Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Kunning Palace was silent, the palace banquet having concluded.

Empress Xu returned to the palace late, and as soon as she arrived, news came from the Eastern Palace: the Crown Prince had returned in a displeased mood, and had fallen silent.

"The Crown Prince has shut himself in his palace, saying he wants some quiet and asking that no servants disturb him," reported a palace maid.

After returning to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince even threw a fit—a rare occurrence. Those in the Eastern Palace had only ever seen the Crown Prince's gentle demeanor; this was the first time they witnessed him lose his temper.

Empress Xu poured herself some hot tea while listening to the maid's report, her hand circling the rim of the cup. "It's cold. Have someone bring him an extra robe."

The maid hurried off, leaving only the Empress's personal attendant by her side.

"How is it that I didn't know the Crown Prince sought a jade carver?" Empress Xu asked.

"His Highness kept it secret from the palace, saying he wanted to surprise you, Your Majesty," replied the maid.

A surprise... That was indeed something her son would do. But with such a major event as the birthday banquet, Empress Xu's gaze darkened slightly as she took a sip of tea. "Is that so? Deceiving his superiors and keeping it from his subordinates—no need for him to stay in Kunning Palace anymore."

The maid fell silent at this. Her Majesty had always been this way. When she gave birth to the Crown Prince, it was a near-death experience; at that time, the imperial physicians had all said the baby could not be saved. His Majesty ordered them to prioritize saving the Empress, resorting to strong medicine. Fortunately, things turned out well, and the Crown Prince was born safely. But the Empress's constitution was damaged from the childbirth, making subsequent pregnancies difficult. When she regained consciousness, Her Majesty had stared at the Crown Prince for a long time, and her temperament changed dramatically thereafter—she became extremely cautious with His Highness.

When the Crown Prince was gravely ill as a child, she prayed at the temple for an entire month and has since devoted herself to Buddhism, praying for his safety.

When it comes to matters concerning the Crown Prince, though she shows nothing on the surface, she handles everything personally.

This time, preparations for the birthday gift had been in the works for a long while. The Xu family had already begun spreading word of the Crown Prince's virtuous reputation, never expecting him to act on his own. Yet despite this, Her Majesty did not abandon the Crown Prince. She only said that His Highness was still young and needed tempering, and she specially explained things to Grand Secretary Xu.

Over time, everyone in the palace said Her Majesty had attained a Buddha-like nature through her devotion to Buddhism, but the truth was that such calm only held when matters regarding the Crown Prince were not involved.

When the Crown Prince was concerned, every action Her Majesty took was fiercer than anyone else's.

The palace was quiet. A maid had already gone out, and soon shouts could be heard from outside.

Empress Xu remained unmoved, her jade-like hand resting on the cup, tapping it rhythmically, one knock after another, like a wooden fish.

"Was it Consort Ning's gift?" Empress Xu asked.

"The birthday tribute came from Weiyang Palace, so it should have been prepared by Consort Ning," the maid replied, her voice more respectful. "I have inquired: Consort Ning instructed her palace staff to prepare the gift. His Highness the Sixth Prince has always followed Consort Ning's lead, so the birthday tribute bears Consort Ning's touch."

"She is quite thoughtful," Empress Xu said briefly. "Send a few small ginseng roots over. Since His Majesty bestowed gifts, Kunning Palace cannot neglect proper etiquette."

Not long after the banquet ended, rumors were already spreading through the palace. The news that the Crown Prince's specially prepared Jade Beast Statue had been overshadowed by the Sixth Prince's gift had traveled everywhere. Other consorts had even sent people to the vicinity of Kunning Palace to investigate, all to find out about the Eastern Palace's situation. His Majesty had not come tonight, and some even said that because of the banquet incident, His Majesty had grown distant from the Crown Prince.

"Grand Secretary Xu sent a letter."

A palace maid handed a confidential letter to Empress Xu. At the end of tonight's banquet, Grand Secretary Xu had entrusted someone to deliver it.

The Xu family rarely sent letters into the palace, especially now that His Majesty had returned to the capital—any slight movement would draw attention.

Empress Xu opened her eyes slightly, taking the secret letter from the maid. When she saw the characters written inside, her expression paused. The letter briefly mentioned recent trends in court and country, with one particular "Shen" character highlighted—she tightened her grip on the paper. There had been several changes at tonight's banquet: first the Shrine of Warriors, then the Ning family. If the Ning family had not stepped forward, this assignment would likely have fallen to the Minister of Rites. The Minister of Rites had close ties with Prince Yongjia. That His Majesty now gave the task to the Ning family seemed to indicate different intentions.

As for the Shen family, that could only refer to the current Vice Minister of War, Shen Changcun—a man in court who leaned neither one way nor the other, a solid neutral.

His Majesty had returned to the palace early tonight, and her father had mentioned the Shen family at such a time...

"Trouble is brewing," Empress Xu said. "Keep a closer watch in the coming days."

The maid acknowledged.

The secret letter was completely destroyed. Empress Xu's eyes darted as she spotted something on the desk: "What is that?"

"It was brought by His Highness the Sixth Prince," the maid said, noticing where Her Majesty's attention had fallen. "Your Majesty, you forgot. When you saw that the Sixth Prince looked weak, you ordered me to give him a hand warmer. He returned it later, along with a sachet."

Reminded, Empress Xu seemed to recall the incident. She looked at the sachet the maid handed her—clearly a blessing sachet from a temple in the capital, filled with incense ash. The sachet was light and soft. But after tonight's incident, her initial goodwill faded. "The Sixth Prince is indeed thoughtful."

The sachet landed lightly on the table, stained with tea.

Empress Xu closed her eyes, no longer concerned with the sachet. "Get rid of it."

Ying Fusheng ran intermittent low fevers for two days before his condition eased.

-*

Song An noticed that His Highness had been very diligent about taking his medicine these days. After the banquet, news spread, and many were watching Cining Palace. But His Highness remained calm, recovering as he should, drinking his medicine more willingly than usual. Every day, he paid respects to the Empress Dowager and otherwise never left his quarters.

After the banquet, rewards arrived from Qianqing Palace. Consort Ning also sent a few items. The gifts from the various palaces piled up to one side. His Highness only asked about them, then set aside the imperial gifts, kept some valuable items for daily use, and sold off the rest.

That day after the banquet, His Highness had ordered him to return the hand warmer. Somehow, Empress Xu also sent nourishment items, specifically delivered to Cining Palace.

His Highness did not ask further, simply telling him to keep them.

Song An actually wished His Highness would keep more items, but His Highness seemed indifferent to such things, preferring gold instead. He even instructed Song An to save the gold, saying it would be useful later.

"Your Highness, we don't use gold for tipping in the palace," Song An said, accustomed to frugal ways. Handing out so much gold for gratuities pained him.

Ying Fusheng lightly tapped him on the forehead. "This gold cannot be used for tipping in the palace, but outside the palace, things are different."

"Though power is important, in some matters, money is more useful than power after all."

Song An hesitated. His Highness was currently in the palace—why was he thinking about matters outside the palace?

But he obediently followed Ying Fusheng's instructions, collecting and storing the items sent from the various palaces.

It seemed that after the banquet, their situation had improved dramatically. The palace staff of Cining Palace treated them as kindly as ever. Even Consort Ning had sent many things—it was as if all the attention they had lacked in previous years suddenly arrived at once. Not only that, but other palaces were waiting to see what would happen with Weiyang Palace. Yet the Empress Dowager did not let the Sixth Prince return, instead brushing aside Consort Ning's requests and keeping the Sixth Prince in Cining Palace. This move left most people bewildered, all wondering what was going on.

When others sounded him out, Ying Fusheng remained unmoved, continuing to recover. Until one day, just after he woke up, he was disturbed by noise from outside Cining Palace.

Several unfamiliar faces appeared in the doorway. Among them was a eunuch in charge with a pale, clean-shaven face, wearing a crimson-purple embroidered python robe. All the other eunuchs deferred to him. He stood motionless in the shadows, only occasionally did a sharp glint pass through his eyes when he looked up. He seemed to have been waiting for some time. When he saw Ying Fusheng emerge from the hall, he bowed and said, "Your Highness."

Ying Fusheng saw Lady Yu, and his mind raced, recognizing who this man was.

Someone who could make the Cining Palace staff on such high alert—this could only be someone close to his imperial father from Qianqing Palace.

Within Qianqing Palace, the highest-ranking eunuch by his father's side, surname Rong.

Eunuch Rong's voice was not loud, but his words were clear and measured: "Has Your Highness's health improved?"

"Thanks to Father's concern, I am much better now," Ying Fusheng replied, concealing his deep thoughts.

Hearing this, Eunuch Rong said, "I convey His Majesty's oral decree: The Sixth Prince is to attend the martial training ground for the ceremony."

Ying Fusheng slowed his movements slightly at this, then quickly understood. "Your son obeys the decree."

The eunuchs of Qianqing Palace rarely came to deliver orders directly. The oral decree arrived just as Ying Fusheng's health had just turned for the better—timing that seemed almost perfect.

In the past, such orders would have been sent directly to Weiyang Palace, or even ignored, given his status—he was not significant enough for his imperial father to take special notice. But today, with Eunuch Rong's arrival, combined with the gifts from the various palaces over the past few days, he knew the banquet had achieved his goal.

Ying Fusheng suppressed his suspicions, keenly aware of the atmosphere in Cining Palace. Song An had already hurriedly retrieved suitable court garments. He spread his arms, and Song An helped him put on his outer garments.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already gone ahead to the military training ground. She specifically instructed that if Your Highness goes, you should dress more warmly," said Lady Yu, bringing over a fox-fur cloak.

Ying Fusheng replied, "Thank you, Grandmother."

The military training ground was just outside the city wall, not far to travel. As one of the royal training grounds, the capital garrison was stationed here. Before even arriving, Ying Fusheng could see a solemn scene from afar: the infantry in formation moved in perfect unison, thrusting and withdrawing their spears with clean precision in time with the drumbeats, the weapons glinting under the sun.

He had no memory of ever watching an event at the military training ground. Or perhaps there had been one, but he had been too ill to be told. What he did know was that his performance at the palace banquet had caught the Emperor's eye; otherwise, Eunuch Rong would not have come personally to deliver the oral decree.

The palanquin stopped, and Ying Fusheng steadied himself on Song An’s hand to descend. The intensity of the training ground seemed to morph into a biting wind that inched closer.

He set aside his thoughts and followed the guiding eunuch inside.

At the highest point of the training ground, the Emperor had already arrived in person. Besides him, the Empress Dowager and the Empress were also there.

Ying Fusheng arrived late, and as soon as he did, gazes from all around quickly swept over him.

Not far from the Emperor's seat, the Crown Prince, dressed in his splendid robes, saw Ying Fusheng arrive and his expression shifted slightly, but he quickly composed himself. However, the Eighth Prince next to him could not maintain his composure; his face showed disgust, his hostility toward Ying Fusheng plain for all to see.

"Why is he here?" the Eighth Prince muttered with a curl of his lip.

The Crown Prince pacified the Eighth Prince, his gaze deep. "Eighth Brother, watch your words."

Ying Fusheng's seat was near the Eighth Prince's, and many nearby cast glances at him.

In the Dayuan royal family, whether princes or princesses, there were no restrictions on studying or martial training.

Ying Fusheng shot a quick glance over the assembled imperial descendants; most were around his age. Those who looked at him mostly had the direct, unrestrained look of the Eighth Prince—a straightforwardness that hadn’t yet grasped the nuances of power—filled with contempt and curiosity. Ying Fusheng paid them no heed, instead fixing a serious gaze on the Crown Prince.

Though the Crown Prince maintained his composure, holding onto his usual hypocritical facade, he couldn't help clenching his fists when meeting Ying Fusheng's eyes.

At the highest point, the Emperor scanned the assembled crowd. Seeing that the several people had taken their seats, he spoke: "I summoned you all here today for no other reason. You are all growing older, and it's time to select a few young men from noble families to serve as study companions in the palace."

As soon as these words fell, the expressions of the assembled princes and imperial clan members changed. In recent years, the Emperor had been busy with military campaigns and had rarely paid attention to the rear palace or his children. But in the past, when study companions were chosen for the princes, each palace would submit a list for review, and if suitable, the candidates would be brought into the palace, or the Emperor himself would appoint them.

"Selecting study companions... This has never happened before."

"His Highness the Crown Prince doesn't have a study companion. His Majesty must be choosing one for him."

Many people immediately looked at the Crown Prince. The fact that the Crown Prince had no study companion was not a secret.

Many in the court, hoping to curry favor with the Xu family, had expressed their wishes to Grand Secretary Xu and the Empress. But with Grand Secretary Xu being a veteran of two reigns and the Empress acting with thorough care, the matter of the Crown Prince's study companion had never been settled. It was clear to anyone with eyes that the Xu family was waiting for the Emperor's personal appointment.

Ying Fusheng was momentarily taken aback, his hand pouring tea pausing. It was only the warmth of the cup rim that brought him back to his senses. In his previous life, this had never happened... He recalled the Crown Prince's study companion: after the palace banquet in his past life, the Crown Prince had become famous throughout the realm, and the Emperor had personally appointed two study companions for him. Those two later, along with the forces behind them, became key supports for the Crown Prince's faction, aiding his ascension to the throne.

As the Emperor finished speaking, Eunuch Rong announced the entry of the families.

"Summoning—Zhou Qingyuan, son of Zhou Bingjun, Minister of Works, to present himself."

"Summoning—Liu Yunshi, Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, son..."

From the side of the training ground, young men of similar age walked in, all bowing in salute.

Those who could make it onto the study companion list were either from powerful noble families or from scholarly families of integrity.

As the eunuch announced the names loudly, Ying Fusheng's expression shifted slightly. Among these young, fresh faces, there was a faint sense of familiarity. His gaze fell on a youth far away, dressed in a moon-white Confucian robe, with a handsome, clear face and a unique calmness in his brows and eyes. He saluted the imperial descendants with elegance, neither servile nor arrogant, already bearing the demeanor of a future figure.

This was Zhou Qingyuan, the youngest son of Minister of Works Zhou Bingjun. A child prodigy, remarkably intelligent, he was one of the study companions that the Emperor in Ying Fusheng's past life had personally appointed for the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince's face showed no reaction, but internally he was already stirred, especially when he looked at Zhou Qingyuan—his gaze was almost gentle.

Not just the Crown Prince; all the imperial descendants had their own thoughts.

Especially the Seventh Prince, the youngest son of Consort Yun. Consort Yun had borne His Majesty two sons: the eldest prince had already left the palace to establish his own residence, while the Seventh Prince was at the age for primary education.

At that moment, though other imperial consorts were absent, Consort Yun was seated in the high place.

The Yun family had fought alongside the founding emperor for years and was a prestigious clan from the very beginning of Dayuan, deeply rooted and widespread, with close ties to powerful officials and nobles. After leaving the palace, the eldest prince had made significant contributions in the Ministry of Revenue and had close dealings with the powerful, his influence gradually approaching that of the Crown Prince's faction.

The struggle between the pure scholar-officials and the powerful nobles would continue until later generations.

But... Ying Fusheng's thoughts half-withdrew. He was thinking about other things. The selection itself had never happened in his past life. Given His Majesty's deep regard for the Crown Prince, this process was actually unnecessary.

At this point, he couldn't help but look at the Emperor.

The Emperor was calm, but after mentioning the matter of study companions, he gave the Crown Prince a pointed look. The Crown Prince seemed not to notice; the matter of study companions and selection had him deep in thought, entirely unaware that the Emperor was already observing him.

In this seemingly balanced selection, the forces behind the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince each had their own calculations.

Ying Fusheng withdrew his observations. The only variable could be the palace banquet. The Emperor was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's performance at the banquet; he hadn't made a direct appointment but instead turned it into a selection. Could it be just that?

As he was thinking, the voice announcing the summons changed—

"Summoning—Shen Yunfei, son of Shen Changcun, Vice Minister of War, to present himself."

When Ying Fusheng heard this name, his expression shifted slightly, and certain connections suddenly became clear.

There was a faint stir in the assembled crowd. He followed the gaze and saw that many people were looking at the young man. The youth appeared to be about twelve years old, with a young face and a faint hint of weariness. Shen Yunfei was the youngest son of Vice Minister of War Shen Changcun. Shen Changcun had been thriving in his official career in recent years, known for his incorruptibility and independence, often dismissive of the machinations of the powerful in court and country.

Especially since the Minister of War was about to retire. Once that happened, the post of Minister would be vacant, and Shen Changcun was the most suitable candidate.

But a major incident in the court a few days ago had changed everything. After the Emperor's amnesty, a thorough investigation of the Ministry of War had uncovered an old case: during wartime, someone had concealed military intelligence and falsified military pay, delaying military operations and nearly causing a frontline defeat. Later, several batches of military pay had gone missing. The Emperor was furious, ordering the Ministry of Justice, together with the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate, to investigate thoroughly. Vice Minister of War Shen Changcun, as the official who had handled the matter, was implicated and still couldn't clear himself.

No one had expected Shen Yunfei to be among the selection candidates.

If the Shen family were not in trouble, everyone would be vying to form ties with them. But now, Vice Minister Shen himself was in a difficult position.

His appearance here, no matter what His Majesty intended, made others hesitant to approach.

Seeing the murmurs around, Song An asked, "Is this Young Master Shen very formidable?"

Ying Fusheng suddenly understood something and said briefly, "I'm afraid no one wants to choose him."

Shen Yunfei performed the ritual to pay respects to His Majesty, his gaze from the corner of his eye looking toward the Crown Prince as if he had something to say.

When he saw Shen Yunfei, the Crown Prince's face darkened slightly. Over the years, the Crown Prince was supposed to have at least two study companions. Earlier, the Xu family had already selected study companions for him, waiting only for His Majesty's personal approval. Among them was Shen Yunfei... but that was before the Shen family was implicated in the military pay case.

Ying Fusheng put down his teacup, the warmth slowly spreading to his fingertips as he took it all in.

So that's why there had to be a selection. Summoning all the imperial descendants of appropriate age here, His Majesty's intentions ran deep.

The dozen or so study companion candidates stepped forward. A gentleman's assessment would include the Six Arts.

Dayuan valued martial prowess. It was unlikely that the Emperor had chosen the training ground for nothing. Before long, the presiding examining official stepped forward. A large empty space was laid out in the training ground, with fine horses and shooting targets prepared—clearly the test was of horsemanship and archery!

Shen Yunfei was average in academics but excelled in martial arts. With the Shen family in trouble in recent days, His Majesty avoided seeing them, and his father's former colleagues dared not offer help. Being selected as a study companion was his only chance. If he performed well and became the Crown Prince's study companion, he would have an opportunity to face His Majesty or gain the Xu family's assistance.

When the eunuch brought the horses, Shen Yunfei's heart surged with excitement, completely missing the flash of malice in the eunuch's eyes. He mounted the horse. He might not claim first place in other events, but in horsemanship and archery, he could open a gap between himself and the others—there was still a chance.

A gong sounded ahead, Shen Yunfei immediately spurred his horse into a gallop.

The horse raced forward, kicking up sand and dust, instantly energizing the surrounding atmosphere.

The Seventh Prince cheered repeatedly, "Great!" and couldn't help leaving his seat to step forward for a closer look, pushing aside several palace attendants.

"That child, Little Seven," the Emperor said, smiling from his elevated seat.

Beside him, Consort Yun covered her face with an embroidered handkerchief. Seeing the Eighth Prince also rise and approach the viewing area, her beautiful eyes paused briefly on Empress Xu, and she chuckled softly, "Still young, can't sit still. The Eighth Prince too, at his age, too fond of playing."

Empress Xu sat upright, ignoring Consort Yun's provocation.

The horse archers fought with increasing ferocity.

Shen Yunfei surged far ahead, with only Zhou Qingyuan barely keeping pace.

Suddenly, a general watching from the sidelines frowned, hesitating slightly: "That leading horse looks off... Not good!"

As Shen Yunfei's horse turned out of the archery range, whether due to loose sand or a fluttering banner outside the field, a glint of light flashed in the distance. The horse stumbled in its rapid stride, its front hooves gave way!

Shen Yunfei had just released his arrow when the sudden loss of balance caught him off guard, his body was thrown sideways. Around him, gasps erupted. In that critical moment, Shen Yunfei arched his back and used all his strength, forcing himself back onto the horse. But then a sudden change occurred!

The out-of-control horse crashed through the fence, charging toward the area where the imperial princes were watching.

The incident happened so suddenly that the surrounding guards immediately shouted, "Protect the Emperor!"

Near the seats, the horse was unexpectedly heading straight for the Seventh Prince.

The Seventh Prince had been standing close to watch, used to doing as he pleased, and never expected this to happen.

The Emperor instantly rose, his sharp gaze sweeping toward the archery range.

Beside him, Empress Xu's expression shifted slightly, her hand loosening its grip on the Buddhist prayer beads.

The frenzied horse reared its front hooves, about to trample the Seventh Prince. Shen Yunfei immediately pulled the reins, in a hair's breadth turning the horse's head and forcing a change in the direction of its hoof fall, narrowly avoiding the Seventh Prince.

Under such conditions, Shen Yunfei actually managed to control the horse!

Just as everyone thought the situation had eased, the horse's hooves suddenly lost balance again. Shen Yunfei, having barely regained control, instantly lost his equilibrium. Before he could pull the reins to stop, the momentum was unstoppable. The redirected horse crashed into a banner, the banner snapped and wobbled, about to fall.

The Eighth Prince stood frozen in terror.

Shen Yunfei had no time to help him. Then, a figure appeared in his field of vision—a youth lunged forward, grabbing the Eighth Prince and pushing him away.

It was the Sixth Prince!

"The banner!"

The banner gave way, crashing into the seating area.

Shen Yunfei fell from his horse, his face drained of all color!

In that critical moment, a figure shot forward faster than the falling banner.

Shadow-like, he moved; he kicked the banner pole in an instant, forcefully redirecting its fall.

Ying Fusheng stepped back twice, eyed the falling banner, then abruptly stopped.

Then, a dark silhouette flashed before his eyes.

The young man landed, his movements crisp. At just fourteen or fifteen, his youth only highlighted his seasoned composure. As he swept past, he bore the toughened grit of frontier winds, clad in black battle attire. Closing in, he radiated an undeniable edge, like a cold blade drawn, cutting through wind and snow.

Many instinctively turned to the fallen banner. Only Ying Fusheng, who stood beside it, calmly lifted his eyes, his gaze briefly meeting the young general's in midair—a brief glance at the palace banquet, now a direct confrontation.

Qi Hanzhou turned around, meeting the other’s pale face. Yet those eyes held no fear or dread, in the thick of it, yet somehow aloof.

Utterly strange.