The Crown Prince’s residence was never still — palace maids and eunuchs passed to and fro in constant flow, and the guards stationed in plain sight, as well as those concealed in hidden positions, were considerable in number.
With so many people about, it was inevitable that some would be spies planted by Empress Xu and her son. If anything confidential and sensitive was to be discussed, a secure location was naturally required.
Both the Crown Prince’s and the Crown Grandson’s studies contained private chambers, set apart and inaccessible to all unauthorized persons.
After the Crown Grandson and Wei Yan entered the secret chamber, the door was pulled firmly shut. Neither the visible guards nor the concealed ones were permitted to approach, and Wang Tong stood watch personally outside.
The door to this chamber was also of a specially constructed design — exceedingly thick, with exceptional soundproofing. Once closed, even pressing one’s ear flush against it, not a single sound could be heard.
Wang Tong’s gaze swept the surroundings with alert eyes as he quietly turned things over in his mind.
Wei Taiyi was being this grave and cautious — what on earth could it be about?
The Crown Grandson and Wei Taiyi had already been inside for quite some time. The hour for the midday meal had long since passed. Why were they still not finished?
He waited an unknown stretch of time before the door finally opened.
The Crown Grandson emerged first, then Wei Yan followed.
Wang Tong exhaled with relief and stole a quick glance upward.
The Crown Grandson’s face was blank, giving nothing away. Then he looked at Wei Taiyi — equally composed, revealing nothing. From the expressions of both men, it was impossible to glean even the faintest hint of what had transpired.
“Your Highness, the noon hour has already passed. Shall the meal be served?” Wang Tong ventured carefully.
At this hour, should Wei Taiyi be invited to stay for the midday meal?
The Crown Grandson gave Wang Tong a faint sidelong glance — as if finding him meddlesome. Then he looked at Wei Yan, his tone carrying no real sincerity. “Wei Taiyi, why not stay and share the midday meal before you go?”
Wei Yan smiled slightly. “I am grateful for Your Highness’s kind offer. I have already lingered at the Crown Prince’s residence for a good while today and ought to return to the Imperial Medical Academy. I shall take my leave now.”
Having said this, he clasped his hands and withdrew.
The Crown Grandson made no further effort to detain him, and instructed Wang Tong to see Wei Yan out of the residence on his behalf.
Wang Tong accepted the order, and respectfully escorted Wei Yan out of the Crown Prince’s residence. He watched as Wei Yan’s upright figure receded into the distance. The unanswered question from before rose again in Wang Tong’s mind.
What had Wei Taiyi said to the Crown Grandson inside that chamber?
Unfortunately, it was a question destined to remain locked in his own thoughts — one that could never be voiced aloud.
Wang Tong returned to report. “Your Highness. Wei Taiyi has gone.”
The Crown Grandson acknowledged this casually, his expression unreadable.
Wang Tong studied the Crown Grandson’s countenance with careful discretion. He had served at the Crown Grandson’s side for several years and was familiar with his temperament. He could tell, from the Crown Grandson’s bearing, that his mood at this moment was far from pleasant.
The Crown Grandson was not one to share his troubles. He said quietly, “Have the meal brought.”
Wang Tong responded with assent and called aloud for the eunuchs to bring the meal.
Exquisite, beautifully prepared dishes were carried in one after another, but the Crown Grandson clearly had no appetite. He picked at the food for only a few bites before setting down his chopsticks. Afterward, he returned to his sleeping quarters to rest.
All the attendants were dismissed.
The Crown Grandson lay on his bed with his eyes closed, his thoughts scattered and in turmoil, unable to settle for a long while. It was as though an unnamed fire smoldered endlessly in his chest, yet there was nowhere to release it.
And so his mood grew all the heavier.
In the days that followed, the Crown Grandson’s mood showed no signs of improving.
Wang Tong, as his personal guard, could not avoid the brunt of the Crown Grandson’s foul temper. Even the various attendants of the Eastern Palace were whispering among themselves in private.
“His Highness the Crown Grandson’s mood has seemed rather poor lately. Two days ago, when I went to report something, I was scolded simply for speaking a little too slowly.”
“I was also reprimanded yesterday.”
“Don’t even mention it — I just came back from His Highness’s presence. His face didn’t have a trace of a smile. He just stared at me, and my legs started shaking…”
The group gathered together, venting their grievances and speculating about the reason behind it all.
“Why is His Highness in such a foul temper? Could it be because the Emperor has been giving Prince Yan special favor lately? I hear the Empress has already arranged a match for Prince Yan — the second daughter of Duke Pingguo’s household. The betrothal gifts are to be sent any day now. With that kind of alliance, Prince Yan can openly court the military generals. That is hardly good news for our Eastern Palace.”
“That may not be it. His Highness is young, but he’s not without composure. In my view, His Highness’s poor mood is more likely because his own marriage has been left undecided for so long. Miss Su and Miss Jiang are both excellent candidates — he must simply not know which one to choose.”
“Stop speculating, all of you. In my opinion, His Highness has lofty ambitions. Any low spirits would be due to affairs of state — not something as tender-hearted as matters of love…”
Even the Crown Prince’s Consort had noticed something was wrong. She had a special evening meal prepared and sent someone to invite the Crown Grandson to join her.
After the Crown Grandson had paid his respects, he and the Crown Prince’s Consort sat down at the table.
The Crown Prince’s Consort piled his bowl high with food. “A’Yao, you’ve grown noticeably thinner of late. These are all your favorites — please eat more tonight.”
In front of others, the Crown Prince’s Consort maintained a dignified bearing, but with the Crown Grandson, she was warm and tender, her face filled with concern.
The Crown Grandson murmured a vague acknowledgment and forced himself to eat a little more than usual.
Even the most delicious food tasted like nothing in his mouth. Forcing himself through one bowl of plain rice congee with hardly any sense of what he was eating, the Crown Grandson finally set down his chopsticks.
The Crown Prince’s Consort watched and could not help but furrow her brow.
No one knows a son’s temperament better than his own mother. This was not a lack of appetite — he was clearly weighed down by something heavy on his mind, unable to eat or drink properly. It seemed the rumors of recent days had all been true after all…
The Crown Prince’s Consort set down her own chopsticks shortly after. She waved her hand, and the palace maids attending them withdrew.
“A’Yao, what has been the matter with you these past days?” The Crown Prince’s Consort’s expression grew slightly grave, and her tone firmed. “Is it the affairs of the court that weigh on you, or are you unhappy about Prince Yan’s engagement?”
The Crown Grandson frowned, answering with a trace of impatience. “I’m not weighed down by anything. Prince Yan settling his marriage sooner is no cause for displeasure on my part.”
“Look at yourself — who could believe that!” The Crown Prince’s Consort gave a light scoff. “Every person around you has been scolded. And the Eastern Palace attendants — they walk in and out on eggshells. Still you say nothing is wrong? Do you think everyone else is blind and can see nothing?”
The Crown Grandson’s lips pressed into a thin line. He neither admitted nor denied it.
The Crown Prince’s Consort sighed and softened her tone. “A’Yao, I am your own mother. Whatever is weighing on your heart — can’t you tell me?”
The Crown Grandson’s gaze darkened. After a long pause, he said quietly, “There truly is nothing wrong. I have just been in a somewhat low mood these past days, and my temper has been a little more irritable than usual. Do not worry, Mother Consort. It will not be like this going forward.”