Soon.
The news that the Seventh Prince had established his own residence and that the Emperor had sent congratulations spread like wildfire.
Officials who had been observing the Emperor's attitude, along with some neutral ones, immediately sprang into action. The streets leading to the Seventh Prince's residence began to experience traffic jams.
Ministers from various households alighted from their carriages and, holding up their robes, hurried towards the Seventh Prince's residence.
Arriving at the gate and seeing the servant registering guests, they clasped their hands and said, "Our apologies, our apologies! Some matters at home delayed us!"
The servant noted down their names and gift lists with a few strokes of his brush: "It's quite alright. You are already the tenth lord to arrive late. Please, come in."
These latecomers were all led to the rear courtyard by Ye Xiaoyuan.
After passing through over a dozen moon gates and walking several hundred meters of covered corridors, they were exhausted. Not only did they fail to see the other guests who had arrived earlier for the banquet, but they also saw no sign of the feast.
"Might we ask, Young Eunuch Xiaoyuan, where are we to dine?"
Ye Xiaoyuan gestured with an inviting hand.
"His Highness had limited seating prepared. As you lords arrived unexpectedly, we could not neglect you, so we have merely prepared some hot pots."
Following his gesture, they looked into the courtyard.
They saw several tables already arranged around a sizable vegetable plot.
Two large dogs, several puppies, and two goats were tilting their heads, looking at them.
The assembled lords: "..."
Ye Xiaoyuan said apologetically, "His Highness dislikes having too many servants in the residence, so we are short-handed. We originally thought you lords would not come at this hour, so... The water vats are over there. Please consider this your own home. Pick whatever vegetables you wish to eat, wash them, and enjoy."
So, there wasn't even anyone to wash the vegetables for them, was there?
Ye Xiaoyuan: "Of course, you lords are also free to leave. His Highness will surely send gifts another day to express his apologies."
His words were impeccably delivered.
After all, it was they who initially hadn't planned to come, and it was also they who rushed over upon hearing the news of the Emperor's decree.
Since the banquet had already started, one could hardly blame the Seventh Prince for being unprepared.
Besides, wasn't this quite comprehensive? There was food and drink, and even animals to watch.
They waved their hands, saying, "No need, no need. This place has a delightful rustic charm. Wonderful, wonderful!"
On the other side.
Eunuch Yu returned to the Purple Dawn Hall.
Nearly two years had passed. Emperor Chongzhao now had much more frost in his temples, and the furrow between his brows was etched deeply into his skin, leaving a mark even when he wasn't frowning.
Seeing him sitting at his desk with his head propped in his hand, Eunuch Yu approached softly. "Your Majesty, if you are tired, you should rest on the bed for a while."
Emperor Chongzhao massaged his temples. "It's fine. Were the congratulatory gifts delivered?"
Eunuch Yu: "All taken care of."
Emperor Chongzhao nodded but said nothing.
Eunuch Yu continued knowingly, "Now, I estimate the two streets outside the Seventh Prince's residence will be packed with people. His Highness has always enjoyed lively scenes, so a larger crowd is quite good."
"Those ministers are adept at trimming their sails to the wind," Emperor Chongzhao said mildly. "Setting aside those aligned with the Eldest or the Second Prince, the rest aren't qualified to calculate whose residence-establishing banquet to attend and whose to skip. When did it become their place to pick and choose among my sons?"
Eunuch Yu: "Exactly. It still requires Your Majesty to lend support to the Seventh Prince."
Emperor Chongzhao: "He established his residence last. Consort Xuan isn't the type to use her maternal family's influence to court courtiers and manipulate relationships. It's reasonable for me to back him up."
In truth, they both knew perfectly well why people had hesitated to attend the Seventh Prince's banquet.
Given the rumored rift between the Seventh Prince and the Emperor, they would naturally side with the Emperor.
But there was no need to spell that out. The moment the congratulatory gifts were bestowed, the rumors of a near two-year estrangement were utterly shattered into dust by the Emperor's action.
Eunuch Yu: "Your Majesty speaks wisely."
Emperor Chongzhao waited a while longer but, hearing no follow-up from Eunuch Yu, frowned and asked, "Did that boy not say anything else? Like coming to the palace to thank me, for instance."
Eunuch Yu: "Uh..."
Emperor Chongzhao: "Speak truthfully."
Eunuch Yu: "His Highness's exact words were, 'Your son receives the decree. I thank His Majesty for the congratulatory gifts.'"
"That's all?"
Eunuch Yu said earnestly: "Truly, that is all."
Emperor Chongzhao was somewhat angered and snorted.
"Never mind. He attends court tomorrow anyway to receive his official appointment. Even if he doesn't want to see me, he'll have to."
By evening, the banquet concluded.
The guests left the Seventh Prince's residence, each with their own thoughts.
Grand Tutor Fang blinked before departing, leaving a remark: "See you at the morning court tomorrow. From now on, you can't skip out like you used to play truant from my lessons or laze in bed."
After seeing him off, Qu Dubian muttered, "That's hard to say."
Once everyone had dispersed, Xi Zixing remained.
He had played the role of a plate-carrying servant today, eavesdropping on conversations at various tables and not eating much.
Now with some free time, Qu Dubian invited him to sit for a bite in the pavilion in the courtyard, as a token of thanks.
Xi Zixing: "Grand Tutor Fang mentioned you've been visiting the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works frequently these past few days. Planning to take an appointment in one of those ministries?"
Qu Dubian: "You'll know after court adjourns tomorrow."
Xi Zixing looked at him for a moment. "You've changed somewhat. Your age puts you at a disadvantage. Entering the contest now presents the greatest difficulty."
"I never wanted the throne. I just have other things I wish to strive for," Qu Dubian raised an eyebrow. "And, while I may be at a disadvantage in terms of age, I'm not necessarily at a disadvantage elsewhere."
Xi Zixing: "Regardless of what you strive for, you'll still need assistance."
Qu Dubian looked up, puzzled. "You're speaking strangely today. Say what you mean directly. No need for roundabout talk."
Xi Zixing: "Your residence will certainly need to recruit advisors, and you'll need them for when you go to your fiefdom as well."
"For the imperial examinations next spring, quite a few candidates have already arrived in the capital this year to familiarize themselves. Among them, surely there are many scholars from the three Xianghe prefectures who, remembering the grace of the drug trial from back then, wish to seek patronage under your name, hoping for a path to success."
"Have you thought about whom you wish to recruit?" Xi Zixing said while clearing his throat and straightening his sleeves. "It's best to find someone with a clean background, someone you know well."
Qu Dubian: "I promised the Deputy Director of the Astrological Observatory to promote the study of mathematics. So, I'd prefer to recruit more advisors with an interest in mathematics."
Mathematics, so important.
The blueprints he drew all required parameters.
Xi Zixing: "And what else?"
Qu Dubian was baffled: "What else is there?"
Xi Zixing smiled slightly, his words squeezing through gritted teeth: "I'm a top-three favorite for next year's top honors. Aren't you going to consider me?"
Qu Dubian: "Ha! As if I don't know about your little notebook? Stop joking. Which of my brothers have you chosen? Can you tell me?"
Xi Zixing's gaze rested thoughtfully on his face.
Qu Dubian met his eyes for a moment.
"..."
"..."
Silence hung between them.
Qu Dubian erupted into a fit of earth-shattering coughs.
He immediately stood up, looking at Xi Zixing as if seeing a ghost. "You can't be serious!!"
"You said I have poor health! You said I don't have a little notebook!!"
"And now you're telling me you want to be an advisor in my residence?"
Who are you betraying?!
Xi Zixing: "The little notebook is one thing. You are another."
Qu Dubian: "They're not the same?"
Xi Zixing: "Why are you so resistant?"
Qu Dubian: "I don't want to work myself to death becoming emperor. There's no future following me."
"Even as a prince, you'll need to administer your fiefdom," Xi Zixing blew on his tea. "Governing a city or governing a nation, in my view, are both acceptable."
He already presented the image of a handsome young gentleman, dressed in a bamboo-green Confucian robe with bright and clear eyes. A person who had been silently choosing a master since childhood would definitely not back down because of a rejection.
Qu Dubian could really sense a bit of Xi Zixing's earnestness this time, but he didn't see Xi Zixing's determination to push him to a higher position. He felt a bit more at ease.
He sat down and said, "Isn't it good to be friends?"
Xi Zixing replied, "Sure. I'm just sharing my thoughts with you. You don't have to feel burdened."
Xia Fuyang must have the same thought as him.
He wanted to go along with the Seventh Prince, but would never force him to take that path.
He always felt that a person as bright and enthusiastic as the Seventh Prince should belong to a more free and vast world rather than the cold throne.
Qu Dubian said, "Well said. Next time, just keep it to yourself."
It seemed that all the test papers he had sent to his elder brothers over the years were in vain, and in the end, he got himself involved.
Xi Zixing shrugged and said, "Look at me. I'm not even an official now. How much influence can I have? I chose you because we have a good relationship. It's also a way out for myself. If I can't make it in the court in the future, I'll come to you."
Qu Dubian replied, "I don't take in trash."
Xi Zixing said, "… Your mouth can be really venomous sometimes."
There were two reasons for him to say this today. First, the Seventh Prince had established his own mansion. If he didn't say it, the Seventh Prince might think he had chosen another prince, and they would become estranged in the future. He didn't want that to happen.
Second, Jirgal didn't act himself but secretly instigated other tribes to plunder the border. There had been several small-scale wars. Xia Fuyang had accumulated military achievements in the northern border too quickly.
Fortunately, he wasn't by the Seventh Prince's side now.
Otherwise, there would be no place for him.
The one who was closer had an advantage.
Those who were the first to show their loyalty and stance would surely hold a special place in the prince's heart.
It was indeed different.
Qu Dubian felt that he would never forget the shock he had received.
When Xi Zixing was leaving, in a good mood, he asked again, "Really can't you tell me what kind of official position you want to take?"
Qu Dubian replied, "Be patient and wait until tomorrow."
After seeing off Xi Zixing, who was full of curiosity, Qu Dubian went straight to the warehouse.
There were all kinds of gifts received today piled up inside, including the congratulatory gift for the mansion establishment sent by Emperor Chongzhao.
The night breeze in early summer was cool and comfortable, and the chirping of night insects came from the courtyard.
Qu Dubian examined these congratulatory gifts.
These were all the things he had mentioned to the emperor before his elder sister went on a diplomatic marriage.
Ye Xiaoyuan said, "They are all here. We specially set aside a place for them."
Qu Dubian asked, "Where is the box that Eunuch Yu specifically mentioned?"
Ye Xiaoyuan replied, "This is it. We didn't touch it."
In the middle of the congratulatory gifts, there was a simple and elegant wooden box.
Qu Dubian opened it.
A piece of black brocade was lying quietly in the box. His fingertips paused for a moment.
A few seconds later, he unfolded the black brocade. There was still a character "Nuo" on it. It was the piece of black brocade he had left in the Zichen Palace more than a year ago.
Qu Dubian put the black brocade back into the box and casually handed it to Ye Xiaoyuan, telling him to put it away.
Then he went to the backyard and came to Yidianbai's doghouse. He grabbed the sleeping Yidianbai.
Under Yidianbai's confused and then gradually resentful gaze, he praised, "Good dog. I knew you weren't asleep."
Yidianbai yawned, went back into the doghouse, picked up a puppy and gave it to Qu Dubian to hold, and then put its dog's head on his leg.
Yidianbai's wife, Jinlai, poked her head out of the doghouse and silently watched.
Qu Dubian stroked the warm puppy and sat on the wooden board around the doghouse.
After a while, Ye Xiaoyuan came over after putting away the black brocade box and sat beside Qu Dubian.
Liuliu had gone to Qingzhou and Jizhou on a mission. Now Ye Xiaoyuan was the only one around Qu Dubian who he could talk to often.
He leaned on Ye Xiaoyuan's shoulder and said lazily, "When I saw the black brocade, my first thought wasn't that he wanted to ease the father - son relationship. I thought he was using this to tell me that since I had accepted the black brocade before, I shouldn't have the idea of competing for the throne after establishing the mansion."
"Would I have thought like this before?"
Ye Xiaoyuan replied, "People always change."
Qu Dubian yawned and said, "Yes, the only thing that doesn't change is the past."