Just as she was about to leave quietly, she accidentally stepped on some dead branches, making a slight noise.
Xiao Hong and Xiao Lian's attention was immediately drawn, but Xiao Yuelan had already swiftly disappeared into the night, gone without a trace.
That night, Xiao Yuelan tossed and turned, finding it difficult to fall asleep. She began to reexamine her situation and the potential challenges she might face in the future.
At the same time, she also cherished the encounter and exchange with the scholar even more. It was a comfort to her soul and a source of strength for her to bravely face the future.
And Chao Qinglan, as a mother of the nation, has even deeper thoughts. She not only wants to protect her own daughter from harm, but also to secure the future of Liang Kindom.
Xiao Hong's mansion is brightly lit, with hanging curtains and luxurious interior decorations. Various rare antiques and paintings are displayed throughout, showcasing the owner's taste and status.
On this night, he is immersed in a lively banquet with several close ministers and friends. Laughter fills the air as singers and dancers perform, creating a scene of prosperity and peace.
At this moment, a slightly stern-looking servant quietly approached Xiao Hong and reminded him in a low voice, "My lord, today the emperor's reminder to you, I believe you are also aware of it. At this time, it is better to exercise restraint to avoid unnecessary trouble."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong's eyes flashed with displeasure. He waved his hand to dismiss the dancers beside him, then leaned back in his large chair, a cold smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Restraint? Ha, when do I, Xiao Hong, need restraint? Am I, the sixth prince of Liang Kindom royal family and the most trusted minister of the Crown Prince, still in need of worrying about these trivial matters?"
The servant saw the situation and knew it was serious, but dared not say more, and could only bow and step back.
Xiao Hong raised his cup again, but couldn't help feeling a ripple in his heart. He knew his actions had crossed the Crown Prince's bottom line, but he felt an inexplicable challenge and unwillingness in his heart, as if he wanted to prove that he could act recklessly in this splendid world.
Just as Xiao Hong was immersed in his own world, a sudden rush of footsteps could be heard outside, followed by a eunuch hurrying over to whisper to Xiao Hong: "My lord, the Emperor has decreed that you are to attend the Imperial Study tomorrow morning after the court assembly."
This sudden news tightened the atmosphere at the banquet. Xiao Hong's expression also instantly turned serious. He knew that this time, he had likely truly incurred the Crown Prince's wrath.
It's late at night, the banquet is gradually dispersing, and Xiao Hong sits alone in the hall. As the alcohol wears off, a mix of emotions fills his heart. He begins to reflect on his actions, wondering if he has been too willful and reckless, and if he should make some changes after the warning from Crown Prince.
The next day, following the decree, Xiao Hong dresses in court attire and goes to the imperial study to meet Xiao Yan. As he enters the study and sees Xiao Yan's calm and profound gaze, he suddenly realizes that his indulgence and pride along the way may truly need to come to an end.
Xiao Yan looked at his younger brother and said in a deep voice, "Hong'er, I have always regarded you as my right-hand man and had high hopes for you. But your recent actions have greatly disappointed me. You should understand that as a member of the royal family, you should consider the stability of Liang Kindom and the well-being of the people. Your behavior not only concerns personal honor and disgrace, but also the future of Liang Kindom."
Xiao Hong lowered his head, and in that moment, his pride and defiance seemed to dissipate completely. He finally realized that his stubbornness was not just personal indulgence, but also a lack of trust in the Crown Prince and an evasion of responsibility towards Liang Kindom.
He bowed deeply, his voice slightly trembling: "Crown Prince, it was my fault. I have been too reckless in my behavior these days, without careful consideration. I am willing to accept any punishment, and I ask for your guidance on how to become a qualified minister and serve Liang Kindom diligently."
Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Hong with a hint of relief in his eyes. Perhaps this conversation could truly help Xiao Hong realize and become a minister who genuinely considers the country and its people.
He whispered, "Hong'er, I do not intend to punish you, but rather hope that you understand, as members of the royal family, we bear a special responsibility and mission. From this day forward, I hope that you can truly devote yourself to the affairs of the state, and contribute your wisdom and courage to the prosperity and strength of Liang Kindom."
Xiao Hong raised his head, with a determined look in his eyes, "Crown Prince, Hong'er understands. From now on, Hong'er will always remember the teachings of the Crown Prince, and wholeheartedly serve Liang Kindom."
As Xiao Yan watched his younger brother walk away, he couldn't help but sigh. He only had two younger brothers left. He hoped that Xiao Hong would make progress and not let him down. Xiao Yan recalled last year when he led troops to the northern border to quell the chaos and prevent Northern Wei from attacking. He had brought Xiao Hong, who had previously contributed to peace negotiations with Northern Wei.
Xiao Hong was originally full of spirit, leading his troops forward, but unexpectedly, he was defeated in the first battle against Northern Wei and Yuan Ying.
But it's not a big deal. Who hasn't suffered defeat while leading troops? As long as you get back up. He himself had suffered a major defeat back then, being chased by enemy troops along the way. If it weren't for Chao Qinglan holding the rear, he didn't know if he could have come back alive.
However, when Xiao Yan had successfully regained all the weapons, provisions, military strength, and cities, and the situation had already tilted in favor of the Liang Dynasty, he appointed Xiao Hong as the commander-in-chief, leading hundreds of thousands of soldiers to confront Yuan Ying of the Northern Wei once again.
With such a surefire victory and a great situation at the beginning, the result was that Xiao Hong actually feared Yuan Ying of the Northern Wei and directly took advantage of a rainy day to retreat with the army overnight.
During the retreat, tens of thousands of Liang Dynasty soldiers were trampled and injured by their own comrades, and nearby cities were lost. Xiao Yan and other military commanders spent a long time recapturing these cities.
Xiao Yan did not overly blame Xiao Hong for being his younger brother, but Xiao Hong's ambition and military prestige suffered a severe blow.
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