AD (QT) Chapter 142

While mother and son were talking, the Crown Prince, Han Wei, strode in with a smile. “What are Mother and Little Brother talking about? I could hear your laughter from far away.”

Han Ze’s cheeks reddened slightly, and his eyes darted around, looking too embarrassed to speak.

Han Wei was extremely surprised. He leaned in and reached out to flick Han Ze’s reddened ear. “Oh? You’re actually acting shy?”

Han Ze swatted his hand away and glared at him with a huff. He then looked at the Empress and complained indignantly, “Mom, look! Big Brother is bullying me again.”

The smile never left the Empress’s face. she gave the Crown Prince a mock glare and scolded, “You too! Why must you always tease your brother?”

Han Wei winked at Han Ze, mocking him: “Only little children tattle.”

Han Ze gave a huff and ignored him.

Seeing that his brother was truly ignoring him, Han Wei tried to coax him: “Don’t be angry anymore. Didn’t you want my gold Pixiu? I’ll have someone bring it to you in a bit.”

Han Ze snapped his head up to look at him, his eyes sparkling. “You’re not lying?”

Han Wei laughed. “I’m not. When has Big Brother ever lied to you?”

Han Ze glared again. “You used to lie to me all the time when we were little.”

Han Wei rubbed his nose sheepishly. Everyone said his brother was silly, but where was he silly? He quickly changed the subject: “What were you two talking about just now?”

Han Ze went silent again.

The Empress cleared her throat and said with a smile, “We were talking about finding a Princess Consort for Aze.”

Han Ze pursed his lips, his cheeks flushing red, though the joy on his face was impossible to hide.

Han Wei gave an “Oh” and teased, “Which family’s lady has managed to win our Aze’s favor and earn the title of Princess Consort?”

Han Ze glared at his brother. “You’re always making fun of me.”

Han Wei teased back, “How am I making fun of you? I’m your brother; can’t I ask which young lady you’ve taken a liking to?”

Han Ze looked at him, seemingly trying to determine if he was being sincere. Finally, he said, “Miss Shen of the Marquis of Yongchang’s house.”

Hearing this, Han Wei’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He knew that their Imperial Father had intended for Aze to marry a daughter from the Duke of Zhen’s house. For that reason, he had even sent someone to investigate that girl. He knew her nature was kind and honest, and most importantly, she loved gold—making her a perfect match for Aze. Her family status was also sufficient; she was an appropriate choice for a Principal Consort.

As for the Marquis of Yongchang, Han Wei had never held a high opinion of him. The man was self-righteous and lacked actual ability. If Aze liked his daughter, he could simply take her into his household as a side-consort; there was no need to wrong Aze by making her the primary wife.

With this thought, he looked at the Empress. The Empress shook her head and said with a smile, “Aze already mentioned this to your Imperial Father. Your father said a marriage decree is a major affair and a lucky day must be chosen. There’s no rush.”

Han Wei’s deep eyes flickered. Usually, dates were only selected for the wedding itself. His father’s words were merely a delay tactic. It seemed there was indeed a problem with the Marquis of Yongchang’s house. His mind whirred as he looked at Han Ze and said, “Since Imperial Father said he will choose a lucky day, then just wait.”

Han Ze gave a simple, honest laugh and gave a heavy “Mm!”

Han Wei’s gaze toward Han Ze was full of indulgence. Aze had only been in the capital for half a year, yet these people already dared to reach out their claws toward him. They likely thought that since the world had only recently stabilized and the court was facing internal and external troubles, father and son were too busy with state affairs to look after Aze. Or perhaps they thought that because Aze was “slow,” his father and brother wouldn’t care if a foolish son or brother was insulted. At this thought, his gaze turned dark and cold.

Han Ze keenly sensed the shift in Han Wei’s mood. Pretending not to notice, he tugged on his brother’s sleeve as a reminder: “Big Brother, where’s the gold Pixiu?”

Han Wei returned to his senses and looked at him.

Han Ze gave him a push. “You just said you were giving it to me. You can’t break your word.”

Han Wei laughed, the lingering malice in his heart dissipating. He immediately said, “It’s just one gold Pixiu. Since I promised it, I’ll give it to you. How could I go back on my word?” He then ordered a servant to go to the Eastern Palace to retrieve it.

Only then did Han Ze smile

Watching his brother happily clutching the gold Pixiu, Han Wei shook his head helplessly. He said, “I haven’t seen Xinghui and Danzhu in a while. Why didn’t you bring them to the palace today?”

Han Ze was busy admiring the gold Pixiu. Hearing Han Wei’s words, he said without looking up, “I’ll bring them next time.”

Han Wei said, “Don’t wait for next time. Bring them to the palace tomorrow. Mother is idle here; it’ll be good for them to keep her company.”

Han Ze looked up at the Empress. “Okay.”

After speaking, he went back to looking at his gold Pixiu.

The Empress said with a smile, “Fine, I won’t keep you for dinner. Aze, you should head back too. Otherwise, only the two little ones will be in that huge Prince’s Mansion; I’m afraid they’ll be scared. Bring them to the palace tomorrow. They’re five years old; it’s high time they started their primary schooling.”

These two children had only recently been brought from the countryside, and their manners and upbringing were lacking. As they were her own grandchildren, she didn’t mind their flaws, but everyone outside was watching them. Regardless of how they were on the inside, they couldn’t make mistakes on the surface; they couldn’t become a laughingstock. Once they learned the rules and could be presented in public, their Imperial Grandfather could formally confer titles upon them.

Han Wei said with a smile, “Let the siblings study alongside Han Chuang.”

The Empress frowned. “Is that appropriate?”

Han Chuang was the Crown Prince’s son; his tutors were all great scholars of the court. Xinghui was one thing, but Danzhu was a girl. Would it be appropriate for such scholars to be tutors to a girl?

Han Wei gave a carefree laugh, his face full of boldness. “There’s nothing inappropriate about it. There are only three children in our family; who would dare say anything?”

The Empress glared at him. “You are the Crown Prince; watch your words.”

Han Wei looked at her dismissively. “Is it not the truth?”

The Empress sighed but reminded him anyway, “Prince Yong and Prince Kang are also your brothers. If you dislike them, so be it, but be mindful in your daily conduct. Their children are also your father’s grandchildren.”

Han Wei gave a huff and said, “I know.” Did she think him stupid? He only said such things in front of his mother.

The Empress waved her hand. “Alright, both of you head back.”

…

As twilight fell, Han Ze returned from the palace clutching the gold Pixiu. He spoke to the smiling Diejin: “I’m hungry. Set the meal.”

After speaking, he placed the gold Pixiu on a low couch and sat there, stroking it continuously.

Diejin’s smile stiffened slightly. She curtsied and said, “Yes.”

When the food was laid out, Han Ze finally decided to let go of the gold Pixiu. He glanced at the table full of food—swimmers from the sea and flyers from the sky were all there. He frowned and said, “I can’t eat all this alone. Have Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu come and eat with me.”

Diejin was slightly stunned. The Prince had an ailment of the mind; even if he loved the Little Prince and the Little County Princess, he couldn’t keep things in his head and was very forgetful. If no one reminded him, even if he occasionally thought of them, he would be distracted by other things and forget them again.

Lately, the Prince’s mind had been entirely on Miss Shen, and it had been many days since he asked to eat with the children. She assumed that since the Prince went to the palace today, perhaps the Emperor and Empress had lectured him, and he had taken it to heart. She didn’t find it that strange.

Xinghui and Danzhu arrived at the residence, followed by an elderly maid. Because they hadn’t seen Han Ze for many days, the five-year-olds had red rims around their eyes. They stared at their father without speaking until the maid sternly reminded them: “The Little Prince and Little County Princess should greet the Prince.”

Xinghui and Danzhu jumped in alarm. They hurriedly knelt and cried out, “Royal Father.”

Han Ze froze. He looked unpleasantly at the maid. “Are you scolding them?”

The maid was stunned. She hadn’t expected the Prince to question her. Wasn’t it said the Prince was a fool?

Seeing the Prince still glaring at her, she hurriedly knelt and said, “Prince, this old servant wouldn’t dare. The Little Prince and Little County Princess have crude manners. I am merely following the Empress’s decree to teach them the rules and etiquette. I was only correcting them.”

Han Ze stood up and pointed at her, saying unhappily, “You say their manners are crude? Don’t think just because I’m ‘slow’ that I don’t know those are words used to curse people! I’m going to tell Dad and Mom. You are all servants, yet you dare to curse your masters! Dad said if anyone bullies me, I should tell him and he’ll seek revenge for me.”

The maid was terrified and didn’t dare to trick him anymore. She knelt and pleaded, “Prince, spare my life! The Empress ordered me to teach them etiquette; I wouldn’t dare harbor other intentions.”

Han Ze countered, “I don’t like you, old lady. Get out.”

The maid panicked. If she were driven out by Prince Chun, the Empress wouldn’t forgive her. She hurriedly looked at Diejin. Diejin stepped forward and said, “Prince, Nanny Xing didn’t mean it. She has the young masters’ best interests at heart; she wants them to learn the palace etiquette as soon as possible. Please forgive her this once.”

Han Ze shot her an angry glare. “Whose side are you on?”

Diejin was stunned. She hadn’t expected the Prince to say that. Usually, whatever she said, the Prince would listen…

Han Ze was full of rage. He said indignantly, “You’re actually taking the side of that old lady who bullied Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu! You’re a bad person too!”

Diejin frowned and took a step toward him, saying softly, “Prince, listen to me…”

Han Ze was full of impatience. He gave her a shove. Diejin stumbled back, her expression full of grievance.

Han Ze glared at her fiercely. “All of you are bad people!”

Diejin’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had served the Prince since he arrived in the capital. He always listened to her. Even the Empress had rewarded her many times. In the Prince’s Mansion, her prestige was often greater than the Prince’s himself. The other servants all called her “Elder Sister” with respect, and she hadn’t even cared much for the Little Prince and County Princess. Now, just because she pleaded for Nanny Xing, the Prince completely disregarded their history and scolded her in front of everyone. How could she maintain her standing in the mansion after this? At this thought, her eyes began to redden.

Han Ze walked over to the kneeling siblings and pulled them up. He asked, “Xiaoxing, Xiaozhu, why haven’t I seen you for so many days?”

Xinghui said, “Royal Father, we were learning the rules with the Nanny.”

Hearing this, Han Ze recalled how the nannies had treated him when he first arrived in the capital. He glared at Nanny Xing again, gave a cough, and said authoritatively, “Go kneel outside.”

Nanny Xing shuddered, not daring to have any more thoughts. She scurried outside to kneel.

Danzhu looked at her father with curiosity. Han Ze asked proudly, “Do I look like him?”

Danzhu’s mouth opened slightly, and she said excitedly, “You look like Imperial Grandfather!”

Han Ze asked happily, “Really? Like your Imperial Grandfather?”

Danzhu nodded. “That’s how Imperial Grandfather looks when he’s angry.”

Han Ze grew even happier. “In the future, if anyone bullies you again, I’ll punish them just like that.”

Xinghui asked uncertainly, “Really?”

Han Ze nodded. “Of course! Come, let’s go eat.”

He grabbed their hands. Danzhu and Xinghui hissed in pain. Han Ze froze and asked urgently, “What’s wrong?”

Xinghui and Danzhu lowered their heads and said nothing, instinctively trying to pull their hands back. Han Ze looked at the two small, red, and swollen hands. “They hit your palms?”

The siblings nodded. Danzhu said, “The Nanny said we weren’t learning the rules seriously, so she hit our palms.”

Han Ze’s eyes turned red. He said angrily, “That old lady is terrible! She hit your hands, so I’ll have someone hit hers too! I’ll get revenge for you!”

Although Diejin was hurt that the Prince had scolded her, she couldn’t help but step forward again. “Prince, Nanny Xing is the Empress’s person…”

Han Ze said, “Go away! That old lady hit Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu’s hands; she’s a bad person. You’re siding with her, so you aren’t one of us. No need for you to talk.”

Diejin looked at the Prince sorrowfully. “Prince, I’m doing this for your own good…”

Han Ze said unhappily, “You go kneel outside too.”

Diejin froze. Han Ze glared. “Go, quickly!”

Diejin bit her lip and withdrew, enduring the humiliation to kneel next to Nanny Xing.

Danzhu felt a spark of joy in her heart. Though she was young, she knew Diejin didn’t like them. Whenever they wanted to see their father, Diejin would find excuses to stop them, saying their manners were poor and they could only see him once they learned the rules. Now that her father was punishing Diejin for them, it was clear that in her father’s heart, they were more important.

Han Ze sat in his chair with his head hanging, looking unhappy. Xinghui asked, “What’s wrong, Dad?”

Han Ze’s brow was knit tightly. “I always thought Diejin was on our side. How could she side with that old lady?”

Xinghui thought for a moment and said, “Dad, Imperial Grandmother said they are all servants and we are the masters. Whatever the master says goes. If a servant is disobedient, we can just find another to serve us. Don’t be sad.”

Han Ze looked at him. “But Diejin is different from them.”

Danzhu asked, “How is she different?”

Han Ze shook his head blankly. “I… I don’t know.”

Xinghui looked at Danzhu and winked. “Then let’s not think about it. They’re all servants anyway; just treat them the same.”

Han Ze scratched his head, looked at their hands, and nodded. “Okay.”