This strange sense of unnaturalness was ultimately attributed by Xiao Dezi to Xiao Song Zongguan’s exceptional capabilities.
The Great Eunuchs often said—those with true ability excel at everything they do. What you perceive as seamless perfection is actually the Great Eunuchs using their skills to keep you content.
Xiao Dezi believed this was purely due to Xiao Song Zongguan’s formidable methods—far surpassing his own abilities—so he unceremoniously asked Xiao Song Zongguan to gather more information from the palace. The Second Prince’s Residence had a weakness here: it was too isolated, always the last to know when something happened.
“Leave this to me,” Xiao Song Zongguan replied with a smile, his temperament exceedingly good.
Thus, during the more than half a month that Qi Chengming secluded himself to study intensively, he not only learned that the supplies for the Establish a Fiefdom team had been managed impeccably by Xiao Song Zongguan but also received timely new intelligence from him—
That day, the First Prince, Third Prince, and Sixth Prince were all punished by the Hongren Emperor.
“What was the reason for the punishment?” Qi Chengming spread open the book page and asked with interest, no longer in a hurry to read.
From his knowledge of the succession struggle plot, he knew that the Second Prince’s downfall this time was due to being framed by his brothers. Everyone had a hand in fueling the rumors, and except for the youngest and least influential Xiao Qi, who wasn’t punished, all three princes were penalized this time.
Had Qi Chengming’s earlier lamentations made the Hongren Emperor suspicious, leading him to uncover the truth?
“It was today’s lessons. The Third Prince and Sixth Prince performed poorly in their responses. When the Emperor found out, he scolded the First Prince for failing to understand fraternal duty and filial piety, and all three were punished to copy the Quli Chapter of the Book of Rites a hundred times,” Steward Song replied methodically. “The sweeping eunuch outside the Imperial Study is an acquaintance of mine, so I heard about it.”
This young eunuch stood before the hall with a natural dignity, yet he remained humble and respectful, standing with his hands at his sides after answering, neither arrogant nor impatient.
“…” Qi Chengming was thoughtful and somewhat enlightened.
It was worth noting that the fifteen-year-old First Prince no longer studied at the Imperial Study, yet he was still implicated in the scolding. This time, it sounded as if the primary target was the First Prince. Fraternal duty and filial piety…
Could it really be because of his affair?
Qi Chengming didn’t believe that the original host’s father had much affection for him. No matter how complex the emotions, over a decade of neglect spoke volumes. He leaned toward the idea that the Hongren Emperor had discovered his sons had grown ambitious, learning to join forces against one brother and contend for power.
That was the real taboo for an emperor.
Hence, the princes had incurred his wrath.
—Hadn’t they noticed that Xiao Qi wasn’t punished? He was eight years old and had already started his studies too.
“Copying the Book of Rites a hundred times… that punishment is too lenient for them!” Xiao Dezi said resentfully, still not satisfied.
It might sound like a lot to copy, but what was the cost? The cost was the original Second Prince being directly sent to Establish a Fiefdom, his entire political career as a prince ruined.
Qi Chengming also felt it was insufficient, but he was too weak now and could only lower his eyes in silence.
…Forget it. Once he went to his fiefdom to accumulate strength, a gentleman’s revenge could wait ten years. According to the original plot’s development, he wouldn’t need ten years; he would find a way to strike back and take revenge!
“Your Highness, are you worried about how to deal with the mastermind behind this?” Xiao Song Zongguan, observing his expression, suddenly asked out of the blue.
“You have a way?” Qi Chengming looked over in surprise.
The young eunuch’s expressionless demeanor and such a question…
“This humble servant cannot do much, only strive to vent some anger for Your Highness.” Xiao Song Zongguan spoke respectfully without even lifting his eyelids.
Song Gu sneered inwardly.
Although the Emperor was angry, was it because almost all the princes were involved that he only gave a light punishment as warning?
He was just a eunuch with neither high nor low standing.
But these past decades hadn’t been wasted – some leverage that would go unused in this lifetime might as well be brought out to bring His Highness some pleasure!
Who knew if His Highness’s worsening health was due to pent-up frustration from long being unable to vent his anger!
Song Gu was indeed transferring his anger.
—They say eunuchs have hearts as narrow as needle tips, and he openly admitted it, heh, that described exactly someone like him.
“Then I… shall await your performance?”
Qi Chengming’s tone still carried a note of uncertainty as he watched Xiao Song Zongguan bow steadily before withdrawing.
Just one short day later.
News came that the Third Prince’s chief palace maid had uncovered a scandal in the Empress’s palace, which had been brought before the Emperor, resulting in the immediate sealing of the palace.
Qi Chengming: “…?”
Such a major incident…
Could it… be related… to what Xiao Song Zongguan called “venting anger for him”?
Qi Chengming thought slowly with a stiff expression.
Author’s note:
I’ll be on the ranking list tomorrow, and since I’m very busy today, I’ve written just a short chapter first!
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