In the deep winter morning when water instantly turned to ice, Cao Yuanlu personally escorted Yun Kui to Donghua Gate early in the day.
Donghua Gate stood along a long palace path on the western side of the imperial city. Beyond its walls lay various government offices, including the Six Ministries, Five Courts, and the Hanlin Academy.
Originally a shortcut for court officials heading to their offices, most now chose longer detours rather than passing near the Eastern Palace, intimidated by the Crown Prince's notorious authority.
Nevertheless, a few still traversed Donghua Gate: veteran ministers supporting the Crown Prince, upright officials unfazed by rumors, those solely dedicated to their duties, and individuals seeking intelligence about the Eastern Palace.
Cao Yuanlu introduced her to the guards stationed at the gate to clarify her purpose, preventing misunderstandings that might lead to disrespect.
After all, she was the first woman His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had ever kissed. Cao Yuanlu practically wanted to enshrine her like a bodhisattva.
The chief guard Luo Zhang, imposing and dignified, gave Cao Yuanlu a slight nod without glancing at Yun Kui, remaining as immovable as a stone lion outside the gate.
Yun Kui thanked Cao Yuanlu and found a sunny, breezy spot to stand.
The Eastern Palace guards were the Crown Prince's personal troops, strictly disciplined. During military campaigns, they were forbidden alcohol and women, with violations met by impartial court-martial. Though curious about this punished attendant assigned to gate duty, none dared to stare.
Yun Kui looked up, attempting to greet a burly guard beside her. She wanted to inquire about officials' passing schedules and ask about his hometown, age, and marital status. But the tall guard stood silent and unresponsive, like a mute.
Feeling snubbed, she leaned idly against the gate, basking in the sunlight.
The cold was biting—the difference between sunlit and shaded areas was stark. Fortunately, her thick silver-red jacket embroidered with crabapple flowers kept her warm in the sunshine. If not for the punishment, sitting on the threshold stroking a cat or knitting would have been pure bliss.
Gradually, officials began passing through the gate. Yun Kui straightened up, assuming a proper stance, and scrutinized each one.
Her primary task in this punishment was to identify the poisoner behind the scenes. Without progress, given the Crown Prince's penchant for torment, she might end up guarding this gate forever.
The rare appearance of a vibrant beauty outside the Eastern Palace drew attention: young officials glanced curiously, whispering among themselves; some stared transfixed, looking back repeatedly even after walking far away; older ministers, likely guessing her identity, displayed stern, disdainful, or pitying expressions.
Their contempt or disgust didn't bother Yun Kui. Did they think she was some seductress luring the Crown Prince? She wasn't nearly qualified for that.
As for the young officials, in the past she might have glanced their way more often. But now, her situation was awkward. Leaving the palace seemed unlikely—she might be retained in the Eastern Palace or sent back to the Imperial Household Department. Even if she eventually left, would respectable families overlook her history as the Crown Prince's bedchamber attendant?
Forget it. Since she was here, she might as well accept it. At least she had survived. The future remained unpredictable.
After guarding the palace gate for two days, Yun Kui still had nothing to show for it. It wasn't until the third day that a group of princes in splendid attire arrived at the Eastern Palace.
Their robes were of similar style, with various forms of python patterns embroidered on them, signifying their noble status as descendants of the imperial family.
The guard commander Luo Zhang happened to return from his patrol and saluted the group with clasped hands. Seeing their gazes sweep over her, Yun Kui also bowed respectfully according to protocol.
Prince Chen, leading the group, wore purple robes. With a face as fair as jade and an imposing noble aura, he carried himself with refined elegance and humility. "I have brought my younger brothers today to visit our elder brother, the Crown Prince. May I ask if he is available?"
Luo Zhang replied, "Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses. Allow this humble subordinate to go inside and report."
Prince Chen said politely, "We trouble Commander Luo."
In truth, Prince Chen had come twice before, but was turned away by the Crown Prince on the grounds of serious injury. The other princes generally deferred to Prince Chen, and those with any sense wouldn't come to the Eastern Palace to curry favor, thereby upsetting the Empress and Prince Chen. Moreover, since even Prince Chen had been denied an audience, others were even less likely to invite such embarrassment.
However, recent news suggested the Crown Prince's condition had improved. As cousins, it was proper for them to pay a visit, so they had all come together with Prince Chen to fulfill their duty.
Today, aside from the eldest Prince Jing who lived secluded in his residence outside the palace, the third Prince Sheng who was ill, and the fifth Prince who was away on official business, all the other princes had come.
While Luo Zhang went inside to report, the princes stood waiting, their gazes naturally falling upon Yun Kui, who was guarding the palace gate.
The Fourth Prince, with his dashing and handsome appearance, remarked, "The Crown Prince truly doesn't know how to cherish beauty. Instead of keeping such a beauty by his side to serve him, he sends her out here to endure the cold. If it were me, I wouldn't have the heart."
Yun Kui didn't know how to respond, so she simply said, "This maid made a mistake and deserves punishment."
The Fourth Prince asked curiously, "What mistake did you make?"
Yun Kui pressed her lips together.
Merely teasing the Crown Prince, tackling him, and forcibly kissing him, that's all.
She thought of a reason that was barely acceptable to mention: "This maid spoke disrespectfully and offended His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Everyone was greatly astonished.
Rumors said the Crown Prince was violent, cold-blooded, and murderous. How could this girl have spoken disrespectfully and not been beaten to death?
After a moment of contemplation, Prince Chen said to Yun Kui, "You are often by our elder brother the Crown Prince's side. Could you tell us about his condition?"
Although the Crown Prince and the sons of Emperor Chunming were cousins, they hadn't seen each other for many years. Even three years ago when the Crown Prince was still in the capital, their meetings were few and far between. The youngest, the Ninth Prince, had never even met the Crown Prince.
Prince Chen had only heard about the Crown Prince's condition from the Empress, but hearing is not as reliable as seeing. He wanted to come personally to see how ill the Crown Prince really was.
As the legitimate son of Emperor Chunming, Prince Chen was naturally more concerned about this heir left by the Late Emperor than anyone else.
Yun Kui hesitated, unsure whether to tell the truth.
Over these days, she had personally witnessed countless spies being dealt with, and had even received poison sent by unknown persons multiple times. If the secret medicine given to her by the Empress also contained deadly poison, and Prince Chen was the Empress's own son, would he pose a threat to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?
It was possible that any of these princes before her could be the mastermind behind the poisonings.
Thinking this, she evasively replied, "This maid is foolish and ignorant of medical matters. I usually only perform tasks like serving tea and water. As for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's condition, Your Highnesses will know once you see him for yourselves."
The Seventh Prince muttered, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wouldn't even see Second Brother before. He might not agree to see us today either."
A barely perceptible flicker of displeasure crossed Prince Chen's eyes.
The way Seventh Prince spoke made it sound like he was inferior, unable to even gain an audience with the Crown Prince.
What made that notorious, universally despised madman any nobler than him?
The Sixth Prince remained aloof from the discussion. From the moment they arrived, his gaze had been fixed unwaveringly on Yun Kui, his eyes unable to conceal their admiration. He thought this girl with her bright eyes, snow-white skin, delicate nose, and cherry lips was even more radiant than peach blossoms blooming brilliantly under the spring sun.
As the Empress's biological son, the Sixth Prince had reached the age of awakening to worldly matters, yet no maids had been arranged for his chamber. This was because his mother despised those seductive types who could lead their masters astray, fearing he would become infatuated with the soft comforts of life at such a young age and neglect his studies.
It was said that their eldest brother, Prince Jing, was born from a foot-washing maid who climbed into their father's bed. Later, when their father ascended the throne and expanded the harem to continue the royal line, the Empress grew even more resentful, yet could do nothing about it.
But it was their father who sowed his seeds widely—what did that have to do with him!
He didn't seek three wives and four concubines, only wanting a little beauty to warm his bed.
Someone like Yun Kui would be perfect—with her snow-white skin and flower-like beauty, fresh and delicate, her slender voice softer than sugar cakes, sweetening his heart.
Such a delicate little beauty, and the Crown Prince actually punished her to guard the palace gates. It was truly a case of some dying of thirst while others drowned in floodwaters.
He had been staring for so long that others couldn't help but notice.
It was only when Prince Chen cleared his throat as a reminder that the Sixth Prince realized his impropriety and awkwardly averted his gaze.
The Ninth Prince, being the youngest and quite plump, was panting heavily from the long walk from his bedchamber. Now that they might have to wait even longer in the cold wind, he grumbled impatiently—he shouldn't have come in the first place.
What Crown Prince? He'd never even met him, and he wasn't his real brother anyway.
After waiting for what felt like an eternity, Luo Zhang finally emerged to deliver the message: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."
Prince Chen nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for your trouble."
Luo Zhang then turned to Yun Kui. "His Highness asks the young lady to escort all Their Highnesses into the hall together."
Yun Kui was somewhat surprised. Was she no longer required to guard the palace gates?
Or were these princes truly problematic, and the Crown Prince was creating an opportunity for her to interact with them so she could enter their dreams at night?
The distance from Donghua Gate to Cheng Guang Hall was considerable. The further they went, the more solemn and heavily guarded it became. Everyone unconsciously straightened their casual expressions, not daring to make any missteps.
The Ninth Prince, with his short, stout legs, puffed and panted as he followed behind, wanting the Seventh Prince to carry him.
But the Seventh Prince was just a young boy himself, quite slender, and the Ninth Prince was almost heavier than him. How could he possibly carry him?
Seeing the Seventh Prince refuse, the Ninth Prince then asked the Fourth Prince to carry him.
The Fourth Prince looked at his chubby younger brother and whispered, "I was tested by Father on horseback archery this morning, and my arms are still tired. Don't make things difficult for your brothers, alright?"
The Ninth Prince angrily called out to Prince Chen, "Second Brother! None of them will carry me!"
Prince Chen was also annoyed with him and adopted the authoritative demeanor of the eldest legitimate brother to remind him, "Ninth Brother, don't cause trouble. This is the Eastern Palace, not your Baohua Hall."
"What's so special about the Eastern Palace?" the Ninth Prince retorted immediately. "They're all afraid of the Crown Prince, but is Second Brother afraid of him too?"
No sooner had he spoken than Prince Chen's typically unflappable expression turned ashen.
The others kept their eyes downcast, not daring to interject at this moment.
Seeing his changed expression, the Ninth Prince stuck out his tongue and hid behind the Sixth Prince.
When the Sixth Prince was seen occasionally glancing at the bedchamber maid, the Ninth Prince ran up to Yun Kui, tilting his head and commanding arrogantly, "Get down on all fours and let me ride you like a horse."
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. They all knew the Ninth Prince, being the youngest, was deeply doted on by the Chunming Emperor and accustomed to throwing his weight around. Even the eunuchs and maids in Baohua Hall had served as his cushions. But this was the Eastern Palace—who would dare order the Crown Prince's bedchamber maid around like this?
Though this woman had been punished to guard the palace gates and lost favor, she was once the Crown Prince's intimate companion. The Crown Prince, cruel and merciless as he was, fiercely protected his own. Who would dare lay a hand on anyone from his palace? Everyone remembered how Cao Yuanlu, who had been punished and sent to the Imperial Stables, was recalled by the Crown Prince without any prior notice.
Yun Kui stood frozen in place, her face pale.
This little lord wanted her to crawl on the ground and be his horse? So plump—he'd probably break her back!
It was the Sixth Prince who stepped in to defuse the situation. "Ninth Brother, she is the Crown Prince's consort, not some menial servant from your palace. Besides, riding people is wrong to begin with."
The Ninth Prince immediately retorted, "Aren't consorts just for riding like horses?"
At these words, everyone's expressions shifted. No one expected a five-year-old child to say something like that.
The Sixth Prince instinctively glanced at Yun Kui's reaction.
Yun Kui pressed her lips together, a faint ache in her heart.
In the eyes of the nobility, bedchamber maids were indeed such playthings—low in status, without name or position, existing for others' amusement.
Fortunately, she had always known how to adapt. The monthly stipend for a bedchamber maid was three times what she had earned before. Though serving the nobility came with risks, it also offered more opportunities for rewards. She took the money and did her job without shame.
Prince Chen glared angrily at his insolent younger brother and coldly demanded, "Who taught you to say such things?"
It wasn't that Prince Chen was inherently benevolent or feared the Crown Prince's tyranny that he scolded his young brother and defended a mere maid. Rather, he knew that while the boy could act arrogantly and spout nonsense within his own palace, this was a public setting. If word spread to those pedantic old ministers, they would criticize the Emperor for failing to educate his son properly.
A stain on a wise ruler's reputation would give them grounds to attack the Emperor and support the Crown Prince.
Prince Chen had long understood the awkward position of their lineage. Not just them—even the Emperor had to watch his words and actions, constantly maintaining his image as a wise ruler.
If the Ninth Prince spoke recklessly in the Eastern Palace today, he might spout vulgarities in the Imperial Study tomorrow. Such rumors would only invite more doubts about their father.
The Ninth Prince, too young to grasp these implications, simply felt aggrieved. Everyone usually indulged him—even the Emperor never said "no" to him—yet now his older brothers were all trying to discipline him.
His cheeks flushed red with rage as he shouted, "I want to ride the horse! I want to ride the horse!"
With that, he mustered all his strength and shoved Yun Kui. Stout and fierce, his push was unexpectedly forceful in his anger. Yun Kui, caught off guard, was thrown to the ground. Her knees struck the cold, hard stone tiles, the thick cotton skirt doing little to cushion the sharp pain, while her elbows and palms were scraped raw.
Yun Kui cursed inwardly. With such a commotion, tonight's candidate for her dreams was likely decided.
The Fourth Prince and Seventh Prince hurried forward to restrain their younger brother, while the Sixth Prince instinctively bent down to help Yun Kui up.
Just then, a pale, slender hand with prominent veins suddenly reached out and blocked his movement.
A bitingly cold wind howled through the narrow passageway. Drifting clouds blotted out the sun overhead, and the palace walls that had been bathed in warm sunlight moments before now seemed shrouded in thick shadows. The very air grew still and heavy.
Everyone felt a chill run down their spines. Even the Ninth Prince, who had been making a loud commotion, stared blankly, forgetting to cry.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, clad in a black wide-sleeved python robe embroidered with gold patterns, had appeared without anyone noticing when.
He was exceptionally tall, the vast black hem of his robes billowing wildly in the fierce wind like ink splashed across the sky before a storm—a hidden dragon from the abyss. Though his complexion still bore traces of sickly pallor, his every movement exuded a chilling, murderous aggression and oppressive aura that made it impossible to meet his gaze.
Prince Chen suppressed the faint dread in his heart and quickly stepped forward to bow. "Your humble brother pays respects to Elder Brother."
The others, who hadn't seen the Crown Prince in years, were momentarily stunned before hastily bowing as well. The Ninth Prince looked up at the man radiating murderous intent and recalled the palace servants' tales of him feasting on human flesh and drinking fresh blood. The small child seemed paralyzed by the man's overwhelmingly sharp presence, too terrified to move.
The Crown Prince's gaze swept indifferently over the disheveled girl on the ground. His low, hoarse, weary voice drifted through the air. "You're quite bold before me, yet out here you let others slaughter you at will?"
As his words fell, the princes exchanged bewildered glances, stunned.
What did he mean… "quite bold before me"?
They, the princes, all tread carefully in the Crown Prince's presence. Even the Emperor and Empress treated him with polite respect, while outsiders mentioned his name like startled birds, fleeing at the mere sight of him.
And someone dared to be bold with him?
Wasn't she merely "impudent and disrespectful, having offended His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"? Could it be worse than that?
Yet the Crown Prince clearly showed no intention of severe punishment.
Even Yun Kui herself stared wide-eyed in bewilderment, feeling somewhat wronged.
'No, great one… I only dared to act recklessly because I thought I was going to die! Normally, I'm respectful and well-behaved!'
'Besides, these are all imperial princes—how could I disobey their orders? Do I even have the right to borrow your name to throw my weight around outside?'
Prince Chen detected the protective undertone in the Crown Prince's words and could only speak kindly on the Ninth Prince's behalf. "Today, we brothers came to inquire after Elder Brother's health. We hadn't expected to disturb your peace. Ninth Brother is young and ignorant—he was merely joking with Yun Kui earlier. Let him apologize to her."
The Ninth Prince was dragged forward by his two elder brothers, his thick neck flushed red with stubborn defiance.
He had never apologized to anyone! He was the Emperor's most beloved son—why should he bow his head to a mere palace maid? Only he could bully others; no one could bully him!
The Crown Prince looked down at the chubby child, suddenly recalling Yun Kui's mention of Yu Pin and the Heir of Ningde Marquis's spring dream the other night. A mocking smile touched his lips, and his gaze toward the Ninth Prince grew meaningful.
"Young and ignorant? From what I heard of his profound insights earlier, he hardly seems ignorant."
Everyone was shocked—he had even overheard the Ninth Prince's remarks about concubines!
Yun Kui pushed herself up from the ground with her palms, standing with difficulty. She lowered her head and positioned herself behind the Crown Prince, pressing her lips tightly together.
Prince Chen said solemnly, "It must be the servants of Baohua Palace gossiping irresponsibly, and he imitated them, hence his loose tongue. Your humble brother will report this to Father Emperor and Mother Empress upon returning and request that Father Emperor punish him severely."
The Ninth Prince's face flushed crimson, his teeth gritted in rage, yet he dared not throw a tantrum before the Crown Prince. He had just pouted and angrily called out "Second Brother" when Prince Chen shot him a fierce glare that silenced him.
The Crown Prince chuckled lightly. "Prince Chen, it seems you don't understand me well. When I wish to punish someone, I always do so immediately—there's no reason to delay discipline."
Prince Chen's face turned ashen, his back teeth clenched tightly.
The Ninth Prince finally understood: the Crown Prince intended to punish him—to punish him over a mere palace maid!
Seething with hatred and fear, his entire body trembling, he simply collapsed to the ground, rolling about and wailing: "I'm a prince! She's just a maid—maids should obey princes! Even Father doesn't control me! By what right do you discipline me? I want to return to the palace! I want to see Father! I want Father to judge this fairly!"
The Seventh Prince attempted to pull him up but failed, eventually giving up. The others were equally helpless—tantrums were the Ninth Prince's specialty, and unfortunately, the Chunming Emperor doted on him most.
Years earlier, when the Eighth Prince had died young from illness, the Emperor had sunk into grief. Within two months, Yu Pin became pregnant, and the Emperor transferred all his affection and guilt for the Eighth Prince onto the Ninth Prince, spoiling him into utter lawlessness.
Prince Chen wished he could kick this younger brother away. Suppressing his fury, he turned to the Crown Prince: "Indeed, Ninth Brother is unbearably unruly. How does Elder Brother plan to punish him?"
If he insists on punishing him, then let's play along. We'll spread word that the Crown Prince allowed his favored concubine to bully a prince. I'd like to see how he explains that.
Hearing his thoughts, the Crown Prince couldn't help but smile.
His notorious reputation over the years owed much to the efforts of the Empress and Prince Chen.
The Crown Prince signaled to De Shun beside him. "Did you clearly see and hear what the Ninth Prince just said and did?"
De Shun hurriedly bowed. "This servant observed everything clearly."
"When you see His Majesty later, regardless of the occasion, simply report the truth. Also," the Crown Prince's lips curved coldly, "tell His Majesty that since he failed to teach his son properly, I will discipline the Ninth Prince in his stead."
De Shun immediately accepted the order.
The princes present, including Prince Chen, stared in astonishment.
At this hour, their father should be discussing state affairs with several ministers in the imperial study!
What would the court officials think when De Shun delivered the report now?
Sprawled on the ground, the Ninth Prince saw the Crown Prince sending someone to tattle and even threaten punishment. After a moment of dullness, he kicked his legs wildly and screamed with renewed desperation.
The child's cries shook the heavens. Yun Kui couldn't help covering her ears, then cautiously glanced at the Crown Prince. From her angle, she could only see his tightly pressed lips and stern profile.
Is His Highness… seeking justice for me?
Her heart fluttered slightly, then she met the Crown Prince's cold, contemptuous gaze.
This contempt differed from that in the officials' eyes—it seemed more like disgust at her cowardice, her lack of spine.
Yun Kui pressed her lips together.
Sorry, but I used up all my courage the night I tackled you—not a drop left…
Prince Chen looked at his brother throwing a fit on the ground and forced a smile. "Elder Brother disciplining Ninth Brother is justified, but he's still just a child after all, and Yun Kui wasn't actually harmed. I beg Elder Brother to be merciful and spare him this once."
He had brought the Ninth Prince here. If anything happened, their father wouldn't confront the Crown Prince—he would only blame Prince Chen for failing to protect his younger brother.
Yet at the same moment, a sinister thought flashed through Prince Chen's mind.
"The Crown Prince is cruel and bloodthirsty. If the Ninth Prince were to be permanently injured or even killed under severe punishment… With some well-timed instigation before the court officials, those old ministers who support the Crown Prince would surely be utterly disappointed in this tyrant who harms his younger brother. As the Emperor's legitimate son, why should I worry about not being able to ascend the throne?"
A contemptuous smile played on the Crown Prince's lips.
So this was the so-called virtuous prince's demeanor, the so-called brotherly affection.
He shot Qin Ge a meaningful glance.
Qin Ge immediately accepted the order, stepping forward to gag and restrain the wailing chubby child on the ground. When attempting to tie his hands behind his back, he discovered the short, thick arms couldn't reach each other. Qin Ge simply swung the thick rope and bound the child tightly from head to toe.
Gagged and trussed up like a zongzi, the Ninth Prince struggled desperately, only managing to emit heart-wrenching sobs through the gag. Tears welled in his eyes from the pain, his forehead drenched in sweat.
The Sixth and Seventh Princes watched with sympathetic pain. After all, this was their younger brother, still so young – how could he withstand the Crown Prince's cruel methods?
The Sixth Prince attempted to approach Yun Kui: "Ninth Brother has already recognized his mistake. Could you plead with our Crown Prince brother to be lenient? A light punishment as warning should suffice."
Yun Kui, who had been thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, was momentarily taken aback.
Would His Highness really kill this chubby child? Then she would truly become the despised enchantress everyone accused her of being, with a prince's life on her conscience!
The Emperor might not punish the Crown Prince for this, but would certainly demand her life in compensation!
Growing concerned, Yun Kui looked at the Ninth Prince writhing on the ground and couldn't help speaking up: "Your Highness…"
The Crown Prince cast her a cold glance. "Then how would you punish him?"
This question left everyone stunned once more.
Even Yun Kui herself was surprised – was His Highness the Crown Prince actually seeking… her opinion?
Was he really avenging her to this extent, letting her decide the punishment? But who did she think she was? How could a mere maid of the Crown Prince presume to discipline a prince?!
Yun Kui forced a smile.
"Maybe make the Ninth Prince compensate me for emotional distress? A hundred taels wouldn't be too little, a thousand wouldn't be too much."
"Never mind, that would be extortion."
After wrestling with the thought, she finally managed: "This humble maid wouldn't dare."
The Crown Prince sneered and said to Qin Ge: "Since Ninth Brother wants to ride horses, take him to the back riding ground for a few rounds."
Everyone was perplexed. The Ninth Prince was still so young his feet couldn't even reach the stirrups. Although the Emperor had gifted him a small Western Regions pony that barely reached chest height, he couldn't even climb onto that one. They wondered what horse the Crown Prince intended for him to ride, and how.
Qin Ge lifted the securely bound "zongzi" effortlessly. With his immense strength that could wield weapons weighing dozens of jin with ease, this little meatball was nothing. Ignoring the child's kicking and struggling, he carried him lightly toward the riding ground.
The other princes naturally followed to watch.
When the Crown Prince glanced her way, Yun Kui immediately trotted obediently after him.
North of the Eastern Palace lay the largest riding ground in the palace, vast and bordering the lake, with fine sand like snow and golden lush pasture grass everywhere. The Crown Prince's dozen or so personal steeds were kept here.
Though the older princes had practiced riding and archery diligently under Emperor Chunming's supervision, their bloodline seemed to lack martial talent. They might hold their own against ordinary noble youths in polo matches, but compared to real military commanders, they paled significantly.
The late Emperor Jingyou had conquered the four seas with military might, and even plagued by head ailments, the Crown Prince remained invincible on the battlefield. Emperor Chunming understood this well, not seeking to compete in martial prowess but instead emulating the ways of ancient benevolent rulers – bestowing favors, practicing virtue, and honoring worthy men.
Where Emperor Jingyou had valued military prowess and combat, he promoted civil officials, treated scholars generously, and expanded imperial examination quotas, making all scholars throughout the land grateful to him. Meanwhile, the military commanders Emperor Jingyou had favored were all suppressed by him, both openly and covertly.
Prince Chen resembled his father and had also earned the reputation of a virtuous prince among the common people. Equestrian and archery skills were important to him but not essential.
The princes usually practiced riding and archery at another training ground within the imperial city. The northern riding field of the Eastern Palace was tacitly acknowledged as the Crown Prince’s domain, and ordinary people dared not gallop there. Thus, the rare opportunity to visit today left everyone wide-eyed, their astonishment barely concealed.
Only Prince Chen’s deep-set eyes hid a barely perceptible resentment and envy.
Had it not been for the Crown Prince obstructing the way, the Emperor would have long since consolidated absolute power and ruled the world.
Not just this small riding field, but all the lands and mountains under heaven would one day belong to the Emperor and him.
The Ninth Prince had struggled until his face was red and his neck thick with exertion. The other princes had initially worried for him, but if the Crown Prince’s punishment was merely teaching him to ride, it seemed less brutal than they had imagined.
It was only when the Crown Prince’s guards led out a majestic, powerfully built Lion Stallion that everyone gasped in shock.
This Lion Stallion was a thousand-mile horse tribute from the Western Regions five years ago—fierce, formidable, and untamably wild. At that time, a minor Western Regions kingdom had used this horse to provoke the court, yet no military officer could tame it. In the end, it was subdued by the Crown Prince, who later rode it across battlefields, charging through spear-filled rains as if traversing unguarded territory.
Such a tall and ferocious horse—how could the nine-year-old Ninth Prince possibly ride it?
The Crown Prince patted the horse’s back, and the Lion Stallion lifted its tail as if understanding the gesture.
Qin Ge lifted the Ninth Prince onto the horse, pressed him firmly in front, tightened his legs against the horse’s belly, and gripped the reins. The Lion Stallion shot forward like an arrow from a bow.
The Ninth Prince, bound and carried all the way, was already dizzy, sore all over, and in excruciating pain. His tender skin, rubbed raw by the rough ropes, was flushed red. Before he could even react, he was mounted on the horse.
The fierce horse galloped with violent jolts, the biting wind slashing like knives against his face. His plump, round body swayed precariously with the motion, and even the cotton cloth stuffed in his mouth was jolted loose.
The Ninth Prince wailed miserably along the way, crying as if his heart would break, but heaven remained unresponsive and earth offered no relief. The Lion Stallion showed no sign of stopping.
The other princes watched their younger brother intently, every nerve taut.
The Lion Stallion was too wild; even Qin Ge struggled to control it, let alone with the added burden of a child weighing several dozen pounds. The Ninth Prince had nothing to hold onto, relying solely on Qin Ge’s grip on the rope binding his back, leaving him at constant risk of falling.
A fall from such a height would likely result in death or paralysis.
As the Lion Stallion completed a lap and passed by the other princes, the Ninth Prince’s hoarse cries scattered in the cold wind, accompanied by dark, turbid filth flying from the horse. The onlookers wore complex expressions, guessing that their younger brother had likely been jolted to the point of vomiting.
Yun Kui felt a sense of vindication but dared not laugh. She could only stand silently behind the Crown Prince, secretly curling her lips.
The Crown Prince stood with his hands behind his back, silently listening to the inner thoughts of the princes.
"I wonder how long the Crown Prince plans to punish him. If I were the Ninth Prince, my bones would be rattled to pieces."
"Please don’t let him fall…"
"Maybe it’s for the best—let him learn a lesson so he won’t dare throw his weight around in the future."
"That eunuch from earlier must have reached the imperial study by now. I wonder how Father will react upon hearing this, and whether there are other court officials present…"
"She looks so beautiful when she smiles…"
An abrupt voice suddenly rang out. The Crown Prince frowned deeply and coldly glanced toward the source of that thought.
Sixth Prince was initially worried about Ninth Prince, but as his gaze shifted, he unexpectedly caught a faint, sweet smile at the corner of Yun Kui’s lips.
Inside and outside the horse grounds, everything was bitterly cold, rigid, withered, and bleak—yet around her, it was different. Her cheeks were as pink as peach blossoms, her snow-like skin dewy and radiant. That smile was like a warm spring breeze blowing into one’s heart—so tender and delicate, like jade and blossoms.
The Crown Prince’s eyes darkened slightly, and his previously expressionless face faintly revealed a cold, somber undertone.
Yun Kui sensed a sharp gaze fixed upon her and looked up, only to see the Crown Prince’s tall, icy figure turning away.
Just as she was about to avert her eyes, she noticed Sixth Prince smiling at her from nearby.
“Sixth Prince looks a bit silly.”
“But he’s quite handsome, having inherited the Empress’s beauty.”
Not daring to stare any longer, she turned back, only to unexpectedly meet the Crown Prince’s dark, brooding eyes.
Yun Kui: “…”
The vast horse grounds had already fallen silent, no longer echoing with Ninth Prince’s cries, until Qin Ge reined in his horse before the crowd, dismounted, and tossed the terrified, disheveled Ninth Prince onto the ground.
Seventh Prince, standing closest, caught a whiff of a foul odor.
Qin Ge knelt and pleaded guilty: “This subordinate has failed in his duty. Ninth Prince… his arm is dislocated, and he has fainted.”
Several princes hurried forward to check and found Ninth Prince with his hair in disarray, his face streaked with tears and snot, traces of vomit still at the corners of his mouth. His luxurious robes and delicate skin were chafed raw by the coarse ropes, and the area below his waist was soaked through, leaving him as wretched as a street urchin.
Everyone’s faces were filled with shock and helplessness.
Prince Chen suppressed his anger, struggling to maintain a calm expression. “Elder Brother, what do you think…?”
The Crown Prince ordered indifferently, “Untie him.”
Then, to Qin Ge, he said, “Since you failed in your duty, go and receive your punishment.”
Qin Ge complied smoothly.
Everyone: “…”
The order to “receive punishment” was delivered as casually as if he were being told to go eat.
In any case, the fault lay with Ninth Prince. The Crown Prince had merely punished him with two laps on horseback. Even with a dislocated arm, the Crown Prince had also disciplined his guard—who would dare say it was unjust?
Having seen enough of the spectacle, the Crown Prince lost interest and turned to return to the palace.
Yun Kui hurried after him.
The other princes had no choice but to order servants to carry Ninth Prince back.
Amid the commotion, they all forgot the original purpose of their visit to the Eastern Palace.
But the Crown Prince seemed to be in decent spirits—well enough to personally come out and torment others. Where was the frail, frequently fainting man from before?
On the palace path, Yun Kui followed closely behind her master.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that his expression was dark and displeased. Was he angry that she had been bullied by Ninth Prince, thus embarrassing him?
Pressing her lips together, she stepped on his shadow as she followed, cautiously studying his tense profile. “Thank you, Your Highness, for rescuing me earlier. If you hadn’t arrived in time, this servant might truly have been ridden back to Cheng Guang Hall by Ninth Prince. This servant’s slender waist certainly couldn’t have endured it…”
Unconsciously guided by her words, the Crown Prince’s gaze drifted to that delicate, seemingly fragile waist.
Memories of the dark night surged into his mind—the alluring curve, soft as snow and tender as cream, yielding and pliant beyond measure…