Chapter 82: Fear of Fame, Pigs Fear Fatness

Chapter 82: Fear of Fame, Pigs Fear Fatness

The second day was when the princes would visit the palace to pay their respects. The Third Prince, Crown Prince, and Seventh Prince, all dressed in their court attire, presented themselves at the Palace of Coiling Dragons to pay homage to the emperor.

In the past, after all the princes had bowed, the emperor would always have a private conversation with the Crown Prince. However, this time, he lifted his gaze and called out, "Nian'er."

Both the Crown Prince and the Third Prince paused, the former's expression turning sour while the latter narrowed his eyes, his expression complicated.

Long Nian was taken aback by the unexpected favor, quickly stepping forward as she watched the Crown Prince and her third brother withdraw. She then bowed again, asking, "What instructions does Father have for me?"

"The past few years, I've truly neglected you," the emperor said with a light cough, expressing his remorse. "I've heard from the court officials that you've been doing well lately, even earning recognition in the Patrol Guard. I feel that I owe you something."

Her throat tightened, and Long Nian lifted her gown, kneeling before him and bowing twice. "Father is heaven, always shining above your children. How can there be any debt? Without you, who would there be for your child?"

She spoke from the heart. For years, she had only held admiration and longing for this father, never resentment. Even if they were not close, he was still the person with whom she shared the strongest blood ties in the world.

The emperor could distinguish sincerity from pretense. He was surprised, wondering why his seventh son seemed to hold such affection for him. He had bestowed more favors on the other princes and rarely met with her, yet every time she saw him, she was filled with joy.

It had been a long time since the emperor had experienced being genuinely cared for. Touched, his gaze softened, and he said kindly, "Alright, get up. The Duke has mentioned your poor health; don't keep kneeling."

"Thank you, Father."

The crown prince and the third prince exited the Dragon Palace in succession. Normally, they had little interaction, but this time, the crown prince called out to the third prince.

"How have you been recently, Third Imperial Brother?"

The third prince paused and turned his head. "Why ask when Your Highness already knows?"

How many people were secretly mocking him for losing his position as the commander of the Patrol Guard? Zhao Hengxu couldn't vent his anger on Beitang Miao, so he could only blame Zhao Changnian. He had thought Zhao Changnian was naive, but it turned out she was a wolf in sheep's clothing, capable of persuading General Beitang to speak up for her, with even the court officials siding with her.

His frustration kept him from sleeping peacefully for several days. He still couldn't fathom how this seventh prince, known for his laziness and gluttony, had managed to gain such divine assistance?

"The palace truly grieves for Third Imperial Brother," the crown prince sighed. "You act too straightforwardly, not knowing how to curry favor or ingratiate yourself. That's why others can take advantage and win people's hearts."

The third prince scoffed. "I am not skilled in that art, so I can only accept my fate."

"Yes, our seventh brother's tactics are truly unparalleled," the crown prince shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Truly worthy of being Concubine Qin's son. Her schemes back then were remarkable. Despite all the dirty deeds she did behind closed doors, she still had the ability to return to the palace after being banished by Mother Empress... Ah, I digress."

The third prince paused and looked at him.

The prince smiled harmlessly. "It's nothing, just old palace affairs. Now that Seventh Brother has risen to prominence, times have changed. There's no point in dwelling on the past. Third Imperial Brother should be more cautious next time."

Prince Zhao knew that the prince had always looked down on Concubine Qin and his own birth mother, both having originated from humble servant backgrounds. But hearing him mention it today, it seemed like there was an underlying message. Zhao Hengxu pondered, then returned to his palace, summoning two attendants and instructing them to inquire further. He also wrote a secret letter to his trusted confidant outside the palace walls, asking for an investigation.

As Long Nian lounged lazily under the sun, she heard Hong Ti approach her softly. "Your Highness, news has come from the palace. Someone is digging into Concubine Qin's past."

Jolting upright, Long Nian's face turned pale.

Of course, Mother's caution made sense. Once one became noticeable, their secrets would be dug up. She knew she couldn't evade it forever, but hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

Back when Concubine Qin gave birth, Beitang Hua commanded the Imperial Forest Army. Taking advantage of his position, he bribed the midwife and imperial physician to conceal Long Nian's true identity. Afterward, the midwife was expelled from the palace, and the physician retired to his hometown, vowing never to return to the capital.

On the surface, there seemed to be no lingering concerns. Yet, if someone were determined enough, they could uncover the truth.

Was it Third Brother or the prince? Long Nian lacked the energy to speculate. Sitting in her reclining chair, she pondered for a long while before whispering, "Hong Ti, you must keep the Duke of Ding Guo's residence in the dark. I need to visit the Duke of Ding Guo's residence."

"Understood," Hong Ti acknowledged.

Mu Shufang was kneeling in the ancestral hall, listening to her father drone on about a daughter's duty to marry. Her ears were nearly numb, but she dared not argue. Instead, she rolled her eyes silently at the carved window.

Upon reaching the twelfth page, a servant hurriedly announced, "My Lord, an imperial prince is here for a visit."

Ding Guo was taken aback and asked, "Which imperial prince?"

The servant presented the visiting card, replying, "The Seventh Prince."

Mu Shufang jumped up in excitement, her eyes sparkling.

Fantastic! Chang Nian's arrival couldn't have been more timely – she was on the verge of being driven mad by her thoughts!

Seeing his daughter's reaction, Ding Guo felt a surge of joy. He quickly instructed, "Hurry and invite him to the tea parlor. I'll be right there!"

"Yes, sir!"

Mu Shufang, lifting her skirt, attempted to follow, but Lord Ding Guo held her back.

"Why?" Shufang asked, feeling wronged. "Since His Highness has arrived, do I still need to endure your lecture?"

Fixing her with a look of disappointment mixed with frustration, Lord Ding Guo said, "Change into a new dress first, the one your mother tailored for you yesterday."

Mu Shufang's lips twitched.

No sooner had Chang Nian taken her seat in the tea pavilion than Duke Ding Guo entered with a bow, saying, "I apologize for the disrespect, Your Highness. Please forgive me."

"Nonsense," Chang Nian replied with a smile. "I'm merely here to thank Miss Mu for her previous gift."

As she spoke, two boxes were carried in by servants. Upon opening them, they revealed two exquisite official kiln celadon porcelain vases with thin walls.

Duke Ding Guo was overjoyed; he adored official kiln celadons. Seventh Prince was truly thoughtful!

"Your Highness is too kind," said Duke Ding Guo, his face blossoming into a plump flower. "My daughter was just taking a music lesson, hence her inability to personally welcome you. Please allow me to ask for your patience."

"No need," Chang Nian nodded, sitting upright as she waited.

Mu Shufang arrived promptly. She had changed her dress, but still wore the same three golden plum blossom hairpins. The look wasn't extravagant, but it was pleasant to behold. Upon seeing her, Chang Nian smiled, ready to speak, when Duke Ding Guo scolded, "What are you up to?"

Startled, Mu Shufang tiptoed out of the door frame with a pout. "What have I done wrong this time?"

"Duke Ding Guo glared at her hairdo and then quickly bowed to Chang Nian. "My daughter has been careless at home. Please forgive her, Your Highness."

Scolding yet pleading for her forgiveness, he truly is a father deeply devoted to his daughter.

Chang Nian admired this and respectfully returned the gesture with a bow, "Miss Mu is inherently beautiful; any attire suits her well."