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Before Xiao Yan knew his true identity, he would also feel a chill run down his spine at the mere mention of Prince Qiyuan's name, just like any other child.

He was terrified of this person and desperately hoped he wasn't his biological son.

Xiao Yan was only seven years old; it was his first time meeting the emperor, so naturally, his words stumbled. However, Emperor Jia Yu could easily discern how genuine his words were.

They were all true.

Although this child was the offspring of Prince Qiyuan, his honest and sincere nature resembled that of Guardian Ni more.

"You are a descendant of the Xiao family, my own nephew. Why would I allow you to forsake your family name? From this day forward, you will be Prince Yan."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan knelt and bowed deeply, saying, "I hope Uncle Emperor permits me to stay in Jinan Prefecture until I come of age, before returning to the capital as Prince Yan."

Emperor Jia Yu agreed. "I will send Guardian Ni to Jinan Prefecture to continue protecting you."

Xiao Yan had expected his imperial uncle to be a wise ruler, but never imagined he would genuinely allow him to return to Jinan Prefecture with freedom.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, he wept tears of joy, "Thank you, Uncle Emperor."

Emperor Jiayou invited Xiao Yan to remain in the palace for a banquet, noting that it was still early, with half a day left before the evening family feast began. He thus instructed Wang Dehai to escort Xiao Yan to the Kunning Palace to meet his younger brother and sister.

The "younger brother and sister" mentioned by Emperor Jiayou referred to Crown Prince Xiao Lie and Princess Ling Zhao, Xiao Yu.

It was said that Crown Prince Xiao Lie resembled his father in character, being an amiable and refined heir apparent. As for Princess Ling Zhao, she was beloved beyond measure, having been bestowed the title "Ling Zhao" by Emperor Jiayou since her birth.

Ling Zhao, Ling Zhao, making all bright and clear.

One could see the emperor's affection for the young princess in this very title.

Rumor had it that during the New Year's Eve banquet each year, Emperor Jiayou would set off a fireworks display featuring a sun and moon design at the Donghua Gate. The people believed the golden phoenix symbolized Crown Prince Xiao Lie, while the luminous moon represented Princess Ling Zhao.

It was expected that these most noble siblings would have arrogant dispositions, but to everyone's surprise, they turned out to be warm and amiable.

The family feast was filled with joy and harmony.

After the banquet, as per tradition, Emperor Jiayou carried Xiao Yu in his arms, while Empress Qi walked alongside with Xiao Lie, engaging in conversation as they made their way to the Donghua Gate.

Xiao Yan watched the imperial couple's retreating figures, his eyes filled with envy.

Lost in thought for just a moment, Emperor Jia You suddenly paused his steps and gently set the little girl down from his arms.

The little girl picked up her skirt and approached Xiao Yan.

She was wearing a bright red fox fur cloak, with a circle of pure white fur around the hood that highlighted her porcelain-like face like a shining moon.

Xiao Yan was slightly puzzled and subconsciously tensed up.

In the next instant, his hand warmed as a soft, fair hand firmly grasped his, saying, "Zhaozhao will lead the way for my elder brother."

Xiao Yan was startled, lifting his gaze to look at the emperor and empress ahead. Seeing their smiling eyes without any hint of blame, he relaxed and followed Xiao Yu.

The fireworks tonight were not much different from previous years: still clusters of blossoms, still auspicious creatures, still the brilliance of the sun and moon.

Countless citizens gathered outside the Donghua Gate, looking up at the dazzling fireworks blooming in the snowy night sky.

Gu Changjin was carried on Gu Jun's shoulder, also gazing up at the night sky.

When he saw the fireworks resembling a golden phoenix and a bright moon, his expression froze, and he couldn't help but murmur, "Day and moon... Zhaozhao."

Day and night shine brightly.

He didn't know why, but after uttering those words, his heart contracted fiercely.

Noticing that his son was distracted, Gu Jun raised his long eyebrows and asked, "Sui Guan?"

Gu Changjin snapped back to reality.

Without him realizing it, the fireworks in the night sky had already dispersed. He jumped down from Gu Jun's shoulder and said, "Father, Ni Yan hasn't come out yet..."

"Let us return to Donghua Gate tomorrow and wait for him. Don't worry, it's actually a good thing that Yan-ge didn't show up now," Gu Jun reassured with a smile. "Your Uncle Ni should be able to come out tomorrow as well."

Gu Jun was right. The next morning, Ni Huan left the Dali Temple Prison and went to the inn in search of Gu Jun and the other person.

"Lord Meng from the Board of Censors asked me to wait at the inn for Young Master to return," Ni Huan shared.

Gu Jun poured him a cup of tea and said, "Once we've picked up Yan-ge, you must hurry and apologize to your wife."

Ni Huan wiped his face and fell into a moment of silence before he spoke, "I only left her a letter before disappearing. I wonder if she'll forgive me."

"How could she not forgive you? Sister-in-law is a wise and understanding person, she will definitely comprehend your predicament," Gu Jun reassured. "The Emperor is merciful and has not held you accountable. In the future, there's no need for you to hide your identity, and you'll be reunited with Sister-in-law and the children."

Ni Huan let out a long sigh. "I never imagined that I would truly be absolved of my crimes this time. The Emperor... has appointed me as the young master's protector, accompanying him to Jinan Prefecture. Perhaps if I hadn't taken the young master away back then, he wouldn't have been in such danger. During last year's epidemic, if it weren't for the Emperor's men arriving promptly, the young master might not have survived. If anything had happened to the young master, it would have been my fault."

Gu Changjin listened silently to the conversation between Gu Jun and Ni Huan. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but interject, "Do Father and Uncle Ni find it... rather timely that the Emperor's men appeared?"

Ni Huan and Gu Jun were taken aback.

Gu Jun glanced at Gu Changjin.

No one knows a child better than their father, and he understood what his cunning son, since young, was pondering. After some thought, he shook his head and said, "This can only be a coincidence. How could the Emperor possibly predict that Yan-ge would contract the plague and deliberately choose that moment to appear?"

Gu Changjin gazed at the teacup in silence.

Indeed, as his father had said, it was impossible for the Emperor to have known in advance that Yan-ge would fall ill with the plague, let alone show up so coincidentally at the very moment when his life hung by a thread, snatching him back from the jaws of death.

Due to this timely act of kindness, Yan-ge was profoundly grateful to his Imperial Uncle.

But...

So be it. Young Master Yan is unambitious and inherently kind. Through this incident, he might actually establish a deeper connection with the Emperor, dispelling any previous misunderstandings.

Just as she was pondering this, there came a sudden knock on the inn's door.

"Sir Gu, there's, there's an esteemed guest looking for you!" It was the voice of the innkeeper.