Although he didn't believe her nonsense, he also felt that her expression didn't seem like a lie. For a moment, he was unsure.
However, on one point, the Princess Consort was telling the truth: she had rejected his marriage proposal. Therefore, he was still disliked.
He emerged from the study in a dejected state, finding it hard to adjust. Falling from a great height, the pain was something others could not comprehend.
In his lifetime, he had actually experienced someone being weary of the throne. If he said this out loud, people would probably laugh at him, even to the point of losing their teeth.
When Helian Zhicheng saw Baili Kaien's crestfallen face, he understood. He had definitely failed. Otherwise, given his temperament, he would have been celebrating already.
He smiled at Baili Kaien as a greeting and hurried away. He felt guilty because he had instigated Baili Kaien to propose. He had already anticipated failure, but seeing his dejected state, he feared the Princess Consort had said something harsh.
Helian Zhicheng felt a bit clearer-headed. This time, it wasn't him who was embarrassed. Back in his room, he met Duan Yao, and after they shared their respective news, Duan Yao could accept the information her husband brought back.
Conversely, Helian Zhicheng could hardly believe his ears. He was torn between laughter and tears. "This Princess Consort is truly unique. It's not surprising that she has such strange ideas. It's just that they dote on their daughter too much and value her immensely. Anyone else likely wouldn't do this."
Duan Yao had been back for a while and had calmed down to think a lot. From her observations, Zhao Jiaqi truly managed her two sons very little, focusing all her attention on her daughter instead. In Zhao Jiaqi's subconscious, as long as her sons had a skill and could survive, it was enough.
Duan Yao sighed, quite disappointed. "If our son can't win Yu Meng's favor, with his personality, he might end up a bachelor."
When Helian Zhicheng heard that his son might remain single for life, he immediately became unhappy. Puffing out his beard and glaring, he shouted with full vigor, "This won't do! Even if he doesn't marry the Crown Princess, he must bring back two secondary consorts. He must produce heirs."
Duan Yao retorted directly, "The men of your Helian family are all passionate lovers. You don't have concubines, do you think your son will take a concubine?"
Besides, in this Prince's manor, she hadn't seen any concubines, imperial consorts, or even maids. The rumors outside were probably not false.
In such a family, how could the children be willing to share a husband with others?
However, she dared not say this to Helian Zhicheng, fearing that if he exploded, he might do something rash, and it would be too late to salvage the situation.
Yet, their voices drifted through the door, and Zhao Jiaqi, who had come to find them, heard them clearly.
She lowered her eyes, feeling that her own little cabbage was being coveted. Her daughter was still young, only fourteen, and already attracting attention. As a mother, she should be happy, but now, her heart felt uneasy, a little sad.
As she reached the door, she suddenly lost all desire to discuss matters. She turned and left, leaving Helian Zhicheng's guards utterly bewildered.
Life passed quickly, and three days flew by. On this day, Fan Zehao, along with Yu Meng and two other princes, returned.
As soon as they entered the Prince's manor, they heard Yu Meng running happily, shouting "Mother," and flying into Zhao Jiaqi's arms like a little butterfly, smiling foolishly.
Seeing her child return safely, the anxiety in her heart finally subsided. She had intended to reprimand her severely upon her return, but seeing her smile, all the reprimanding words flew out of her mind, transforming into words of concern.
Zhao Jiaqi thought, perhaps, this was a mother's state of mind.
As the saying goes, everyone returned home to their own mothers. Helian Jinli returned to Helian Zhicheng's side, and Baili Fengge returned to Baili Kaien's. The families met, and instead of tears, there was a heartwarming scene.
Baili Kaien had been worried about whether his legitimate son could successfully inherit his throne. But in this inner city Prince's manor, he felt family affection. Therefore, besides caring about Baili Fengge's legitimate son, he gained some family affection.
That evening, a welcoming banquet was held.
Regardless of who the banquet was for, just knowing they all returned whole was enough.
The three men were initially somewhat reserved, but through casual conversation, they found Fan Zehao to be a cheerful person. He always addressed matters openly, not being the treacherous or cunning type.
With this understanding, the two emperors relaxed, drinking and eating heartily with Fan Zehao. Compared to dining with the Princess Consort, this felt more like being true friends.
After three cups of wine, from their conversations, Fan Zehao gradually sensed the personalities of these two emperors.
Although Baili Kaien was not very likable, his mind was straightforward and stubborn. He said what he thought and was not a black-hearted or two-faced person. He was a friend worth befriending.
Fan Zehao then turned his gaze to Helian Zhicheng. This man was strategic. He spoke little, but every word hit the mark. His decisions were made after careful consideration, indicating that he thought things through.
This kind of emperor was also rather stubborn, but he had no ill intentions towards them. Judging from the thirty thousand soldiers he brought, who were still outside Deming Prefecture, unmoving and well-behaved, not provoking or deliberately causing trouble, it seemed they did not wish to stir up conflict.
He raised his wine cup and laughed heartily, "During my absence, if my wife did anything excessive or wrong, please forgive me, Your Majesties. Once again, I toast you on behalf of my wife."
These were purely humble words. The two emperors did not dare to be overly magnanimous and quickly raised their wine cups to reciprocate, smiling, "Not at all. The Princess Consort took excellent care of us, and we learned a lot from her. Even during your absence, we two signed a water gate cooperation agreement with the Princess Consort."
Fan Zehao had not heard about this from his wife, but he was not overly surprised. He said calmly, "If there are good things in the inner city that can benefit the people of your countries, my wife and I will definitely support you in learning them. Benefiting the nation and the people is a good thing, and we will absolutely not be stingy."
Helian Zhicheng was truly convinced by his words and gave him a thumbs-up. "If everyone could have your selfless love, then we could all coexist peacefully."
Baili Kaien also felt the same. "Our Xuanyuan Kingdom has always stayed out of the affairs of the Cangyi Continent to avoid unnecessary trouble."
Helian Zhicheng was also touched by these words and sighed. "That's true. Our country cannot afford war. Although we have many medicinal herbs, our grain reserves are insufficient, so we tread very carefully."
"It's because of insufficient grain that we had to venture out of our country to seek external aid."
Everyone listened intently and understood Helian Zhicheng's good intentions. Truth be told, everyone disliked war.
Helian Zhicheng blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed, and continued, "After much investigation, we learned that the Prince of the inner city is benevolent and righteous, which is why we ventured to come here initially!"
Fan Zehao immediately said, "As long as there is no war, our inner city will provide you with any surplus grain first. The price will always be low, and I can make this decision."
Helian Zhicheng was overjoyed to hear this. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your strong support. Once again, I toast you, Your Highness!"
At once, the table was filled with laughter and joy. Zhao Jiaqi felt that this group of men shared a common goal: to avoid war. This was perhaps what was meant by kindred spirits.