The ceremony to reinstate the Crown Prince was considerably simplified due to the disaster in Qianhe County.
The Crown Prince didn’t mind at all. Upon moving back to his long-desired Eastern Palace, he was so delighted he nearly burst into song.
The Crown Princess, however, showed little joy on her face. Instead, deep worry lurked in her eyes.
The Crown Prince noticed this and felt displeased. He wanted to scold her but thought better of it—having just regained his position as Crown Prince, he decided to exercise patience for now.
For the moment, the Eastern Palace maintained an appearance of harmony.
The situation in Qianhe County had grown increasingly dire. Disaster victims, restricted from moving due to the epidemic, had begun gathering and causing unrest.
Officials sent for disaster relief transmitted urgent requests for assistance. Emperor Jingming studied the memorials on his desk, contemplating whom to send for relief efforts.
With the disaster victims in revolt, having a member of the royal family represent the Emperor would undoubtedly help pacify the people’s hearts.
After much consideration, Emperor Jingming decided to assign this task to the Crown Prince.
Although many officials had supported reinstating the Crown Prince earlier, that was because they feared an empty heir apparent position would destabilize the empire—not because they approved of the Crown Prince himself.
Emperor Jingming understood clearly that the Crown Prince was not particularly talented or virtuous. He had never accomplished anything worthy of praise from officials or common people, let alone considering his previous disgrace of being deposed and the stigma of allegedly orchestrating the murder of Prince An.
This stigma had been created to cover an even greater shame, but even such a lesser stigma could one day lead to the Crown Prince being suppressed by senior officials.
Emperor Jingming hoped the Crown Prince could build up more achievements, which would help secure his position in the future.
“Pan Hai, summon the Crown Prince.”
The Crown Prince had just been flirting with palace maids in his familiar small garden when he was called to the Imperial Study.
Previously, when he had been deposed, he had followed Master Yang’s advice to earnestly curry favor with Emperor Jingming to regain his position. Now that he was Crown Prince again, his attitude had changed—that natural fear of his imperial father had returned.
“Father Emperor, did you summon me for something?” the Crown Prince asked cautiously.
Emperor Jingming glanced at him and frowned. “What were you doing?”
The Crown Prince instantly grew nervous.
He had only held a palace maid’s hand in the garden—could his father have discovered even that?
The Crown Prince forced a laugh and said, “I was just taking a walk in the garden…”
Emperor Jingming cared little whether his son was walking in the garden or touching palace maids’ hands. He asked, “Have you adjusted to being back in the Eastern Palace?”
“Very much so!” the Crown Prince hurriedly replied.
Emperor Jingming’s mouth twitched. “Remember your place in the future. Don’t act recklessly.”
“Son understands.” The Crown Prince lowered his head and answered obediently.
He now thoroughly understood that no matter how beautiful the women were, he couldn’t touch his father’s consorts.
Looking at the Crown Prince’s demeanor gave Emperor Jingming a headache. His only consolation was that the Crown Prince’s son was promising. If he lived long enough to see grandson Chun grow up, he might as well pass the throne directly to him.
With this thought, Emperor Jingming became less critical of the Crown Prince. He cleared his throat and said, “I have a task for you.”
The Crown Prince was stunned.
A task?
In all his years, his father had never really assigned him any tasks… Could it be that his father was finally entrusting him with important responsibilities?
The Crown Prince perked up, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Emperor Jingming.
Emperor Jingming stroked his chin and asked slowly, “You know about the situation in Qianhe County?”
“Qianhe County? Father Emperor, you mean the earthquake? Of course, I know,” the Crown Prince quickly replied.
If not for the earthquake in Qianhe County, which had then affected the capital, he might still be confined in the Summer Garden.
Emperor Jingming’s expression grew solemn. “It’s not just the earthquake. Now there’s an epidemic in Qianhe County, and disaster victims are rioting…”
Unable to gauge Emperor Jingming’s intention, the Crown Prince followed along, “The people of Qianhe County are truly suffering terribly. It pains my heart so much I can’t sleep at night.”
Emperor Jingming’s eyes showed approval. “It’s good that you have such concern. I summoned you because I want you to go to Qianhe County as my representative to comfort the people…”
The Crown Prince froze.
Had he heard wrong? His father wanted him to go to Qianhe County!
Qianhe County, with its epidemic and riots!
The Crown Prince stared blankly at Emperor Jingming, with only one thought in his mind: Father must still harbor resentment over the matter with Consort Yang, otherwise, why would he send his son to his death?
“What’s wrong, you don’t want to go?” Seeing his son’s foolish expression, Emperor Jingming’s temper flared again.
This good-for-nothing who only knew how to eat, drink, play, and chase palace maids—he cowers as soon as there’s real work to be done!
Catching Emperor Jingming’s deep gaze, the Crown Prince suddenly snapped back to his senses. With a stiff smile, he said, “Of course I want to go…”
Emperor Jingming nodded. “Good that you’re willing. Go tell the Crown Princess and make preparations. You’ll depart tomorrow.”
The Crown Prince nearly collapsed. Seeing Emperor Jingming’s serious expression showed this was no joke. Finally unable to keep up pretenses, he said tearfully, “Father Emperor, although I’m willing, I’m somewhat afraid… I don’t know how severe the epidemic in Qianhe County is…”
Emperor Jingming cast a sideways glance at his spineless son.
No matter how frightening the epidemic might be, it was under control. Once in Qianhe County, they could be flexible about entering the city. His son was truly inexperienced—he was already terrified before even going.
“The severity of the epidemic can only be known after seeing it firsthand,” Emperor Jingming said flatly, wanting to observe the Crown Prince’s reaction.
The Crown Prince’s face paled considerably.
Emperor Jingming’s expression darkened. “If you don’t want to go—”
“I want to go!” the Crown Prince quickly interrupted.
He had just regained his position as Crown Prince, his seat barely warm—he couldn’t disappoint his father now.
Emperor Jingming silently watched the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince steeled himself and said, “Father Emperor, I’ve never left the capital in all my life. Being given such an important task for the first time makes me quite nervous. I wonder if it would be possible…”
“Speak your mind,” Emperor Jingming softened his tone.
Though the Crown Prince was somewhat cowardly, it wasn’t bad that he knew his limitations.
“Could I have a companion go with me…” the Crown Prince boldly made this request while watching for Emperor Jingming’s reaction.
Emperor Jingming wouldn’t let the Crown Prince read his emotions. He maintained a stern face and considered for a moment before asking, “Who would you like to accompany you?”
The Crown Prince secretly sighed in relief and smiled, “Whoever Father Emperor deems suitable is fine. I’m not picky.”
He understood when to quit while ahead—as long as someone shared his misfortune with him, it would be fine.
“In that case—” Emperor Jingming pondered briefly and instructed Pan Hai, “Summon all the princes.”
Before long, the Imperial Study was crowded with princes, except for Prince Jin who had gone to guard the imperial tombs.
Emperor Jingming silently counted his sons. Seeing the numbers matched, he said gravely, “I’ve summoned you all because I want to select one of you to accompany the Crown Prince to comfort the disaster victims in Qianhe County. Who is willing to go?”
The princes exchanged glances.
Accompany the Crown Prince to Qianhe County?
Their first thought was: This is truly like accompanying the Crown Prince to study!
Their second thought quickly followed: Qianhe County with its severe epidemic and rioting disaster victims? This was truly an arduous task.