The Virtuous Prince’s Manor wasn’t large, but it wasn’t small either. However, this place wasn’t newly built—it should have been left vacant after some wealthy family moved away from the capital in the past, which was why it was slightly old.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites had arranged it quite well.

From now on, this place would be his home.

Shen Changqin led him inside and introduced him to the steward. There were quite a few maids and young servants in the manor. He then led him around for a tour before giving him some final instructions and leaving.

On the first day Jing Xian moved in, many ministers at court sent congratulatory gifts.

However—

The custom of court ministers sending gifts was always linked to the size of one’s power. Jing Xian had just entered court and his connections weren’t deep, so the gifts those court officials sent were big boxes with small contents.

Just for show.

Moreover, what they sent were all extremely ordinary items.

Though Jing Xian understood in his heart, he didn’t say it aloud. After accepting everything one by one, he specifically sent people to each household to express his thanks.

Very courteous!

That evening, he stood alone in the courtyard, looking up at the hairy moon hanging in the dark night sky.

Who knew what he was thinking.

The manor’s steward brought him a thick cloak to drape over his shoulders and said with concern, “Your Highness, the wind has picked up outside. You should go in and rest.”

“You needn’t mind me. Go rest.”

“But…” The steward didn’t say more and prepared to leave.

Jing Xian suddenly asked, “By the way, where are the pigeons I brought?”

“In the room.”

“Bring them to me, and also prepare ink, paper, and an inkstone.”

“Yes.”

The steward prepared everything for him one by one, then withdrew.

The three pigeons in the cage were very well-behaved, nestled inside without moving.

He lightly tapped one pigeon’s head with his finger and said with a smile, “From now on, this will be your home.”

“Coo, coo, coo…”

As if it understood human speech.

He smiled, then wrote some characters on the paper. He neatly tore off a strip, rolled it into a scroll, stuffed it into a small bamboo tube, and released one pigeon from the cage. He tied that tiny bamboo tube to the pigeon’s leg.

Released it!

“Go.”

The pigeon flapped its wings in the air a few times before finally landing on the rooftop. It lingered there for quite a while before flying away.

Gradually disappearing into the night…

Jing Xian watched, his eyes growing deeper and deeper!

The next day, he changed into court robes and stepped into the Golden Palace Hall for the first time.

Standing in the position where Jing Yi had once stood!

Only the two were completely different.

One embodied both ambition and hostility.

The other was as refined as a scholar.

Jing Xian didn’t understand court matters. Throughout the entire session, he only stood quietly to the side, eyes downcast, saying nothing, asking nothing—simply listening quietly with a proper attitude of learning.

During this time, Emperor Qizhen did ask him a few questions, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn’t answer a single one.

Making people anxious.

After court was dismissed, he called out to Jingrong and deeply thanked him. “Jingrong, thank you.”

Very sincere!

Jingrong patted his shoulder. “You and I are brothers—why the thanks? Besides, Muruo is my best friend. He knows your heart’s desire and couldn’t bear seeing you trapped in the palace all the time. Helping you is only proper.”

“Regardless, thank you. It’s just that I’m truly confused about court matters.”

“There are many rules at court. You needn’t rush. Take your time understanding, and you’ll naturally comprehend.”

Jing Xian nodded heavily.

Such a refined person looked completely harmless.

Jingrong truly hoped he was overthinking things!

Just then—

A young eunuch hurried over. “Greetings to both Your Highnesses.”

“What is it?”

“The Emperor summons the Virtuous Prince to the hall.”

Jing Xian froze, somewhat nervous.

His eyes tightened.

Jingrong comforted him, “Don’t worry.”

He forced a smile and then followed the young eunuch.

Behind him, Jingrong watched his figure and let out a stifled breath.

…

At Fuyang Hall.

After entering, Jing Xian stood in the center of the hall for a long time.

But Emperor Qizhen only focused on reviewing memorials, not raising his head even once.

As if treating him like a transparent person!

One incense stick, two incense sticks, three incense sticks…

Nearly half an hour passed this way.

Though Jing Xian had just recovered from serious illness, standing for so long inevitably made his legs tremble. Yet he forced himself to endure, gritting his teeth.

Finally, Emperor Qizhen closed the last memorial and set it aside.

Zhang Quan then brought over a cup of hot tea.

“Your Majesty, drink some tea to warm yourself.”

He picked up the teacup and took a sip, only then looking toward Jing Xian who stood properly in the hall.

His brow furrowed.

He set down the teacup.

“Today was your first time attending court. How did it feel?” Emperor Qizhen’s voice was low, as if inquiring about someone completely unrelated to himself.

Old man, this person is your son—at least use a better tone!

Jing Xian replied respectfully, “This son is clumsy and doesn’t understand many things. I also know I’m not as capable as Jingrong and the court ministers, but I will work hard to learn in the future.”

“Mm, as long as you have this intention. It wasn’t in vain that I agreed to Jingrong’s request to let you attend court.”

“Thank you, Father Emperor.”

“But your health has only just recovered. You mustn’t overexert yourself. Though I’ve permitted you to attend court, you needn’t worry too much about court matters. Just take care of your health. There are still Jingrong and the court ministers to handle major court affairs.” The implication was obvious.

Put plainly, he didn’t want this son meddling in court affairs at all.

In name, he agreed to let him attend court.

But in reality, he absolutely wouldn’t let him touch matters of governance.

Jing Xian understood in his heart, but on the surface he was obedient and compliant, cupping his hands. “Yes, this son understands.”

Emperor Qizhen continued instructing, “Also, you’ve only just left the palace, and there are many matters at the Virtuous Prince’s Manor. Though I ordered the Ministry of Rites to arrange things for you, the Ministry of Rites isn’t only busy with your manor. So I’ve also ordered Liang Zongzheng to go help you arrange things. Tell him whatever you need. After all, you’re a prince—the Virtuous Prince’s Manor cannot be too simple, or it would be beneath your status.”

“Thank you for Father Emperor’s concern. Actually, the manor is already very good.”

“It’s not like when you were at Tongren Hall. What should be requested must be requested.”

“Yes.”

His tone remained neither cold nor warm, neither light nor heavy throughout.

Emperor Qizhen’s hands on the desk table tightened slightly. He opened his mouth as if he still had something to say, but he swallowed it back down and waved his hand. “Forget it. You may go.”

Jing Xian raised his head, looked at him once, then quickly lowered his gaze again and cupped his hands. “This son takes his leave.”

Head bowed, he quietly withdrew.

After he left, Emperor Qizhen remained deeply worried.

Zhang Quan saw this and stepped forward slightly, bowing. “Is Your Majesty troubled by that matter from years ago?”

He let out a sigh. “Though the matter has already passed for fifteen years, whenever I think of it, how can my heart not ache? Forcing his mother consort to drink poisoned wine and die right before her own son’s eyes—how could he not hate me? I ordered that he not be permitted to leave the palace and establish a manor also because I feared his hatred would turn to enmity.”

Zhang Quan said, “Now that the Virtuous Prince is like this, he’s probably already let it go. Your Majesty needn’t worry.”

“I hope so.”