AD (QT) Chapter 153

Prince Yong braced himself as he walked toward the Hall of Clear Hearts, his mind filled with curses directed at Prince Chun—that arrogant, overbearing fool. His heart felt sour with jealousy; he couldn’t understand why his Imperial Father doted on him so much and indulged him to such an extent that none of the other brothers could compare.

Arriving outside the hall, he spotted Qian Xiangxiang standing there, waiting expectantly. He cast a cold, sharp glance at her. Qian Xiangxiang jumped in alarm, but seeing him pass her by to enter the hall without doing anything to her, she let out a small sigh of relief.

Prince Yong stepped into the Hall of Clear Hearts with a heart full of trepidation. Seeing the majestic Emperor, he knelt with a “thud.” “Your son pays respects to Imperial Father!”

Emperor Mingzheng snorted. “With sons like you who never let me rest, I am not ‘well’ at all.”

Prince Yong’s face turned white, and he hung his head, not daring to make a sound.

Emperor Mingzheng looked up and squinted at him. “Do you know the meaning of fraternal love and respect?”

Prince Yong replied timidly, “I do!” Prince Chun really did tattle, he thought, his heart tightening.

Emperor Mingzheng barked, “If you know it, then why have you bullied Prince Chun time and time again?”

Prince Yong felt a surge of resentment. His Imperial Father was too biased; clearly, it was Prince Chun who had first insulted him and his mother.

Han Ze spoke from the side, “From the first moment I arrived in the capital, I knew you looked down on me. You always look at me sideways. Humph! I am the son of Mom and Dad; even they don’t look down on me, so what right do you have? Isn’t it just because you think I’m a fool?”

Emperor Mingzheng was furious. He knew people in the capital looked down on Aze and thought something was wrong with his head, but he hadn’t expected his own son to look down on him as well. He asked Prince Yong with a dark face, “Is what Prince Chun says true?”

Prince Yong said hurriedly, “Imperial Father, I didn’t.”

This was something Prince Yong could never admit. He hadn’t expected a fool like Prince Chun to be so perceptive as to see through his thoughts. Did Prince Chun know I looked down on him, and that’s why he intentionally targeted us at the birthday banquet? If so, is he truly a fool or is he faking it?

Emperor Mingzheng’s face remained grim. “Bastard! Do you think Aze is so stupid that he can’t tell if you’re looking down on him? Aze knows who is good and who is bad to him; he sees it more clearly than anyone. Since you dislike him, he surely sensed it.”

“Imperial Father, your son is wronged.” Prince Yong felt embarrassed. Had he known Prince Chun wasn’t as stupid as he thought, he would never have let the contempt show on his face.

Han Ze said unhappily, “I haven’t wronged you! I remember every single person in the palace who looks down on me.”

“I don’t look down on you! You saw incorrectly.” Prince Yong’s face twisted for a moment. He had never met someone so petty and prone to holding grudges. Then, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of secret glee—he wondered which other people in the palace Prince Chun remembered. Recalling the ridicule Prince Chun faced at the birthday banquet, he looked forward to seeing them all get tattled on.

The desk before Emperor Mingzheng was piled high with memorials. It was clear he was busy with state affairs and had no time for bickering among his children. He said impatiently, “Prince Yong, get back to your manor and reflect on your actions behind closed doors. You shall not come out until you understand the meaning of fraternal love. Withdraw.”

Seeing his father’s impatience, Prince Yong didn’t dare plead. He could only leave the hall in a state of stifled frustration. Seeing one of the culprits who caused his confinement standing outside, he shot her a dark, cold look and returned to his manor with a sneer.

…

Emperor Mingzheng looked at Han Ze. “You are a Prince, after all; you cannot be illiterate. Starting tomorrow, you will study alongside Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu. You cannot spend every day doing nothing.”

Han Ze frowned and said unhappily, ” I am the Dad! How can I study with Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu? I don’t agree.”

The Emperor realized that Aze likely knew fewer characters than the children. Although Aze was simple, he still had his pride; making him study with children was indeed inappropriate. He thought for a moment and said, “I will arrange a separate tutor for you.”

Han Ze’s shoulders slumped, and he looked at the Emperor expectantly. “Can I just not study?”

Emperor Mingzheng looked at him flatly. “What do you think?”

Han Ze tried to save himself: “I think I could probably skip it…”

The Emperor said with a smile, “If you don’t want to study, then don’t. But in the future, when your Mom or your Big Brother get Gold Oxes, Gold Pigs, or Gold Pixius… they won’t be able to give them to you.”

Han Ze: “I’ll study! I’ll study, okay?!”

The Emperor waved a hand. “Fine. Go back now.”

Han Ze: “…”

…

Qian Xiangxiang was waiting outside the hall. Seeing Han Ze emerge, she hurried forward. “The way Prince Yong looked at me just now was terrifying. He…”

Han Ze said with a hint of pride, “He was punished by Dad to stay home and reflect behind closed doors.”

Closed-door reflection! Qian Xiangxiang understood; it meant he was grounded. She thought gleefully to herself: Serves you right! That’s what you get for glaring at me!

The two returned to the Kunning Palace. The Empress asked with a smile, “You’re back?”

Han Ze sat on a low stool, downed several gulps of tea, wiped his mouth, and said, “Miss Qian and I met Prince Yong in the Imperial Garden, and he actually insulted us! I went to tell Dad, and Dad punished him by sending him home.”

The Duchess jumped in surprise and looked at the Empress. The Empress’s gaze turned slightly cold. She smiled at Han Ze and said, “Since your Dad punished him, then let him stay home.”

Han Ze’s handsome face was full of pride, as if the Emperor’s punishment was entirely due to his tattling. “He insulted me first; he was in the wrong. Of course Dad wouldn’t side with him. I never bully others; I only hit back when they bully me first.”

Just then, a palace servant reported that Consort Li requested an audience.

The Empress gave a cold laugh. “Let her in.”

The Duchess hurriedly stood up. “Your Majesty, should this subject withdraw first?”

The Empress nodded and looked at Nanny Liu. “Help me see the Duchess out.”

As the Duchess and Qian Xiangxiang were led out by Nanny Liu, Consort Li entered. She dropped to a knee. “Your Majesty, I have come to apologize for Prince Yong.”

Prince Yong had been scolded by the Emperor for not understanding fraternal respect and ordered to reflect behind closed doors. Consort Li panicked when she heard. The Royal Family had always detested brotherly conflict, and the Emperor was no exception. She didn’t dare plead with the Emperor, so she came to apologize to the Empress first to dampen his rage.

The Empress looked at her meaningfully. “So, Consort Li knows about Prince Yong insulting Prince Chun?”

Consort Li’s knees went weak, and she knelt on the floor with a “thud.” “Your Majesty, I did not know beforehand.”

“If you didn’t know what he did, then what are you apologizing for?” A cold sneer played on the Empress’s lips, her tone bone-chilling. In her eyes, Consort Li and her son were nothing but jumping clowns. She hadn’t expected these clowns to dare insult her most precious treasure. Who gave them the audacity? Did they think that because she usually looked the other way, she had no temper?

Consort Li said hurriedly, “I failed to teach Prince Yong well. It is all my fault. Please punish me, Your Majesty.”

The Empress said coldly, “You made a mistake; isn’t it only right that you be punished? You don’t need to beg me; I will punish you regardless.”

Consort Li froze, looking at the Empress in disbelief. The Empress really intends to punish me?

“Since you acknowledge your mistake, your stipend shall be docked for one year, and you are confined to your palace for six months.” The Empress gave a cold laugh. Insulting her son—could that be forgiven with just a few words of apology? Consort Li was far too naive.

Consort Li didn’t care about the stipend, but six months of confinement meant she wouldn’t see the Emperor for half a year. How could she plead for Prince Yong? She was unwilling, but she had no choice. She was just a Consort, and her son was a disappointment; the Empress was the mother of the nation, her son was the Crown Prince, and they were deeply loved by the Emperor. The situation was clear; she could only bow her head.

The Empress watched Consort Li leave, then turned to Han Ze as if nothing had happened. She asked with a smile, “Did you ask her? Is Qian Xiangxiang willing to marry you?”

Han Ze nodded. “I’m so good; of course she’s willing.”

The Empress was amused and teased, “Yes, yes. My son is so handsome; she must like you.”

“Qian Xiangxiang isn’t marrying me just because I’m handsome,” Han Ze said, rubbing his nose bashfully. “I told her that as long as she’s good to Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu, she’s one of the family. If anyone bullies her, I’ll help her bully them back. She was very happy.”

The Empress burst out laughing. This silly boy actually knows how to please a girl. She teased, “She’s your wife; a man should protect his own wife.”

“I will definitely protect her.” Han Ze finished, then suddenly looked dejected. “Dad is making me study. Mom, you tell him not to. I don’t like studying.”

The Empress found it funny, but her face turned serious. “Your Dad is doing it for your own good. I wouldn’t dare ask him, lest he scold me too.”

Han Ze said mopey, “Fine. I’ll study then.”

…

Inside their carriage, the Duchess asked urgently, “Tell me what happened! Why did Prince Yong insult you and Prince Chun?”

Qian Xiangxiang said indignantly, “Prince Chun and I were just talking in the Imperial Garden. We didn’t provoke him, but he saw us and started barking insults like a madman! Prince Chun wouldn’t just take it, so we went to the Hall of Clear Hearts to tattle to the Emperor.”

The Duchess rubbed her forehead; it sounded so childish. “You saw the Emperor?”

Qian Xiangxiang shook her head. “I didn’t go in. Prince Chun went in to tattle.”

“And the Emperor punished Prince Yong?”

She nodded. “Grounded him.” She thought for a moment and added, “Prince Chun also said that once I marry him, we’re one family. If anyone bullies me, he’ll help me bully them back.” Her cheeks grew hot. This was the first time anyone had ever said such a thing to her.

The Duchess: “…” Looking at her daughter’s blushing face, she thought: Who said Prince Chun was silly? Does a fool know how to please a girl? He doesn’t seem silly at all.

Back at the Duke’s Mansion, the two went to see the Old Madame. Seeing them, she gave a kind smile. “You’re back?”

As they sat and tea was served, the Duchess said thoughtfully, “The Empress intends to point our Xiangxiang to Prince Chun.” She watched the Old Madame’s face, fearing she might be anxious, as Prince Chun’s reputation wasn’t exactly great.

The Old Madame smiled genially. “I guessed as much.” Seeing that she wasn’t worried, the Duchess was surprised. The Old Madame explained, “I raised Xiangxiang; I know her nature. She isn’t suited to marry into a complex noble house. Prince Chun is deeply loved by the Emperor and Empress, yet he isn’t a tyrant or a bully. I heard he gave his apology gold to the disaster relief fund; that shows he’s kind-hearted and not nearly as bad as the rumors say.

“Furthermore, the Prince Chun Mansion is simple. Although Xiangxiang is marrying in as a successor consort, the Prince has no other concubines. Given his nature, I doubt the Emperor or Empress would force any on him. This is an excellent match for her.”

The Duchess felt a bit embarrassed. “Mother sees things much more clearly than I.”

The Old Madame laughed. “You’re her mother; you’re just worried for her.”

The Duchess admitted, “Seeing the Prince today, he is handsome and dignified. His speech is a bit youthful, but it’s organized and logical. I was wrong to believe the rumors.”

The Old Madame snorted. “Who knows what those rumor-mongers are thinking? They don’t realize the Crown Prince’s position is rock-solid. No matter how much they jump around, they’re just jumping within the box the Emperor and Crown Prince built for them. If they ever step out of it, will the Emperor spare them? They only invite his disgust.”

Qian Xiangxiang hugged the Old Madame’s arm and whispered, “Prince Chun said if anyone bullies me, he’ll help me.”

The Duchess glared at her daughter. Truly, a girl grown can’t be kept; she never misses a chance to speak well of the Prince.

The Old Madame laughed. “The boy has good taste.” She was increasingly satisfied. Her granddaughter loved gold and hated the arts; she knew how the young masters of the capital looked down on her. How could she not be angry that her cherished granddaughter was so despised? Finding a Prince who could see her granddaughter’s virtues filled her with joy.

…

When Qian Xiangxiang returned to her room, a maid reported that the second and third Misses had arrived. She felt a bit annoyed. “What do they want now?”

She let them in. Qian Jingjing and Qian Jiajia entered gracefully. Seeing Xiangxiang plucking petals from a flower one by one, they saw the table and floor littered with torn petals.

Qian Jingjing knit her brows and said softly, “Big Sister, the flowers are innocent. No matter how angry you are, you shouldn’t take it out on them.”

Qian Jiajia added, “If people hear of this, there will be more talk. You shouldn’t blame others for talking if you don’t watch your own actions.”

Xiangxiang looked up at them with a beaming smile. “Where do you see me being angry? I’m quite happy! Besides, I’m in my own home; who would know?”

“If you aren’t angry, why destroy the flowers?” Jingjing asked. “If you don’t like them, have them moved. Why be so cruel to them?”

“It’s just a flower; what’s all this about ‘destroying’?” Xiangxiang pouted. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”

Jiajia said disapprovingly, “Flowers have life. How can you have no compassion? If you continue like this, when will you ever get married?” What she didn’t say was: If you don’t marry, when will it be our turn?

Xiangxiang didn’t care. “What do flowers have to do with getting married? Besides, their life is short anyway. Even if I don’t pick them, they’ll wither. Why waste your pity on them? Am I, the eldest legitimate daughter of this Duke’s Mansion, not allowed to play with a single flower?”

Jiajia was stunned. Usually when she spoke to her sister like this, Xiangxiang would be filled with shame. Why was she so argumentative today? Her sister had gone to the palace today; was it related to that?

She asked tentatively, “Big Sister, I heard the Empress is choosing a Crown Princess. Is it true?”

Jingjing’s eyes lit up as she looked at Xiangxiang.

“How would I know?” Xiangxiang said.

“Didn’t you go to the palace?”

“Even if I did, would the Empress tell me such things?”

Jiajia stared at her. Her sister’s nature wasn’t suited for a Crown Princess; the Empress surely wouldn’t choose her. She didn’t need to worry.

Jingjing asked, “Then why did she summon you?”

The decree hadn’t arrived, so Xiangxiang couldn’t talk about Prince Chun. “Is the Empress’s business something you can just gossip about?”

She was now a person protected by Prince Chun. Prince Chun wasn’t even afraid of Prince Yong, let alone these noble sons and daughters. She was going to marry him; she didn’t have to worry about becoming an old maid, nor did she care about the gossip. As long as she was good to the Prince and the children, she could live however she wanted.

The two sisters were stifled. Jiajia said crossly, “Did you eat gunpowder today? Why is your temper so short?”

Xiangxiang said with a smile, “I don’t have a temper; I’m just very happy.”

Jiajia said, “You didn’t used to talk to us like this. Don’t you want us to take you out to meet friends anymore?”

Xiangxiang narrowed her eyes. “Going to the palace broadened my horizons. I realized people can live differently, so I’m changing my way of life. As for making friends—humph! If they don’t like me, why should I lower myself to please them?”

She would have the Prince’s protection; she didn’t need to fear anyone. The two sisters looked at each other, and seeing they wouldn’t get an answer, they left.

Xiangxiang tossed the flower onto the table and pouted. “They all take me for a fool! Before, I had no choice but to please you. Now, I won’t do it anymore.”

…

Inside the Prince Chun Mansion, Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu were looking at Han Ze with dissatisfaction. Their father was getting a wife, yet they were the last to know.

Han Ze said simple-mindedly, “Qian Xiangxiang won’t bully you.”

Xiaoxing pursed his lips. “We’re afraid she’ll bully you. You’re so silly and were already tricked by Miss Shen; we’re worried you’ll be cheated again.”

Danzhu added, “We have Imperial Grandfather and Grandmother; if a stepmother bullies us, we aren’t afraid. We’re afraid you’ll be tricked and mocked.”

Han Ze scratched his head. “She won’t. Qian Xiangxiang is good; she won’t trick me.”

The siblings were silent. Their father had said the same thing about Miss Shen.

Han Ze asked helplessly, “Then… then what should we do?”

Xiaoxing said, “Take us to see this Qian Xiangxiang. Only after we meet her will we know if she’s a good person. Only then can we feel safe handing you over to her.”

Danzhu agreed. “Right. We have to be sure she’s good before we let her have you.”

Han Ze: “…” Wait, shouldn’t those roles be reversed?