Among all his subordinates, he had never encountered anyone quite like her.
Chen Jiao was young, yet she knew when to advance and when to retreat. Clever and daring, she dared to contend with many senior ministers in strategy and planning. People called her precociously mature, yet her spirit was lively, and her words and actions retained the natural freshness of youth.
As Xie Xianqing pondered, Chen Jiao waited eagerly for his reply, ready to return home for her meal as soon as he said it was nothing.
He lifted his gaze and saw the young girl looking up at him without blinking. Her features were delicate, and her eyes clear.
Suddenly amused, Xie Xianqing teased, “So there’s still something that needs attending to…”
Before he could finish, Chen Jiao, full of anticipation for leaving work, froze as if struck by lightning.
Heavens! All morning and still no end to work? The Crown Prince actually had other matters? Did that mean she’d have to stay late too?!
Chen Jiao blinked, secretly regretting her earlier cleverness in not sneaking away with the other adults.
And now, an unexpected overtime!
She said nothing, yet Xie Xianqing caught the shock and regret in her eyes. Chen Jiao pursed her lips, a hint of quiet disappointment on her face.
Disappointed over what? Missing a meal at home?
The thought made Xie Xianqing chuckle.
He glanced at the sky, then stopped teasing the alternately clever and naive youth, and addressed her, “I’ve reserved a table at Guihe Tower. If you have no other matters, Chen Jiao, you may accompany me.”
Chen Jiao immediately brightened, snapping to attention and answering swiftly, “To assist Your Highness is my duty!”
Dinner? Why didn’t you say so sooner!
Of course she knew overtime was more tolerable when the boss noticed. Being escorted by the Crown Prince for food and drink—promotion and raises couldn’t be far off.
Career prospects, bright indeed.
Xie Xianqing held a folding fan. Chen Jiao’s delight brought an involuntary curl to his lips, a subtle smile flickering in his eyes.
He lowered his gaze, smiling lightly, unaware that his posture, in others’ eyes, was more dazzling than the moonlit sky.
The Crown Prince’s unmatched beauty and refined aura, long black hair bound with a silver pin, made him the epitome of a gentleman.
Born with extraordinary bearing, no wonder his reputation filled Chang’an and so many maidens pined for him.
Chen Jiao inwardly praised her own choice in following the Crown Prince. Having a handsome superior made work more pleasant, and returning home for a meal could even be a little sweeter.
The longer she gazed, the more admiration grew. Xie Xianqing cleared his throat, “Chen Jiao, what are you staring at?”
Chen Jiao grinned mischievously, leaning over and flattering, “Looking at Your Highness, of course!”
Xie Xianqing paused. Many had praised his looks and demeanor, yet Chen Jiao’s direct honesty was unprecedented.
He glanced at her peeking about and shook his head with amusement.
The Fifth Prince’s recent aggressive moves had made discussions on Ministry of Revenue reforms with his ministers far from smooth, and though Xie Xianqing’s face remained calm, his mood was less so.
Yet Chen Jiao’s interruptions lifted his spirits, even making the day seem brighter.
…
Guihe Tower, on West Street in Chang’an, rose three stories, with a prime location and an elegantly balanced interior. Chen Jiao followed the Crown Prince and his personal attendant to a private room. While dining, she noticed the Crown Prince’s personal guard continually watching the window.
At first, she assumed it was to guard against assassins. Only later did she realize that directly opposite the tower stood the Ministry of Revenue, and this room allowed a clear view of all comings and goings.
Chen Jiao stiffened but feigned ignorance, quietly resuming her meal.
She recalled her grandfather once mentioning that this tavern was associated with a minister’s household. Clearly, that official was part of the Crown Prince’s faction.
After some time, the private room’s door opened, and the Ministry of Revenue’s Deputy Minister entered, his gaze sharp as it swept over Chen Jiao.
She set down her chopsticks, hesitating on whether to leave like before, but the minister’s eyes softened, and he calmly approached to report on the recent reforms.
Chen Jiao picked up her chopsticks again, dining with ease. After reporting, the minister stayed to eat, occasionally chatting with the Crown Prince, their interaction harmonious.
Suddenly, the guard watching the window straightened, leaning close to whisper in the Crown Prince’s ear.
Xie Xianqing raised his teacup, expression unreadable, “Are you certain it’s him?”
Chen Jiao was close enough to see but could not hear their words.
After a while, quiet at the tower broke as footsteps approached the room.
The Fifth Prince’s voice rang out, “I heard my elder brother is at the teahouse, so I’ve come to pay respects…”
The current emperor was displeased with the Crown Prince, signaling other princes to act, and now several were poised to topple him, making no effort to maintain appearances.
The Crown Prince had summoned Wang Zhong’an and met privately with the deputy minister; the Fifth Prince had clearly received insider information, rushing to intervene.
Xie Xianqing’s guard moved swiftly to the door, “Your Highness cannot receive visitors.”
The Fifth Prince pressed forward, “Oh? If my elder brother is unwell, I should visit to check on him.” His attendants moved as if to force entry.
The Crown Prince and Deputy Minister had been discussing matters privately. The Fifth Prince’s urgency suggested he had heard a rumor and sought to confirm it.
The guards, without authorization, refused to allow entry, “Impudent! How dare you defy protocol!”
Though the Crown Prince was heir apparent, the princes no longer showed proper respect, the Fifth Prince particularly aggressive.
As they struggled, the Crown Prince silently poured tea, his face calm but eyes cold.
Chen Jiao swallowed a bite, then suddenly set down her cup and stepped forward, “Do you know who sits in this room?!”
Unaware of the Crown Prince’s plans, she only saw the Fifth Prince and his guards overstepping. Let them intrude, and the heir’s dignity would be trampled.
The Crown Prince could not intervene; his guards were powerless against the overbearing Fifth Prince. Chen Jiao sensed her moment had arrived.
The Fifth Prince’s guards sneered at her, “Who are you?”
Chen Jiao did not flinch, coldly retorting, “I am the rightful Chen Jiao of the Yong’an Marquis household, and you are what?”
The Fifth Prince’s gaze fell on her, his voice soft yet sharp, “So it is the Yong’an Marquis’ heir.”
He had recognized her long before the guards spoke. Standing with the Crown Prince was no minor matter, drawing attention from both the emperor and other princes. He intended to confront her directly.
Nonchalantly, he sized her up, planning to show this spoiled child her limits today before stepping in himself.
His attendant barked, “Impudent, kneel before the Fifth Prince!”
Chen Jiao frowned, feigning ignorance, “The Fifth Prince? For a moment, I thought it was His Majesty himself.”
Her words changed the room. Only the Crown Prince remained composed, sipping tea.
The Fifth Prince’s face darkened, “You insolent girl!”
Chen Jiao stood firm, bowing slightly, “Compared to the Fifth Prince, I am not worthy. Beyond His Majesty, there is the heir apparent. You knew the Crown Prince was resting, yet dared to force entry. If you dare lead troops into the palace tomorrow, how do we know what havoc you may wreak?!”
Her words boldly implied treason, and the room fell silent, all trembling at the gravity.
Even the Fifth Prince felt pressure, his attendant sweating.
Treason carried the punishment of death for nine generations.
Yet daring to contest the Crown Prince, the Fifth Prince was not easily shaken.
He quickly composed himself, fixing his gaze on Chen Jiao and smiling, as if their prior tension were a mere jest, “Chen Jiao, you make a mountain out of a molehill. I only wished to ensure no one impersonated my brother, concerned for his safety…”
He glanced at the quiet interior, through the paper window catching a faint view of the Crown Prince.
Fifth Prince continued loudly, “Reforms in the Ministry remain unresolved, and the Bian River floods trouble the populace. Yet you stroll the teahouse? I could not help but doubt…”
The Crown Prince’s attendant stiffened, wanting to speak but wary of the Fifth Prince’s status. A mere guard versus the emperor’s grandson could be accused of insubordination, possibly implicating the Crown Prince in lax supervision.
Chen Jiao, however, unhesitatingly exposed him, “All pretense!”
The Fifth Prince’s gaze turned venomous.
Others would have trembled, yet Chen Jiao met him steadfastly, unafraid.
To advance as the Crown Prince’s confidante, one must tread boldly.
The Fifth Prince sneered, then said, “Chen Jiao, your words and demeanor are indeed remarkable, leaving an impression.”
In other words, “I’ll remember you, brat.”
He bowed to the Crown Prince and withdrew. One attendant sneered at Chen Jiao, “Apologies for today. As night falls, take care in Chang’an, Chen Jiao.”
Unable to confront the Crown Prince, they would attempt to punish a subordinate. A mere Yong’an Marquis heir became a scapegoat to warn others who stood with the Crown Prince.
Hearing the threat, the Crown Prince’s attendants were angered, but Chen Jiao spoke first.
She could hardly believe it, covering her mouth, “Heavens! Are you saying the Fifth Prince might take cruel, ruthless measures against me in private?”
The Fifth Prince, still departing: …
The threatening attendant: …
The Crown Prince’s men: …
Are you an idiot?!!
Chen Jiao, horrified, covered her mouth with both hands, turning to ask, “Have I offended the Fifth Prince in some way?”
Others: …You know perfectly well whether you did!!