Instantly, the scenery before his eyes flipped and dissolved into a hazy blur. Mei Jinshu was forcibly dragged back into his consciousness as a bolt of lightning crashed down from above, sending him sprawling uncontrollably onto the ground while a sharp pain wracked every bone and joint in his body.
“Ah!” Mei Jinshu cried out in shock, his hands going limp as he collapsed face down. When he forced his eyes open, his pupils dilated rapidly before returning to normal, leaving him slumped sideways on the floor. Startled out of his wits, Ye Ting hurried forward to help him up.
“My Lord, why did you suddenly faint?”
“It is nothing. I felt a brief spell of dizziness, perhaps because I did not sleep well last night.” Mei Jinshu’s limbs throbbed with aches, and his heart pounded wildly. For that fleeting moment, consciousness had genuinely abandoned him.
Damn it, the system had actually struck him with lightning.
He had merely wanted to test whether the system would intervene, never expecting it to drop a bolt of thunder on him.
Panicking and standing frozen in place, Meng Xueran rushed over to throw his arms around Mei Jinshu in a desperate plea for forgiveness. His voice was laced with sobs and the terror of being cast out, “Adoptive father, I did not mean to anger you. I had no idea it would cause you to faint.”
“I was only trying to explain. I was only…”
“I am sorry! Just hit me!”
“Will hitting you make you change your ways?” Mei Jinshu pushed himself up from the floor, shaking off the arms clinging to him, and said with a stern expression, “Regardless of everything else, you are a prince and are old enough to understand reason and right from wrong. I am no brute, so why must everything be solved with violence?”
The more Mei Jinshu thought about it, the more his head ached. A perfectly fine sword had been crushed to pieces like that, leaving him with nothing to win Meng Changqi’s trust and favor.
All his preparation over the past few days had been utterly ruined by this little bastard Meng Xueran. The boy was practically sent by the heavens to torment him, and coming up with a novel birthday gift now was an impossible puzzle.
Kneeling on the ground in self-reflection, Meng Xueran saw the deep worry etched across Mei Jinshu’s face and realized he had brought about an irreversible catastrophe. Gritting his teeth, he unbuckled the sword at his waist, held it out respectfully with both hands, and said reluctantly, “Since I ruined Meng Changqi’s sword, I will simply give him mine instead.”
Mei Jinshu replied, “That sword was already given to you! How could I possibly gift it to someone else?”
Meng Xueran protested, “I am willing to part with it, but I do not want adoptive father to divide his affection equally.”
“You little beast, you have even learned how to use sophistry.” Mei Jinshu could only admire the boy’s twisted logic and stubbornness. Raising his hand, he delivered a sharp slap to the boy’s face and corrected him, “The moment you wanted to destroy that sword, you were already in the wrong! A mistake is a mistake, and you need no excuses to justify it!”
“Today you let jealousy destroy a sword, and tomorrow you might destroy the entire Chancellor’s Residence, or even destroy me.”
“No, I would never!” Meng Xueran shook his head in frantic defense, grabbing the hem of Mei Jinshu’s robes as he pleaded, “I know I was wrong, but I truly do not understand why I felt such intense jealousy.”
“I hate Meng Changqi, and I hate how well you treat him.”
“You are already a Chancellor holding a position of immense power. Why must you still go out of your way to please him? I do not understand. Is he truly that important in your heart?”
“My affairs have nothing to do with you.” Mei Jinshu instructed Ye Ting, “Go and select another congratulatory gift.”
Ye Ting stood helplessly in place and replied, “Yes.”
After a short while, Ye Ting returned from the storeroom carrying a fresh brocade box. It was square and neat, though it was impossible to tell what lay inside. “This was the only box in the storeroom that looked somewhat luxurious. If it will not do, this subordinate can go look for others.”
Mei Jinshu opened the box to reveal a crystal-clear, exquisitely carved glass tea cup, prompting him to let out a sigh. “Presenting such trinkets is ultimately a bit cliché, but we have no other choice right now.”
Ye Ting offered comfort, “At least it can be used for drinking tea.”
“Enough, stop chattering and load it onto the carriage.” Though anger still simmered within him, Mei Jinshu did not dare to truly punish Meng Xueran too severely. Glancing at the figure still kneeling on the ground, he commanded harshly, “Consider this your punishment to reflect upon your actions right here. You will not stand until the sky turns dark.”
Mei Shiyi rushed over, wanting to plead on the boy’s behalf, but after taking one look at the broken sword on the floor and meeting Mei Jinshu’s chilling gaze, he swallowed the plea back down.
To intercede at this moment would only add fuel to the fire.
“My Lord…”
“Shiyi, remember to have someone bring him food later. Do not let him go hungry.”
“Understood, this subordinate obeys.” Cupping his fists, Mei Shiyi watched the carriage depart before pulling the residence gates shut with a heavy sigh.
Inside the carriage, Mei Jinshu remained deeply troubled. Truth be told, ever since stepping into the vehicle, he had been debating whether the punishment was overly harsh. It was not yet noon, meaning there were at least four hours until nightfall.
If the boy actually knelt until he fell ill, he wondered if word would reach the inner palace.
He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by a mix of irritation and helplessness. Having failed to rest properly the previous night, enduring such a chaotic ordeal during the day left him utterly exhausted. The upcoming trip to the Eastern Palace meant he would have to deal with even more demanding people.
Entering his consciousness to quickly check his points, he saw that the accumulated balance had dropped by another thousand. Was a sword with an engraved name really that important? To harbor such violent jealousy over it was beyond comprehension.
In truth, every word he had spoken was the absolute truth; Meng Xueran simply refused to believe it. Because the swords had been forged in haste, he had spent the night quietly carving Meng Changqi’s name onto the blade without any intention of differential treatment. He had even tried to keep it a secret from Meng Xueran so the boy wouldn’t know he had commissioned two swords, yet it had been discovered anyway.
Damn it. No matter what he did, it seemed he was always in the wrong.
Ye Ting asked, “My Lord, are you still angry?”
Mei Jinshu replied, “How could I not be angry? My best intentions were tossed to the dogs. An ungrateful little wolf.”
Ye Ting said, “Perhaps it is not quite that severe. It is just childish temperament, bound to breed jealousy. Still, the Young Master admitted his mistake quite quickly, so he must understand your good intentions.”
“Hmph, the lot of you are always so eager to speak up for him.” Mei Jinshu opened his eyes and said with a huff, “It no longer matters whether he understands or not. The sword is already destroyed, and he got his way anyway.”
By the time they reached the Eastern Palace, the banquet was already well underway. The Emperor and Empress sat in seats of honor while wine cups drifted down winding streams and endless songs and dances filled the air. Meng Changqi, meanwhile, kept scanning his surroundings as if waiting for someone.
Only high-ranking dignitaries and nobles dared attend the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet in the Eastern Palace. Mei Jinshu detested lively gatherings where he was forced to put on a mask and drink alcohol; it was utterly exhausting.
Thus, his plan was simply to drop off the gift, exchange a few polite pleasantries, and find an excuse to slip away.
“Greetings to Your Majesty and the Empress. Please forgive this subject for arriving late.” Mei Jinshu stepped forward to pay his respects, his peripheral vision catching sight of Elder Sister, who had somehow arrived before him. He wondered why she had chosen to attend; given her usual efforts to avoid suspicion, joining such a banquet was unexpected.
Emperor Meng Junxuan said, “My Lord need not stand on ceremony. Take your seat; the Crown Prince has been mentioning you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you for the Crown Prince’s favor.” Mei Jinshu took the seat beside Mei Xianxue and whispered, “Elder Sister, did you not always avoid the Emperor? Why are you suddenly here?”
Mei Xianxue replied, “People from the palace personally delivered the invitation to my hands. Pretending not to see it was out of the question. Once I finish this cup of wine, I will find an excuse to leave. You must cover for me.”
“General Mei, Chancellor.” Meng Changqi approached holding the glass tea cup Mei Jinshu had sent, looking utterly delighted as he asked, “I wonder what delayed the Chancellor today?”
Mei Jinshu had to suppress a sigh, forcing a smile. “Nothing much, just delayed along the way.”
Meng Changqi beamed. “This cup is truly exquisite. It must have been chosen with great care. Shangli, pour a cup of tea.”
“Ah, as long as Your Highness likes it.” Mei Jinshu truly had bitterness he could not voice. His meticulously prepared gift had been destroyed, causing him endless worry, only for Meng Changqi to adore whatever he brought.
It left him utterly amused yet exasperated.
Meng Changqi continued, “The Chancellor looks exceptionally radiant today. Even on ordinary days, you rarely dress with such refinement. Gu feels even more moved now. Will I be able to see you dressed like this again in the future?”
Mei Jinshu played along, “If Your Highness enjoys this attire, this subject will dress this way from now on.” The moment the words left his mouth, he instantly felt he was being far too sycophantic, earning a side-long glance from Mei Xianxue.
“Crown Prince Brother!” Little Princess Meng Buqing bounded into his arms, her large, watery apricot eyes and rosy cheeks making her look utterly adorable as she wore two round hair buns. “Wow, so many pastries!”
Watching the daughter she had carried for ten months, Mei Xianxue felt her eyes sting with unshed tears. She desperately wanted to embrace the little princess, but she could not approach her in the guise of a mother. Exerting every ounce of self-control to quell the impulse, she gripped her hands tightly to keep her expression from betraying her inner turmoil.
Mei Jinshu quickly chimed in, “The Princess is only four years old. She should not eat too many pastries, or it will cause indigestion.”
“Yes, indeed, she should not eat too much.” Mei Xianxue averted her gaze, daring not look any longer for fear her resolve would crack and waver.
Ever since Mei Xianxue stepped into the banquet hall, Meng Junxuan’s eyes had never left her. Even when occasionally interrupted, his gaze would drift back to her. Anyone paying the slightest attention could easily discern his deep affection for her.
The Noble Consort Wu Jingyao smiled playfully and remarked, “Your Majesty, why do you keep gazing in the General’s direction? You are neglecting the Empress right beside you. Oh my, look at this clumsy mouth of mine.”
Meng Junxuan replied, “We were merely admiring the plum blossoms. That plum tree happens to bloom in the General’s direction.”
Empress Jiang Fu offered, “If Your Majesty is fond of those plum blossoms, this concubine can have the royal gardeners transplant the tree outside our bedchambers.”
“There is no need.” Meng Junxuan withdrew his gaze, offering a bitter, soft cough. He had simply wanted to catch a glimpse of Mei Xianxue, yet he had to invent all sorts of excuses, making the whole affair feel futile. He feared showing too much favoritism, yet feared even more that Mei Xianxue might suffer the slightest whisper of gossip.
Jiang Fu asked with concern, “Is Your Majesty feeling unwell?”
Meng Junxuan answered, “It is nothing, just an old ailment. Let us return to the inner palace.”
With everyone harboring their own agendas during the birthday banquet, Meng Junxuan’s departure on the grounds of indisposition allowed the remaining officials to relax. Seeing his opportunity to slip away unnoticed, Mei Jinshu was suddenly summoned to the Imperial Study.
Certain matters could not be openly discussed in the imperial court. Taking advantage of the Crown Prince’s birthday, the Emperor was bound to make inquiries. Mei Jinshu knew the Emperor still cared deeply for his youngest son; after all, they shared blood, and even if the boy was treated as an abandoned chess piece, a father could not completely turn a blind eye.
Entering the Imperial Study upon summons, he readied himself to kneel and pay respects, only to be stopped.
Massaging his temples, Meng Junxuan said, “Spare the kneeling. Is the Third Prince faring well in your residence?”
Feeling a tiny prick of guilt, Mei Jinshu cupped his fists and replied, “He is doing very well. This subject has arranged a suitable academy for the Third Prince, and he is also learning martial arts under General Mei. Your Majesty may set your mind at ease.”
Meng Junxuan nodded. “When you handle matters, We trust you.”