"Your Highness." Jiuzhu looked at Prince Chen with a serious expression: "If you say such things again, I will truly be angry with you."
Her master had told her she was naturally clever, and her master wouldn’t lie to her.
"Mmm, I misspoke." Prince Chen chuckled softly. "Our Jiuzhu is like the white clouds in a clear sky, a light boat upon the emerald river, the red plum blossom in the snow."
Jiuzhu blinked at him in confusion. He laughed but offered no further explanation.
"Come." Prince Chen gently took her hand. Her palm was warm, the heat from her hurried dash spreading from her fingertips to his, coursing through his entire body.
"Where to?" Jiuzhu let him lead her without resistance.
"Inside, to rest for a while." Prince Chen sighed. "You’ve run until you’re drenched in sweat. If you go out now and catch a chill, you might fall ill."
"That won’t happen." Jiuzhu puffed up with confidence. "I have a strong constitution."
"Be good, don’t be difficult." Prince Chen didn’t release her, pulling her along firmly.
"Your Highness, I’m not an official of the court. Entering the Ministry of Rites’ offices might cause trouble for you." Jiuzhu still hesitated.
"You are this prince’s future princess consort, a County Princess bestowed by the imperial court. Of course you may enter the Ministry of Rites." Prince Chen guided her to a sheltered spot. "With me here, who would dare say a word?"
Leading her into his study, Prince Chen handed her a clean cotton cloth. "Your back is damp with sweat. Use this to dry off. I’ll wait outside."
With that, he closed the door behind him and took a few steps back, standing with his back to the room.
"Did you see that? His Highness just took a girl into his study!"
"And right under Vice Minister Ming’s nose, no less!"
"Shh, keep your voices down—Vice Minister Ming is coming."
"Why do you all look so strange?" Ming Jingzhou stepped into the room, noticing how his colleagues’ eyes kept darting toward him, only to snap away when he met their gazes. He smiled faintly. "What’s going on?"
"Nothing, nothing." One official laughed awkwardly, hastily changing the subject. "Where are you coming from, Brother Ming?"
"Oh, I found some interesting essays and thought I’d bring them for Prince Chen to copy." Ming Jingzhou shook the book in his hand. "Gentlemen, carry on."
"Ah, wait—" Several officials quickly stopped him. "Brother Ming, weren’t you drafting replies to the foreign envoys’ gifts? Why not let us deliver the book for you?"
Prince Qi’s wedding had drawn congratulations from neighboring nations, and the Great Cheng court needed to reciprocate with gifts of their own.
"Such a small matter hardly requires your assistance." Ming Jingzhou tucked the book into his sleeve. "Go about your business. I’ll return shortly."
"Oh no, oh no." The officials watched him leave in dismay.
"Brother Ming has a decent temper, doesn’t he?"
"Even the best temper wouldn’t tolerate a future son-in-law bringing a woman into the ministry offices right under his nose!"
"What should we do?"
"What can we do?" Minister Li En stepped forward. "Two of you, come with me. If a fight breaks out, we’ll need to intervene."
"Right, right!" The others snapped to attention. "Quick, quick—someone stop Brother Ming!"
"Little Pig Ming." Prince Chen tapped lightly on the door. "Finished?"
"Yes." Jiuzhu opened the door, rubbing her neck. "Just a bit stiff back here."
Prince Chen’s gaze flickered over her fair skin before he averted his eyes. "It’s nothing. You’ll adjust soon."
"Mmm." Jiuzhu fidgeted, touching her back self-consciously.
"Go inside. I had the servants prepare fresh tea. Later, I’ll arrange a carriage to take you home. From now on, you must bring attendants when you go out. A County Princess should uphold proper decorum."
He reached for her wrist—
"Your Highness, what are you doing?" Ming Jingzhou’s voice cut through the corridor, his eyes icy as he caught sight of a woman’s skirt peeking from Prince Chen’s study door.
"Father!" Jiuzhu brightened, leaning out to greet him. "Perfect timing. I was just going to ask His Highness to send for you."
"Jiuzhu? Why are you here?" Ming Jingzhou’s lips curved into a smile, his gaze warm and affectionate.
"I ran into some trouble earlier, so I—"
"Brother Ming!"
"Vice Minister Ming!"
Two officials rushed forward, seizing his arms. "I’ve acquired a rare manuscript with puzzling passages. Would you help me decipher them?"
"Yes, yes! And there’s an issue with one of the foreign gift records—could you take a look?"
"Gentlemen." Fugui approached, balancing a tray of tea and pastries meant for the Ming family’s young lady. He smiled politely. "Might I trouble you to make way?"
The officials turned, eyeing the floral tea and delicate sweets—clearly meant for a woman’s palate.
Fugui shrank back under their stares. Though the young lady wasn’t a ministry official, she was Prince Chen’s betrothed, a County Princess honored by the Emperor, and Vice Minister Ming’s daughter. Surely there was no harm in her visiting the ministry offices?
"Gentlemen, your timing is excellent." Prince Chen surveyed the crowded corridor. "I’ve just received some fine tea and snacks. Won’t you join us?"
The officials exchanged uneasy glances. Not only had the prince brought a girl here under Vice Minister Ming’s nose—now he wanted them to sip tea and watch?
Your Highness, the Ministry of Rites has only just been repaired. If Brother Ming loses his temper and hurls a teacup at you, we’ll be caught in the middle!
"Many thanks, Your Highness." Ming Jingzhou spoke first. "I would be delighted to partake."
He turned to the others. "Gentlemen, after you."
"Yes, yes, after you!" They filed in, packing the study until it was full. No sooner had they sat than the young lady by Prince Chen’s side marched straight toward Ming Jingzhou.
The officials held their breaths.
Young lady, you look sweet and demure—why must you act so boldly?
"Father, I bought these especially for you. Try them." Jiuzhu set Ming Jingzhou’s favorite treats before him.
F-father?!
The stunned officials whirled toward Minister Li En, only to find him already sipping tea with serene contentment. Clearly, he’d known the girl’s identity all along.
Ah, of course—the minister had delivered the imperial decree to the Ming household. He must have met the young lady then.
The tension dissolved. What a relief, not having to choose sides between their colleague and the prince.
Ming Jingzhou noticed the damp strands at his daughter’s forehead, her cheeks flushed pink. "Where did you come from today? Why didn’t you bring any attendants?"
"I left in a hurry and forgot." Jiuzhu offered an apologetic smile. "Don’t be cross, Father. I’ll remember next time."
In the capital, the streets were crowded with carriages and people. When vehicles of noble households crossed paths, they would engage in elaborate courtesies—yielding, bowing, and exchanging pleasantries—a tedious process that often took far longer than simply walking. Worried that her elder sister Zhou might grow impatient waiting for their sixth brother at the teahouse, leading to misunderstandings, she decided to dash there herself.
To unite lovers was a virtuous deed.
"If there's a next time, your mother will confine you to the house," Ming Jingzhou said sternly, though his tone carried a hint of fondness. "Now, greet your uncles properly."
"Your junior pays respects to all esteemed uncles."
"Too kind, too kind! The County Princess honors us," the officials from the Ministry of Rites hurriedly stood and returned the gesture, treating Jiuzhu with utmost deference.
Ming Jingzhou lifted the lid of his teacup, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, carefully noting their expressions before speaking deliberately, "Gentlemen, as elders, it is only right that you accept her courtesy."
The group murmured in agreement, though none dared to truly accept the County Princess's bow.
By rank, Jiuzhu was a second-tier County Princess, outranking most present.
By status, she was the future Princess Consort; after marriage, she would become part of the imperial family—where the royals stood as sovereigns above their subjects.
Who, aside from the imperial family, would have the audacity to outright accept her obeisance?
Prince Chen observed the officials from the Ministry of Rites with amusement. These men were far more astute than the Zheng family.
He had a soft spot for clever, tactful officials.
"Your Highness, Ministers, Vice Ministers—His Majesty summons you urgently!"
A clerk's voice, laced with urgency, echoed from outside.
For the emperor to summon so many officials from the Ministry of Rites at once signaled a major incident. Li En glanced at Prince Chen, only to find him unhurriedly popping a snack into his mouth.
"Your Highness?" Li En, whose impression of Prince Chen had improved considerably, bowed. "We shall accompany you to the palace."
"Mm." Prince Chen eyed the treats Jiuzhu had brought him, grabbed a handful, and stuffed them into his pouch. "No need for alarm, gentlemen. His Majesty likely wishes to discuss the assassination attempt on Prince Qi."
"What?!"
"Prince Qi was attacked?!"
"Your Highness, do not grieve too deeply." Ming Jingzhou rose with a sigh. "No wonder you seemed so pale earlier—you were burdened by concern for Prince Qi's safety."
"Indeed, Your Highness," Li En added. "Prince Qi is blessed with fortune. If you neglect your own health in your distress, wouldn’t that only sadden His Majesty further?"
Prince Chen accepted a handkerchief from Fugui to wipe his hands. "He is my fourth brother. How could I not worry? His pain is mine."
"Your Highness’s devotion to fraternal bonds is truly noble."
"Aye," a Ministry official dabbed at his dry eyes with his sleeve. "Such moving brotherly affection!"
Another official brushed crumbs from his lips, flung open the door, and bellowed, "Someone assist His Highness! He’s so overcome with grief he might faint!"
Seated nearby, Jiuzhu quietly nibbled on a pastry, clutching her teacup without a word.
The world of adults was far too intricate.
She tilted her head toward the window. The newly replaced glazed tiles on the Ministry’s roof gleamed under the sun, radiant as molten gold.
——
"How could His Highness, so skilled in both letters and arms, fall prey to an assassin?" Sun Caiyao frowned at Prince Qi, pale and unconscious on the bed, then summoned his attendant. "What happened?"
"Reporting to the Princess Consort, His Highness could have evaded the attack," the attendant hesitated. "But as he approached the assailant, he seemed... distracted. That was when the assassin struck."
Sun Caiyao’s delicate brows furrowed. Her husband was meticulous—why would he lose focus near a stranger?
"Was there someone nearby who might have caught his attention?"
The attendant lowered his gaze. "No, Princess Consort."
"Are you certain?"
"None." The attendant bowed. "Only the household guards, attendants, officials from the Ministry of Revenue, and the imperial guards were present."
"I see." Sun Caiyao sighed, dabbing Prince Qi’s forehead with a handkerchief. Just then, a messenger from Lanzui Palace arrived—Consort Ning demanded her presence.
With her husband injured, how could her mother-in-law summon her now? What could possibly outweigh his well-being?
——
"With so many guards, how did Prince Qi still get hurt? What were you doing?" Emperor Longfeng glared at the deputy commander of the imperial guards. "I assigned you to protect him and the Ministry officials. And this is the result?"
The deputy commander knelt, not daring to breathe.
"Your Majesty, the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the princes have arrived."
"Let them in." The emperor slammed a memorial onto the desk. "Get up," he muttered to the deputy commander, who shot him a grateful look—at least he wasn’t humiliated before the court.
——
"Fifth Brother, what’s wrong?" Prince Huai paused outside Taiyang Palace, watching as Yun Duqing leaned limply against the supporting arms of Ministry officials.
"Prince Huai, His Highness Prince Chen was so distraught upon hearing of Prince Qi’s injury that he grew faint," Li En explained with a bow. "Rest assured, the Ministry will ensure his care."
*Distraught?*
*Faint?*
Did Yun Duqing even believe his own act?
Prince Huai arched a brow. Li En was a staunch loyalist—unlikely to lie for Prince Chen. Clearly, the fifth prince had honed his theatrics during his time at the Ministry.
"Fifth Brother has always been tenderhearted," he said smoothly. "Thank you for tending to him."
*Ugh.*
"We are honored, Your Highness." Li En ignored Prince Huai’s insincerity, steadying Prince Chen. "Are you feeling better?"
"Much improved, Minister Li." Prince Chen fluttered his eyelids, offering a feeble smile to his brothers. "Seeing you all eases my heart."
The three princes: *"..."*
*Since when did Yun Duqing become this nauseating?*
*What in the world did the Ministry teach him?*
When the group entered the hall, Emperor Longfeng’s expression shifted at the sight of his son. "Minister Li, what ails Prince Chen?"
"Your Majesty, His Highness was overcome with grief upon learning of Prince Qi’s injury," Li En said solemnly. "We implore you to punish the culprit and bring justice for both princes."
Officials from the other ministries side-eyed Li En, as though witnessing an outrageous fabrication.
Prince Chen, *heartbroken* over Prince Qi?
Since when did the heavens weep for such absurdity?
"Liu Zhongbao, fetch a chair for Prince Chen," the emperor sighed. "My son’s heart is too soft, too full of love."
The other princes: "..."
Fine, as long as His Majesty is happy.
Prince Chen sat on a chair cushioned with soft padding, even adjusting his posture "quite coincidentally" into a very comfortable position. Emperor Longfeng pretended not to notice and even worried that Prince Chen might feel cold on the chair, ordering a eunuch to drape a heavy cloak over him—almost to the point of having someone feed him fruits and snacks by his side.
Prince Huai turned his head away, unwilling to witness this grating scene. He cupped his hands and said, "Father, this matter must be thoroughly investigated. We cannot allow such incidents to happen again."
"Indeed." Emperor Longfeng nodded. "To ensure the safety of all the princes and princesses, I have ordered the Palace Administration to conduct a full investigation into the identities of all servants in the princely and princess estates. Those who serve closely beside the princes and princesses will have their backgrounds and familial connections re-examined. Anyone with suspicious ties will be dismissed. The chief stewards and administrative officials in each estate will also be reassigned by me."
The officials from the Six Ministries felt something was amiss. Was His Majesty protecting the princes and princesses, or was he tightening his grip on them under his watchful eye?
"Thank you, Father, for your concern over our safety." Prince Chen stretched his arms out from beneath the thick cloak and cupped his hands toward Emperor Longfeng. "This son is incompetent, troubling you with such worries."
The smiles on the faces of the three princes were on the verge of crumbling.
How much effort and scheming had they poured into planting spies in their brothers' estates?
With this decree from the Emperor, not only were their years of meticulous planning rendered useless, but they would now be under His Majesty's constant surveillance. What could they even do now? What would they dare to attempt?
From this day forward, they would be like blind men with open eyes, deaf men with ears intact.
Except for the seemingly foolish Yun Duqing, who could possibly be happy about this?
"You are my flesh and blood. All I wish is for you to live safely, free from illness or calamity." Emperor Longfeng sighed as he observed his sons' varied expressions. "Until the investigation into the servants is complete, all princes and princesses shall return to the palace to reside."
"Do not leave the palace today. Matters in your respective ministries can wait." Emperor Longfeng looked at his sons. "I have already had palace attendants prepare your quarters. You need only settle in peacefully."
The princes dared not meet the Emperor's gaze, as though doing so would lay bare every thought in their minds.
None of the Six Ministries officials present were fools. At this moment, no one dared to speak up.
Recalling all the princes and princesses into the palace, forbidding them from leaving, and then thoroughly raiding their estates—this move of "draining the pond to catch all the fish" was ruthless.
His Majesty had always been benevolent. For him to take such measures, it must mean the princes and princesses had crossed his bottom line. No wonder they could no longer maintain even the most basic composure.
Li En glanced subtly at Prince Chen, seated comfortably in his chair. Ah, but here was one who slipped through the net.
Who would have thought that among all the princes, Prince Chen would be the most indifferent to this affair?
Logically, given Prince Chen’s arrogant, extravagant nature, he should have been the most fearful of His Majesty’s investigation. Why was the reality the complete opposite?
"Father, my consort is still in the estate. I—"
"Do not worry." Emperor Longfeng cut off Prince Huai. "I have already sent for your consorts as well."
The officials' eyebrows twitched.
Well now, truly no one could escape.
The last flicker of hope in the three princes' eyes was extinguished.
Prince Chen cast a glance at his elder brothers, his mood somewhat complicated. What a pity he and Little Pig Ming weren’t yet married—otherwise, he could have had the Emperor summon her into the palace too. Then he could take her to Consort Ning’s palace every day for meals.
His mother’s residence had not only an abundance of food but also jewelry, fabrics, and jade ornaments. How wonderful it would be to pick out the ones most suited for Little Pig Ming and take them away.
Princes Huai, An, and Jing noticed Yun Duqing staring at them with envious eyes and barely resisted the urge to roll their own.
What a lunatic!
"Duqing, why are you looking at your brothers like that?" Emperor Longfeng smiled at Yun Duqing.
"Father, this son is merely moved by your kindness as a father, ensuring that my brothers won’t feel lonely in their solitude by summoning their consorts as well."
The Six Ministries officials: "..."
No wonder Prince Chen was so universally despised.
His words were nothing short of a dagger to the heart, dripping with sarcasm.
With even the mistresses of the estates removed, the princes had lost all control over their own households. Given the thoroughness of royal investigations, they’d probably even count the number of anthills in each estate.
Two officials with secret allegiances felt their hearts sink to the depths. His Majesty had grown suspicious of the princes.
Recalling the tragedies of the Xian De era, when princes had fought ruthlessly for the throne, the officials fell into deeper silence.
Perhaps this was for the best. With His Majesty keeping the princes and princesses firmly under his control, the horrors of the 30th year of Xian De would not repeat itself.
When Prince Qi awoke, he found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. He tensed, scanning the room warily until a young eunuch he didn’t recognize approached. "Your Highness, you’re awake?"
"Where is this?" Prince Qi glanced at the eunuch’s attire and lay back down.
"Your Highness, this is the Zhangliu Palace. His Majesty was concerned for your safety and had you brought here to recuperate."
Wasn’t this where underage princes resided before coming of age?
He was injured, yet His Majesty had him moved into the palace while he was unconscious—was this out of concern, or was it control?
"Thank you for His Majesty’s care." Prince Qi forced a smile. "What is your name? Where are my usual attendants?"
"This lowly one is called Er Cheng. The servants who usually attend you remain in your estate. If you or your consort require anything, you need only command us."
So he and his consort had been placed under house arrest?
Prince Qi’s face paled. In that moment, he felt as though he had been thrown back into the 30th year of Xian De.
Outside, the sound of an argument reached his ears—he could faintly recognize Prince Huai’s voice.
"Why is there such commotion outside?"
"Your Highness, the palace attendants are preparing chambers for the other princes." Er Cheng smiled. "After the attempt on your life, His Majesty grew uneasy. Thus, he decreed that until next spring, all princes shall reside in the various halls of Zhangliu Palace."
"You mean—all the princes have been brought here?"
"Yes, Your Highness. All the princes, their consorts, and the princesses have returned to the palace." Er Cheng added, "The princesses are housed in the Xiyu Palace. Once you’ve recovered, you may visit them."
Prince Qi: "..."
He had only been unconscious for a few hours due to the anesthetic, yet the world had turned upside down in his absence?
