"Liu Zhongbao, the lingering scent of hot pot clings to us brothers. Would it not be improper to appear before His Majesty in such a state?" Prince Huai wiped his mouth. "Might we be permitted to return to our quarters to change into fresh robes?"
"Your Highnesses, His Majesty has witnessed all manner of childish antics from you since your youth. There is no need for such formality." Liu Zhongbao bowed with a smile. "My lords, please proceed."
Prince Huai glanced at Prince Chen. Given how dearly their father doted on his fifth brother, surely Prince Chen must have some prior knowledge of today’s summons?
Prince Chen shook his head subtly. Why was he being singled out?
The four princes rose to their feet. Watching as the burly eunuchs carried Yun Yanze onto a palanquin, they followed obediently.
"Had I known, I wouldn’t have eaten hot pot today," Prince Chen sighed. "Three days in a row—even I’ve grown weary of it."
His three elder brothers turned to glare at him. Couldn’t he say something useful at a time like this?
Upon entering Taiyang Palace, Prince Huai scanned the surroundings. The imperial guards were stationed as usual—neither more nor fewer than normal—and the attending palace servants appeared unremarkable. Clutching the jade pendant at his waist, he took a deep breath and stepped through the main hall’s threshold first.
"You’ve all arrived?" Emperor Longfeng glanced at his five sons before resuming his brushwork on paper. Prince Huai clasped his hands behind his back and discreetly nudged Prince Chen.
As the most favored son, now was your moment to step forward.
Prince Chen sidestepped the prod. Even the most cherished son must learn to read his father’s mood.
Did he look foolish enough to speak up now?
A deathly silence filled the hall. None of the princes dared even breathe too loudly.
After what felt like two incense sticks’ worth of time, Emperor Longfeng finally spoke again: "Do you know why I summoned you today? Eldest, you first."
Prince Huai’s heart pounded, but he feigned composure as he shook his head.
Had his spies in Prince Qi’s estate been discovered? Had his private criticisms of Consort Su and Yun Duqing reached the Emperor’s ears?
Had he carelessly damaged an imperial gift?
Had his discreet associations with certain officials come to light?
Had he accepted bribes from subordinates?
Or had he secured a sixth-rank post for his consort’s cousin?
"Second Son, what about you?"
Prince An shook his head hurriedly.
Emperor Longfeng turned to Prince Jing. Before he could even ask, Prince Jing vehemently shook his head.
Prince Qi leaned against his chair, clutching his chest with a faint cough, his face ashen.
"Father, don’t look at me," Prince Chen said shamelessly. "You’re already well aware of my usual antics. Must I recount them again?"
His four elder brothers swiveled to stare at him. Was that tone... pride?
"So, you remain oblivious to your own deeds." Emperor Longfeng set down his brush, his voice hardening. "I am not yet dead. Must you already vie for my throne?"
"Father!" Prince Huai’s face paled as he dropped to his knees with a thud. The other princes, equally terrified, knelt and pressed their foreheads to the floor.
"See for yourselves." The Emperor hurled several thick memorials at his sons. Whether by chance or design, all struck the four elder brothers—Prince Chen emerged unscathed.
"Scheming advisors! Planting spies!" Emperor Longfeng sneered. "Had this been the Xiande era, you’d have long been imprisoned—without even knowing why."
"You keep your hired strategists right in your own estates. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?" The Emperor snatched a scroll and rapped Prince Huai’s head twice. "You’re bold enough to accept bribes, yet too inept to cover your tracks?"
Prince Huai shrank back, silent.
"And you—renowned for both scholarship and martial prowess, yet turning a blind eye to the Zheng Family’s crimes." Emperor Longfeng pointed at Prince Qi. "Do you know how your Sixth Imperial Uncle died?"
"Slain by the stupidity of his maternal family." The Emperor’s voice dripped ice. "Exiled to Youzhou, yet dead on the road—a journey that should have taken mere days."
"Every move you’re making, my own brothers tried before you." His gaze swept over the prostrate princes. Fury mounting, he kicked Prince Huai, who rolled aside—directly into Prince Qi’s wound. A pained grunt escaped Prince Qi.
"In the capital, if you lack the skill to keep secrets, don’t court execution. As princes, ambition isn’t your flaw—it’s having ambition without brains." The Emperor’s expressionless face was more terrifying than any outburst. "I spoiled you, raised a brood of fools."
"Be grateful I am your father." Emperor Longfeng sat heavily on the steps, gesturing to the scattered memorials. "Pick them up. Read them."
The princes remained frozen.
"READ THEM!" The Emperor’s chest heaved.
Hands trembling, Prince Huai grabbed the nearest memorial. A few lines in, he could bear no more. "Father, I beg forgiveness! Spare me—I’ll never dare again!"
Prince Chen slipped to the desk, poured tea, and offered it to the Emperor. "Father, calm yourself."
"And you—two spies infiltrated your estate, yet you noticed nothing." Emperor Longfeng drank, then rounded on Prince Chen. "How do you manage your household?"
"Two?" Prince Chen blinked. "Not three?"
"I knew they were spies—I was tracing their masters when you summoned me." He massaged the Emperor’s shoulders. "Can you truly blame me? I never imagined my own brothers would plant agents in my home."
Forehead still pressed to the floor, Prince Huai cursed inwardly. As if you didn’t know!
"Every one of your schemes is known to me." The Emperor’s voice turned deadly. "Repeat them, and I’ll not hesitate to earn infamy as a kinslayer."
Prince Qi clutched his reopened wound, blood soaking his underrobe. He studied his inscrutable father, then kowtowed deeply.
Just how much does he know?
"Since my reign began, I’ve secured renowned scholars to tutor you, trained you in civil and martial arts—and this is what you’ve learned? Petty, contemptible tricks."
"I am... deeply disappointed."
Emperor Longfeng rose. After a weighted pause, he commanded: "Hear my decree."
"Prince Huai and Prince Qi, for misconduct before the throne and affront to the sovereign..."
"Mercy, Father!" Prince Huai crawled forward. "I repent!"
"Repentance demands amendment." The Emperor’s gaze shifted to Prince Qi. "Fourth Son?"
"This son... likewise repents." Prince Qi kowtowed.
Repent?
His true crime was excelling too brightly—overshadowing Yun Duqing, thus earning his father’s enmity.
As Prince Huai’s pleas continued, Prince Qi scoffed inwardly. The eldest brother’s mistake was simply being born first—an obstacle to Yun Duqing’s succession.
To their father, none were truly his sons... save Yun Duqing.
Even if he kowtowed until his forehead split, the Emperor wouldn’t miss this chance to pave Yun Duqing’s path.
Noticing Prince Huai’s swollen forehead and unsteady sway, Prince Chen steadied him. "Elder Brother, take care."
Prince Huai groaned inwardly. A bruised head meant nothing—from the Emperor’s tone, his very title was at stake!
"In light of Prince Huai’s sincere repentance, he shall forfeit a year’s stipend and is forbidden from leaving the palace without imperial decree for six months." Emperor Longfeng’s gaze swept over Prince Chen’s hand supporting Prince Huai. He closed his eyes briefly before turning to Prince Qi. "As for Prince Qi… his princely title is revoked, demoted to a commandery prince, fined a year’s stipend, and confined to the palace without decree."
"Guards, escort Prince Huai and Prince Qi away in half an incense time and administer fifteen strokes of the heavy rod."
Prince Qi, kneeling on the ground, swayed slightly. "This son… obeys the command."
"As for the rest of you…"
Prince An and Prince Jing kowtowed in unison, not daring to lift their heads.
Emperor Longfeng cast a glance at Prince Chen. "The three of you have also committed grave errors. All are fined half a year’s stipend and shall remain within the palace under strict confinement—nowhere else is permitted."
"Imperial Father," Prince Chen ventured cautiously, "my wedding is but a month and a half away."
Wouldn’t confining him to the palace be… inappropriate?
"Then hold the ceremony in the palace," Emperor Longfeng retorted irritably. "There are plenty of vacant halls—more than enough to accommodate you and your bride."
Prince Huai, who had just been relieved at escaping severe punishment, instantly soured with envy. The Emperor was allowing his adult, titled son to marry within the palace?
Wasn’t that a privilege reserved solely for the Crown Prince?
Other princes and their consorts were crammed into the modest courtyards of Zhangliu Palace, yet Yun Duqing would have an entire hall for his wedding?
Prince Huai’s heart burned with bitterness, but he dared not voice it. Instead, he forced a flattering smile. "Imperial Father is wise. Fifth Brother’s wedding is a grand occasion—no place outside the palace could compare."
"But…" Prince Chen hesitated. Holding the ceremony in the palace would exclude many guests, dampening the festivities.
The other princes nearly cursed aloud at Yun Duqing’s reluctance. How could he be dissatisfied with such favor? Did being the Emperor’s favorite grant him such audacity?
Meanwhile, Bright Moon Palace was livelier than usual.
The birth mothers of every prince and princess had gathered under the pretense of paying respects to Consort Su. Even the reclusive Consort Xu had appeared, her pallid face faintly visible among the crowd.
"Have you all conspired to visit me today?" Consort Su sighed. "There’s no need for such formalities. In the future, refrain from this."
After exchanging pleasantries, one of the consorts could no longer restrain herself. "Your Highness, we heard His Majesty summoned all the princes and princesses to Taiyang Palace and barred outsiders. Might you know… the reason?"
"Consort Zhang, if I recall correctly, Princess Roude is under your care?" Consort Su tapped her chin lightly. "How could I presume to know His Majesty’s movements? If you’re so curious, why not ask him directly? I’ll have a palanquin prepared for you."
Consort Zhang paled. "This concubine wouldn’t dare."
"If you wouldn’t, how could I?" Consort Su leaned back lazily. "There’s no need for such concern. His Majesty is their father—what father would harm his own children?"
Rarely sincere, she added, "He is a benevolent ruler. Even if the princes erred, he would temper justice with mercy."
The consorts: "…"
Who would believe such nonsense? They were all veterans of the harem—this was no time for empty platitudes.
Hadn’t the previous emperor manipulated his own sons and daughters aplenty?
Between royalty, there was no kinship—only ruler and subject.
"Your Highness, Taiyang Palace has sent word. His Highness has been fined half a year’s stipend," a Bright Moon Palace attendant announced. "The palace maid also relayed that, unless by imperial order, you are forbidden from sending him any gifts henceforth."
The consorts’ lips curled into demure, vindicated smiles.
So, it was Prince Chen who’d been punished.
"Additionally, Prince Huai, Prince An, Prince Jing, and Commandery Prince Qi have all received severe penalties…"
All of them?
Commandery Prince Qi?
Commandery rank?!
The consorts’ smiles froze, their faces draining of color.
What in heaven’s name had happened?
