Cheng Yu was suddenly bestowed the title of Crown Prince, and the same afternoon the Steward of the Imperial Household brought people to tailor new clothes for Cheng Yu as Crown Prince's court attire.
It was ridiculous that such a tiny person would have his own court attire, something unheard of not only in Qi Dynasty but also in previous dynasties.
In the past few days, Consort Ying had enjoyed the limelight in the palace, while Song Zhao beside greeting the emperor every morning was rarely noticed.
But ever since Cheng Yu was named the Crown Prince, the threshold of Changle Palace had almost been trampled broken by the crowds of ladies.
Yet Song Zhao had not seen anyone. She had not left Cheng Yu’s side these days, and even when Emperor Xiao summoned her, she would take the child with her, unwilling to have him leave her side even for a moment.
Seeing Song Zhao's concerns, Xiao Fuzi often advised:
"Imperial Consort, it is fortunate that His Majesty has named Prince Yu as the Crown Prince. Why do you still seem so worried?"
"Don't you find it strange?" Song Zhao knitted her beautiful brows. "A big reason why the imperial consorts fight over favor is that they want their own sons to have a legitimate claim as heir when they give birth, so that their sons will have a better chance of succeeding the Great Qi Empire. Now that His Majesty has hastily named Cheng Yu as Crown Prince, he has dashed their hopes. But..."
She looked at Cheng Yu sleeping soundly in the crib, even more uneasy: "His Majesty was attacked in Jiangnan, and nearly assassinated in Chaoyang Palace recently. With so many troubles happening together, I can't help feeling uneasy, really anxious.
"In the past, no matter how the consorts fought, it was fine since I could see their intentions. But this time... it's as if layers of obscuring mist are before my eyes, and I can't make out anything about what hidden arrows might target us mother and child in the future."
"Be at ease, Imperial Consort. The Crown Prince and you enjoy deep imperial favor and noble status, who would dare plot against you?"
Xiao Fuzi felt Song Zhao was worrying groundlessly.
But Song Zhao remained firm: "In any case, now that Cheng Yu is the Crown Prince, there will be even more people wanting to harm him. I must be extra careful to protect Cheng Yu's safety."
She looked at Xiao Fuzi intently and instructed word for word:
"Xiao Fuzi, there are few people I can trust in the palace. You are one, Yun Shan is another. Remember, from today on, you must stay by Cheng Yu's side at all times. No matter what emergency happens, you cannot leave his side for a moment. Understand?"
Xiao Fuzi bowed with hands clasped, reverently saying:
"Rest assured, Imperial Consort. Your servant will certainly protect the young master with my life, and will never let anyone harm him the slightest."
Soon it was September 16th, Emperor Xiao’s birthday, and also Cheng Yu’s first birthday.
Half a month ago, congratulatory missions had already been dispatched from all nations.
Border tribes and foreign states all sent envoys to congratulate. The palace had not been so lively for a long time.
The banquet was held in Jiuxiao Palace, the largest hall in the imperial palace. It was last used when Emperor Xiao first ascended the throne.
To introduce Crown Prince Cheng Yu to the foreign envoys, Emperor Xiao used it again, showing how much importance he placed on Cheng Yu.
The splendor of Jiuxiao Palace was comparable to Chaoyang Palace, and its spacious hall could accommodate hundreds of banquet tables.
The nobles and foreign envoys entered the palace to celebrate, filling up every seat there, extremely bustling.
Among the foreign states, Zhuyin Country was the strongest, and the last to surrender to Qi Dynasty, hence the Zhuyin envoys were the first to toast Emperor Xiao:
“Zhuyin comes to congratulate and wish Your Majesty an auspicious birthday, and hopes the disaster in Jiangnan will soon be settled, and Great Qi will prosper for ten thousand generations!”
Emperor Xiao said: "Zhuyin's heart is good. Now that you have surrendered to Great Qi, Great Qi will naturally protect Zhuyin's people. Zhuyin's people are also my Great Qi's people."
The two clinked cups ceremoniously and drained their wine.
Then the envoys offered Emperor Xiao the congratulatory gift they had brought.
It was an extremely rare and precious red coral reef, with an intense blood-red color, thick branches, and dense yet orderly branches. One look could tell it was an extremely fine item.
"Zhuyin is by the sea. This large red coral is a national treasure in Zhuyin. Hearing of Your Majesty's birthday, my king ordered me to present this to Your Majesty, to show Zhuyin's heart of submission to Great Qi."
Emperor Xiao laughed loudly, praising the gift highly.
The consorts watching by the side whispered discussion:
"We've seen red coral before, but never one so huge. Our eyes are opened."
"Didn't you hear him say this is Zhuyin's national treasure? To fawn over His Majesty they've presented even this. It seems the new Emperor of Zhuyin is much more cowardly than the previous one."
"What's the point talking about the previous one? He was stripped naked and paraded in the streets, then beheaded publicly. I think Consort Hui must really like this red coral. See, the red coral ring she always wears on her right forefinger, she's never taken it off."
At this time Consort Hui was enjoying the delicacies. Hearing the discussion, she just stroked her ring and smiled contentedly:
"This coral ring was awarded by His Majesty. I like its cheerful color, so I wear it daily."
Just then, Emperor Xiao raised his cup and laughed:
"Today the nations have come to celebrate, but not just my birthday. I have recently named the Crown Prince, and today is also the Crown Prince's birthday. With the foreign envoys present, I will bring out the Crown Prince for everyone to take a look."
After he spoke, Xiao Yinzi was ordered to carry Cheng Yu out from the inner palace.
But soon he rushed back alone, disregarding imperial decorum. He staggered and knelt before Emperor Xiao, stammering:
"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince...he's gone!"
"What did you say?"
Emperor Xiao overturned the cups by his side, his eyes full of shock and puzzlement. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"
A buzz of discussion rose among the guests. Xiao Yinzi stammered as if afraid to explain.
Song Zhao’s heart jerked violently. She didn’t ask Emperor Xiao’s permission before rushing to the inner palace.
Only to see the two eunuchs guarding outside the inner palace were dead with their throats slit.
Song Zhao hurried in heedless of alarm, but saw the crib empty, while Xiao Fuzi who had been guarding by the crib had been stabbed in the chest and lay in a pool of blood, uncertain of life or death...
