Page 221

But it wasn't the same for Gu Changjin.

He had once dreamed of him, where he even learned from Xiao Huaian's little eunuch how to carve ice sculptures using stone slabs.

Xiao Huaian was as quiet and reserved as the young boy in his dream.

Emperor Jiayou had watched him grow up, and summoning him was naturally to hope that he would become closer to the Crown Prince. This way, even after Emperor Jiayou was gone, there would still be someone to look after Xiao Huaian.

Unfortunately, Xiao Huaian's guard was too high. He wasn't distant from Gu Changjin, but he wasn't exactly close either.

After the meal, Emperor Jiayou looked tired and waved his hand, signaling Wang Dehai to escort the two out of the Qianqing Palace.

Two little eunuchs who served Xiao Huaian came forward with umbrellas, draping a thick cloak over Xiao Huaian's shoulders.

Gu Changjin recognized one of them as the eunuch who taught him how to carve ice sculptures in his previous life. He stepped forward and asked, "What is your name?"

His abrupt question startled the little eunuch, causing his shoulders to jump. He quickly bowed lower and answered respectfully with a thin voice, "Your Highness, this lowly servant's name is Chao'en."

The usually silent Xiao Huaian instinctively moved closer to Chao'en and lifted his gaze to stare intently at Gu Changjin.

He appeared as if he would protect those under his care.

Gu Changjin's lips curled slightly as he asked, "Do you want to go out and play in the snow with me?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huaian's eyes widened instantly. The surprise in his black and white eyes was undeniable.

Just as he was hesitating, a little eunuch named Chaoan stepped forward and whispered into his ear, "Didn't His Highness the Prince ask me to carve an ice fox for you just the other day? Since you've finished your studies in the Wenhu Hall today, why not take Prince's offer and go out to play in the snow? Not only will I carve you an ice fox, but also an ice tiger."

Chaoan had his own selfish motives for saying this.

The Emperor favored the Crown Prince, and the officials in the court were also very supportive of him. Even those who used to support the First Prince from the Xing family began to defect and support the Crown Prince. It was clear that the situation in the palace had become evident – the Crown Prince would surely ascend to the throne one day.

If the Prince and the Crown Prince maintained a good relationship, the former would naturally receive more protection in the future.

Wasn't that the Emperor's intention when he invited the Prince to have his meal in the Qianqing Palace today?

Now, it was truly a pleasant surprise that the Crown Prince was willing to lower himself to get closer to the Prince.

However, Chaoan was unaware that Gu Changjin didn't want to bring Xiao Huaian out of the palace for his sake, but for his own.

Wang Dehai had just returned to the Qianqing Palace when, before he could report to Emperor Jiayou, a young eunuch hurried up to whisper in his ear, "Daddy, His Highness the Crown Prince wants to take Prince Huai'an out for a stroll. He's sent me to deliver the message."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dehai knew that Gu Changjin was asking him to convey the message to Emperor Jiayou. He quickly lifted the curtains and entered the inner chamber.

When Emperor Jiayou heard the news, he was somewhat surprised, assuming that Gu Changjin intended to teach Xiao Huaian in the Eastern Palace. Without much thought, he smiled and said, "Let them go. It will be good for their brotherly bond."

With Emperor Jiayou's permission, Gu Changjin took Xiao Huaian and a young eunuch named Chaoan out of the palace.

The carriage rolled along the official road, leaving two long tracks in the snow.

Looking at the gradually receding Eastern Palace, Xiao Huaian asked curiously, "Big Brother Crown Prince, where are we going?"

Gu Changjin glanced at him. The clear black-and-white eyes of the young boy had lost some of their pretentious maturity and gained a touch of youthful spirit, resembling the Prince Huai'an he had seen in his dreams.

"We're going to the outskirts. There's an old plum forest there, and the plum blossoms should be about to bloom."

Outside the Minglu Yard, the old plum forest was indeed bursting with buds, clustering noisily on the branches. From a distance, it was hard to tell if they were flowers or snow.

Rong Shu was fiddling with abacus beads in the courtyard when Ying Que approached with a cheerful expression. "Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince is here. The carriage is parked outside right now."

Rong Shu paused in her action, frowning as she asked, "Why is he here?"

Ying Que replied, "I heard he's here to bring Prince Huai'an from the palace out for a snowy stroll."

Since he had already arrived on her turf, as the host, she had to at least greet him. Moreover, regarding the matter between the Rong and Shen families, Gu Changjin had been quietly assisting her. Out of gratitude and courtesy, she should entertain him.

With that in mind, Rong Shu didn't hesitate and changed her clothes before stepping out into the courtyard.

Just as Gu Changjin passed through the screen wall, he saw her walking towards him, holding a copper hand warmer amidst the snow.

The young maiden was dressed in a dusky purple robe with grapevine patterns on the collar, paired with a soft silver gauze skirt adorned with lilies. She wore a deep purple cloak that accentuated the dazzling brilliance against the backdrop of the snowy ground.

It had been quite some time since Gu Changjin had last seen her.

He stopped in his tracks, standing silently as he gazed at her without taking his eyes off her.

Rong Shu bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Your Highnesses."

Gu Changjin said, "There's no need to be too formal."

On one side, Xiao Huaian lifted his gaze, discreetly sizing up Rong Shu. Even without knowing who this woman was, he could guess that the prince had come for her.

Sure enough, the tall man next to him spoke in a warm tone, "I brought someone here to carve some trinkets for you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huaian understood further. The prince had brought Chao An out mainly, and he was just an afterthought.

The young boy lowered his eyelashes, not feeling upset. After all, he was happy just to be able to leave the palace.

It had been a long time since he last set foot outside the imperial grounds.

In the Minglu Yard, there was a natural lake nestled within the old plum grove. Now, the lake's surface was covered with a thick layer of ice. Chang Ji led the group to chip away at the ice, while Yingyue and Ying Que supervised the lighting of a brazier in the bamboo pavilion of the old plum grove to warm the wine.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Chang Ji carried the ice over.

By now, Chao An understood why Gu Changjin had brought him along. He took out an extremely thin stone sliver from his waist and, holding a fist-sized chunk of ice, began carving diligently.

Just as he was engrossed in his task, a deep voice interrupted, "Give me one of those stone slivers."

Chao An was taken aback. Why would His Highness the Prince want such a thing?