But Prince Yiasu is inherently kind, innocent and straightforward, allowing him to ascend to the throne of Khan while letting Prince Zhu Xie hold a heavy military position is tantamount to opening the door to welcome a thief.

Therefore, stripping Ashina Zhuxie of his military power and handing the most valiant and battle-hardened Heavy Cavalry to Prince Yiasu—regardless of when this expedition to Chang An takes place, Ashina Shali genuinely intends to fight this battle. By having Prince Yiasu familiarize himself with, and truly take control of, this unit, Ashina Zhuxie will lose any chance of recovering his power.

This is his true arrangement!

Upon realizing this, Shang Ruyi let out a long sigh, subconsciously reaching out to grip the bedding beneath her. Although it felt soft to the touch, it gave her a chilling sensation.

It turns out, wherever there’s power, there will always be someone vying for it.

Earlier she thought Ashina Zhuxie and Yu Wenye were in similar situations, but now it seems Yu Wenye’s situation is better. At least Yu Wenquan is already relying on this son, deploying troops, and he and Yu Wenqian lead forces of equal strength. Ultimately, victory or defeat will determine who can succeed to the Crown Prince position.

And Shali Khan is entirely suppressing Ashina Zhuxie now.

She pondered and asked, "Does Prince Yiasu know about this? What does he think?"

Lei Yu said, "I just mentioned this to him, and he seemed unwilling, worrying that Shali Khan’s actions might estrange the brothers’ bond—in his heart, human relationships seem more important than power, wealth, or anything else."

"..."

"He’s always been a carefree person, even if the war outside almost burns down the tent, he wouldn’t worry."

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but smile.

It’s evident that Prince Yiasu is such a person, with his heart full only of those he loves. Thus, for Lei Yu’s sake, he ran sleeplessly day and night to intercept the Hu Shang on the grassland, just to buy a bag of pepper for her to enjoy a delicious lamb soup.

A man like this, as a husband, is almost every woman’s dream.

But, as a Khan?

Much like Shang Ruyi, Lei Yu initially smiled with eyes full of joy, but that smile faded, gradually replaced by a subtle worry. She sighed lightly, continuing, "However, Lady Jiayuan has already sent someone to speak with him. I guess it’s about discussing this matter."

When she reached this point, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, she said: "I think Shali Khan probably didn’t just think of making him the successor now, but rather has only recently begun handling this."

"..."

"And Shi Shu An Yi along with other ministers and nobles, are likely also enhancing their positions because of this now."

Shang Ruyi said, "If he inherits the Khan position, his attitude towards the Central Plains—"

Lei Yu pondered and said, "He’s very kind to me. Though I can’t guarantee I can influence his decisions regarding the Central Plains, I think I can have some say, even if just a little."

Shang Ruyi nodded.

In this way, Lei Yu’s status is akin to Princess Qiancheng of the Eastern Turks.

A woman who cherishes her homeland and has feelings for the people of Central Plains holds the position of Kedun in Turkic. Even if she cannot fully control the dynasty, she can at least say a few words, providing some benefits.

Thus, allowing Prince Yiasu to smoothly command the Heavy Cavalry and thereafter ascend to the Khan position would be more beneficial to them.

While contemplating, Shang Ruyi’s gaze dropped, suddenly noticing Lei Yu’s still flat belly, and a thought crossed her mind, "By the way, have you told him about your pregnancy?"

"Ah?"

Upon hearing Shang Ruyi’s words, Lei Yu widened her eyes.

Seeing this, Shang Ruyi immediately understood that Lei Yu had likely been preoccupied with major matters, forgetting this joyous occasion.

Sure enough, Lei Yu said, "I completely forgot!"

Shang Ruyi said, "Then hurry up and find an opportunity to tell him."

Lei Yu thought for a moment, shaking her head, "Tomorrow Ashina Zhuxie will hand over the Heavy Cavalry to him, and soon Shali Khan will probably announce the succession. Such important matters should not be distracted by this minor fact."

"..."

"Once the situation is settled, I will tell him."

Seeing her serious demeanor, Shang Ruyi could only nod.

So, the only question now is—

How will Prince Zhu Xie respond?

Recalling the glance he just gave her, with that kind of fierce, sharp gaze like a cornered beast in desperation, Shang Ruyi’s heart tightened.

Will Ashina Zhuxie sit and wait for doom?

Tomorrow, he will hand over the Heavy Cavalry. Will he truly submit without resistance?