Xiao Yan expressed his suspicion that the Dragon Jade Token was never in Emperor An's possession and that even the late Emperor might not have seen it. He recalled that Emperor Taizu had favored the Crown Prince's maternal uncle, establishing the inheritance early on. Emperor Taizu must have passed down the Dragon Jade Token, but its current whereabouts remain unknown.
Xiao Yan proposed returning to the capital to search for the Dragon Jade Token.
Seeing Di Shuangcheng hesitate, Xiao Yan offered, "If it's inconvenient for the general, I can have someone make a replica to take with me..."
"No need."
Di Shuangcheng waved his hand, "This item is of no use to me. The Zhen'an Army's authority doesn't rely on it, and without the Dragon Jade Token, it serves no purpose in my hands."
Xiao Yan thanked him and carefully stored the "jade comb."
Di Shuangcheng added, "However, without the Dragon Jade Token, the Dragon Court Guards might not heed our commands."
Having verified the matter of the token, Xiao Yan felt he had accomplished half of his mission in the Northwest. Relaxing, he smiled.
"Who says we need the Dragon Jade Token to command them?" Xiao Yan looked at the puzzled Di Shuangcheng.
He continued, "As you mentioned, Dragon Court Guards was established by Emperor Taizu to restrain the Zhen'an Army and to assist in defending against Beiling. Clearly, they've forgotten their original purpose, and the Shang family treats Dragon Court Guards as their private force."
Considering the Shang family's expansion, the original 50,000 Dragon Court Guards have likely grown under their influence. Stationed in Linping, they claim to patrol the Northwest on behalf of the emperor, disregarding local officials and military leaders, acting as if they are local rulers.
Xiao Yan observed, "From your words, General, it's evident that Shang Qin harbors ambitions. He neglects defense against Beiling and shows little regard for the imperial family. If offered an opportunity to advance, what do you think Shang Qin would do?"
Di Shuangcheng's eyes flashed: "Shang Qin is extremely conceited, ambitious, and unwilling to be inferior to others."
The Dragon Court Guards are the private army of the Xie family, and their loyal ones are those who hold the Dragon Jade Order. If the Dragon Jade Order had not been passed to the late emperor and Emperor An, and was lost in the hands of Crown Prince Li, and Shang Qin knew that Crown Prince Li was wrongly murdered, he would most likely return to the capital under the name of clearing Crown Prince Li's name.
He would bring up the old case with "legitimate justification". Once it was proven that Emperor An colluded with the aristocratic families and killed Crown Prince Li, Shang Qin would be able to bring down Emperor An. Whether he was supporting a puppet or ascending the throne himself in the name of Crown Prince Li, it was all in the interests of justice.
The Shang family will never let go of such an opportunity.
Di Shuangcheng slapped his hand, "This strategy is excellent. I'm not worried about Shang Qin's refusal."
Xiao Yan smiled, "Then, General, please arrange a meeting with Commander Shang."
Di Shuangcheng hesitated, "But your injury..."
Xiao Yan reassured him, "It's nothing. After a few days of rest, I'm much better. We should act swiftly; I'm concerned about potential changes in the capital."
Di Shuangcheng agreed, "Alright, I'll find a way to arrange your meeting with Shang Qin."
"Thank you, General." Xiao Yan stood and bowed.
Di Shuangcheng hurriedly supported him, "No need for formalities; we're not outsiders. Besides, your brothers and I were close back then. You must have called me 'brother' when we met."
Despite being much older, Di Shuangcheng had been a junior when he studied at the He family academy, contemporaneous with He San Ye and others. They had called him 'brother' back then.
Xiao Yan smiled at Di Shuangcheng, who looked both amiable and naive, "Brother."
Di Shuangcheng beamed, "Good, good!"
Xiao Yan's expression turned apologetic, "Previously, I had to conceal my identity. I couldn't reveal the name He Yan. Now, in the capital, I go by Xiao Yan and act on behalf of the emperor."
Di Shuangcheng waved dismissively, "Xiao Yan is fine. I also use an alias; what's in a name?"
Suddenly, Di Shuangcheng's expression froze, "Wait, did you say your name is Xiao Yan?"
"Yes." Xiao Yan looked innocent.
Di Shuangcheng's hand trembled, "Are you the infamous eunuch who manipulated the court and was reviled by all?"
Xiao Yan smiled faintly.
Di Shuangcheng stared, then lowered his gaze, "..."
The room fell silent.
Moments later
When Di Tao and Di Fangyun were called to the study, they saw a handsome young man sitting in the inner room.
When Di Tao recognized who it was, he was extremely happy: "He Yan!"
Di Fangyun was also very happy. She had been recuperating in the mansion these days, and the injury on her leg had healed a lot. However, every time she closed her eyes, she could still remember how Xiao Yan protected them with blood when they were being chased by others, and now she saw Xiao Yan coming to the mansion and talking happily with his father.
Di Fangyun was also supported by someone and walked forward quickly: "Brother He, are you okay? That's great!"
Di Shuangcheng was happy to see his children getting close to Xiao Yan, but seeing how disrespectful they were, he scolded them, "You have no manners. Call him Uncle He instead of Brother He."
Di Tao: “???”
Di Fangyun: “???”
"Father?!"
The two were shocked.
Di Shuangcheng patted Xiao Yan's shoulder and said, "He Yan is the son of my old benefactor. He called me brother before I was with your mother. Although he is only six or seven years older than Tao'er, he is your elder in terms of seniority."
Xiao Yan nodded reservedly to the stiff-faced Di siblings, "I haven't seen my brother for many years. I only realized that we are old friends after coming to the Northwest. This trip to the Northwest was in a hurry, and the road was not safe. I didn't bring anything valuable as a gift for my nephew and niece. I will make it up to you next time I have the chance."
The word "nephew and niece" made the Di brothers and sisters unable to hold back.
Di Tao was fine. Although he didn't expect that the man he had called Brother He all the way, whom he regarded as a close friend and even wanted to swear blood brother to, suddenly became his uncle, which was a little hard to accept, but after all, they were still "relatives" to each other, which was better than his father treating him as a spy from Beiling as before.
But Di Fangyun almost collapsed.
She was a young girl in love and admired Xiao Yan. His cold and heroic shadow had been imprinted in her heart along the way.
But the person you like suddenly becomes an elder.
Di Fangyun's face turned pale. "We are just old friends, not blood relatives. What uncle and niece? Brother He, stop joking..."
Xiao Yan frowned: "Brother, does my niece dislike me?"
Di Shuangcheng immediately scolded: "Fang Yun, don't be unruly!"
Di Fangyun: "Father!"
Seeing the pretty girl looking at him with red eyes, Xiao Yan sighed softly, "Forget it, brother. She's right. You and I are not related by blood. And I didn't bring any gifts this time. There's no reason for me to treat her as an elder. It's normal for her to dislike me."
Di Shuangcheng's face darkened: "Di Fangyun!"
He just felt that his daughter was really unruly. He was afraid that his children could not keep their mouths shut, so he did not tell them Xiao Yan's identity. But no matter what, he had already said that Xiao Yan was his old friend and half-brother, and that Xiao Yan had saved their lives, so it was only natural for him to call him uncle.
Di Shuangcheng said in a deep voice: "Where are all the rules you learned before? Show your respect to your Uncle He Shi!"
Di Fangyun's eyes were red and she refused to call for help. She looked at Xiao Yan eagerly but he only lowered his eyes coldly, while her father looked at her angrily.
Her aggrieved face turned pale, and she angrily said angrily, "I won't!"
After he finished speaking, he covered his mouth and limped away.
Xiao Yan: Tsk.
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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