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"Your Highness purposely choose today to visit the Shen residence for the betrothal gift? And purposely sent everyone away? Is there something you want to say?" Lu Zhao's gentle expression faded as he watched Shen Qingyao leave with Shen Qingli. Though he was still smiling, the smile did not reach his eyes, and his expression was somewhat serious.

Xiao Mu turned to look at Lu Zhao. Xiao Mu's face remained cold and stern, without much expression. He furrowed his brows and asked in a deep voice, "Are you planning to go south?"

Clearly, Xiao Mu had also heard the news that Lu Zhao intended to take up a post at the Southern Frontier, Lingnan.

The two had been friends since childhood, so Lu Zhao didn't hide it from Xiao Mu and nodded.

"Why the south?" Xiao Mu asked again. The south was known for its fierce and rugged populace, as well as being poor and remote. Few in the court desired to go there.

Lu Zhao smiled, his tone somewhat nonchalant, "Your Highness's control over the north is already unparalleled; he doesn't need much help from me. Isn't it fitting for me to go south? Besides, the southern climate is better, so Yaoyao's health can handle it."

Mentioning Shen Qingyao softened Lu Zhao's expression.

Seeing this, Xiao Mu's eyes showed a hint of a smile. He scoffed and curved his lips, "You're really falling for this Shen family girl, aren't you?"

Lu Zhao also curled his lips into a smile, his eyes shifting to stare at Xiao Mu, and he retorted, "Hasn't Your Highness also fallen for a Shen family girl?"

The two Shen family girls were currently sitting together, chatting warmly. The two men fell silent for a moment, then exchanged a knowing smile. The previously tense atmosphere shattered instantly.

Xiao Mu took two steps forward, patted Lu Zhao on the shoulder, and solemnly said, "If you are determined to go south, I won't stop you, but there are a few things I need your help with on this journey."

Lu Zhao's expression remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated this. He smiled, "Is Your Highness referring to... Ningcheng?"

"You know?" Xiao Mu was a bit surprised, but also found it easy to talk to a smart person, as many things didn't need to be spelled out; the other person could understand on their own.

"Your Highness has decided to vie for power. Naturally, the thing in Ningcheng must be in his grasp." Lu Zhao sighed softly, "I originally didn't want to get involved in these court struggles, but since you're marrying Yaoyao's Eldest Sister, if something happens to you, she will undoubtedly be sad. Given that, I'll help you fight for it."

As he spoke, he took a step back and solemnly saluted, "Lu Zhao will not fail in his mission."

These words carried significant weight, almost akin to a pledge of allegiance. Xiao Mu's face showed a trace of joy. Although he had always had a good relationship with Lu Zhao, this friendship was based on mutual appreciation of each other's character and abilities, not enough to make Lu Zhao serve him. Now, through the Shen family, they could stand on the same side, which delighted him.

When Shen Qingyao finished chatting with her Eldest Sister and came out, she saw the two main leads standing together harmoniously, eagerly waiting for them. They even seemed to be getting along quite well.

"Hmm? Aren't these two supposed to be rivals? Why haven't they started fighting yet?" Shen Qingyao had been quite worried for a while. She found it strange. Although she now knew that Lu Zhao had no interest in her Eldest Sister, he was still a man who had been rumored with her Eldest Sister for many years. How could the male lead get along with him so harmoniously?