[Note: This appears to be a chapter title or section heading, typically left as is or translated according to the style of the novel.]

[Note: This appears to be a chapter title or section heading, typically left as is or translated according to the style of the novel.]

After returning from Duke Tang's residence, Xiao Huai said to Tang Shuyi, "Take the three children and leave quietly in the next few days."

Fearing the Emperor might act prematurely, yet Tang Shuyi insisted, "Let the children go, and I will stay. The year has not fully passed, with comings and goings still to attend to; my absence would surely raise suspicions."

Xiao Huai gazed at her deeply for a long while before replying, "Alright, the children will leave tomorrow."

Tang Shuyi nodded with a smile, "Don't worry, I have my ways of escaping."

Xiao Huai drew her into his embrace, "I won't let you be in danger."

Having decided, they informed the siblings after dinner about leaving the following day. The three were taken aback at first, then Xiao Yuming declared, "I will not go. I am a soldier of the Northwestern army; I will not leave."

Xiao Huai looked at him seriously, "You are being sent away on a mission, and your duty is to protect your older brother and sister."

Xiao Yuming fell silent, his neck stubbornly tensed in defiance. Then Xiao Yuchen stood up and said, "Father, Mother, I won't leave either. As the eldest son, I should take on the responsibilities that come with it."

"I'm not leaving either," said Xiao Yuzhu.

Seeing the steadfastness of the three, Xiao Huai's face darkened. Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuchen and asked, "If a coup were to happen, what could you two possibly do?"

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuchen remained silent while Tang Shuyi spoke with stern authority, “You’ll only serve as targets, potential hostages to be used against your father. If you are not in the city, your father can act with a more peaceful mind.”

Her gaze shifted to Xiao Yuming, “Yes, you are a soldier of the Northwestern army, but what good would you do by staying? Lead a charge into battle?”

“Yes,” Xiao Yuming replied simply.

Tang Shuyi let out a scoff, “It seems all the teachings have been in vain. Tell me, what’s more crucial for a soldier: to lead the initial charge, or to serve as reinforcements?”

Xiao Yuming pressed his lips together, saying nothing, while Tang Shuyi continued, “Though we are confident of victory, there is always an element of uncertainty. Should we fail, you three are the seeds of our resurgence.”

The three siblings stood quietly until after a while Xiao Yuzhu, tears streaming, asked, “And what about you? If we fail, what then?”

“Your father and I have our means of escape,” Tang Shuyi assured. “Nothing is more important than life itself, a principle I have imparted to you and fully understand myself.”

After another moment, Xiao Yuchen spoke, “We will wait outside the city to rendezvous with Father and Mother.”

Seeing him say this, Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu nodded in agreement. Tang Shuyi smiled, “Good.”

The family talked a while longer, and then with heavy hearts, the three siblings departed. Tang Shuyi, smiling, said to Xiao Huai, “Despite their flaws, at their core, our children are good.”

Xiao Huai, taking her into the bedroom, remarked, “It is thanks to the lady’s fine teaching.”

Simultaneously, the Imperial Dowager was also discussing departure plans with Li Jingyi.

“Today, a messenger from Duke Ding sent word for us to leave the city tomorrow. The Emperor is likely to take action soon,” said the Imperial Dowager.

Standing before her, Li Jingyi spoke earnestly, “Grandmother, you must leave secretly tomorrow. I shall not.”

The Imperial Dowager looked at him, “Are you sure?”

Li Jingyi nodded firmly, “I am certain. I must shoulder the responsibilities that are mine to bear.”

The Imperial Dowager watched him for a while before saying, “Alright, then coordinate your actions with Duke Ding.”

Li Jingyi broke into a grin, “I understand, Grandmother.”

The Imperial Dowager patted his shoulder, feeling fortunate; this child did not take after the Emperor in temperament, but rather, he resembled the late Emperor.

The next day, Xiao Yuchen and his siblings, disguised as servants, left the city unnoticed, as did the Imperial Dowager. Xiao Huai suggested that Duke Tang and his household should also leave, but the Duke insisted on staying. Therefore, Xiao Huai dispatched a considerable number of soldiers to secretly enter Duke Tang’s residence.

After everyone had left, Li Jingyi secretly visited Duke Ding’s residence and, upon meeting Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi, stated, "I am here to follow Duke Ding’s orders."

Xiao Huai looked at him, "Do you realize this mission is fraught with danger and could cost you your life?"

Li Jingyi's expression remained serene, "I understand. You once asked me if I desired the throne, and I said yes. Since I desire it, I cannot afford to harbor any fear."

"He is your biological father. If he dies, what then?" Xiao Huai pressed further.

Li Jingyi pondered for a moment before answering, "He is not only my father but also the sovereign of the great Qi. However, he has failed to fulfill his duties as a monarch, leaving the court on the brink of peril. Should he meet with misfortune in this incident, I... might sigh for him and take it as a lesson."

Xiao Huai hummed in acknowledgment. He did not dwell on how much truth was in Li Jingyi's words; what he needed was a man without the soft-heartedness of a woman. As for ambition, it should be an essential trait for an emperor.

All in all, he was quite satisfied with Li Jingyi as he was now.

"This time, they may very well attempt something against Yuzhu," Xiao Huai added.

Upon hearing this, a fierce light glinted in Li Jingyi's eyes, his fists clenched tightly.

Seeing this reaction, the corners of Xiao Huai’s lips subtly curled, and he continued, "In a few days, during the Lantern Festival, I will have someone impersonate Yuzhu. You will accompany her in the streets. They might make their move then."

Li Jingyi nodded in agreement, and Xiao Huai reassured him, "Don’t worry, I have made preparations."

Li Jingyi nodded again, "Rest assured, I know what must be done."

"Good."

After a few more words, Li Jingyi took his leave. Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Huai couldn’t help but say to Tang Shuyi, "My lady, you truly have a gift for educating people. You've done an exceptional job with this young man."

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, "It must be my unique foresight. If he were unworthy or inherently bad, no amount of teaching from me would have made a difference."

"You’re too modest, my lady," Xiao Huai said earnestly. "I mean no flattery, but you have instilled in him the makings of a person and a monarch. He holds great promise for the future."

"I only hope that he can bring a golden age to Qi," Tang Shuyi expressed.

The current state of Qi faced no external threats, and if the internal strife could be resolved, all that would remain would be the development of the people’s welfare. She hoped that Qi could shine as gloriously as the great Tang did in history.

Xiao Huai leaned back in his chair, turned to Tang Shuyi, and inquired, "If peace prevails, what plans does the lady have?"

Tang Shuyi replied with a smile, "Wouldn’t it be lovely if Lord Duke accompanied me to roam the mountains and rivers?"

Xiao Huai laughed heartily, "Certainly, this is my favorite part."

Tang Shuyi also broke into a smile, hoping that day would come sooner rather than later.