"You are Changsun Chiyin?" Zhong Yuanshan slowly asked after Chiyin followed Cui Yi in a bow.
Chiyin took a step forward and bowed again, "Yes."
Zhong Yuanshan squinted at her, his expression bearing some resemblance to Cui Yi's. It appeared that despite not meeting often, there were inherent similarities between the uncle and nephew.
"Previously, Ying Rong threatened suicide to persuade me to help him, asking why he suddenly wanted the world. He said it was because of you," Zhong Yuanshan stated.
Chiyin was momentarily stunned but quickly understood. Indeed, Cui Yi had decided to contend for the throne only after being forced to marry Xie Yuchan, and saying it was because of her wasn't far-fetched.
However, Zhong Yuanshan changed his tone, "Because of you, he believed he could compete with the Emperor and sit on the Golden Dragon Throne, becoming a wise ruler. Initially, I thought you were someone extraordinary, but now I see nothing particularly remarkable about you." His gaze showed clear disdain.
Cui Yi's eyebrows twitched, frowning, seemingly annoyed by his uncle's words but unable to retort.
Upon hearing this, Chiyin smiled gently, "Second Uncle, your words are mistaken. Whether I am extraordinary or not is irrelevant. The one who will be emperor is the Prince. As long as he has the ability, that's enough. After all, it's the seed that determines what grows, not the soil."
The three people in the hall were momentarily stunned. The magistrate couldn't help but praise, "Your Highness's words are brilliant!"
Cui Yi turned to look at her, his expression complex. He never doubted Chiyin's significant role in changing his life—recruiting talents, preparing food and troops, even humbling herself to secure stronger support, and meticulously planning for possible exile. From seeds to farming techniques and medicine, she considered everything meticulously. It could be said that everything he had today was thanks to Chiyin.
Yet, Chiyin attributed her achievements to him, considering herself merely the soil nurturing the seed.
Such a thoughtful and intelligent woman, facing others' doubts, compared herself to soil, willing to contribute silently without taking credit. Many men dream of such a virtuous wife!
"I admit, Changsun Chiyin, you are indeed unique," Zhong Yuanshan slightly retracted his contempt, his tone becoming serious, "but there is one more thing I need to tell you."
Chiyin smiled slightly, "I'm all ears."
Zhong Yuanshan said meaningfully, "If the soil is barren and nothing grows, then no matter how good the seed, it would be useless."
His words carried hidden praise. Chiyin smiled and thanked him, "Yes, thank you for your guidance, Second Uncle."
With this, the test of Chiyin was temporarily over. Zhong Yuanshan picked up his teacup and took a sip, saying, "Xuanzhou is rich in fish and rice, with strong troops and ample provisions. It can't be easily attacked. You've been traveling for days; you must be tired. Rest first, and we'll discuss further tomorrow."
This indicated his agreement. Cui Yi's brows relaxed immediately, and he hurriedly thanked him.
Chiyin finally understood why Cui Yi had been reluctant to explain how he convinced the Zhong family. He hadn't managed to convince them at all! Zhong Yuanshan was a military strategist who wouldn't be swayed by mere words. Rebellion was no trivial matter, and failure meant eternal disgrace. In Zhong Yuanshan's eyes, Cui Yi was unfit to shoulder the burden of ruling the empire. Even if he was his nephew, he wouldn't assist him.
If all relatives were like him, the Central Plains would remain united and peaceful forever.
"That's why the Prince didn't want to talk about it. He couldn't convince his Second Uncle," Chiyin teased while massaging her sore shoulders after returning to their guest room.
Cui Yi blushed, stubbornly defending himself, "Who says I couldn't convince him? Given more time, I definitely could. I was worried about you! Afraid you'd be captured by your father or brother and subjected to who knows what. By then, even convincing my Second Uncle would be too late!"
Chiyin laughed awkwardly, waving her hand to defuse the situation, "Alright, alright, the Prince is amazing, the most amazing. We need to rest early tonight to discuss attacking Xuanzhou tomorrow. These past few days, you've been swimming, traveling, and avoiding the imperial army. You haven't relaxed at all. This pace isn't sustainable."
Cui Yi responded with a grunt, seizing the opportunity to embrace her from behind, "We should relax properly."
Chiyin stumbled, "Hey! That's not what I meant!" Ignoring her protests, Cui Yi pulled her onto the bed, closing the curtains. Soon, intimate sounds filled the room until late into the night.
The next morning, they both got up early. After breakfast, a servant came to inform them that Zhong Yuanshan invited them to the study to discuss matters.
Chiyin carefully applied makeup in front of the mirror. Cui Yi watched, exasperated, "It's not like you're meeting your in-laws for the first time. Does it really matter if the eyebrow pencil is thick or thin?"
"Do you even know what 'eyebrow pencil' means?" Chiyin teased, "Today's meeting is crucial. Are we meeting Zhong Yuanshan, your second uncle, or Governor Zhong of Jiangzhou? We must be prepared."
Cui Yi paused, questioning, "Didn't my uncle already agree to help? Otherwise, why would he invite us to discuss?"
Chiyin finished her makeup, standing up, "It's not that simple. My uncle is experienced and heads a family. His decision affects the entire Zhong clan, Jiangzhou, and perhaps the fate of the empire. Just wait and see, he will likely test us again. Be mindful, but don't argue. Remember, you're destined to be emperor, so show magnanimity."