Chapter 86: Before Departure

Chapter 86: Before Departure

Ten days later, He Huailing led the Fujian and Guangdong naval forces back to Quanzhou harbor, accompanied by a letter of surrender from the Javanese tributary state and the promise that the first installment of reparations would arrive soon. They also requested that the captives be returned.

With all matters settled, Liang Zhen's injuries, after over twenty days of recuperation, were almost fully healed. Zhu Yunxuan finally issued the order to depart for the capital in three days.

Before that, there was one crucial task that had been giving Zhu Yunxuan headaches: how to break the news to little Rong'er.

Rong'er now fully accepted both him and Liang Zhen, but separating the child from Zhu Yunjing and the others might not be so easy. Zhu Yunxuan didn't want to hurt the boy's feelings.

These past few days, Zhu Yunxuan had been torn and procrastinating, but with departure imminent, he could delay no longer. In the end, it was Zhu Yunjing who initiated the conversation with the child. Upon hearing the news, Rong'er's eyes instantly filled with tears, and he sobbed, "Wah... I don't want to go. I don't want to leave here. I want my papa, don't abandon Rong'er."

Zhu Yunjing helplessly knelt down, wiping away the child's tears, and shot a meaningful look at the awkward Zhu Yunxuan. Zhu Yunxuan stepped forward, lifted his son into his arms, and reassured him, "Rong'er, don't cry. Your big papa isn't abandoning you. Just come with Papa for now. When the year ends, they'll come to visit you in the capital, okay?"

He had already decided to recall He Huailing to the capital, but that would have to wait until his term ended at the end of the year.

Sniffling, Rong'er looked up at Zhu Yunxuan with a pitiful expression. After a moment, he turned back to Zhu Yunjing, "...Really?"

Zhu Yunjing stroked his face and smiled, assuring him, "Really, Papa will always love Rong'er."

The child blinked, no longer crying, and after a moment of hesitation, nestled onto Zhu Yunxuan's shoulder, whispering softly, "Rong'er is good. Daddy, you must also like Rong'er."

Zhu Yunxuan gently patted his back, finally reassured. "Silly little one."

For the rest of the day, Rong'er seemed downcast. Upon learning the reason, Liang Zhen chuckled and scooped the child into his arms, asking, "Why is Rong'er so petty? Other babies have only one father and parent, but you want two of everything. Are you that greedy?"

The child stared at him blankly. "Isn't it allowed?"

Liang Zhen shook his head with a smile. "Your brothers Yuan Bao and Ming also have only one father and parent. Why do you want two? Good children shouldn't be so greedy."

"Rong'er isn't greedy, can't I really have it all? ... Then Rong'er doesn't want Father anymore."

"Don't want Father?"

With reddened eyes, the child complained pitifully, "Rong'er wants the previous Father..."

"Liang Zhen: ..."

He pinched his son's chin in a mix of laughter and tears. "Ungrateful little one, who was it that picked up your kite, gave you lanterns, wove rabbits for you, and even took you to collect seashells? If you don't want Father, then Father won't want you either. Father will go find another baby."

"No way!" The child shook his head forcefully. "No, no, no! Father said he doesn't want any other babies. Father can't go back on his word!"

"Then did you just say you don't want me? Is your father as good to you as I am?" Liang Zhen pouted and rubbed the child's nose, feeling rather upset. What was so good about He Huailing, that soldier who clearly had no romantic inclinations? How could his own son prefer him over him?

Rong'er seemed to realize his mistake and cuddled into Liang Zhen's arms coquettishly. "Rong'er wants everyone, Papa and Father, both of you!"

".... You little rascal, you're even more domineering than your father."

The night before their departure, Zhu Yunjing arranged for a feast with fine wine and dishes to bid farewell to Zhu Yunxuan and company.

It was Liang Zhen's first time sharing a meal with Zhu Yunxuan's elder brother. He behaved very respectfully, pouring himself a drink as soon as they sat down, then raising his cup to Zhu Yunjing and He Huailing.

Zhu Yunxuan frowned, reminding him, "Your wounds have only just scabbed over. Don't drink too much."

Liang Zhen smiled at him. "Just a few cups, it'll be fine."

After reassuring Zhu Yunxuan, he turned his smile to Zhu Yunjing and He Huailing sitting across from him. His expression was unusually solemn. "I'll raise a toast to both of you first. In these past few years, thank you for taking Rong'er to Southern Border for treatment and nurturing him so well. Words cannot express my gratitude; I will remember this kindness in my heart and repay it a thousandfold in the future."

Zhu Yunxuan was slightly stunned, his gaze flickering softly towards Liang Zhen. Zhu Yunjing remained still, merely staring coldly at Liang Zhen lifting his cup. After a brief standoff, He Huailing raised his cup first, smoothing things over. "There's no need for thanks. It's what we should do. Rong'er is such an obedient and sensible child, we truly dote on him from the bottom of our hearts."

He gently nudged Zhu Yunjing with his hand, but Zhu Yunjing remained silent. Zhu Yunxuan also raised his cup and sighed. "Brother, I should also offer you both a toast. You've worked hard these past few years."

Only then did Zhu Yunjing grip his wine cup and coldly address Liang Zhen. "I've never approved of A Xuan being with you, and I still don't have high hopes for your relationship. But it's A Xuan's choice, and I won't oppose it. However, if there's ever a next time we're needed to rescue him, I won't hold back anymore. Even if A Xuan tries to stop me, I'll personally clear the court of any threats for him."

Liang Zhen nodded with a smile. "Very well, if that day comes, I'll leave it to your discretion without objection. I'll take a drink first to show my respect!"

With that, he tilted his head back and drained the cup in one go.

Watching this, Zhu Yunxuan's expression softened. He turned to Zhu Yunjing and said, "Brother, I trust him, and I trust myself. There won't be a next time. Please rest assured."

He also drank his wine decisively. He Huailing followed suit, finishing his cup with great gusto. When it was Zhu Yunjing's turn, despite his reluctance, he drank more for Zhu Yunxuan's sake than Liang Zhen's. He tilted his head back and swallowed the wine.

Liang Zhen put down his cup and smiled. "Thank you, Brother and Brother-in-Law, for giving me this honor. Both of you can have peace of mind. As the future Empress, I will diligently assist His Majesty and ensure he never endures any hardship again."

He wasn't bothered by Zhu Yunjing's cold demeanor. He knew he had done many shameful things in the past. If not for Zhu Yunxuan's forgiving nature, they wouldn't be where they were today. It was only natural for others to doubt or criticize him. There would be ample time and opportunities ahead; he would prove his sincerity to Zhu Yunxuan to everyone.

Zhu Yunjing and He Huailing: "…"

They had never seen someone so shameless or so quick to ingratiate himself. They really couldn't understand what Zhu Yunxuan saw in him...

Zhu Yunxuan awkwardly cleared his throat, secretly glancing at Liang Zhen, who smiled and urged him to eat more. At first, the four of them were a bit uneasy dining together, but after a few rounds of drinks, they relaxed. Liang Zhen even began addressing He Huailing as his brother, discussing military strategies with great rapport.

Zhu Yunxuan kept a close eye on Liang Zhen, making sure he didn't drink too much. Eventually, he called for tea to replace the alcohol.

Zhu Yunjing observed everything, sighing inwardly but unable to say anything. His younger brother, even as an emperor with real power, was still completely captivated by Liang Zhen. It seemed this would never change. If one was willing to strike, the other was willing to endure; what could outsiders say?

As Liang Zhen and He Huailing discussed tactics, Zhu Yunxuan whispered to his brother, "Brother, don't always give him the cold shoulder. He's changed a lot since before and truly has my best interests at heart. Give him a chance to prove himself."

Frustrated, Zhu Yunjing tapped Zhu Yunxuan's forehead, just like when they were children. "You, growing older is pointless, as is being an emperor if you can't see this."

Zhu Yunxuan covered his forehead, laughing foolishly. "Without him, my life would truly be meaningless."

The dinner lasted until almost midnight before dispersing. While Zhu Yunxuan had prevented Liang Zhen from overindulging, he himself had drunk quite a bit.

Back in their room, after consuming a hangover soup, he gradually regained clarity. Holding Liang Zhen's hand, he asked, "Where's Rong'er?"

"He's already been taken by the nanny to sleep."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded hastily, and Liang Zhen took a warm cloth to wipe his face. Seeing Zhu Yunxuan staring blankly at him, he chuckled and pinched his chin. "What are you looking at?"

"… You'd better behave yourself in the future, or else Brother will really cleanse the court of your influences."

Liang Zhen raised an eyebrow. "Are you worried about me? Touched by my departure?"

Zhu Yunxuan muttered softly, "Don't get too complacent. If you dare, I'll deal with you myself, no need for Brother to intervene."

Liang Zhen pulled Zhu Yunxuan into his embrace and kissed his forehead. "I wouldn't dare, nor could I bear to."

Zhu Yunxuan's fingers traced circles on his shoulder. "Don't take Brother's words too seriously. His opinion doesn't count – only mine does."

Liang Zhen suppressed a laugh and agreed, "Yes, I only heed A Xuan's words."

"I see that you and Duke Ding get along quite well. You should interact more with him in the future."

"Duke Ding is a truly capable individual. Even without his connection to the Emperor and Brother, it would be wise to cultivate a relationship with him. I've known him longer than I've known His Majesty, so there's no need for you to worry about that. But yesterday, Rong'er, that little one, actually said he'd choose Duke Ding over me – ha, that really angered me."

Zhu Yunxuan laughed upon hearing this. "You deserved it. He's been raising Rong'er for three years; what do you, as a father who suddenly appeared from nowhere, have to compete with?"

Liang Zhen sighed, "Indeed, it's a shame."

Zhu Yunxuan closed his eyes and nestled against his neck, "Don't be sad, Rong'er is still young. In another two or three years, he'll definitely be closer to us."

Liang Zhen chuckled softly, "Your Majesty seems much more optimistic now than before, even comforting me in return."

"I was afraid you'd really take offense to it."

"Do you think I'm that petty? To hold a grudge against a three-year-old child?" Liang Zhen shook his head with a helpless smile, "If I were truly angry, I'd just give him a good spanking later on."

Zhu Yunxuan pondered seriously before nodding, "Hmm, that could work too."