royal Family itself.

With such an important business venture as border trade, the Emperor was certain to take part and plant a few trusted associates.

After all, if it succeeded, it wouldn’t just involve silver.

It also concerned relations inside and outside the border.

The idea that the Emperor wouldn’t plant a confidant to restrain Xie Yunzhen was impossible.

No one present was surprised.

Ji Mingzhu instinctively looked at Xie Yunzhen, unsure if this was good or bad.

Xie Yunzhen gave her a reassuring look.

Part of the business was in Liu Xu and Mingzhu’s hands; they also had their own trade caravans, which was definitely beneficial for him.

Sometimes, you can’t gain trust just by stepping back.

If he backed down, some might think he was digging a pit, pretending to be weak.

Since whatever he did would draw suspicion, he decided to go forward according to his own plans, step by step.

Having more chips in hand was the real priority.

Ji Mingzhu felt somewhat reassured and bowed slightly, "I shall go invite Madam Liu."

For such matters, one could simply send someone to deliver the message.

It was clear that Ji Mingzhu wasn’t fond of such settings and wanted to slip away for a moment.

Xie Yunzhen’s lips curved slightly, putting his son down on the ground, then placing Zishan’s small hand into Mingzhu’s.

He patted his head and said to Mingzhu, "On your way, send him back, don’t let him and Zimu bother the Emperor."

Upon hearing her name and seeing her mother’s actions, indicating she was taking her brother away,

Zimu stopped playing with the Emperor.

She toddled towards Ji Mingzhu, mumbling indistinctly, "Mother... brother..."

Afraid of being left behind, she strode towards Ji Mingzhu.

Like a little calf, she charged forward with all her might.

If Xie Yunzhen hadn’t been quick, pulling her back, the little one would have surely stumbled.

Xie Yunzhen had done it on purpose.

He didn’t want Zimu playing with the Emperor.

But seeing his daughter’s fiery demeanor, he was both amused and exasperated.

He pinched her little cheek, "Walk slowly, what if you trip?"

The little one looked up, revealing an adorable smile.

"Dad～"

A few tiny rice teeth were visible, instantly melting Xie Yunzhen’s heart.

Forgetting his jealousy, he earnestly instructed her, "Walk slowly, don’t let your mother and brother fall."

The little one was very mischievous; previously, she had taught Zishan to walk, leading him along.

The result was the younger one tripped and scraped his chin...

Zimu seemed to understand somewhat but nodded solemnly.

"Okay～"

The siblings could already speak simple words and were becoming more lively and fun each day.

Before long, they might even be able to converse with people.

Xie Yunzhen smiled, "Go on, once I’m done with business, I’ll come back to play with you."

Zimu nodded vigorously, reaching to hook her pinky finger with Xie Yunzhen, wanting to make a promise.

Her memory was astonishing, as was her ability to mimic.

Initially, Xie Yunzhen was surprised, but by now, he was used to it.

He hooked his daughter’s chubby little finger, "Pinky promise, whoever lies is a puppy."

Only then was Zimu satisfied, being led away by Mingzhu, swaying as she went.

Lan Ci found it surprising that in private, the affairs of the kingdom were like this.

The Emperor and Xie Yunzhen had grown up together, and he hadn’t expected him to have so much patience with children.

Such childish things, he did them without hesitation, even with so many people watching.

The Emperor pursed his lips, a thoughtful expression on his face.

If those were his and Mingzhu’s children, could he have gone that far?

As soon as the thought arose, he couldn’t help but let out a self-deprecating smile.

Forget about children, even Mingzhu, if they interfered with the greater good or harmed his reputation, he would undoubtedly choose to slight them.

In this regard, he would never have the freedom of Xie Yunzhen.

And he would always lose to him.

Seeing the Emperor in such a daze, Xie Yunzhen felt extremely irritable.

Every time he saw Mingzhu, this man would put on a lovesick demeanor.

If it weren’t for reason, Xie Yunzhen couldn’t be sure what crazy thing he might do.

Whether a man or a woman, as long as they coveted Mingzhu, he would feel displeased.

Intentionally giving the Emperor a hard time, Xie Yunzhen asked, "The young Crown Prince is older than Zimu and Zishan, he should be able to say many things by now, right?"

The Emperor was stunned.

No one had ever discussed this topic with him before, and for a moment, he even felt a bit nervous.

"Yes, he can say many things."

When it came to talking about children, Xie Yunzhen had plenty to say.

He knew exactly what Zimu and Zishan ate, played with, and when they slept each day.

He asked, "How tall is the young Crown Prince now? Zishan was weak when he was born and was smaller than Zimu by a circle. Even after nurturing for such a long time, he hasn’t caught up with Zimu in height; I wonder if boys grow slower."

The Emperor was even more bewildered.

He had no idea exactly how tall the young Crown Prince was.

Feeling awkward, he gestured an approximate height, "Maybe about this tall."

Xie Yunzhen said with a worried tone, "I wish our Zishan could be as healthy as the young Crown Prince."

The words "our Zishan," Xie Yunzhen said with such tenderness.

There was a hint of bragging in it.

Not only the Emperor, but even Lan Ci felt he deserved a beating.