Prince Qing returned to his own manor reeking of alcohol.
Zheng Yuanzhen was also at the stage where her pregnancy was becoming increasingly visible. Even before the two side consorts entered the manor, Prince Qing had stopped spending nights in Zheng Yuanzhen’s quarters—not because he didn’t want to, but because Zheng Yuanzhen had proactively advised him not to, lest it affect his rest.
With his cousin being so virtuous, Prince Qing was happy to spend nights with the side consorts or at Wei Shi’s quarters.
Thinking of Wei Shi who had already been dealt with, that Wei Shi with her seductive figure who best knew how to serve him, Prince Qing walking in the cold wind suddenly felt a few traces of regret.
Unfortunately, she was already gone; regret was useless.
After sitting alone in the front courtyard for a while, Prince Qing went to Side Consort Song who smiled very gently, merely sleeping without mentioning anything else.
The next morning, Prince Qing came to have breakfast with Zheng Yuanzhen.
When something was bottled up inside, one couldn’t help wanting to find someone to talk to. Prince Qing could still restrain himself, but Zheng Yuanzhen noticed his hesitation and asked: “Has something happened?”
Prince Qing didn’t dare say, nor did he want to.
This cousin of his was more easily affected by outside events than he was. When Father Emperor scolded him, his cousin found it harder to swallow food than he did. When he was beaten and humiliated at the military review grounds, his cousin nearly wasted away to skin and bones. After finally stabilizing the pregnancy and becoming plump again, what if she suddenly heard that Second Brother had been praised profusely by Father Emperor and couldn’t eat again?
“It’s nothing. Yesterday at court, Father Emperor praised Elder Brother for handling his assignment well, and I felt somewhat uncomfortable about it.” In the end, Prince Qing deflected with this.
Second Brother’s legs were already crippled yet he could still surpass him—naturally Prince Qing didn’t want his cousin to know.
Zheng Yuanzhen felt a slight tightness in her chest, but verifying the canal was simple enough. Prince Kang’s success was to be expected, so she didn’t pay it much mind. In any case, Mother already had an excellent strategy to suppress Prince Kang.
She comforted Prince Qing: “It’s just a small achievement. Third Brother need not worry too much. The days ahead are still long.”
Prince Qing smiled, and after finishing his meal went to attend to his duties.
With the cold weather, Prince Qing also gave up riding horses and switched to taking a carriage. Upon arriving outside the palace, Prince Qing jumped down from the carriage and immediately spotted the backs of Prince Kang and Minister Gu, the Left Vice Minister of Finance ahead—this Minister Gu could also be considered half a father-in-law to Prince Kang.
Minister Gu was just forty-five or forty-six. Once the Minister of Finance above him retired, barring any accidents, Minister Gu would move up to that position.
Prince Qing felt sour again. Among the three brothers, in terms of the backgrounds of their principal consorts and side consorts, Elder Brother’s side was top-notch in every respect. When Father Emperor arranged Elder Brother’s marriage, Second Brother hadn’t yet established merit on the Southern Border battlefield, which showed that Father Emperor probably favored Elder Brother even then. After going around in circles, Second Brother crippled his legs, and Father Emperor began favoring Elder Brother again…
Wait, that’s not right. If Father Emperor truly favored Elder Brother, why did he lavishly praise Second Brother in public yesterday, embarrassing Elder Brother?
Prince Qing froze in place.
Prince Kang hadn’t noticed him, and Minister Gu didn’t look back either. With his hands tucked in his sleeves, eyes slightly narrowed against the cold wind, neck hunched and lips pressed together, he showed no intention of making small talk with Prince Kang.
Prince Kang also had nothing to chat idly about with Minister Gu. Yesterday’s matter had already passed with the three brothers’ evening banquet. He was calculating an account he needed to settle today.
The next day was a rest day. Prince Qing, disregarding his maternal grandfather’s previous instructions, came to the Shen manor again.
Upon reaching the study, Prince Qing anxiously recounted his speculation.
Shen Shiyan, holding a small hand warmer, listened expressionlessly as his grandson finished. Only when his grandson asked for his opinion did Shen Shiyan say: “The sovereign’s heart is difficult to fathom. This old man also cannot guess what the Emperor is truly thinking. This old minister only knows to be loyal to the Emperor. Whatever duties the Emperor assigns this old man, this old man will fulfill them completely. Whichever prince the Emperor ultimately designates as heir apparent, this old man will respectfully follow the imperial decree and respect that heir apparent.”
These bureaucratic evasive words made Prince Qing’s heart sink even colder. He slumped back against the chair, and only after a long while did he give a bitter laugh: “Grandfather, tell me the truth. Do I have no chance at all anymore?”
Shen Shiyan responded with a sigh: “The sovereign’s heart is difficult to fathom. This old man maintains what he said—Your Highness should do well in your duties, and leave everything else to the Emperor’s judgment.”
If the Emperor favored Prince Kang, his grandson could still exert some effort and compete. But with Prince Hui—Prince Hui who despite having crippled legs could still achieve merit and moved the Emperor to cherish his talent—then his grandson and Prince Kang together stood no chance.
Prince Kang, who hadn’t thought that far, spent a good day accompanying his consort and children. The next morning, as usual, he first went to pay respects to Consort Liu.
After hearing her son’s words, Consort Liu struggled to control her expression and smiled: “Prince Hui’s excellent memory is indeed rare. Your father praising him is appropriate. You are his elder brother; you must not quibble over this.”
If her son came to her cheerfully but left looking distracted as if struck by lightning, then the Emperor would guess what gossip she and her son had been chewing over.
Prince Kang smiled honestly: “Where has Mother Consort’s mind gone? Your son is not that kind of person.”
Consort Liu: “Mother knows you are broad-minded. I just fear someone whispering provocations in your ear, especially Prince Qing. He has suffered repeated setbacks with the Emperor, and right now he can’t wait for you to become jealous of Prince Hui. Best if he can provoke you into speaking coldly to Prince Hui or even doing something to the wheelchair, making the Emperor angry with you—that would please him.”
Prince Kang said angrily: “He’s dreaming! I would never treat Second Brother that way in this lifetime!”
Second Brother’s legs were already crippled—how heartless would he have to be to strike at Second Brother?
Consort Liu smiled: “Good. Go on then. The Ministry of Finance is busiest at year’s end. Be careful and don’t make any mistakes anywhere.”
Prince Kang bowed and took his leave.
Consort Liu watched her son leave. When the room quieted, she waved to dismiss the palace attendants who wanted to come in and serve, sitting alone in a daze.
As Consort Liu predicted, after the evening shift ended at dusk, Prince Qing was indeed waiting for Prince Kang on the road.
Prince Kang made no effort to hide the unwelcoming expression on his face: “What are you waiting for me for?”
Prince Qing smiled: “Elder Brother’s wine is fragrant. I’d like to go to Elder Brother’s place for two more bowls.”
Prince Kang walked while lecturing him: “Both your sisters-in-law are pregnant. When your Second Brother drank with us, he was concerned about your Second Sister-in-law. But you—instead of going home early when you have nothing to do, you want to beg wine from me. If this reaches Cousin’s ears, she’ll think I deliberately detained you.”
Prince Qing: “Cousin isn’t that petty. Elder Brother, just host me once. I have something to tell you.”
Prince Kang: “I won’t host you. If you want wine, I’ll have someone send you two jars. You can drink however you like at home.”
Prince Qing: “…”
Catching up to Prince Kang who had quickened his pace, he said in a low voice: “What I want to tell you about is Father Emperor planning to establish Second Brother as heir apparent.”
Prince Kang’s steps halted. He turned to look at Third Brother beside him. Meeting Third Brother’s meaningful gaze, Prince Kang suddenly burst into loud laughter that drew the attention of officials ahead and behind.
Prince Qing: “…”
Laughing until his whole body heated up, Prince Kang patted Prince Qing’s shoulder, his eyes actually showing a trace of coldness: “Other matters aside, if you say one more word in the future trying to sow discord between me and your Second Brother, don’t blame me for no longer treating you as Third Brother.”
Heavily squeezing Prince Qing’s shoulder blade, Prince Kang went on his way.
Ridiculous. Father Emperor was merely being fair in rewards and punishments. How could he possibly establish Second Brother in a wheelchair as heir apparent just for one achievement in recommending talent?
Prince Kang didn’t believe him, his maternal grandfather ignored him, and whether Mother Consort believed it or not didn’t matter much either. Prince Qing felt suffocated and could only find an opportunity to speak privately with Princess Imperial Fucheng about this matter when she came to visit Zheng Yuanzhen.
Princess Imperial Fucheng had heard about it long ago. She hoped her son-in-law would sit in that position, so naturally she paid attention to court affairs. She came today fearing her daughter would be frightened again. Fortunately, Prince Qing was still somewhat sensible and had concealed the news of Prince Hui receiving credit.
“So what if it’s true? Do you still have a way to make the Emperor change his mind?”
Standing in the bleak winter scenery of Prince Qing’s manor’s back garden, Princess Imperial Fucheng’s tone and expression were both indifferent.
Prince Qing felt his aunt’s disdain and lowered his head in shame, taking the opportunity to hide the dissatisfaction in his eyes.
Looking at his useless appearance, Princess Imperial Fucheng knew that Prince Qing had ambition but no scheming. Even if he was unwilling, he lacked the courage to put it into action.
In that case, rather than telling Prince Qing about her plan and having him either anxiously worried or accidentally leaking it, it was better to continue keeping him in the dark.
Whether Prince Kang established merit or Prince Hui established merit from the same canal, as long as problems arose with the canal, neither could expect anything good.
Princess Imperial Fucheng had her own connections to understand court affairs. Yao Huang’s only connection was Prince Hui by her side. As for her father and brother, both served outside the imperial city and weren’t qualified to attend court sessions, usually associating only with people of similar rank.
If Prince Hui didn’t tell her, Yao Huang wouldn’t deliberately probe into court matters.
With the New Year approaching and officials going on holiday, a thick layer of snow had accumulated again on the lake in Prince Hui’s manor’s back garden.
Yao Huang wanted to go admire the snow.
Zhao Sui, seeing the Princess Consort’s eyes full of longing for the snowy scenery, had Qing Ai and Fei Quan bring out the large rosewood wheelchair he had used when the Princess Consort first married into the manor. The wheelchair seat was also laid with a thick fox fur cushion.
Helped by A’Ji to sit on the large rosewood wheelchair, Yao Huang glanced at Prince Hui sitting in the small wheelchair and couldn’t help laughing—laughing until Zhao Sui worried the Princess Consort might disturb the pregnancy.
“What are you laughing at?” he asked helplessly.
The maids had all withdrawn to a distance. Yao Huang leaned on the wheelchair armrest next to Prince Hui’s side and used her other hand to gesture at the difference in their head heights, saying: “Doesn’t it look like I’m riding a tall steed while Your Highness is only riding a small donkey?”
Zhao Sui: “…”
Yao Huang patted the wide space still remaining beside her and invited: “Your Highness, sit with me. That way we can talk along the way. Otherwise, when I want to chat, I’ll have to lean over to find you.”
Zhao Sui: “…How would they push?”
Yao Huang: “Have Qing Ai and Fei Quan do it together. After all, I’m just going to admire the scenery. I’m not going to say anything inappropriate to Your Highness that they shouldn’t hear.”
Prince Hui timely avoided the Princess Consort’s smiling eyes full of suggestion.
After discussing it, Yao Huang got down from the wheelchair first. After Qing Ai and Fei Quan helped Prince Hui sit down, she sat beside Prince Hui.
The wheelchair moved. Yao Huang turned her head and asked: “Is it easy to push?”
Fei Quan smiled: “Easy to push. The Princess Consort is as light as a swallow. There’s not much difference from when we push Your Highness alone.”
The Princess Consort laughed again.
Zhao Sui grasped her hand.
The Princess Consort stopped laughing and naturally leaned over, also spreading the blanket covering her legs over Prince Hui’s legs.
Prince Hui looked at the Princess Consort pillowing his arm and instructed: “You two, focus on the path beneath your feet and guard against slipping.”
Fei Quan and Qing Ai quietly exchanged glances and said in unison: “Yes.”
Where was there any need for His Highness to specifically remind them? As long as His Highness and the Princess Consort were together, they wouldn’t look carelessly.
The large rosewood wheelchair pushed by two people smoothly stopped by the lakeside. At this point, Qing Ai and Fei Quan withdrew to a distance.
Yao Huang looked toward the spot where Prince Hui had built that Princess Consort snowman last winter.
Zhao Sui also remembered this matter and said: “I’ll build another one.”
Yao Huang shook her head. The hand hidden under the blanket grasped Prince Hui’s large hand that would seemingly never be as warm as hers: “I couldn’t bear to have Your Highness freeze out here.”
Next year then—next winter she could accompany Prince Hui in building snowmen again!