At this moment, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study was not particularly pleasant either.
Murong Yu knelt on the cold floor tiles, his expression somewhat flustered.
"Father, your son has not been coveting beauty. Your son… your son merely brought Lan Xue there to recuperate."
"Prince Qi."
Emperor Renjing, dressed in his bright yellow dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne behind him, casting a glance down at Murong Yu on the ground.
A trace of coldness flickered in his eyes.
"I do not wish to hear that woman's name from your lips again."
Murong Yu was terrified.
He immediately kowtowed.
"Your son admits his mistake!"
He had originally come to the palace today to pay his respects to his mother consort, but upon entering the palace, he was summoned by Emperor Renjing.
The moment he stepped into the Imperial Study, Emperor Renjing flew into a rage.
He said that this morning, several memorials had been submitted, all impeaching him for being infatuated with women and unfit for important duties.
Some even said he doted exclusively on his mistress while neglecting his lawful wife.
This was a grave offense.
It immediately threw him into a panic.
Emperor Renjing pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You should know that had Shen Ruoxi not personally come to plead on your behalf back then, I would not have agreed to let you bring that Ning Lanxue into your residence."
"You also promised at the time that if you brought Ning Lanxue into the prince's mansion, you would know your limits and put Ruoxi first in all matters. Yet this is what happens—you have truly disappointed me!"
Murong Yu said urgently.
"Father, these are all baseless rumors. Your son and Ruoxi have a very good relationship. You can ask her yourself and you will know."
"Hmph."
Emperor Renjing let out a cold snort.
He knew that even if he went to ask Shen Ruoxi, she would definitely speak up for Murong Yu.
Asking would be a waste of time.
Emperor Renjing pinched the bridge of his nose. "You cannot even handle matters in your own household properly. In my view, you need not be responsible for the flood relief in Jinan."
"Father?!"
Murong Yu was shocked and immediately said, "Your son is wholeheartedly devoted to sharing the nation's burdens and Your Majesty's burdens. I have already made preparations to go to Jinan. Please give your son this chance!"
Floods occurred every year.
Emperor Renjing governed the country well, and there were many capable ministers at court.
Every time disaster relief was handled, it was carried out without a hitch.
This task was not only a lucrative assignment, but it also earned a good reputation and won the hearts of the people.
Thus, every time, the high-ranking ministers and his brothers would fight over it.
All wanting to obtain this assignment.
This year's flood in Jinan was no different.
However, this year, the task had actually fallen to him—an unfavored prince.
He knew in his heart that Emperor Renjing, seeing that he was Shen Tianrong's son-in-law, wanted to give him a chance to prove himself.
But now…
Murong Yu was very anxious.
He knelt on the ground.
"Father, your son has already made all the arrangements for this flood relief. If you change the person in charge now, the handover will take considerable time. If the disaster relief is delayed, countless commoners will suffer. Father, please let your son go."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Renjing hesitated slightly.
Indeed.
If he replaced the Fourth Prince now and assigned someone else, it would take more time.
The people could not afford the delay.
"Your son wishes to go as well."
A faint voice suddenly came from the doorway.
Murong Yu turned his head and saw a tall, slender figure walking in.
Clad in a black robe embroidered with golden python patterns, with a jade crown binding his hair.
Even though his complexion was pale and cold, carrying an air of frailty, it still could not conceal his stunning beauty.
It was Murong Heng.
Murong Yu was taken aback.
"Ninth Brother, why have you come as well?"
Murong Heng walked straight in and bowed to Emperor Renjing.
"Your son also wishes to share Your Majesty's burdens. Please grant me this opportunity—for the flood relief in Jinan, I am willing to contribute my efforts for Your Majesty."
"Heng'er, you wish to go?"
Emperor Renjing's eyes betrayed undisguised surprise, followed by concern: "Your constitution is frail, and the road to Jinan is long. Your body may not withstand the journey."
This youngest son of his was his only legitimate son by the late Empress, and he doted on him above all others.
But his health had always been poor, and the imperial physicians had predicted he would not live long.
Thus, in past years of flooding, he had never considered him for such tasks.
Murong Heng, perceptive and sharp-witted, understood his father's intentions.
And so he had never brought it up.
But today…
Why the sudden self-recommendation?
Murong Heng spoke.
"Your son's health is of no concern. The truly laborious work is all handled by those beneath me; I merely expend a bit of words."
Having said this, he raised his hand to his lips, coughed a few times into his fist.
Emperor Renjing immediately gestured to the chief eunuch beside him: "Wang Defu, offer him a seat."
Eunuch Wang promptly moved a chair over and had Murong Heng sit down.
Then he served a cup of hot tea.
Murong Heng held the lid and leisurely stirred the floating leaves on the water's surface, his glass-like eyes shifting as if he had only just noticed Murong Yu.
"Why is Brother Prince Qi kneeling?"
A flash of pallor crossed Murong Yu's face.
He felt that Murong Heng was doing this deliberately.
Murong Heng suddenly spoke.
"Could it be that Brother Prince Qi has been impeached for doting exclusively on your mistress outside the household?"
Murong Yu was startled.
"Ninth Brother… how do you know of this?"
Could it be that he had orchestrated it?
After all, many court officials had been won over by Murong Heng.
But he and Murong Heng had no grudges between them.
He had no reason to do such a thing.
Just as he was puzzled, he heard Murong Heng chuckle lightly.
"I heard it said."
Heard it said?
Heard from whom? Could it be that his affair with Ning Lanxue had been fabricated and spread by someone with ill intent?
Murong Yu's gaze flickered.
Emperor Renjing looked toward Murong Heng.
"Heng'er, there are only two days before departure for Jinan. If you take over at this point, it may be rather rushed."
Murong Yu quickly added.
"Ninth Brother, this matter is taxing on the mind and body. I fear your health cannot bear it. Moreover, if we change hands now, two days will certainly not be enough."
"One day is sufficient."
Murong Heng's gaze was indifferent: "Is Brother Prince Qi doubting my abilities?"
Murong Yu was taken aback.
Among all the civil and military officials at court, there was likely not a single one who doubted Murong Heng's abilities.
Had it not been for his short lifespan, he would already be the Crown Prince by now.
Seeing Murong Heng's resolute stance, Emperor Renjing revealed a gratified smile.
"Heng'er, since you are so eager, this matter shall be entrusted to you. I will have the chief physician of the Imperial Medical Academy accompany you. If you feel any discomfort, do not push yourself."
Murong Heng rose from his chair.
"Your son accepts the decree."
Emperor Renjing turned his head and looked at Murong Yu, whose expression was grim.
"Prince Qi, you shall hand over all related matters to Heng'er afterward—be thorough in every detail."
Since Emperor Renjing had already spoken, Murong Yu knew that saying anything more would be futile.
He could only accept with reluctance.
Murong Heng suddenly spoke.
"However, this matter has always been publicly attributed to Brother Prince Qi. Now that it falls into my hands, there must be some explanation, lest those unaware think Brother Prince Qi lacks the capability and is unfit for such responsibility."
Emperor Renjing pondered briefly.
Then he said.
"Prince Qi, you shall claim illness to the outside world. During this time, do not leave your princely residence."
Murong Yu's expression shifted.
This meant, in effect, that he was being placed under house arrest?!
Murong Yu was extremely displeased.
He wanted to say more, but meeting Emperor Renjing's cold gaze, he swallowed his words.
Further words would be useless.
After leaving the imperial study, Murong Yu called out to Murong Heng.
"Ninth Royal Brother!"
But Murong Heng did not turn back. Stepping onto the footstool, he boarded the carriage directly.
The six-horse carriage departed with great fanfare, heading toward the Eastern Palace.
Murong Yu could only stop in his tracks.
Beside him, Jing Liu leaned in.
Speaking cautiously.
"Your Highness, why does your complexion look so poor?"
Murong Yu gritted his teeth.
"To Yiyue Hall."
…
As soon as Murong Yu arrived at Yiyue Hall, he saw Fang Hui sitting on the soft couch with a gloomy expression.
And Shen Ruoxi was standing off to the side.
Today she wore a peach-pink dress, and unusually, she had adorned her hair with pearl flowers.
Dignified and exuding nobility.
He noticed her the moment he arrived.
Hearing the sound, Shen Ruoxi turned around.
Her already stunning face, lightly touched with makeup, appeared even more breathtakingly beautiful.
Murong Yu's gaze paused for a moment.
Shen Ruoxi spoke slowly.
"Since Your Highness has arrived, please have a good talk with Mother Consort. This concubine will not disturb you."
With that, she gave a slight bow.
And left with Taoye.
Murong Yu was somewhat unaccustomed to her coldness.
He was about to call her back when he heard Fang Hui's voice.
"Yu'er, come here."
Murong Yu had no choice but to let it go.
Fang Hui dismissed everyone around, leaving only herself and Murong Yu.
Murong Yu was somewhat puzzled.
"Mother Consort, what's the matter?"
"Do you truly intend to make Ning Lanxue your Principal Consort?"
Fang Hui suddenly spoke.
Murong Yu was startled, then a flash of anger appeared in his eyes.
"Did Shen Ruoxi say something to you?"
That wretch!
Her audacity was growing by the day!