Having witnessed such scenes countless times, neither the Emperor nor the Crown Prince grew angry.
"It's truly deafening," the Emperor remarked. "Aren't scholars supposed to be refined?"
The Crown Prince chuckled. "Father, if you'd stop Third Brother from reading so much and hire him a few more equestrian and archery instructors, he wouldn't have the energy to make such a racket."
The Emperor shot him a cold glare. "Equestrian instructors?" He grabbed another shoe and hurled it. "Do you think physical strength gives them the right to assault court officials? If you dare turn my Golden Chime Hall into a training ground again, I'll have you serve as an equestrian instructor for life!"
The Crown Prince caught the shoe effortlessly. "Understood, understood." He knelt and shuffled forward to help the Emperor put it on. "Father, your constant forbearance has spoiled those officials. Sometimes they go too far—a good thrashing is all they need."
The Emperor kicked him.
The sturdy Crown Prince didn't budge an inch, laughing as he deliberately fell backward. He then turned to Xiao Xun. "A Xun, you should speak with His Majesty. You're the only one who doesn't provoke his temper."
Xiao Xun smiled. "I often vex my own father at home too. But he only loses his temper with me—he can't be bothered with others."
The Crown Prince roared with laughter. "See? You do know how to talk!"
The Emperor gazed at Xiao Xun, his expression tinged with melancholy. "You resemble your father greatly."
Xiao Xun touched his own face. "My mother often says I'm not as handsome as Father, especially these narrow eyes. They're like hers—lacking the piercing intensity of yours and His Majesty's."
The Emperor burst into laughter, joined heartily by the Crown Prince.
"My eyes take after Father's," the Crown Prince declared, pointing at himself. "Not like Mother's."
The Emperor glanced at him with mild disdain. "Your mother had beautiful eyes. Had you inherited them, you'd be far more comely."
Beyond the disdain lingered a deeper sorrow—memories of his late Empress, childhood sweethearts who never grew old together.
"I can scarcely recall her face anymore."
"Father," the Crown Prince flexed his arm, showcasing his strength, "what use is appearance? Strength is what matters. A robust body outweighs all else."
The Emperor fumed. "And what of wisdom? Can you govern the realm without intellect?"
The Crown Prince replied calmly, "Father, my own mind will never suffice. It's enough to know how to utilize the wisdom of others across the land."
The Emperor fell silent, ignoring him further. He turned back to Xiao Xun. "How is your father now? Does his leg still pain him often?"
Xiao Xun shook his head. "He's well otherwise, though it aches on overcast days." He added with a laugh, "His spirits are high—he eats, sleeps, and enjoys himself heartily. My greatest worry is that he's grown too stout. I wish he'd eat less."
The Emperor laughed again. "What are you afraid of? That he'll devour your inheritance? Fear not—for every morsel your father eats, I'll replenish your coffers twofold."
Xiao Xun grinned. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Then I shall pray for Father's hearty appetite."
The Emperor clutched his chest, laughing so hard he feared he might choke. The Crown Prince joined in, impressed. "I told you—A Xun always brings you joy. You ought to stay in the capital more often."
"Elder Brother," Xiao Xun used their childhood address, smiling, "distance sweetens affection. If I linger too long before His Majesty, he'll grow weary of me. It's better to remain apart, so he always remembers me fondly."
Once more, the Crown Prince and Emperor erupted in laughter."Alright, alright." The Emperor waved his hand, yawning as if exhausted from too much laughter. "Since you're here, stay in the capital for a few more days."
The Crown Prince said, "Exactly. Come to the training grounds with me—I'll show you some fun activities."
The Emperor glared at him. "What training grounds?" He pointed vaguely. "A Xun can join the Third Prince's literary salon. Though utterly useless, it's at least lively."
Despite his dismissive tone, the Emperor still remembered the Third Prince's request. The Crown Prince's eyes flickered as he smiled. "That's perfect. Third Brother doesn't like me attending, but he'll surely welcome you."
Since the Emperor had spoken, Xiao Xun naturally bowed and acknowledged the order.
Seeing matters concluded, the eunuchs stepped forward with smiles. "Your Majesty, it's time for your medicine."
The Emperor waved off the Crown Prince and Xiao Xun. "Very well, you may withdraw. When you're free—actually, even if you're free and have nothing to do, don't come looking for me."
The Crown Prince chuckled in acknowledgment, watching as a eunuch brought over pills. He couldn't resist adding, "Father, you really don't need these pills. If you joined me in daily archery and horsemanship—"
Before he could finish, the Emperor snatched the lid of the medicine jar and hurled it at him.
"Get out!"
...
...
Xiao Xun declined the Crown Prince's invitation to practice archery and horsemanship, returning alone to the courier station. As he reached the palace gates, he encountered a familiar figure approaching.
"Lord Deng." Xiao Xun quickly raised a hand in greeting.
Deng Yi halted and bowed to Xiao Xun. "Heir Apparent."
Though they had traveled together, Deng Yi spoke little and hadn't shown particular warmth. Still, Xiao Xun would greet him if they crossed paths—unlike with that Chu Zhao, whom Xiao Xun would pretend not to see.
Then again, perhaps that girl would pretend not to see him first, or simply turn and walk away.
Xiao Xun couldn't help a slight smile.
"The Heir Apparent seems in good spirits," Deng Yi remarked. "You've just seen His Majesty, I presume?"
Xiao Xun nodded with a faint smile. "Indeed. I met with His Majesty and the Crown Prince." Not wishing to elaborate on imperial matters, he casually asked, "Are you here on official business, Lord Deng?"
Deng Yi replied, "No. I'm delivering gifts."
Xiao Xun was taken aback. Was this a joke or the truth?
He prided himself on navigating social situations with ease, but ever since encountering Deng Yi and Chu Zhao, things always felt slightly off.
Deng Yi raised his hands in a salute. "Safe travels, Heir Apparent. This humble official takes his leave."
Xiao Xun inclined his head, watching as Deng Yi passed by and headed toward the western gardens of the Imperial City—where the Six Ministries were located. Could he actually be delivering gifts?
Standing there, Xiao Xun couldn't suppress a laugh. This trip to the capital had truly exposed him to all sorts of oddities.
...
...
The courier station wasn't far from the Imperial City, and Xiao Xun's carriage soon returned. After washing up and changing clothes, he rested in his room. A scholar in blue robes entered, and upon seeing him, Tie Ying stepped outside to guard the door.
"Heir Apparent, have you seen His Majesty?" the blue-robed scholar asked.
Xiao Xun nodded. "Not just His Majesty—I've also met the Crown Prince and the Third Prince."
The scholar pressed, "What are your impressions?"
Xiao Xun cradled a porcelain-white teacup, gazing into its clear, shimmering liquid.
"Just like in our childhood—His Majesty remains suspicious and dotes excessively on the Third Prince. The Crown Prince is arrogant but knows how to evoke His Majesty's pity. The Third Prince is cunning and two-faced." Xiao Xun shook his head. "With the capital in such a state, why did Father insist I come? Isn't it even more dangerous for someone of my status?"
It wasn't just the Emperor, princes, and imperial relatives who were unhinged. Even minor officials like Deng Yi and that insignificant girl Chu Zhao were brimming with peculiarities.
The capital appeared prosperous, but it was like a pile of dry tinder—a single spark could set it ablaze.Why should they not stay far away from such a dangerous place?
"Today, Your Majesty questioned my father, and the Crown Prince even intends to keep me in the capital as a hostage. They still harbor suspicions toward my father."
The scholar in blue robes said, "Heir Apparent, the most perilous places often hold the greatest unexpected rewards."
For ordinary people, "unexpected rewards" could mean many things, but for someone of Prince Zhongshan's status, it held only one meaning.
Xiao Xun tightened his grip on the teacup, remained silent for a moment, and then said softly, "A Xun is willing to pray for my father's success."
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