“Jixiang?” Yu Jin’s expression was somewhat strange.
If he remembered correctly, Jixiang was that white cat often seen in the Imperial Study or Yangxin Hall, the one that usually ignored his royal father.
The one whose size was gradually approaching that of two oxen.
Noticing that this white cat named Jixiang showed little interest in vying for the Emperor’s favor, clever young eunuchs had brought in two more cats, the playful kind. Yet, Emperor Jingming still preferred this white cat, often feeding it treats like meat strips and dried fish.
Although Jixiang seemed indifferent to its master, it had no qualms about accepting the dried fish. Over time, it had grown quite plump.
Seeing Yu Jin’s unusual expression, Emperor Jingming’s face turned serious. He said coolly, “I just happened to remember. Let’s go.”
Joke’s on you, it’s just a cat, would he really be anxious to find it? Of course he would, but only after sending his son away. Otherwise, where would he put his imperial face?
Worried that Jixiang might wander off and be mistreated by inconsiderate people, Emperor Jingming quickly gave Pan Hai a meaningful look.
Although Pan Hai caught the Emperor’s glance and understood his intention, he pretended to be oblivious.
He wasn’t going to look for that cat!
That greedy, lazy, cunning white cat was probably still in Yuquan Palace watching Noble Consort Xian throw her tantrum and smash teacups. Going there now would only invite trouble. Moreover, Jixiang was unpredictable and could scratch him at any moment. If that happened, His Majesty wouldn’t even take his side; he’d just have to accept his bad luck.
The old eunuch, vaguely aware that his status in the Emperor’s heart had been surpassed by a white cat, walked straight ahead without a sideways glance.
Seeing his usually perceptive old eunuch show no reaction, Emperor Jingming felt dejected.
Wasn’t Pan Hai usually quite observant? What was wrong with him today? Not only did he not react, but there was also a fleeting look of resentment. It was like the expression he occasionally saw on some consorts’ faces when he visited other concubines’ palaces.
This thought flashed through his mind, startling Emperor Jingming.
He must be overthinking!
As they were about to reach Yangxin Hall, Emperor Jingming, eager to find Jixiang, paused and lightly coughed, “Ahem, Seventh, you may go now.”
They had almost reached Yangxin Hall, and this boy still wasn’t leaving. How could he be so obtuse?
“Son takes his leave,” Yu Jin bowed formally, then nodded slightly to Pan Hai before being led out of the palace by a young eunuch.
Seeing Yu Jin walk away, Emperor Jingming hurriedly turned back.
Pan Hai quickly reminded him, “Your Majesty, Commander Han is still waiting for you.”
Emperor Jingming glanced at Pan Hai, irritated, “What, Han Ran can’t wait for me a bit longer?”
Hmph, knowing he had been cuckolded, it was already generous of him not to have old Han executed. What more could he want?
Pan Hai pretended to slap himself, “This slave spoke out of turn. Then, are you going to—”
“Of course, I’m going back to find Jixiang!” Emperor Jingming impatiently tossed out these words and turned around first.
He was certain now that Pan Hai must have left his brain behind today; his reactions were far less sharp than usual. If he wasn’t going back to find Jixiang, did Pan Hai think he was going to see Noble Consort Xian?
Ahem, it’s not that he was being heartless towards Noble Consort Xian, but he had already visited her twice today. He didn’t even visit the Empress Dowager this frequently.
The eunuch sent to summon Prince Qi had just reached the palace gates when he encountered Prince Qi entering to pay respects to Noble Consort Xian.
Seeing the eunuch from Yuquan Palace, Prince Qi instinctively frowned, “Where are you going?”
The eunuch quickly replied, “Your Highness has come at the perfect time. Noble Consort was just about to summon you to the palace.”
“What’s wrong with Noble Consort?”
“Noble Consort just argued with Prince Yan. Even His Majesty went over…”
Prince Qi’s expression changed slightly, “Is that so?”
There was no need to say more to a mere eunuch. Prince Qi quickened his pace towards Yuquan Palace.
In Yuquan Palace, the mess on the ground had been cleaned up, but Noble Consort Xian’s mood was still extremely foul.
She didn’t have much affection for Seventh Prince and knew he wasn’t close to her either. But she never imagined that not only was he not close, he didn’t even have the slightest awareness of being a son.
Now she did not doubt that even if she died, that wretched child wouldn’t shed a single tear. He might even rejoice.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
Fortunately, a eunuch soon reported that Prince Qi had arrived, breaking the icy atmosphere in Yuquan Palace.
Noble Consort Xian sat on a chaise lounge, raising her eyes to watch Prince Qi enter. A warmth gradually grew in her heart, “How did you come so quickly?”
Prince Qi, happy to please Noble Consort Xian, said, “Son thought that since Seventh Brother returned yesterday, he might come to visit Mother Consort today. So I came over, hoping to gather with Mother Consort and Seventh Brother since it’s not easy for us to get together usually.”
As he spoke, he quickly approached, showing concern, “Mother Consort, why do you look unwell?”
Noble Consort Xian gestured for the palace servants to withdraw and sneered, “It’s already good that I wasn’t angered to death by that beast Seventh. How could I look well?”
“Mother Consort, what exactly happened?”
Noble Consort Xian recounted the events, and as she recalled what had just transpired, her foul mood took over again. She said coldly, “You’re a foolish child, still wanting to be close to that beast. I think he’d be happier if both of us were dead, so he could act even more recklessly!”
“Mother Consort, surely Seventh Brother wouldn’t—”
Noble Consort Xian raised her eyebrows high, “Fourth, kindness should be given selectively. Give up on Seventh; don’t fantasize about any brotherly bond. How can someone so heartless towards his birth mother be good to his brothers?”
Prince Qi sighed and said softly, “Son didn’t expect Seventh Brother to be like this. I thought brothers should support each other, and we could still—”
Noble Consort Xian waved her hand and advised, “Now is a crucial time. Prince Shu is your biggest rival. I’m afraid Seventh might hinder you, so you must be on guard against him in the future.”
Prince Qi nodded solemnly, “Son understands.”
Noble Consort Xian relaxed slightly.
That wretched child had indeed angered her greatly, relying on the Emperor’s protection to think she was helpless. Well, we’ll see about that. When Fourth succeeds, there will be time to deal with him.
“His Majesty arrives—”
This announcement startled both Noble Consort Xian and Prince Qi, causing them to look at each other in surprise.
Before they could react, Emperor Jingming had already entered. Seeing Prince Qi at a glance, he frowned, “Fourth, why are you here?”
He had only been gone for a short while; how was the Fourth Prince already in Yuquan Palace?
Emperor Jingming suppressed his displeasure and looked at Prince Qi.
Prince Qi thought to himself, “This is bad,” and quickly bowed to Emperor Jingming, explaining, “Son came to visit Mother Consort.”
Emperor Jingming glanced at Noble Consort Xian and said coolly, “Uh, Noble Consort is unwell, and Fourth came so quickly. Your filial piety is commendable.”
Is Prince Qi’s mansion’s intelligence network a bit too efficient?
Prince Qi’s face stiffened, realizing Emperor Jingming had misunderstood. He hurriedly said, “Son originally didn’t know Mother Consort was unwell. I just thought it had been a while since I last visited Mother Consort, so I came to the palace to see her…”
Emperor Jingming’s expression remained cold, “Mm, now that you’ve seen her, you can return to your mansion.”
Did they expect him to believe such a coincidence?
Hmph, explanations are just cover-ups. He couldn’t be bothered to listen. He’d rather use this time to find Jixiang.