The palace front was deathly silent.
No one had expected the Duke of Chengguo to enter Prince Huai's mansion, let alone begin with such words upon his arrival.
The eunuchs and palace maids were dazed, having hardly interacted with outsiders for a long time. Coupled with the oppressive presence of the Jinyiwei, they didn't dare to speak freely even within the mansion. Over time, they had become like lifeless puppets.
"Candied fruit?" Prince Huai's voice resonated.
His head tilted slightly, his gaze falling on the Duke of Chengguo's hand, curious yet puzzled, with a glint of eager anticipation.
In this stagnant atmosphere, he was the only vibrant presence.
The Duke of Chengguo smiled and nodded at him.
"Indeed, bought from a restaurant," he said. "Do you know what a restaurant is?"
Prince Huai chuckled.
"Of course I do," he replied. "There are many such places along East Market Street. The cooks are called Doctors; the assistants, Uncles. The women brewing wine and switching dishes pour drinks for patrons, while female prostitutes sing and entertain guests to earn rewards."
Female prostitutes...
The eunuchs and palace maids listened, their expressions growing even more vacant.
How could such a young child know about female prostitutes?
Who taught him this?
A neglected prince, tossed aside like wild weeds, would inevitably grow chaotically.
The Duke of Chengguo, however, laughed again, this time more heartily.
"Your Highness is truly exceedingly knowledgeable," he said. "Try some. Though this candied fruit comes from a small street shop, it has a unique flavor."
Prince Huai walked over slowly, stopping before the kneeling Duke of Chengguo.
Though he had grown taller, he still seemed small before the kneeling duke.
Prince Huai took the pouch from the Duke of Chengguo's outstretched hand and opened it.
"Please have a taste, Your Highness," the Duke of Chengguo urged gently.
"Your Highness mustn't eat anything from outside…" A eunuch finally remembered his duty and spoke up.
Prince Huai had already taken a piece of candied fruit and popped it into his mouth.
"Eek." He grimaced, his small face crinkling. "It's so sour."
The Duke of Chengguo blinked in surprise and took a piece himself to try.
"It is indeed sour," he noted apologetically. "I purchased the wrong type; this one is meant to accompany alcohol."
Prince Huai made a sound of understanding.
"That's unfortunate. I'm still too young to drink," he remarked.
"My apologies," the Duke of Chengguo said. "I'll get the sweeter kind for Your Highness next time."
Prince Huai waved his hand dismissively.
"Duke of Chengguo, there's no need for such trouble," he said. "This isn't about the food itself. Your intentions have been understood; don't overextend yourself."
The little prince's attempt to educate the duke was adorable.
The Duke of Chengguo did not laugh. His expression grew solemn as he bowed deeply.
"Understood," he replied.
Prince Huai nodded.
"Rise, Duke of Chengguo," he said, raising his hand in gesture to assist.
The Duke of Chengguo thanked him and stood.
Looking up at the tall figure before him, Prince Huai instinctively touched his ear, slightly nervous.
"I must go to court," the Duke of Chengguo began.
Prince Huai visibly relaxed.
"Duke of Chengguo, make haste; do not delay court business," he said earnestly.
The Duke of Chengguo acknowledged this, bowed once again, and retreated step by step before turning around. Suddenly, he paused at the doorway, gazing ahead.
At some point, Miss Jun and Zhu Zan had arrived, standing at the door watching them.
The Duke of Chengguo turned back around.
"Your Highness, Miss Jun is skilled in medicine. May I suggest having her examine Your Highness's health?" he proposed.
Before his voice trailed off, Prince Huai expressed surprise, clearly noticing the figures at the entrance.
He instinctively moved forward, his expression shifting from astonished to delighted, then to plaintive, cycling through a myriad of emotions in mere moments.
Miss Jun stepped forward, holding back the sting in her nose and the tears in her eyes.
"Your Highness, I have returned," she said.
Prince Huai straightened his little figure, eyes wide and his lips pressed tight as he said nothing.
"Your Highness, I did not deceive you," Miss Jun stepped nearer. "I've come back."
Prince Huai could no longer hold it in, gasping for breath, his eyes reddening as though he might cry at any moment. But he wouldn't cry publicly; his body stiffened as he turned to leave.
Miss Jun took another step closer, arms outstretched.
Like a thread pulling him, the child who had been set to flee now ran toward her without hesitation.
The pair embraced tightly—one big, one small.
The Duke of Chengguo shifted his gaze and walked forward, stopping beside Zhu Zan.
"Father, you…" Zhu Zan started, voice low, unsure of what to say.
"Who is the teacher in this mansion?" the Duke of Chengguo asked.
Zhu Zan hesitated briefly, caught off guard by the question.
"Gu Qing," he soon answered clearly. "From Huzhou. A candidate for the imperial examinations, thirty-one years old."
The Duke of Chengguo chuckled lightly and nodded.
"Not bad, not bad," he remarked, glancing around once before refocusing. "Who invited him here?"
Zhu Zan's expression turned conflicted at the mention of this.
"Lu Yunqi," he replied.
The Duke of Chengguo showed slight surprise but merely uttered "Oh" and said no more.
"I must attend court," he finally said.
Zhu Zan nodded, watching his father's figure vanish beyond the doorway before turning back to the mansion. Inside, Miss Jun and Prince Huai had separated and stood facing each other, as though awkwardly trying to adjust to their reunion.
"Are you here to examine me again?" Prince Huai asked, his small face tense and his hands clasped behind his back.
"Yes," Miss Jun replied with a smile.
"Then proceed," Prince Huai said, turning and walking into the hall with his head held high.
Miss Jun followed closely behind, smiling.
"Where have you been all this time?" Prince Huai asked, trying to sound casual.
"I've traveled many places," Miss Jun said. "I even went to Yizhou. Do you know where Yizhou is?"
Prince Huai finally turned, his eyes lighting up.
"The Jurchen Territory," he exclaimed. "You truly dared to venture into the Jurchen Territory."
The young boy expressed no fear at the mention of the Jurchen people, only astonishment and excitement.
"I didn't just dare go—I even fought them," Miss Jun said, raising her eyebrows with pride.
Prince Huai's eyes sparkled like stars.
"Wow," he exclaimed.
Wow, sister, you're amazing.
Just like before—the little follower tailing her endlessly, full of admiration for everything she did or said, even when she hit him.
Second Sister was the most incredible.
Yet this most incredible Second Sister hadn't been able to do anything for him before she perished.
Miss Jun looked at his expression and laughed, pulling back her tears with effort.
"Would you like to hear about it?" she asked with a smile.
Prince Huai nodded eagerly, but soon recalled his princely demeanor and straightened his spine, raising his chin slightly.
"Speak quickly," he commanded.
As the two entered the grand hall, Zhu Zan stood in place and retracted his gaze. He soon became aware of the eunuchs and palace maids staring at him.
With only Zhu Zan left before them, they watched him blankly.
"What are you looking at? Don't you know how to entertain guests?" Zhu Zan barked.
What a fierce visitor!
The eunuchs and palace maids quickly scattered into disarray.
......….
......….
In the imperial palace, the cleansing whip sounded, followed by the booming of ceremonial drums and music. The Emperor arrived from the rear hall to take his seat, and the ministers all bowed.
It was the monthly Grand Court.
As usual, the elaborate rituals felt even more tedious than usual to the Emperor and many officials present.
At last, the ceremonies concluded, and it was time to discuss state affairs. The hall fell silent inside and out.
Though matters had taken an unexpected turn, the planned agenda remained untouched. The official responsible for royal family affairs stepped forward to report on Prince Huai's situation, suggesting he be sent to the Imperial Mausoleum.
"What do you all think?" the Emperor asked.
The court officials remained quiet, waiting for someone to step out.
Finally, the sound of footsteps broke the silence. As expected, a towering figure strode forward from the front ranks.
"Your Majesty need not worry," the Duke of Chengguo said, bowing to the Emperor. "I visited Prince Huai earlier. His spirits are intact, and his words are coherent; there is no immediate danger."