The expression on his face was fully caught by Fourth Master Xiao, who paused for a moment and said with certainty, "Moreover, your birth mother is not of low status!"

Not of low status? What does that mean?

Min appeared confused. He had only heard that his birth mother was just an actor and eventually eloped with someone else. Why would his father affirm with such conviction that she was not of low status?

Is there something he didn’t know?

Before he could confirm again, Fourth Master Xiao had already stood up: "Go back, rest early!" Min was taken aback and asked, "Father, what about my punishment?"

Fourth Master Xiao walked over, his tall figure standing before him, then reached out to pat his shoulder and said, "Since you admitted your mistake, then it won’t be repeated!"

Does this mean the punishment is waived?

"Let’s go!" Fourth Master Xiao said no more, turned around with his hands behind his back, and left the study. The stone in Min’s heart fell as he followed closely behind Fourth Master Xiao... Fourth Master Xiao turned back and asked, "I heard you painted a picture at Chengyi Bo Mansion that made Wu and Ruan sons fight over it?"

His father knew too? Min replied, "I was just doodling, it was the two gentlemen who were indulging me!" Very humble.

Fourth Master Xiao’s eyes showed a hint of satisfaction, he nodded and asked about the fisheries tax with interest. Min said, "I think the idea of a fisheries tax is good, but I’m afraid implementation requires careful consideration."

Fourth Master Xiao appeared slightly surprised and asked, "Oh? Then how do you propose it should be carefully considered?"

Min shook his head uncertainly and replied, "I can’t say for sure, I just feel the timing is not yet right."

Fourth Master Xiao suddenly stopped, looked over at Min, as he said the timing was not right? Had he understood the significance that the fisheries tax aimed to address?

Seeing his father scrutinizing him, Min’s heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Father, did I say something wrong?" Fourth Master Xiao withdrew his gaze and slowed his pace to allow Min to keep up. Walking side by side, he said after a long pause, "No, having such insight at your age is not easy!"

The evening’s conversation with his parents had already overturned many of his previous understandings and views. At this moment, Min didn’t know how to respond to his father’s words, so he walked silently next to Fourth Master Xiao, but his expression was one of overwhelming joy.

The two strolled back to Chongen Residence, where Xiqiu was waiting on the steps. Seeing Min return safely, she smiled, and Min greeted, "Mother!"

Xiqiu nodded slightly, "It’s getting late, go and rest." Min agreed and bid farewell to Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu before returning to his courtyard.

Xiqiu welcomed Fourth Master Xiao inside, helped him remove his outer coat, and asked with a smile, "Why didn’t Fourth Master punish Min?" Her tone was light, and Fourth Master Xiao looked back at her, his eyebrows raised: "What advice does Madam have?"

"I wouldn’t dare." She jokingly glanced out the window, and Fourth Master Xiao sat on the rose bed, asking, "What are you looking at?"

Xiqiu laughed into her hand, "I was just checking if the sun has risen."

Fourth Master Xiao frowned in mock anger, but couldn’t hide the smile in his eyes. Xiqiu sat beside him, dropped the joke, and asked, "Fourth Master, did the Emperor say anything else when he met Min?"

Fourth Master Xiao recounted the scene for her and asked, "What’s the matter?"

Xiqiu was contemplative, glanced at Fourth Master Xiao with a serious expression, "I’ve always had a question in my heart, Fourth Master, can you solve it for me?"

Fourth Master Xiao nodded.

"The child that Fourth Master took back then, was it truly your child?" She only referred to the past, not the present.

Fourth Master Xiao was not particularly surprised by her speculation; with Xiqiu’s intelligence, it was within his expectation for her to guess. Over the years, he had not mentioned it because he thought Min was still young, and talking too much might burden him with unnecessary worries, especially since he was sensitive and could deduce things from the slightest clues. Since this matter was a secret, it would remain in his heart as such.

"That day, it was chaos everywhere with pursuing soldiers, and the child had just been born with nowhere to hide. I thought of you, a young lady’s boudoir in an external Magistrate’s residence, surely no one would suspect..." He paused and continued, "Min’s lineage, as you have guessed."

Although she had almost been certain for some time, receiving direct confirmation from Fourth Master Xiao still startled Xiqiu. She frowned and asked, "Who else knows about this matter?"

"Only a few of us, I also informed Second Brother." Fourth Master Xiao slowly replied, "The late Princess Consort Shen’s lineage has already fallen, with only a remnant surviving in Fujian. Over the years, they have been secretly investigating Min’s whereabouts, so his movements must not be exposed. Otherwise, the suspicious actions of the Shen family would place him in danger even before others investigate further." Saying this, he stood up with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window, "Until the time is ripe, we can only wait patiently."

Xiqiu stood up abruptly, looked at Fourth Master Xiao, and asked, "Fourth Master, you mean..." To return Min to the Imperial Family and reclaim what was rightfully his?

But, this is no simple matter!

Not to mention the power of the Shen family, but right now his identity is that of Fourth Master Xiao’s illegitimate eldest son. To overturn this identity would require much effort, and even disregarding that, the Emperor’s successful ascension and court approval were largely due to the late Empress and the Prince’s tragic deaths, which garnered sympathy and support. If the Prince returns unscathed now, it would surely raise questions about the truth of those events and even challenge the Emperor’s integrity.

Would the Emperor agree? What is his plan?

Fourth Master Xiao turned to look at her, took her hand in his and said softly, "Over the years, I have not been close to Min, even when interacting, I’ve been distant and strict. I wanted him to grow up faster..." He paused, and Xiqiu continued, "I understand, Fourth Master wants him to be independent, not too attached to you as a father, so as not to affect his future decisions, correct?"

Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly.

Xiqiu sighed, what could she say? Fourth Master Xiao seldom spoke like this, and it was the first time they had such a profound discussion about Min. Xiqiu thought he was not wrong; if Min were really just his son, he could aspire to a high official position or live a leisurely life. But knowing he’s not his son, his true identity could be exposed anytime, bringing endless danger and potentially upheaval to the court. Under such risk, Min has to be strong and cautious, facing challenges every step of the way, thus requiring harshness...

Fourth Master Xiao had good intentions; he couldn’t dictate Min’s life’s path but could only guide him, hoping Min would develop a correct worldview and values, becoming an upright person. Ultimately, the choice remains in Min’s hands. How he leads his life depends on his decisions, but regardless of how he chooses, his understanding of life and perspective on things will support and propel him forward no matter the outcome.