Just as expected, the moment Si Ning and Shao Lang exit the meeting room, they got surrounded by some Ministers that came to say a few greetings but none of them struck a conversation because with Shao Lang quicken pace that Si Ning had a little struggle to match his stride which seemed as if they both had an urgent matter to see which gave the Ministers no choice than to leave as soon as Si Ning returned their greetings and some didn't even wait for Shao Lang to even return their greetings before leaving like they also had something urgent to do too.

It wasn't odd nor uncomfortable as Si Ning expected walking with Shao Lang without knowing how to strike up a conversation or what they should discuss about but it was strangely refreshing just walking side by side like old friends, they didn't say a word and it mostly seemed like they were just taking a stroll yet Si Ning couldn't help but think if Shao Lang probably had something to talk to him about and was waiting for the moment to start up the conversation or waiting till they were alone to avoid a third ear listening in. If it was only Xiao Pei and Jiang Ye that were walking behind them then Si Ning won't mind talking about private matters but he doesn't know Yang Sheng well nor the three guards walking behind them. Yang Sheng might have said Si Ning was his Master to serve doesn't mean he or any of the Servants or guards doesn't have another Master they report to.

To stay in the palace means most of the Servants and guards belongs to Xiu Zhicheng and some might even take up the role of reporting to him which was fair but Si Ning couldn't risk laying some private conversation bare out there because apart from him, the Emperor might not be the only Master they work for, Si Ning should consider one might be working for the Queen Dowager and he couldn't remove the possibility of the Imperial Concubines also having spies around his new home or some of the Ministers which mean he still had to fish out the Ministers that counters him when he wasn't available to attend the court assembly.

They didn't say a word till they got to the Jasmine palace gate where Shao Lang stopped that Si Ning also had to stop after taking a step and noticed that Shao Lang didn't follow, he turned and subconsciously raised a questioning brow.

"I will have to take my leave, General Si Ning." Shao Lang told him.

Si Ning finally confirmed his theory that Shao Lang only walked him to his residence just to help him avoid being tangled in some discussion in front of the courtroom and had nothing to discuss with him. "Won't you come in and let me serve you tea." He couldn't help but smile sincerely because he was glad to escape those Ministers he wasn't familiar with.

It wasn't surprising that the serious face Shao Lang was a nice person. Si Ning couldn't help but think he was so different from the Shao Lang he knew when he was still an Actor. The one that was also smiling like he won a lottery, their personality was so different that Si Ning would choose General Shao Lang over the Actor Shao Lang any day.

"I will have to decline because I am ashamed to not bring any gifts and also I have to go to the northern garrison." Shao Lang informed him, standing firm on his spot to show he wasn't going to consider going inside.

Si Ning nodded in understanding, since Shao Lang had something official to do then he couldn't keep him any longer and it seemed Shao Lang wasn't going to ask about his decision about his army. "Oh, thank you for your help then I will see you when you are back."

"Hmm." Shao Lang agreed.

Si Ning didn't get to say another word because Shao Lang had started to walk away, he wondered if Shao Lang knows he was thanking him for giving him a piece of advice about his family army and for walking him to the Jasmine palace but he didn't get a chance to ask because he could only see a distance figure which was Shao Lang that was getting further away.

Si Ning wished he could also walk freely like that without any guards or Ah Dai following him but if he walks alone then he won't be at peace because walking freely when people carrying swords was normal wasn't advisable because he wouldn't know when he might get attacked. No matter how peacefully Si Ning sees the environment he would still think there had to be an unknown enemy lurking around ready to strike if he shows a small moment of weakness.

Si Ning took a deep breath and turned, heading inside, his mind zone on finally laying on his bed and rest maybe he might even get to sleep but he didn't expect to see a small boy dressed extravagantly lying on a foldable chair, a Servant holding a large umbrella over him, two Servants standing at the side holding a hand fan each fanning the boy in an extremely slow manner, a Servant holding a bowl while two more Servants were beside the chair looking a bit confused like they had no idea what they were doing. The boy jumped up immediately he laid his eyes on Si Ning making the Servant holding the umbrella quickly move over to cover him even though the Sun was out but it wasn't hot, the two Servants holding the hand fans also moved forward to continue fanning him when the weather wasn't even hot. The boy pointed a finger at Si Ning.

"I can see you are back Si Ning, care to explain why you made me wait long?"

Seeing Xiu Junjie almost made Si Ning roll his eyes, he still didn't understand why Xiu Junjie was dressed in flashy red robes with golden flowers embroidery all over it and right beside him was a wooden sword in its sheath, his boots were black and shiny, he wore a red forehead ribbon, a big red and silver diadem on his head giving him the appearance of a boy attending an important function but Si Ning doesn't think there was any important occasion and it was just Xiu Junjie being Xiu Junjie that want to always be the most important person in the room.

Made me wait?

Si Ning almost rolled his eyes when he recalled Xiu Junjie's statement when first he didn't call Xiu Junjie to see him nor did he ever think the Crown Prince who seemed idle would drop by. The Servants now looked a bit flustered since their Master was back and they all saluted him, their head bowed and showed no sign to raise their head.

"Si Ning do not think I will acknowledge you just because you moved into the palace you fake Imperial father's wife." Xiu Junjie said as he folded his hands. "Why do you have all these men that don't even know how to entertain, none of them can even dance." He complained as he gestured to the two men as the side.

Si Ning nodded, he was glad to see that he wasn't the only one that thinks having all men Servants was wrong.

Who would love to watch all men dancing?

It wasn't the modern era that Si Ning won't mind watching pretty men dancing on the stage or the club but none of his Servants were delicate looking or pretty.

"This Servant apologizes your Highness." Yang Sheng stepped forward after glancing at Si Ning who doesn't seem to want to sweet-talk the Crown Prince.

"Si Ning, do you remember what you are to call me." Xiu Junjie folded his hands looking contented as he raised his head ignoring Yang Sheng.

Uh?