Having successfully become a trusted aide of the Crown Prince, Chen Jiao felt her future was bright. Lately, she was in high spirits, even showing a trace of joy while reporting to work at the Crown Prince’s residence.
Her mood was excellent. After finishing classes at the Imperial Academy, she hummed a little tune all the way to the palace. Just outside the gates, she happened to run into the Deputy Minister of Revenue, who was also on his way to report.
Unlike Chen Jiao, the Deputy Minister was far from cheerful.
Whether in ancient times or modern, work was never easy. The reforms in the Ministry of Revenue had been stalled. He constantly had to contend with the Fifth Prince’s supporters embedded in the ministry, and now even approaching the Crown Prince to report filled him with unease, fearing a poor outcome.
The Crown Prince had a gentle temperament but was highly principled. Under his supervision, everything had to be clear and proper; there was no room for sloppiness.
The Deputy Minister had dined with the Crown Prince at Guihe Tower and once confronted the Fifth Prince alongside Chen Jiao. Being only in his twenties, he and Chen Jiao were not far apart in age and had generally maintained a good relationship.
Seeing Chen Jiao humming all the way, he felt his spirits lift and joked, “Chen Jiao, have you met a lady you admire? Is that why you’re in such high spirits?”
He did not know what had gotten into her. Others trudged to work as if visiting a grave, but she bounced along energetically, eager to serve the Crown Prince every day and practically volunteering for overtime—a truly extraordinary person.
Chen Jiao had no idea of his teasing. She had been focused on showing her devotion to the Crown Prince, worried he might change his mind and not take her to Daming Temple. But she didn’t need to reveal such intentions in front of a colleague.
She sighed gently and said, “It is not a lady I think of. I am merely delighted at the thought of seeing His Highness.”
The Deputy Minister was speechless. He could not understand why anyone would be so excited just to meet the Crown Prince. Ordinary people might feel a thrill at glimpsing the emperor’s heir, but they saw him daily. Any initial excitement would have long since faded.
Chen Jiao ignored his gaze and said earnestly, “I am overjoyed at the thought of seeing His Highness. I wish I could always be at his side, helping him solve every worry…”
The Deputy Minister’s lips twitched, a pang of unease creeping over him. Yet he could not deny Chen Jiao’s sincerity. Her words were heartfelt, her expression earnest, her eyes hopeful. For a moment, he could not tell if she was flattering or speaking truly.
If she spoke from the heart, then her devotion to the Crown Prince was genuinely touching.
At only a few teens old, the heir had reached the age for engagement. Yet Chen Jiao paid no attention to any young ladies, thinking of the Crown Prince constantly, visiting his residence three times a day. Even if someone remarked that her affections were for the Crown Prince, many would likely believe it.
The Deputy Minister’s smile froze.
Chang’an’s culture followed the previous dynasty’s openness. Among the noble families, it was not unusual for one or two to rely on favoritism. The former Emperor Cheng had been indiscriminate, taking both men and women as favorites. His indulgence in male companions had even threatened the imperial harem, and rumors circulated among the common folk of “sleeping with the emperor, enjoying unique favor.”
The Deputy Minister looked at Chen Jiao in sudden suspicion. Her slender frame, fair skin, and soft, youthful voice made her not unlike those historical figures known for such affections.
At her age, most children in noble households were already introduced to adult matters, yet Chen Jiao had no concubines and no affairs at home.
The Deputy Minister felt increasingly chilled; the more he looked at Chen Jiao, the more she seemed like a young man of the same disposition.
A man of principle and on friendly terms with Chen Jiao, he deliberated carefully. He resolved to advise her to abandon such thoughts, to be a proper heir. Even if she truly had such inclinations, she should not indulge them toward the Crown Prince.
He cautiously suggested, “Chen Jiao, you are still young and inexperienced in matters of the heart. Perhaps you should turn your attention to young ladies and find a suitable match in time.”
Chen Jiao blinked, confused. Why would he suddenly care about her love life? Was someone at home testing her perhaps?
It was not vanity. As the heir of the Yong’an Marquis, her status was unmatched, the household small, with rules against taking concubines. Among the eligible bachelors of Chang’an, she was highly sought after. Over the years, many had subtly tested her regarding marriage.
But Chen Jiao, a girl, had no desire to marry.
Resolutely, she raised her fists high and declared, “My heart is entirely devoted to the Crown Prince. I wish to give my all for him. A soldier dies for a friend who recognizes him!”
Unaware that she had overacted, she had turned herself into a “young man of the same disposition.” Her performance was driven by ambition, showing her loyalty to the Crown Prince: “To this day, I have reserved my heart solely for His Highness. I have no other thoughts of love!”
Hearing this, the Deputy Minister’s heart sank further.
It was over—Chen Jiao had fallen for the Crown Prince at first blush.
To ask a young novice in matters of the heart to give up her beloved was cruel. Yet the Crown Prince was heir to the nation, leaving no future for them. Poor young heir of the Marquis, how had he ended up on this path of no return?
The Deputy Minister had come to report work but stumbled upon this revelation, leaving him dazed.
Everyone knew Chen Jiao had become a favorite in the Crown Prince’s eyes, and their recent closeness made him uncertain whether the Crown Prince understood her feelings.
Worried, he eventually shared his suspicions with the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor.
The Grand Tutor, Mr. He of Xingyang, was sixty-eight, esteemed for his scholarship and moral standing. Though he had previously requested retirement due to age, the emperor refused.
Now fully devoted to the Crown Prince, he believed Chen Jiao was beneficial to him. Even with dissenting opinions, she remained a good child in his eyes.
But Chen Jiao being a young girl showing such affection for the Crown Prince—this was a different matter.
The Crown Prince was noble and pure, and having an inexperienced youth influence him was dangerous. The Grand Tutor was alarmed, spending the night in anxious thought, and the next day hurried to the palace.
Inside the Crown Prince’s residence, Mr. He spoke sternly, “Your Highness, I have noticed your recent closeness with Chen Jiao. This must not continue!”
Xie Xianqing, reviewing documents, paused his brush. “Grand Tutor, what do you mean?”
Thinking of Chen Jiao daring to pursue his disciple, Mr. He’s anger flared.
He scolded firmly, “Chen Jiao is a reckless youth, sly with words and cunning. Your Highness, as heir, must maintain caution. How can you associate with such a person?”
Recalling how Chen Jiao had once silenced a room full of ministers with a few words, Xie Xianqing could not help but smile.
Shaking his head, he chuckled, “Grand Tutor, your words are harsh. Though Chen Jiao is headstrong, her nature is not malicious.”
The Grand Tutor looked at him as if he were stubborn and unreasonable. “Your Highness, consider carefully!”
Xie Xianqing’s smile faded, voice calm. “You taught me long ago not to judge by appearances. Chen Jiao may not be famous, and she is young, yet she dared to confront the Fifth Prince at the gate to protect me. Could someone so decisive and perceptive truly be as useless as others claim?”
As heir, Xie Xianqing met many people. In his judgment, few at Chen Jiao’s age possessed such courage and discernment, able to act decisively.
The Grand Tutor was struck. The Crown Prince valued Chen Jiao far beyond what he had imagined.
Though he had hesitated to speak, gentle persuasion had failed. Clenching his teeth, he said boldly, “Forgive my audacity, but I fear Chen Jiao may harbor improper intentions toward Your Highness!”
Xie Xianqing froze, and for a moment, Chen Jiao’s face flashed in his mind, faintly scented with osmanthus.
Before he could question, Mr. He recounted all he had overheard the day before, furious at such a brazen youth.
After listening, Xie Xianqing laughed softly, “A false alarm. Grand Tutor has likely overthought it.”
He knew Chen Jiao’s nature well. She often spoke such words in his presence, yet he had never interpreted them in the way the Deputy Minister and Grand Tutor feared.
Still, the words had planted a seed in his mind, though he chose to wait and see.
Relieved, the Grand Tutor sighed. “Very well. Chen Jiao has long tolerated her frivolous reputation. She is clever. Your Highness should still exercise caution.”
Old age made him sensitive; hearing of Chen Jiao’s attachment to the Crown Prince had startled him. In hindsight, he felt it best that she remain under careful watch.
Xie Xianqing did not respond. He did not distrust those around him, and the Yong’an Marquis family had shown full sincerity. Any plot would not endanger their only child.
Everyone near him sought their own advantage; some ambition was natural. Chen Jiao’s small schemes were harmless.
Sensing his error, the Grand Tutor’s demeanor softened. Xie Xianqing helped him up, offering the first gentle smile of the day. “Grand Tutor is my teacher. It is only natural that you advise me. What fault have you committed?”
He corrected himself, calling Mr. He “Teacher.” The old man’s expression brightened, face flushed as he waved it off. “Merely my duty.”
After leaving, he sighed silently.
The Crown Prince was grown, independent in thought; he could no longer be guided merely by his teacher.
With the Grand Tutor gone, Xie Xianqing stood at the desk by the window, momentarily silent, forgetting his brush in hand.
He chose not to dwell on the matter, yet that night he dreamed.
The dream carried a faint scent of incense, recalling Daming Temple, lying ill on the bed, with Chen Jiao sitting nearby, offering a green plum with gentle hands.
At dawn, Xie Xianqing awoke abruptly, eyes unfocused.
Everything was in turmoil.
Early the next morning, the Crown Prince’s residence was quiet. Everyone knew he was in a foul mood.
When he rose to dress, he spoke to the attending eunuch in a low voice, “Burn everything on the bed.”
The eunuchs bowed their heads, trembling, not daring to breathe or look up.