"Your Majesty." The official from the Court of Judicial Review presented the compiled case records to Liu Zhongbao, bowing respectfully to Emperor Longfeng seated on the throne. "All interactions and activities of the relatives involved in the Royal Horseground case have been documented here."
"You have worked hard, Minister." Emperor Longfeng took the records from Liu Zhongbao and opened the first page, which listed the names of all suspects in meticulous detail. Alongside each name were records of their associations, daily habits, and even trivial details like their favorite foods or days they spent more money than usual.
A conspicuous red dot marked each name under suspicion.
To uncover all this, the Court of Judicial Review had gone sleepless for days, but after piecing everything together, they were too terrified to rest. Every piece of evidence, every minor incident, pointed toward the imperial harem.
What was even more chilling was that these clues branched out like tangled roots, originating from multiple sources—yet all with the same goal: to kill or cripple Prince Chen.
The official from the Court of Judicial Review kept his head lowered, not daring to speak.
Prince Chen’s visits to the Royal Horseground had been irregular, yet some of these suspicious spies had been planted there as far back as seven or eight years ago. How old had Prince Chen been then?
Perhaps this was not just a plot against Prince Chen alone. The imperial princes had turned against one another, each becoming the other’s prey—and Prince Chen was the fattest, most hated lamb among them.
The hall fell silent as Emperor Longfeng read carefully, scrutinizing every name and word.
Every single one of these people wanted his son dead.
Over a decade ago, when he had been confined to his princely estate, Yun Duqing had suffered abuse. Now, as emperor, ruler of the vast lands of Dacheng, would he allow his son to be bullied again?
"All criminals involved in this case are sentenced to immediate execution," Emperor Longfeng declared, marking each name with a red circle. "As for those in the harem implicated in this matter… continue investigating. Spare no one, no matter their status."
"Your Majesty!" The official from the Court of Judicial Review paled. "The noble ladies reside deep within the palace. If we investigate further…"
The imperial family’s secrets were as numerous as the fish and shrimp in the moat. If the investigation implicated the mothers of the princes and princesses, would it not tarnish the dignity of the imperial house?
"Someone seeks my son’s life. As emperor, should I endure this in silence?" Emperor Longfeng tossed the records onto the table. "You excel in investigations, Minister. I trust you will uncover the truth."
"Your Majesty." The official bowed, his heart heavier than bitter herbs. "This humble servant will proceed discreetly, ensuring no suspicion is aroused among the noble ladies. However…" He glanced at Liu Zhongbao. "As an outsider, I am not permitted to move freely within the harem. Some matters may require… the assistance of Eunuch Liu."
Emperor Longfeng nodded.
Liu Zhongbao clasped his hands toward the official. "Rest assured, Lord Luo. This old servant will assist you wholeheartedly."
"Many thanks, Eunuch Liu."
"Think nothing of it, Lord Luo. We both serve His Majesty’s will."
Liu Zhongbao stole a glance at the emperor, whose knuckles had turned white from gripping the vermilion brush. His Majesty was already in a towering rage.
At this moment, anyone foolish enough to provoke him would—
"Your Majesty, Prince Chen requests an audience."
Emperor Longfeng set down the brush. "Summon him."
"Father!" Prince Chen strode into the inner hall and dropped to his knees before the throne with a loud thud. "Father, I have been wronged! You must uphold justice for me!"
Lord Luo turned to stare. Who in the capital would dare bully Prince Chen?
"Liu Zhongbao, help him up." Emperor Longfeng rose, his suppressed fury erupting. "Who dares disrespect my son?!"
Lord Luo was stunned. Shouldn’t His Majesty at least ask for details first?
Since ascending the throne, Emperor Longfeng had governed diligently, ruling with benevolence and virtue. Under his reign, the people of Dacheng flourished, well-fed and clothed. He indulged in no luxuries, nor was he cruel or bloodthirsty. He had not even filled the palace with beauties from the common folk, making him a rare and exemplary ruler.
Almost exemplary, that is—because he doted excessively on Consort Su and her son, Prince Chen. Fortunately, Consort Su was estranged from her family and refused to elevate them, preventing the kind of disastrous consort clan dominance seen in previous dynasties.
Come to think of it, apart from Consort Su’s strained relations with the civil officials, her excessive favor with the emperor, Prince Chen’s temper, his penchant for ruthless punishment, and his arrogant behavior… had this mother and son really committed any unforgivable atrocities?
At least they didn’t execute people at a whim.
Lord Luo shook his head. Too much learning had its drawbacks—one couldn’t help but compare.
The records of past dynasties were too brutal, making the present seem almost tolerable.
"Lord Luo, allow me to escort you out." Liu Zhongbao stepped forward, guiding him toward the exit.
Snapping back to reality, Lord Luo bowed to the emperor and Prince Chen before following Liu Zhongbao. As he reached the door, he overheard Prince Chen muttering about someone’s insolence—how they had wronged him yet refused to apologize.
Lord Luo couldn’t help but wonder: Who in the world had the audacity to provoke this prince?
Outside the hall, Lord Luo spotted Prince Qi approaching hurriedly. Turning to Liu Zhongbao, he said, "No need to see me further, Eunuch Liu."
"Mind the steps, Lord Luo." Liu Zhongbao flicked his horsetail whisk and nodded. He had noticed Prince Qi as well.
"Many thanks." Lord Luo passed Prince Qi and bowed in greeting.
Prince Qi paused to return a half-bow before addressing Liu Zhongbao. "Eunuch Liu, I wish to see His Majesty. Please announce me."
Liu Zhongbao smiled and bowed. "Your Highness, please wait a moment. His Majesty is currently occupied."
Hearing the refusal, Lord Luo quickened his pace, not daring to linger.
Behind the half-closed doors, murmurs of conversation drifted out. Prince Qi knew Yun Duqing was inside. He nodded gracefully. "Understood. Thank you, Eunuch."
He stepped aside, standing as straight as a pine tree, the picture of noble composure. "I shall await His Majesty’s summons here."
Liu Zhongbao bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
"Father, isn’t the Pingyuan Marquisate utterly detestable?" Prince Chen sipped the tea a servant had brought. "Months ago, that brat from the Zheng family called Mother a ‘seductress’ in the palace. Mother, in her kindness, ignored a child’s impudence—yet now their entire family shows such arrogance!"
"Father, I am your son. To scorn me is to scorn you." After finishing half his tea, Prince Chen set the cup down. "Had they merely slandered me, I might have let it pass—after all, my reputation is hardly spotless. But the Ming family has served the throne loyally for generations. Must they suffer unjust accusations simply because their daughter is to marry me?"
“The Zheng family has held the marquisate for three generations. We have been too lenient with them.” Emperor Longfeng lowered his eyelids, his anger flaring further at Pingyuan Marquis’s arrogance. “Summon the officials from the Ministry of Rites. We shall draft an edict.”
Ming Jingzhou was summoned to the palace and found Prince Qi standing outside the gates of Taiyang Palace’s main hall, though it was unclear how long he had been waiting.
“Lord Ming, you’ve finally arrived. His Majesty has been waiting.” Liu Zhongbao greeted Ming Jingzhou with a smile. “Please follow me, my lord.”
Prince Qi licked his dry lips, watching as the grand doors of the hall opened but did not close.
The Emperor’s voice echoed from within.
“By Our decree: The Pingyuan Marquisate has failed to discipline its subordinates and disrespected the imperial family. Their title is hereby reduced to that of a count. Effective immediately, all unauthorized estates and furnishings are to be confiscated without delay.”
A cold wind swept withered leaves from the trees. Prince Qi lowered his gaze as a leaf tumbled into the grass, his eyelids trembling faintly.
His wedding to Sun Caiyao was imminent, yet first, Consort Yang had died, and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau refused to alter the auspicious date. Now, even his maternal family had been demoted. Once word spread, his siblings would surely mock him.
Were they not all the Emperor’s sons? Why did his father strip him of all dignity, not even sparing him the decency of a proper wedding?
Ming Jingzhou accepted the imperial edict, now bearing the Emperor’s seal, and glanced at Prince Chen, who was seated and nibbling on pastries.
Sensing the gaze, Prince Chen set down his snack and brushed his robes, checking for crumbs. Whenever Ming Jingzhou looked at him these days, he instinctively braced himself for another tedious assignment.
To his surprise, Ming Jingzhou merely offered a faint smile, bowed, and withdrew.
That smile unsettled Prince Chen so much that he could no longer enjoy his tea or pastries. He wracked his brain, trying to decipher its meaning.
Perhaps this was retribution for his youthful negligence in studies—now, his father had saddled him with a father-in-law who never raised his voice yet chilled him to the bone.
His downfall had begun the moment he stepped into the Ministry of Rites and boasted recklessly in front of Ming Jingzhou.
Vanity had exacted a cruel price.
“Lord Ming.” Prince Qi bowed as Ming Jingzhou emerged. “Regarding the insolence of the Pingyuan Marquisate’s servants—if they offended your household in any way, I beg your forgiveness.”
Ming Jingzhou sidestepped the gesture and returned a deeper bow, feigning confusion. “Your Highness speaks in riddles. Have the servants of Pingyuan—no, *Pingyuan Count’s* household—uttered some impropriety concerning this official?”
Prince Qi studied Ming Jingzhou’s expression, but the man’s bewilderment seemed genuine, as if he truly knew nothing.
“A trifling misunderstanding.” Prince Qi forced a bitter smile. “I only ask that you disregard any foolish gossip you may hear.”
“Your Highness flatters me.” Ming Jingzhou laughed heartily and bowed again. “With your magnanimity, how could I possibly resent you over the words of lowly scoundrels?”
“This official must now deliver the edict. Pardon my haste.” Ming Jingzhou knew exactly what Prince Qi wanted to hear—and had no intention of obliging.
Yes, the rumor-mongering servant had been from the Zheng family—but who could prove who had orchestrated it?
News of Prince Qi’s prolonged wait outside Taiyang Palace, denied an audience, and the Zheng family’s demotion soon reached every consort in the inner palace.
Yet Consort Ning refused to believe the Emperor could be so heartless.
“My son’s wedding is upon us,” she wept. “Even if His Majesty resolved to demote the Zheng family, could he not have waited? At least until after the ceremony!”
“Your Ladyship, anger harms the body. You must take care.” Bai Shao gently patted Consort Ning’s back. “As the prince’s mother, any decline in your health would only invite further ridicule upon him.”
“Who dares?!” Consort Ning snapped. “My son is peerless—brilliant, handsome, unmatched among the imperial princes!”
“Hong Mei!” She suddenly whirled on her maid and struck her. “What have you done? I tasked you with spreading rumors about the Ming family, yet you used a servant from the *marquisate*? Were you even thinking?”
“Your Ladyship!” Hong Mei clutched her stinging cheek, kneeling in supplication. “I swear, I hired vagrants with no household registration—they never even acted! I don’t know why the marquisate’s servant interfered!”
Even she knew better than to involve the Zheng family directly.
“Could they truly hate the Mings so much?” Consort Ning’s voice dripped with resentment. “Did they even consider the consequences?”
“Your Ladyship, we must abandon our plans,” Bai Shao murmured, massaging her mistress’s shoulders. “Thankfully, His Majesty’s fondness for you spared you from blame. But if more rumors spread now, he may trace them back to you and Prince Qi…”
At the mention of “fondness,” Consort Ning’s gaze flickered to a vase on the table. “Yanze waited outside Taiyang Palace for *an hour* without being received. The Emperor *has* punished us because of the Zheng family.”
“Your Ladyship,” Bai Shao soothed, “His Majesty is merely venting his anger. If we distance ourselves from the Zheng household temporarily, he will trust you again.”
“You’re right.” Consort Ning clung to the reassurance, rejecting the thought of the Emperor’s wrath. “Hong Mei, recall all the hired gossips immediately. Not a word against the Mings!”
Never had her schemes backfired so spectacularly. That Ming girl was clearly her nemesis.
Worse, she now had to *protect* the girl’s reputation instead of tarnishing it.
What wretched luck!
Once news of the Zheng family’s demotion spread, the entire capital learned of their servants’ audacity—slandering the imperial family in public teahouses, tarnishing royal dignity.
As for the rumors about the Mings? No one cared.
Once public interest in the Zheng scandal waned, Prince Qi’s upcoming wedding to the Sun family’s daughter became the city’s new obsession.
“At Prince Huai’s wedding, Princess Huai’s dowry procession stretched from one end of the street to the other. I wonder how Princess Consort of Qi’s dowry will compare?”
“It’ll be grand, surely. The Suns are a prominent family.”
“After Prince Qi’s wedding, it’ll be Prince Chen’s turn, no?”
“Have you all heard… about the *Overbearing Prince*?”
“Yes! They say it’s Prince Chen!”
“No wonder the Emperor favors him most. If I had a son who could subdue bandits *and* win the imperial exams under a false name, I’d die happy.”
Jiuzhu walked silently behind the chattering commoners, doing her best to keep her expression from betraying her unease.
"The rumors about the domineering prince are getting wilder by the day." Zhou Xiao still remembered the look on her father’s face years ago when he returned home and recounted how Prince Chen had made the imperial tutor faint in frustration.
Such a prince, pretending to be an ordinary scholar to take the imperial exams? Even Prince Chen himself would probably be too embarrassed to dream up such a farce.
"Ahem." Jiuzhu turned her head forward. "Sister Zhou, isn’t that Miss Sun from the Sun family inside the perfumery?"
"Her wedding is in two days. How does she still have the leisure to shop for perfumes?" Zhou Xiao eyed Sun Caiyao with puzzlement, then remembered that Jiuzhu and Sun Caiyao would soon be sisters-in-law. It wouldn’t hurt for them to be on friendly terms. She tugged at Jiuzhu’s sleeve. "Let’s go in and see."
"Miss Zhou." Sun Caiyao picked up a perfume box and turned, spotting Zhou Xiao and Jiuzhu. She curtsied gracefully. "County Mistress Ming."
"Miss Sun." Jiuzhu noticed Sun Caiyao’s gaze lingering on her and returned the greeting with a smile, only to sneeze several times in quick succession.
Sun Caiyao closed the perfume box and set it back on the table. "Some people aren’t accustomed to the scent of perfumes. County Mistress, it might be best to avoid wearing fragrances in the future."
"Thank you for the advice, Miss Sun." Jiuzhu covered her nose with a handkerchief, sneezing repeatedly as she hurried out of the perfumery, only finding relief once she was outside.
So Ming Jiuzhu couldn’t tolerate the smell of perfumes…
Sun Caiyao stared absently at the array of exquisite perfume boxes.
The Ming Jiuzhu from her dreams—how had she endured the discomfort to light that fatal incense burner?
A breeze carried the pungent scent of perfumes back to Jiuzhu’s nose.
"Achoo! Achoo!"
"Little Ming Pig." A cloak draped over her shoulders. "Why didn’t you wear a cloak when you went out?"
"Your Highness." Jiuzhu sneezed twice more, tears welling in her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"This prince was on his way to the Ministry of Works when I happened to see you." He glanced up at the sky, his lips quirking with amusement. "Seems like tomorrow will be a sunny day."
"Why do you say that?" Jiuzhu blinked at him, her eyes still watery.
Prince Chen couldn’t resist—he reached out and pinched her little hair bun, delighted to find it just as soft as before. Smirking, he withdrew his hand. "I won’t tell you."
"Achoo!" Nearby, a child sneezed, and an elder patted his head. "When a dog sneezes, the skies clear—tomorrow will surely be sunny."
"Your Highness." Jiuzhu slowly, very slowly, lifted her gaze to Prince Chen, who had already remounted his horse. "So you were calling me a dog just now?"
Sun Caiyao had just stepped outside when she overheard the remark.
She frowned, studying Prince Chen on horseback. In her dreams, the Ming girl had been so devoted to him she’d even schemed against Prince Qi—yet here in reality, Prince Chen was calling her a dog?
Zhou Xiao, noticing Sun Caiyao’s expression, offered an awkward smile. "Perhaps... this is just the domineering prince’s way of flirting with his betrothed?"
Sun Caiyao’s frown deepened. What was wrong with Miss Zhou today? Normally so sharp-witted, yet now she was spouting nonsense?
