Chapter 324

Chapter 324: The Appearance of the Ninth Prince

This is the retribution Yunli once promised her, and finally, her agony has begun.

And the agony has only just begun; the moment she takes action will coincide with His Majesty's decision to depose the Crown Prince.

After visiting the Empress Dowager in Cian Palace, the Fifth Prince asked, "Why isn't Sister Tong here?"

Princess Mingzhu, originally named Zhang Tong, now spends increasingly more time in the palace.

She and her brother both study within the palace.

"She's gone to the Third Princess. They must be having a lively time," the Empress Dowager smiled. "How have you been these days? Are your studies going well? It's hot, take care of your health. Are the servants in Guanglong Palace attentive?" she asked affectionately.

"Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I'm doing well," the Fifth Prince smiled.

"Good, since you're here, stay for a meal," she offered.

"I'd better not, Grandmother. I need to pay respects to Mother later. I have archery practice in the afternoon and won't have enough time. I'll come another day soon, just to dine with you," he replied.

"That's fine too. In a few days, come with Mian'er, and we'll have a lively day," she suggested.

"Sure, Mian'er and I will come back together then. Grandmother hasn't seen him for several days, right?" the Fifth Prince said, looking forward to it.

The Empress Dowager naturally nodded.

Upon his departure, the Empress Dowager had many snacks packed for him to take back to Guanglong Palace.

After he left, Aunt Fan laughed, "He's truly grown up, always mentioning the Princess. It's clear now; he really cares."

"What use is his caring? I cannot possibly allow Tong'er to marry him," the Empress Dowager stated flatly.

The Empress Dowager, who could personally decree the death of her own niece, would never consider marrying her granddaughter to the Fifth Prince.

By blood, she is merely a grandniece.

In terms of the bigger picture, the Fifth Prince’s visits here are purely for his benefit.

If she were to support the Fifth Prince, it might indeed be advantageous for his ascension to the throne.

Unfortunately, with the death of the Lin family, it signifies that the Fifth Prince no longer stands a chance.

How could the Empress Dowager possibly marry her granddaughter to him?

Meanwhile, there are many in the harem keeping a close eye on Zhang Tong.

The Empress Dowager might not hold substantial influence, but she cannot be underestimated.

After all, she was the legitimate Empress of the former Emperor. The Emperor's legitimate mother.

She might not be able to do much, but her beloved granddaughter marrying a certain prince would surely be advantageous.

Marrying her might indeed make the Emperor consider this relationship.

Besides, she has the Zhang family behind her, and her own brother is currently a marquis.

In the future, all of this would be beneficial.

The Fifth Prince, seeing through this, reluctantly put aside his vengeance for his mother’s death to express his intentions.

In Zhaohua Palace, the Second Prince discussed this matter with Consort Jin.

"With the Fifth Brother being so attentive, perhaps the Imperial Grandmother might consent considering his mother’s sake?"

"Impossible," Consort Jin gently smiled, "Your Imperial Grandmother is not of such disposition. Your Fifth Brother won’t have this chance."

"But... the Imperial Grandmother clearly intends for Princess Mingzhu to stay. If not the Fifth Brother, then the only one of suitable age is the Sixth Brother," the Second Prince said.

"Actually, your mother wishes for you to marry her," Consort Jin revealed.

"But... I'm already married, how could..." The Second Prince was stunned.

"It's more about accepting her, not marrying her," Consort Jin clarified.

"But... she's a princess, she might not agree to be a concubine," the Second Prince frowned.

"No hurry, she may not agree now. But faced with a choice between you and the Crown Prince, she would consent," Consort Jin smiled. "After all, being your concubine means she could be a concubine or even a noble consort in the future. But being the Crown Prince’s wife, she knows what fate awaits her."

"Mother, do you have a plan?" The Second Prince's eyes sparkled.

"Not yet, but there’s no rush. You've just had your wedding. You can enter the court next year, so be cautious. While your brothers are still young, you must showcase your merits to our Emperor," Consort Jin advised.

"Yes, I will follow Mother's guidance in everything," the Second Prince showed complete respect to Consort Jin.

"Good, with us working together, we shall not suffer in this palace," Consort Jin asserted.

The Second Prince left Zhaohua Palace to exit the palace.

He had moved out to establish his own residence after his marriage, though he had not yet received a title.

Approaching Linzhi Palace, he saw the Fifth Prince coming from the Empress's palace from afar.

The Fifth Prince approached to greet him: "Brother, are you leaving the palace?"

"Yes, I was visiting Mother and now I'm leaving. It's terribly hot today," the Second Prince responded with a smile.

"Indeed, it's really hot today. Let's hurry and find a cooler place," the Fifth Prince suggested cheerfully.

Both brothers shared a warm smile, seemingly close to each other.

They continued their conversation until they had to part ways, then bowed and dispersed.

Upon returning to Guanglong Palace, the Fifth Prince saw the Ninth and Tenth Princes outside the hall and approached them with a smile: "What are you two doing, Ninth Brother, Tenth Brother?"

"Greetings, Fifth Brother," both princes bowed in respect.

"Look, Fifth Brother, we are practicing archery, getting familiar with the bow for this afternoon's practice at the drill ground," said the Ninth Prince.

"Just pulling the bow?" asked the Fifth Prince.

"Yes, just getting the feel of it. Archery needs to be approached gradually, right?" the Ninth Prince replied with a smile.

The Fifth Prince nodded in agreement, but inside he harbored twisted feelings of hatred towards the Ninth Prince's handsome appearance.

However, he concealed it well, and the Ninth Prince noticed nothing.

The Ninth Prince, He Jiheng, didn't inherit much of Emperor He Jinli's looks.

Now nearly twelve, he had finally grown into his distinctive features.

He didn't entirely take after his mother either.

Indeed, genetics are fascinating.

He somewhat resembled Qi Xiaohu, who was executed years ago, though his eyes bore more resemblance to his mother.

But these beautiful eyes on a boy brought a different edge, making him seem much sharper.

Although young, there was nothing effeminate about his appearance, just a remarkable beauty that immediately distinguished his gender.

And within this beauty, there was an intense fierceness and presence.

The only resemblance he bears to He Jinli is in his demeanor.

His demeanor wasn't taught by Yun Li; it was innate.

Just like He Jinli.

Or perhaps it's more about the aura.

Therefore, every time the Fifth Prince saw him, he couldn’t suppress the twisted hatred in his heart.

He always remembered how his mother died.

It was related to Yun Li.

If his mother were still alive, he wouldn't have to demean himself by flattering that old hag.

Nor would he have to stoop to courting Zhang Tong, that superficial girl.

After the Fifth Prince left, the Tenth Prince suddenly said, "Ninth Brother, didn’t you think Fifth Brother's smile was rather stiff? Did you notice?"

The Ninth Prince waved his hand dismissively, "Stiff? Focus on your practice instead of daydreaming."

The Tenth Prince agreed with a laugh.

The Ninth Prince lifted his bow, slowly drew it back, and smirked mockingly when the Tenth Prince couldn't see.

[Caught a cold again, it's been several times this year. Can't think straight after taking medicine, so frustrating.]