The moment the words “Let’s compete” left his mouth, Prince Yong wished he could bite off his own tongue. As a refined and modest gentleman, how could he allow himself to be goaded by a few words from Prince Chun into a public bet at Imperial Father’s birthday banquet? It was completely irrational, and it was all Prince Chun’s fault—that “silly plague.” Now that he had fallen for the trap of a fool, how would his Father view him? How would everyone else view him?
Han Ze didn’t pay any attention to Prince Yong’s face, which was turning shades of blue and white. He looked at Emperor Mingzheng and said, “Dad, the Chen family later supplemented me with fifteen thousand taels of gold. Everything else in the Prince’s Mansion was given to me by Dad, Mom, and Big Brother, and I couldn’t find any other rare items, so I offer these fifteen thousand taels of gold to you.”
The moment Han Ze finished speaking, a dead silence fell over the banquet hall. Consort Li and Prince Yong were caught completely off guard. Usually, for the Emperor’s birthday, the concubines and royals knew the Emperor was frugal and disliked people making a grand fuss to search for gifts. As long as the intent was sincere, even a goose feather was worth a thousand pieces of gold in his eyes.
Emperor Mingzheng loved playing chess, and Prince Yong had privately found a rare chess manual. It wasn’t the only copy in existence, but it was very hard to find. Knowing his father didn’t have this book, giving it was a rare gesture of sincerity. He never expected Prince Chun to disrupt everything.
He thought that since Prince Chun was a fool, the Empress or Crown Prince would have advised him on how to present a birthday gift. Now it seemed they hadn’t said a word. He felt resentful; the Empress was too careless—how could she not guide Prince Chun on such an important matter, harming him and his mother?
Emperor Mingzheng was also surprised. He asked with a curious smile, “Last time for disaster relief you gave me so much gold; why send gold again? Don’t you love gold? Why give it to Dad once you have it?”
Han Ze said as a matter of course, “I like gold, but I like Dad more. Dad has to support so many people and needs lots of gold. I didn’t have gold before, but now that I do, of course I give it to Dad.”
Regardless of how moved the Emperor was, Prince Yong’s expression was a sight to behold. Han Ze finished and looked at Prince Yong: “Where is your gift for Dad? Bring it out! Is it more than mine?”
Prince Yong was riding a tiger and couldn’t get off. He braced himself and said, “Of course… of course I have more than you.”
More? More what? Prince Yong had a bad premonition.
Han Ze pressed on, “More than me? Then how much gold are you giving Dad? Twenty thousand taels?”
Twenty thousand taels of gold? He never said he was giving gold! Prince Yong’s body stiffened. Seeing him remain silent, Han Ze’s eyes went wide as he said in disbelief, “Not twenty thousand? Could it be… thirty thousand taels?”
Prince Yong took a deep breath. Just as he was about to speak, Han Ze interrupted him, his face full of envy: “It really is thirty thousand! You truly do have a lot of gold.”
Prince Yong: “…” Can you just let me get a single word in?
Han Ze looked at the Emperor again. “Dad, Prince Yong is giving you thirty thousand taels of gold! Although I lost, who told me I don’t have as much gold as he does? I admit defeat!”
The Emperor was amused. You’re quite quick to admit defeat, yet look at how you’ve provoked Prince Yong. Seeing Prince Yong’s face as black as the bottom of a pot, the Emperor couldn’t help but wonder: Is this child even sillier than Aze? He was his own son after all, and seeing him look so pitiful, the Emperor kindly tried to help him out: “A gift doesn’t need to be expensive; it’s the thought that counts.”
Prince Yong, however, couldn’t appreciate the Emperor’s kindness at this moment. He only wanted to beat Prince Chun; he couldn’t lose both his substance and his pride. He said stubbornly, “My gift to Imperial Father is indeed thirty thousand taels of gold.”
Emperor Mingzheng: “…”
The Emperor was speechless. In front of Aze, it’s rare for me to side with you, yet you don’t take the hint. Fine, if you won’t take the hint, so be it. A son has too much gold and wants to give it to his father—should I, the father, find the gold too hot to handle?
Prince Yong: I really don’t have that much gold.
Consort Li rubbed her forehead. What is wrong with this child today? Why is he locking horns with Prince Chun?
Han Ze looked at Prince Yong. “You’re truly capable, earning so much gold. Can you tell me how you earned it?”
Prince Yong sat in his seat and turned his body away, using his actions to say: Get lost, I don’t want to talk to you.
Han Ze rubbed his nose sheepishly and muttered under his breath, “Stingy guy.”
Emperor Mingzheng shook his head and laughed. It was clear Prince Yong had been so enraged by Aze that he’d lost his usual gentlemanly composure.
The other gifts were standard—not particularly brilliant, but not lacking in etiquette. The Emperor was satisfied. After the banquet ended, everyone dispersed.
Han Ze led Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu back to the mansion. Just as they entered their courtyard, a figure lunged forward and knelt before them with a “thud.”
Han Ze frowned. It was Diejin. He asked unhappily, “What are you doing?”
Diejin looked haggard, her hair disheveled and her clothes tattered. She no longer had the poise of a high-ranking maid of a Prince’s Mansion; she looked no different from a street beggar. She moved forward on her knees, inching toward Han Ze. She tried to grab his leg, but he dodged. Diejin froze, then burst into tears. “Prince, this servant knows her mistake! I truly know I was wrong! Please, please forgive me!”
From being a high-status head maid to being bullied by everyone, going hungry, having no warm clothes, being beaten, and doing endless chores—as the Prince’s head maid, this wasn’t the life she was supposed to lead. Her life was supposed to be managing the eunuchs and maids, giving advice to the Prince, eating delicacies, wearing silks, and having endless jewelry.
Xiaozhu glared at her. “Imperial Grandmother said: ‘Untrustworthy once, untrustworthy a hundred times.’ Since you sided with the bad people, you aren’t one of us. We won’t forgive you.”
Xiaoxing added, “You are just a servant. If the master values you, he uses you; if he doesn’t, you must endure it. Even if Dad forgives you, he won’t let you be his head maid again.”
The children would never forget the sharp, mocking look this maid gave them when she blocked them from seeing their father. A servant bullying the master—that was her. Since she had been discarded by their father, she should stay discarded. If she thought she could return to his side, she’d have to see if the siblings allowed it first.
Diejin knew she had offended the two little masters. She looked at Han Ze, hoping he would forgive her for the sake of their past bond.
Han Ze looked at the young eunuch behind him. “This maid is not a good person. Take her away and don’t let her into the main courtyard again.”
Diejin froze, her tears flowing freely. She was truly heartbroken. “Prince, I know I was wrong! Can you really not forgive me?”
Han Ze glared at her. “Your heart is bad. If I forgive you and you come back to hurt people again, what then?”
Diejin said hurriedly, “No! Prince, I never will again! I am on your side! I care for you, and for the Little Prince and County Princess!”
Han Ze countered, “Don’t think just because I’m ‘slow’ you can lie to me. I don’t believe you.”
“This servant truly knows she was wrong…” Diejin was stunned. She murmured to herself, How can the Prince not believe me? I truly repent!
Han Ze ignored her and strode into the house. Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu curled their lips at her with disdain. Even if you know you were wrong, does Dad have to forgive you? What about the mistakes you already made?
…
A few days later, when Han Ze went to the palace, the Empress gave him a reproving look. “You… Prince Yong has been running around borrowing gold these past two days. Why did you make such a bet with him?”
Han Ze said innocently, “It wasn’t me who wanted to bet; he was the one who insisted on it. What does it have to do with me?”
The Empress laughed. “Tell Mom, why don’t you like Prince Yong?”
Han Ze blinked. “I don’t.”
The Empress said crossly, “You’re my son; do you think I don’t know when you’re being mischievous?” Everyone said Aze was silly, but she knew how brilliant he had been as a child.
Han Ze snorted. “Prince Yong always looks at me like this.” He made a look of disdain. “I know he looks down on me. Since he looks down on me, I don’t like him either.”
The Empress stroked Han Ze’s head. “If you don’t like him, there’s no need to wrong yourself. You are the son of your Dad and Mom; no one is allowed to wrong you.”
Han Ze said loudly, “My Dad is the Emperor—the greatest Emperor in the world! I won’t wrong myself. If anyone bullies me, I’ll tell Dad and let him punish them.”
The Empress laughed. “Right. If anyone bullies you, find your Dad. He will surely settle it for you.”
Han Ze nodded obediently. The Empress looked at him, thought for a moment, and asked, “Mom plans to find you a wife to take care of the three of you. A huge Prince’s Mansion can’t go without a mistress, can it?”
Han Ze frowned. “Don’t want a wife. Don’t want a liar.”
The Empress thought he still hadn’t forgotten the Shen Mingya incident. She comforted him, “I won’t find you a liar. Mom will choose one personally; she will be good and on your side.”
Han Ze shook his head. “Still don’t want one. A wife will steal our gold. I don’t like that.”
The Empress said gently, “I’ll find you one whose family has lots of gold. When she marries in with a huge dowry, she won’t steal yours.”
Han Ze shook his head again. “Still no. A wife will bully Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu.”
The Empress coaxed him patiently, “Mom will find a good one who is for you; she definitely won’t bully the children.”
Han Ze looked at her unhappily. “Why do I have to have a wife?”
The Empress explained, “Your Dad and I will get old. Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu will grow up and leave to start their own families. When that time comes and you are all alone, who will stay with you? Who will care for you? A wife is someone who can stay with you for a lifetime. That’s why Mom wants to find you one.”
Han Ze frowned. “Big Brother doesn’t have a wife either.”
The Empress sighed. “You brothers are determined to irritate me. Neither of you wants a wife. It would be one thing if you couldn’t find one, but one is the Crown Prince and one is a Prince—yet you refuse. Does this look right?”
As they talked, Emperor Mingzheng and the Crown Prince entered. The Emperor laughed and asked, “What are you two talking about?”
The Empress said angrily, “Whether it’s Aze or the Crown Prince, both must find a wife this year!”
The Crown Prince: “…”
Han Ze jumped. “Really have to find one?”
The Empress snorted. “Both my sons are widowers. People will think there’s something wrong with you.”
Emperor Mingzheng sat down and said seriously, “It is time to find them wives.”
The Crown Prince rubbed his nose. “Dad, I don’t think I need to?”
The Empress snorted again. The Emperor looked at him. “Why not?”
The Crown Prince sighed. “Han Chuang is ten years old. Remarrying would be disadvantageous for him. I don’t want to wrong him, nor do I want a restless back palace.”
The Empress thought of her grandson and sighed. She frowned. “Even so, you are the Crown Prince; you can’t remain without a wife forever.”
Emperor Mingzheng didn’t think it was a problem. “A Crown Princess can wait, but you can have two side-consorts. You are the Crown Prince; you can’t have Han Chuang as your only child.”
The Empress said irritably, “What kind of fate is mine? My sons are both widowers?”
The Emperor squeezed her hand. “You have the fate of an Empress—the best fate there is. If their wives had short lives, it isn’t your fault.”
The Empress was just lamenting. “I just worry for my sons.”
The Crown Prince looked embarrassed. The Eastern Palace has concubines; you really don’t need to worry for me.
Emperor Mingzheng, not wanting his wife to worry over the marriages, said, “Aze’s wife is settled as Qian Xiangxiang of the Duke of Zhen’s house. As for the Crown Prince’s side-consorts, you see which girls you like, and I will issue the decree.”
Han Ze said unhappily, “Dad, you didn’t even ask me?”
The Emperor looked at him. “Dad is spending gold to get you a wife, not using your own silver. Why do I need to ask you?”
It sounded almost logical. Han Ze looked at him gloomily.
The Empress hurriedly added, “Don’t you like Qian Xiangxiang too?” She was very satisfied with Qian Xiangxiang as a daughter-in-law; both children loved gold and could talk for hours.
Han Ze said angrily, “When did I say I like Qian Xiangxiang?”
The Empress coaxed him, “Don’t you both love gold?”
Han Ze snorted. “Since she loves gold so much, she’ll definitely steal my gold once she marries into the mansion! I don’t want her.”
The Empress laughed. “You silly boy! The Duke of Zhen’s house has lots of gold. They will give her a massive dowry. Once she marries you, you are family; her gold is your gold. You’re the one making a profit!”
Han Ze’s eyes lit up. “Her gold will really be my gold?”
The Empress said as if it were a matter of fact, “Once she brings the gold into the Prince’s Mansion, it belongs to the mansion.” Whether it was technically the son’s gold—well, husband and wife were one; the wife’s was the son’s.
Han Ze: “For the sake of the gold, I’ll marry her then.”
Crown Prince Han Wei glared at him. “Marrying for the sake of gold? Since you’re marrying the girl, you must treat her well. Otherwise, you shouldn’t marry at all.”
Han Ze glared back. “As long as she doesn’t bully Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu and stays on my side, I’ll be good to her.”
Emperor Mingzheng laughed. “A child raised by the Old Madame of the Duke of Zhen’s house won’t be bad.”
The Empress added, “Xiangxiang is sincere and never uses her status to bully others, nor is she weak. Aside from her love of gold, I see nothing wrong with her.”
Han Ze curled his lip and said unhappily, “Mom, how is loving gold a ‘flaw’?”
The Empress teased, “Oh? The wife isn’t even in the house yet, and you’re already protecting her?”
The Crown Prince joined in: “He just said he didn’t want to marry a moment ago.”
Han Ze’s ears turned red. He looked at them in anger and roared, “I love gold too! Mom, Big Brother—did you both forget?”
The Crown Prince coughed and smiled without a word. The Empress laughed, “I really did forget.”
Han Ze snorted with dissatisfaction. “Fine… I forgive you!”
The Emperor said with a smile, “Since Aze agrees to marry Qian Xiangxiang, I will decree the marriage tomorrow.”
Han Ze said bashfully, “Doesn’t Dad need to ask Qian Xiangxiang? What if she dislikes me and doesn’t want to marry me?”
The Emperor’s face fell. “She dares to dislike my son?”
Han Ze said, “I want to ask her. I don’t want to marry a wife who is unwilling. What if she’s like Miss Shen and likes someone else? I don’t want to be lied to.”
When the son said this, the Emperor was also afraid. He didn’t want a “green hat” for his son. “How do you plan to ask her?” Did he plan to go to the Duke’s house personally? Even if he’s a Prince, he might get beaten out.
The Empress thought for a moment and said, “Tomorrow I will summon the Duchess and Miss Qian to the palace. I will ask them carefully.”
Han Ze added, “Even if Qian Xiangxiang is willing, I have to ask Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu if they like her.”
The Emperor said impatiently, “Why so much trouble? Are you marrying or not?”
The Empress said, “The children are sensible. If she treats them sincerely, they will like her.”
Han Ze nodded. “As long as Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu have no objection, I have no objection.”
“Dad, before Aze’s decree is issued, should we settle the title of the Heir of Prince Chun’s Mansion?” the Crown Prince asked suddenly.
Xiaoxing was Aze’s eldest legitimate son and the natural heir. Qian Xiangxiang was good, but no one could guarantee she wouldn’t change once she had her own children. Since they couldn’t guarantee it, they shouldn’t give her a shred of hope, to prevent her from developing unnecessary ideas.
Emperor Mingzheng was stunned, then looked at Han Ze with a deep gaze. Without the Crown Prince’s reminder, Aze likely wouldn’t have known to ask for his son’s title. “Your Big Brother is right. Before the marriage decree, let’s establish Xiaoxing as the Heir.”
Han Ze looked at them blankly. The Empress patted his shoulder. “Listen to your Dad on this.”
Han Ze nodded obediently. “I listen to Dad.”
The Empress added, “Xiaozhu is such a good and filial child, and she suffered much with her father as a child. Let’s confer her the title of County Princess as well. She is our eldest legitimate granddaughter; there’s no need to wait until she marries. She should have the dignity she deserves, so she doesn’t feel timid before a stepmother.”
Emperor Mingzheng also liked the twins. He smiled and said, “Granted.”
…
Inside the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, the Duchess received the Empress’s decree. She turned urgently to the Duke: “My Lord, the Empress has summoned us. Could it be about the Crown Prince or Prince Chun’s marriage? Didn’t you say the Emperor had this intention?”
Her daughter was eighteen. Because of her peculiar hobbies, even as the daughter of a Duke, they couldn’t find a suitable husband. She was so worried her hair was turning white.
The Duke pondered. “It’s unlikely our daughter’s nature fits the role of a Crown Princess.”
The Duchess’s heart tightened. “Do you mean they want her as a side-consort?”
The Duke smiled. “Every child in the capital knows Prince Chun loves gold. And our daughter loves gold.”
The Duchess froze. “You mean…?”
The Duke nodded with a smile. “The Emperor likely wants to point our daughter to Prince Chun.”
“But Prince Chun…” He has an ailment of the mind.
“I actually think marrying Prince Chun would be quite good,” the Duke said with the wisdom of an old schemer.
“But he isn’t a normal person,” the Duchess said hesitantly.
“The Emperor is here. Even if Prince Chun acts differently, who in the capital would dare bully him?” The Duke laughed. “The Crown Prince and Prince Chun are full brothers, and he has always doted on his younger brother. With the favor of two generations of Emperors, as long as our daughter doesn’t harbor other intentions, her life will be set.”
The Duchess widened her eyes. “Is it certain the Crown Prince will ascend?”
“Do you think Prince Yong or Prince Kang can beat the Crown Prince? Or the Fifth Prince?” the Duke countered.
The Duchess was still unwilling to marry her daughter to the “fool” Prince. “Then… we could marry her to the Crown Prince.”
“Foolish!” the Duke barked. “The Crown Prince will be a Sovereign. Even if he loves his wife, he must take concubines to balance the court. Has the Empress ever complained? Do you think our daughter has the Empress’s magnanimity? Even if she does, do you have the heart to let her suffer that grievance?”
The Duchess’s lips moved, but she had to admit the Duke had considered everything.
“Mom, I’m willing to marry Prince Chun,” Qian Xiangxiang said as she walked in.
“Don’t talk nonsense!” the Duchess scolded. This was just a discussion between her and the Duke.
Qian Xiangxiang looked at her parents and said seriously, “Mom, Dad, last time I was in the palace, I met Prince Chun. He knew I loved gold, yet he didn’t mock me like others do. I’m willing to marry him.”
The heirs and young masters of the noble houses in the capital, knowing she loved gold and silver instead of the arts, would either ignore her or mock her for “smelling of copper.” She didn’t like those people. She’d rather not marry at all than marry someone who looked down on her.
The Duke looked at his wife. “You aren’t even as clear-headed as Xiangxiang. Our daughter can see it, yet you can’t?” To him, Prince Chun wasn’t stupid, just simple. Such a son-in-law was easy to manage. If they found their daughter a deep-thinking husband, could she even keep his heart?
The Duchess sighed. “The two of you are in complete agreement; what else can I say?”
Qian Xiangxiang hugged her mother’s arm. “Mom, the Emperor and Empress dote on Prince Chun. As long as I treat him well, they will love me too. With their protection, what are you worried about?”
“Fine, fine. Prince Chun is actually quite good. He’s a Prince, after all. If the Emperor decrees it, it’s not like we could be picky anyway.” The Duchess resigned herself. Husband and daughter were both satisfied; what else could she do?
…
The next day, mother and daughter dressed in their finest and went to the palace. At the Kunning Palace, they knelt to pay their respects. The Empress said with a smile, “Please rise.”
As they sat, Han Ze walked in. Seeing him and thinking of her conversation with her parents, Qian Xiangxiang’s cheeks felt a bit hot.
“This is my youngest son, Prince Chun,” the Empress said with a smile.
It was the Duchess’s first time meeting Han Ze. Seeing his handsome features and bright smile, she was delighted. She had seen the Crown Prince and thought him handsome, but she hadn’t expected Prince Chun to be even more so.
As they curtsied, Han Ze’s cheeks turned red. “Madame, no need for formalities.”
The Duchess keenly caught the Prince’s shy reaction and her dissatisfaction vanished. Everyone said he was a fool, but where was the fool? He was just youthful. And such a Prince was a perfect match for her daughter.
The Empress looked at the Duchess. “Why doesn’t Prince Chun take Miss Qian for a walk in the Imperial Garden?”
The Duchess understood perfectly; the Empress truly intended to point Xiangxiang to Prince Chun.
Han Ze led Qian Xiangxiang out. As they walked, he asked directly, “My Dad wants to decree our marriage. Are you willing?”
Qian Xiangxiang hadn’t expected him to be so direct. She was stunned for a moment. Han Ze looked at her. “You aren’t?”
She returned to her senses and shook her head hurriedly. “I am not unwilling.”
Her cheeks burned. Would he think her unladylike for saying that? But she truly wasn’t unwilling; in fact, she was very willing.
Han Ze added, “Then will you bully Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu?”
Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu? “Are they the Little Prince and County Princess?” she asked curiously.
“Mm. Will you bully them?”
“Of course not,” she said without thinking.
Han Ze said happily, “As long as you don’t bully them, you are one of us. If someone bullies you, I’ll help you bully them back!”
Qian Xiangxiang widened her eyes. “If I’m bullied, you’ll really help me?”
Han Ze patted his chest. “As long as you’re on my side, I’m on yours. If a bad person bullies you, of course I’ll help you.”
“You can’t even protect yourself, yet you talk of protecting others.” A voice interrupted them from behind.
Qian Xiangxiang jumped and hid behind Han Ze. Han Ze turned around, looking thoroughly displeased. “Prince Yong! Miss Qian and I are talking here; go away and don’t disturb us!”
“I heard the Empress was choosing a wife for you. This is the one? She isn’t much to look at!” Ever since the birthday banquet, Prince Yong had hated Han Ze, but he hadn’t found a chance for revenge. He hadn’t expected to run into the “fool” bragging to a girl today. Does a fool even know how to protect a girl?
Shrinking behind Han Ze, Qian Xiangxiang thought: They are both Princes, but this Prince Yong is so awful.
Han Ze glared at him. “Qian Xiangxiang was chosen by my Dad! You dare to insult my Dad’s taste? I’m going to tell Dad!”
Prince Yong froze, then said irritably, “Why do you tell Imperial Father everything? Are you a child? Tattling at every turn?”
Han Ze snorted, grabbed Qian Xiangxiang’s hand, and walked away. Prince Yong assumed they were going back to the Empress and didn’t care, heading toward Consort Li’s palace instead.
Han Ze, however, led her all the way to the Hall of Clear Hearts. Outside, she said, “Prince, you should go in alone. I shouldn’t go, should I?” This was the Emperor’s hall; was it appropriate for her to be there?
“You wait here for me,” Han Ze said.
Inside, Emperor Mingzheng had just finished the morning court and was reviewing memorials. Seeing Han Ze, he rubbed his shoulders and smiled. “Aze, why are you here?”
Han Ze’s brow was knit into the shape of the 川 character. “Dad! Prince Yong called me a fool and said Qian Xiangxiang isn’t much to look at!”
Hearing this, the Emperor didn’t doubt his son for a second. He threw down his brush and barked, “Doing nothing all day but finding fault with his brother! What does he think he’s doing?”
Han Ze added, “Dad, punish him hard! See if he dares to bully me again!”
The Emperor looked at Hu Deyang. “Have Prince Yong crawl over here to me!”
…
Inside Consort Li’s palace, Prince Yong looked at Hu Deyang. “Why does Imperial Father seek me?”
“The Prince will know when he gets there,” Hu Deyang said with a smile.
Consort Li looked at him. “Your Father seeks you; go quickly.”
Prince Yong stood up. At the door, he asked instinctively, “Did Prince Chun just go to see Father?”
Hu Deyang said he did.
Prince Yong said hatefully, “That fool tattled again?”
Hu Deyang smiled and said nothing. Prince Yong’s teeth chattered with rage as he clenched his fists. Fool… fool…! It seemed only by cursing him thus could he vent his internal fury.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152