**Chapter Excerpt**
"What puppy?" Prince Chen looked utterly baffled, as if he had no idea what Jiuzhu was talking about. "When did I ever call you a puppy?"
"I heard it just now." Jiuzhu pouted, her eyes glistening with grievance. "They say when a dog sneezes, the next day will be sunny."
"Absolute nonsense. Why have I never heard such a saying?" Prince Chen declared righteously. "Such rustic superstitions are baseless. Someone as clever as you wouldn’t believe such things, right?"
Zhou Xiao and Sun Caiyao exchanged glances—what a coincidence, both of them had indeed heard that "rustic superstition" before.
"Really?"
"Of course." Prince Chen dismounted and adjusted Jiuzhu’s cloak. "Do you really think I’m the kind of man who teases young girls?"
Sun Caiyao and Zhou Xiao: *That… actually sounds exactly like you.*
After a moment of serious contemplation, Jiuzhu nodded slowly. "Your Highness truly isn’t that kind of person."
Sun Caiyao stared at Ming Jiuzhu in surprise. *Was she really this easy to coax?*
Prince Chen exhaled in relief. *Next time I tease Ming Jiuzhu, I’ll make sure no one else is around. If she gets upset, I wouldn’t even know how to comfort her.*
"But then, why did Your Highness say tomorrow would be sunny when I sneezed?" Jiuzhu asked curiously. "Is there some special meaning?"
"Well… it’s related to a legend." Prince Chen spun a tale on the spot. "They say in the capital’s Fairy Tear Lake, there lives a lake fairy. If she weeps, it rains in the city. If she sneezes, the next day will be clear and bright."
Zhou Xiao, standing behind Jiuzhu, furrowed her brows. *Since when did Fairy Tear Lake have such a legend?*
*Why had she never heard of it?*
At the mention of "Fairy Tear Lake," Sun Caiyao froze in a daze. It was there that she and Prince Qi had pledged their love. That day, Prince Qi had stood by the lake in snow-white robes, ethereal as an immortal descending to the mortal realm.
"Now do you understand?" Prince Chen clasped his hands behind his back and sniffed lightly. "I was calling you a little fairy, yet you thought I was insulting you. Ming Jiuzhu, how could you wrong me like this?"
Jiuzhu thought for a moment, then tugged at Prince Chen’s sleeve. "Your Highness, I was wrong." She peeked at his expression. "I won’t misunderstand you again."
"Really?" Prince Chen turned his head. "I don’t believe you."
"Really, really!" Jiuzhu nodded earnestly. "From now on, I’ll believe everything you say. The Three Pure Ones can bear witness—"
"Ah!" Hearing her invoke the gods, Prince Chen hastily cut her off. "I’m not a petty man. Why would I hold a grudge over something so trivial? Just remember that today, I was praising you for being like a little fairy."
"Oh." Jiuzhu nodded. "I’ll remember."
Prince Chen gazed at her lively eyes and couldn’t help thinking, *This girl might be a bit slow, but she’s rather adorable. Round eyes, a tiny mouth, delicate brows—even the little buns on her head are tied more charmingly than other girls’.*
“Are you here to buy incense?” He noticed the spice shop behind her. “There’s a lady-in-waiting in my mother’s palace skilled in blending fragrances. Tell me what scent you like, and I’ll have her prepare it for you. The spices outside aren’t as refined—their quality falls short.”
Afraid he might actually send her spices, Jiuzhu quickly shook her head. "Sister Zhou and I were just passing by. I’m not used to the smell of spices; it makes me sneeze."
*So that’s why she was sneezing earlier*, Prince Chen mused. *Before Ming Jiuzhu marries into the Wangfu, I’ll have to toss out all the spices. Otherwise, I’ll be listening to her sneezes all day.*
"Very well, I’ll keep that in mind." Prince Chen finally seemed to notice Zhou Xiao behind Jiuzhu and gave her a brief nod. Before Zhou Xiao could return the courtesy, his attention was back on Jiuzhu as he pulled out two silver notes. "Buy whatever you like. Don’t hold back."
*Your future husband is wealthy.*
He didn’t say it aloud, but the thought lingered in his mind.
"Your Highness, I brought money today." Jiuzhu patted her purse. "The Palace Administration just delivered this month’s stipend."
Prince Chen regretfully tucked the silver notes away. *Ah, right. Ming Jiuzhu is a county princess now—she has her own income.*
"Your Highness." Jiuzhu hadn’t forgotten the snowscape painting she’d promised him. She stood on tiptoe and whispered, "The painting is almost done. I’ll bring it to you once the Ministry of Rites goes on break."
Prince Chen paused. "...Alright."
Jiuzhu brightened. "Then go attend to your duties, Your Highness. Don’t let me delay you."
As Prince Chen mounted his horse, he pondered a new dilemma: *How do I ensure Ming Jiuzhu never loses confidence in her artistic skills?*
*Would calling a deer a horse be going too far?*
After Prince Chen left, Zhou Xiao linked arms with Jiuzhu. "You paint as well?"
"A little." Jiuzhu smiled modestly. "But His Highness happens to like my work."
"You’re of the Ming bloodline—it’s no surprise you’re skilled. My father once mentioned that your father, Vice Minister Ming, was an excellent painter. A pity he only painted for your mother, so none of his works circulate. Occasionally, someone claims to have an authentic piece, but your father always denies it." Zhou Xiao found Jiuzhu’s talent unsurprising. "If even Prince Chen admires your paintings, you must have inherited—or even surpassed—your father’s gift."
"You flatter me, sister. How could my work compare to my father’s?" Jiuzhu sighed. "But Mother says Ming family paintings can only be given to family or one’s beloved. If descendants break this rule, misfortune follows. Otherwise, I’d paint one for you too."
Zhou Xiao shared her regret. "What a shame. But ancestral rules must be respected."
"Though there’s still hope! Once you and Sixth Brother Fu..." Jiuzhu covered her mouth, giggling. "Soon, you’ll be family!"
"So this is your scheme!" Zhou Xiao’s cheeks flushed as she playfully scolded, "Where did you learn such mischievous tricks?"
She reached out to poke Jiuzhu’s cheek, but Jiuzhu dodged with a laugh. The two ended up tumbling into their carriage, their laughter spilling out into the street.
Listening to their merriment, Sun Caiyao couldn’t help doubting her own dreams again.
*Was the Ming Jiuzhu in her dreams truly as clever and ruthless as she remembered?*
"Young mistress, did you still want this box of fragrant orchids?" A shop assistant emerged, holding an intricately carved wooden box.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Sun Caiyao took the box and motioned for her maid to pay.
"Thank you, young mistress. We hope to serve you again." The assistant beamed before retreating inside.
"My lady," the maid ventured cautiously, "does Consort Ning truly favor orchid fragrances?"
Sun Caiyao nodded slowly and handed her the spice. "Once we return, burn this to scent the new clothes I’ll take to Prince Qi’s residence." She remembered vividly—in her dreams, Consort Ning had adored the scent of orchids.
"Consort Ning is gentle and kind-hearted. Why must you change the incense you’re accustomed to over such a trivial matter, Miss?" the maid whispered. "It’s truly unfair to you."
"What’s unfair? Husband and wife are one," Sun Caiyao glanced at the incense box in the maid’s hand. "Once I marry into Prince Qi’s household, I’ll be the rightful Princess Consort Qi. If I can win my mother-in-law’s favor, managing the household will be effortless."
Being a royal wife was no easy task, but as a daughter of the Sun family, she was determined to be the finest consort.
Prince Chen’s visit to the Ministry of Works wasn’t to retrieve important archives, but to pressure them for progress. With the year’s end approaching, the gates of the Ministry of Rites needed repainting, and the withered plants had to be replaced. Carrying the hopes of all the Ministry of Rites officials, he stepped through the Ministry of Works’ doors.
Upon hearing of Prince Chen’s arrival, the Minister of the Ministry of Works immediately felt a headache coming on. "I am unwell today. Have Vice Minister Wu receive His Highness Prince Chen."
"Sir," an official quietly reminded him, "Vice Minister Wu left the capital two days ago for disaster relief."
The Minister rubbed his temples as he stood up. "Ensure His Highness is properly attended to without any neglect. I’ll be there shortly."
Wu Mian was the father-in-law of Prince Huai, making him a relative of the imperial family. He would have been the ideal person to receive Prince Chen. Unfortunately, the most suitable candidate had already departed the capital.
Could it be that Prince Chen had recommended Wu Mian for disaster relief precisely for this moment?
The realization struck the Minister like lightning. No wonder Prince Chen had actively helped Prince Huai’s father-in-law secure merit—it was all to exploit the Ministry of Works more effectively!
He should have known. The imperial family’s hearts were black to the core; they never did anything out of pure goodwill.
"Greetings, honorable ministers." Prince Chen didn’t bother distinguishing the Ministry of Works officials, waving off their formalities and directly spreading the Ministry of Rites’ renovation blueprint before them. "I’ve come today to discuss the Ministry of Rites’ restoration plans. Please examine the drawings."
"Discuss?"
The officials fell silent as they studied the blueprint, which meticulously detailed even the types of flowers, the number of pots, and their exact dimensions.
Was this really a discussion?
The Minister skimmed the drawings and forced a smile. "Your Highness, didn’t we just replace the desks, chairs, and windows at the Ministry of Rites a few days ago?"
"I’m aware, which is why the blueprint makes no mention of desks or windows," Prince Chen leaned back in his chair, utterly unapologetic. "Take a closer look—aren’t they missing?"
The Minister: "..."
Should he be thanking His Highness for his frugality?
"Your Highness, the blueprint requires extensive modifications. I fear we cannot complete them before the year’s end," the Minister set down the drawings with a strained smile. "Perhaps we could start with the gates and main structures first. The plants and decorations can wait until after the new year."
Some matters, if delayed long enough, could be quietly forgotten. In this regard, the Ministry of Works officials were seasoned experts.
"Minister, you jest." Prince Chen paid no heed. He sipped the tea served by the officials before leisurely rising. "His Majesty often praises the Ministry of Works for its achievements—building dams, improving roads, establishing marketplaces, and inventing farming tools for the people’s convenience. All these tasks were executed swiftly and flawlessly, earning the people’s acclaim."
At this, the officials straightened slightly, pride flickering in their eyes. Prince Chen wasn’t wrong—the Ministry of Works had contributed greatly to the empire’s prosperity.
"If the Ministry can accomplish such monumental tasks with perfection, then a minor renovation for the Ministry of Rites should be effortless." Finishing his tea, Prince Chen gave them an encouraging smile. "I eagerly await your good news at the Ministry of Rites."
With that, he departed, thoroughly satisfied.
"Did we… ever actually agree to follow this blueprint?" one official finally spoke up after a long pause. "Is it too late to call Prince Chen back?"
"What do you think?" the Minister replied flatly.
The official: "..."
The room fell silent again as they stared at the blueprint. Finally, someone muttered, "Had we known this would happen, we should’ve begged His Majesty to assign Prince Chen to our ministry instead."
Back when they’d heard Prince Chen was assigned to the Ministry of Rites, they’d laughed heartily. Now, they regretted it deeply.
Who could’ve guessed Prince Chen wasn’t just domineering but also fiercely protective of his own?
"Aren’t there other princes yet to be assigned duties? Perhaps one will end up in our ministry soon."
"But… is there any prince as favored by His Majesty as Prince Chen?"
The silence returned. There truly wasn’t.
"Enough," the Minister sighed, handing the blueprint to the Vice Minister of the Right. "Since this is a matter assigned by His Highness, and Vice Minister Wu is absent, you’ll oversee it."
The Vice Minister of the Right: "..."
What had he done to deserve this?
The next morning, craftsmen from the Ministry of Works were already hammering away at the Ministry of Rites’ roofs, walls, and courtyards. Minister Li En stroked his beard, watching them with deep satisfaction.
Who said Prince Chen was troublesome?
Such slander was utterly baseless.
Not only had he brought warmth and hope to the Ministry of Rites, but he’d also secured them new roofs and walls. Under his influence, the ministry was becoming more splendid by the day.
What a fine young man.
Spotting Ming Jingzhou passing by the corridor, Li En called out, "Brother Ming, a moment, please."
"Minister." Ming Jingzhou halted and bowed, accidentally dropping the list of successful candidates in the Mingjing Examination from his sleeve.
"This is…?" Li En eyed the fallen scroll.
"Ah." Ming Jingzhou picked it up casually. "Just the Mingjing Examination results."
Li En knew what it was—what he wanted to know was why Ming Jingzhou had it. The Mingjing Examination had never been highly regarded until His Majesty’s reign, when emphasis on foundational governance elevated its status.
"Why do you have this?"
"His Highness Prince Chen has finished copying the books I assigned him earlier," Ming Jingzhou tucked the list back into his sleeve. "Since His Majesty assigned him to our ministry, it wouldn’t do to leave him idle."
But His Majesty hadn’t sent Prince Chen to the Ministry of Rites to copy books.
Li En glanced up at the ongoing renovations. "Brother Ming, isn’t this… somewhat inappropriate?"
"How so?" Ming Jingzhou replied calmly. "Great heights are built from the ground up. Copying and memorizing texts will only benefit His Highness."
Li En inhaled sharply. From Ming Jingzhou’s tone, it seemed he intended to keep Prince Chen copying books indefinitely?
"Brother Ming." Li En, as the Minister of Rites, felt he should demonstrate some sincerity toward His Highness Prince Chen. "I’ve been occupied with official duties lately and haven’t had the chance to engage with Prince Chen. Now that I have some free time, perhaps Brother Ming and I could guide him in familiarizing himself with affairs?"
After speaking, he quickly offered Ming Jingzhou a friendly smile. The two had known each other for years, and after becoming colleagues in the Ministry of Rites, Ming Jingzhou had proven himself diligent and beyond reproach. Li En had no desire to let Prince Chen’s affairs strain their relationship.
Ming Jingzhou looked up at him and paused before responding, "Does my lord believe my methods of instructing the prince are inadequate?"
"Brother Ming, you misunderstand—I meant no such thing." Li En’s heart tightened. "You’ve always been of delicate constitution, and I worry that handling Ministry affairs while also teaching Prince Chen might overtax you. If I assist with the prince, you’d have less burden."
"I see." Ming Jingzhou bowed in apology. "I misinterpreted my lord’s concern. Please forgive my presumption."
"We’ve known each other for years—no need for such formalities." Li En studied Ming Jingzhou’s expression, ensuring he wasn’t upset, before continuing, "Then may I take charge of His Highness Prince Chen?"
"My lord is too kind." Ming Jingzhou bowed deeply.
"It’s only natural." Li En finally relaxed. Their professional rapport remained intact, and he hadn’t failed the prince—a win-win.
"Then I shall first deliver this register to His Highness and have him copy it." Ming Jingzhou smiled. "I trust he can manage both copying texts and learning governance under your guidance."
Li En: "…"
Ah, so your grudge against Prince Chen runs deep.
"My lord, what do you think of this arrangement?"
"Excellent." Just as Li En spoke, Prince Chen strode in cheerfully, carrying two large food boxes. In that instant, Ming Jingzhou’s expression darkened.
It seemed Brother Ming’s prejudice against the prince was indeed profound.
Prince Chen carried the lunchboxes Jiuzhu had prepared at home and approached his future father-in-law, who was still conversing with Li En. "Minister Ming, I’ve brought the meals. Shall we dine together?"
"Your Highness is too considerate." Ming Jingzhou bowed in thanks.
"No need for formalities, please." Having dined on the Ming family’s home-cooked meals for days, the prince had grown accustomed to it.
Li En cast a sympathetic glance at Prince Chen. The poor prince likely had no idea Ming Jingzhou was deliberately making things difficult for him.
"Your Highness, in two hours, I must inspect the newly constructed academy. If you have no other engagements, would you accompany me?"
"Is this the Hongwen Academy, the one His Majesty personally ordered built?" Prince Chen vaguely recalled hearing of the project.
"Indeed." Li En smiled. "His Majesty values nurturing talent. The funds for its renovation even came from the imperial privy purse."
Prince Chen muttered under his breath, "Father’s privy purse seems bottomless."
Ming Jingzhou, standing beside him, silently turned to glare.
"Your Highness?" Li En hadn’t caught the prince’s words. "Would you honor me with your company on this visit?"
"Certainly." Prince Chen grinned. "I, too, am curious to see the academy His Majesty holds in such esteem."
Before Li En and Prince Chen had even set foot outside, word of their excursion reached the ears of the other princes.
"Li En is taking Prince Chen to inspect Hongwen Academy?" Prince Qi sneered upon hearing the news. "I’ve heard the Ministry of Rites recently secured substantial renovation funds. No wonder Li En is fawning over Yun Duqing."
"Your Highness, Li En doesn’t strike me as the type to grovel for wealth and status," his advisor interjected. "At a recent scholarly gathering, he praised you lavishly. Might there be some misunderstanding?"
"Misunderstanding?" Prince Qi laughed coldly. "Before profit, even the noblest souls can turn vile. I never place blind faith in human nature."
"Rest assured, Your Highness. My sources confirm Vice Minister Ming still harbors deep resentment toward Prince Chen." The advisor sought to reassure him. "I suspect Li En is merely acting out of courtesy by escorting the prince. After receiving such generous funding, the Ministry of Rites can’t very well keep making him copy texts without some gesture of reciprocity."
Li En had risen from poverty through the imperial examinations—how could such a man ever admire a wastrel like Prince Chen?
"I recall Consort Su has a lady-in-waiting skilled in perfumery. Yun Duqing, having grown up under her care, shares that fondness for scents. Since moving into Chen Prince’s Mansion, he’s reportedly kept several perfumers on staff?" Prince Qi approached the incense burner, gazing at its long-cooled ashes. "I’ve heard of a certain fragrance that brings sweet dreams and restful sleep."
"Your Highness, since the incident at the horse grounds, Chen Prince’s Mansion has been infiltrated by the Emperor’s secret guards. I fear our operatives lack opportunities to access the prince’s personal effects."
"Why act ourselves?" Prince Qi smirked. "My dear brothers are far more curious about Chen Prince’s Mansion than we are."
"Understood!" The advisor grasped his meaning instantly. "I’ll see to it at once."
"So this is Hongwen Academy?" Prince Chen, astride his horse, eyed the cluster of thinly clad scholars gathered outside the academy gates. "Are these all students?"
"Not yet." Li En observed the impoverished youths and explained, "The academy hasn’t officially opened for enrollment, but His Majesty decreed that admission would be based solely on merit, not social standing."
Though he spoke the words, he knew the truth—education required substantial funds. Even if these commoners gained entry, few could compete with scions of noble houses.
"Then why are they all waiting outside?"
"While enrollment hasn’t begun, the academy permits free copying of its texts." Li En’s voice carried both pity and unspoken melancholy as he watched the shivering scholars who refused to leave. "Rare books are prohibitively expensive. Being able to copy them freely saves considerable silver."
"I see." Witnessing their determination, Prince Chen pulled several banknotes from his sleeve and handed them to Li En. "Use this to buy ink, brushes, and paper for their copying."
"Your Highness?" Li En stared at him in astonishment.
"Take it. This trifling sum means nothing to me." The prince shuddered slightly, his tone laced with reverence for the scribes’ toil. "As a fellow sufferer of endless transcription, I understand their hardship."
Li En accepted the notes and, after a long pause, bowed deeply. "On behalf of these scholars, I thank Your Highness."
"Don’t thank me. This silver came from Father anyway." Prince Chen waved dismissively. "If you must thank someone, thank His Majesty."
After all, it was merely a fraction of what the Emperor had secretly funneled to him from the privy purse.
"Your Highness’s pure-hearted generosity commands my deepest respect."
Hmm…
Prince Chen turned to look at Li En. How could a mere matter of a few banknotes equate to having a "pure heart"?
When civil officials lavish praise, their words are as polished as their crafted essays—
though one shouldn’t take them too seriously.
