In the Imperial Palace, Yangxin Hall.

The Emperor sat at his desk, reading memorials with his eyes half-closed, listening to the Chief of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Grand Eunuch Wang, read them aloud.

The Crown Prince stood quietly to the side, waiting.

Grand Eunuch Wang’s voice was drawn out, making each memorial take seven or eight times longer to read than usual.

After half an hour, he finished reading over twenty memorials and picked up the last one.

“Governor of Liangzhou reports: Liangzhou’s subordinate counties of Changping, Anping, and Luanyang have been struck by a locust plague. Liangzhou suffered a severe drought last year, and the state granaries are low on supplies. He requests the court to send grain for disaster relief.”

“What does the Cabinet say?”

Grand Eunuch Wang replied, “Liangzhou has been in turmoil for several years. This year it’s locusts, last year it was drought. The year before, there were no disasters, but the year before that, there was an epidemic. Every year, the Liangzhou governor asks the court for grain and money, and the court has provided it. Prime Minister Yan’s suggestion is to select two competent and astute officials from the Ministry of Revenue to visit Liangzhou and investigate what’s really wrong. If it’s a matter of bad feng shui, relocate the local population to nearby counties in batches.”

The Emperor listened and slowly nodded, then turned his gaze to the Crown Prince. “What do you think?”

The Crown Prince replied, “This seems feasible.”

“Then, choose someone from the Ministry of Revenue to accompany you to Liangzhou.”

“Yes.”

Seeing the Crown Prince frown slightly, presumably unwilling to go to Liangzhou, the Emperor’s eyes darkened. “Don’t want to go?”

“The Crown Prince has no objections.”

The Emperor then said slowly, “If you don’t understand how to handle locusts, you must be humble. Don’t put on the airs of a Crown Prince when you get to Liangzhou.”

The Crown Prince respectfully replied, “Yes.”

The Emperor, dissatisfied with his reaction, did not reprimand him but continued, “Regarding the Eastern Palace banquet, I’ve heard about it from my subordinates. You don’t need to explain anything to me. I will investigate and give the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence an explanation.”

“Your Majesty will investigate personally, so the truth will surely come to light quickly,” the Crown Prince said.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s calm demeanor, the Emperor’s anger flared up immediately.

His voice grew much louder, “I know you disdain these petty schemes, but this incident occurred in the Eastern Palace. Can you say you are completely unaware of it? Are you secretly gloating over Liang Muchen’s fall?”

“Calm down, Your Majesty, calm down.” Grand Eunuch Wang hurriedly tried to calm the Emperor and gave the Crown Prince a meaningful glance.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has not gloat over the incident. The Eastern Palace will provide all the necessary medicines and supplements for Miss Liang.”

Hearing this, the Emperor’s anger eased slightly, but he snorted coldly, “How generous of you! What medicines and supplements? Does she really need your supplements? I’ve worked hard to consolidate the control of the Crane Guards for you, and now you’ve managed to get the young lady into such a state. Let’s see how you’ll handle this!”

As he spoke, the Emperor grew angrier, nearly spitting on the Crown Prince in his fury.

Seeing this, Grand Eunuch Wang quickly stepped forward to wipe the Emperor’s mouth with a handkerchief and advised, “Your Majesty, there’s no need to be so angry. Although this marriage may not work out, the matter of the Crane Guards is only delayed for a few years. The old members of the Crane Guards, led by the late Wei Yuan Marquis, are suffering from long-term injuries and illnesses and are close to retiring. The court can gradually take over their duties.”

“It’s not that simple. After Liang Yanhui’s death, I immediately ordered the Ministry of War to select suitable generals to station at the Crane Guards, but none of them adapted to the local conditions and returned with no achievements. In the end, we had to bring Liang Muchen’s father out to barely quell the unrest. The Crane Guards have guarded the northwestern border for the court for over a hundred years with unwavering loyalty, and their military skills are exceptional. If it weren’t for necessity, I really wouldn’t want to divide and weaken the Crane Guards.”

Grand Eunuch Wang sighed, “The northwest is a rugged place, and the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence has been stationed there for many years. Even after twenty years, they still enjoy a high reputation. It’s indeed difficult.”

But the Crown Prince interjected, “It’s not difficult.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately looked up from his desk and glared at the Crown Prince, slamming the memorial onto the table. “You’re too naive.”

“The Crown Prince is not speaking recklessly. I already have a solution for taking over the Crane Guards. Your Majesty can wait and see.”

“Good, good,” the Emperor sneered, “Then tell me, what solution do you have that will open the eyes of me and Wang Dezhong, two old men?”

The Crown Prince smiled, “Your Majesty need not be anxious. I have not yet finalized the plan. When I return from Liangzhou, I will inform you at the appropriate time.”

“Humph, pretentious,” the Emperor scoffed.

“Rest assured, Father, my solution will be even more effective than marrying Liang Muchen. After all, Liang Muchen is not truly the daughter of the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence. Marrying her is merely giving face to the old Crane Guards, without any real substance.”

This remark… was quite intriguing.

The Emperor’s eyes shifted, and his tone softened slightly, “Then tell me, where is the root of the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence?”

“Please issue an imperial decree for the Wei Yuan Marquis and the old Crane Guards’ members Han Yuan and Xiao Jiang to come to the capital. Once they arrive, it will be the best time to act.”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze fixed on the Crown Prince.

“I can issue the decree. They are soldiers and can travel from the northwest in a month. However, in a month’s time, can you resolve the issues in Liangzhou?”

“Under the Emperor’s order, I will immediately head to Liangzhou to investigate the problem,” the Crown Prince pondered, “However, to eradicate local corruption, it will take at least three to five years to see results.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s tone softened considerably, “Three to five years is still considered quick. The sage says that governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish. As the Crown Prince, you must understand the hardships of the people. You spent too long in the monastery and were detached from worldly affairs. Even after returning, your work in the Cabinet, while diligent, is still lacking. I personally handled matters in my fief when I was a prince. This trip to Liangzhou is a good opportunity for you to gain experience.”

“The Crown Prince understands Father’s intentions,” the Crown Prince thought for a moment and said, “However, I need to take Yuanbao with me to Liangzhou. He might fall behind in his studies in the Imperial Study.”

The Emperor frowned, “Isn’t the woman in your palace taking good care of Yuanbao? Liangzhou is a poor and harsh place; what’s the point of taking Yuanbao there? If you’re worried, bring them into the palace. Yuanbao can choose a place he likes; if he wants to live in the Kun Ning Palace, let him. If he prefers Yang Xin Hall, I can make room for him. There’s no need to take him out to endure hardships.”

The Crown Prince said, “I’ll ask Yuanbao when I return. If he wants to go to Liangzhou with me, I will take him.”

The Emperor sighed, “As you wish.”

As the Crown Prince prepared to leave, the Emperor added, “You needn’t visit the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence or send any more supplements or medicines. Just pretend the previous matters never happened. Leave the rest to me.”

These words truly pleased the Crown Prince. His tone immediately became lighter, “Thank you, Father, for your understanding.”

“Hmph!” The Emperor didn’t miss the Crown Prince’s cheerful expression.

He snorted and waved him off.

Once the Crown Prince had left, only Grand Eunuch Wang and the Emperor remained in the study.

The Emperor’s expression shifted again.

“Help me think, who does he plan to send to manage the Crane Guards?”

Grand Eunuch Wang’s eyes narrowed as he pondered the implications: “There aren’t many available military officials around the Crown Prince. Given the importance of the Crane Guards, he will likely send the heir of the Jingning Marquis’s residence.”

The Emperor nodded in agreement, “He studied with Yuanchu at Daxiangguo Temple, and their relationship is naturally close. Over the years, Yuanchu has helped him succeed in his duties. If you were to choose, who would you suggest for the Crane Guards?”

“Well…” Grand Eunuch Wang feigned contemplation.

Having served the Emperor for decades and managed the Imperial Household Department for many years, he adhered to the principle of not speaking on matters beyond his purview.

The Emperor often asked him such questions, and he usually dodged them.

Today was an exception.

“I am not knowledgeable about who should be sent to manage the Crane Guards, but it definitely shouldn’t be the heir of the Jingning Marquis’s residence.”

The Emperor’s lips curled into a smile, “You old dog.”

Grand Eunuch Wang smiled obsequiously, knowing he had guessed the Emperor’s thoughts correctly.

He continued, “The heir of the Jingning Marquis’s residence is too close to the Crown Prince. Even a few brothers can’t compare. The Crown Prince is the heir to the throne, and he must not show undue favoritism.”

“Indeed. Liu Zhen’s closeness to Yuanchu makes him distant from others. The Jingning Marquis’s residence is currently riding high on Liu Zhen’s influence. We cannot entrust the Crane Guards to Yuanchu.” The way of emperors is essentially about balance.

The key is to maintain proper relationships with officials—neither too close nor too distant, neither too far nor too near.

“Your Majesty’s insight is unparalleled. I am truly humbled.”

Grand Eunuch Wang’s flattery made the Emperor feel gratified.

He asked with a smile, “What has Liu Zhen been busy with lately? Do we have any updates from the Eastern Depot?”

The Eastern Depot, managed by the eunuch Wen Jin from the Imperial Household Department, carries out secret tasks and monitors the court officials.

In theory, the Eastern Depot also keeps an eye on the East Palace, but since the Emperor had no suspicions about the Crown Prince, the Eastern Depot had not invested much effort into monitoring the East Palace’s activities.

The Grand Eunuch Wang replied, “Recently, a group of secret guards from the East Palace left the city, but their destination and purpose are unknown.”

“You tell me, what method will he use to make the Crane Guards submit to him?”

“I can’t guess, but the Crown Prince seemed very confident just now, so it must be a well-planned scheme. Your Majesty can just wait for the good news from the Crown Prince.”

Hearing this, the Emperor’s expression finally relaxed.

After a moment, he sighed, “It’s a pity about Liang Muchen; she is truly a fine girl.”

Grand Eunuch Wang cleared his throat and said, “Your Majesty, the focus should be on solving the problem with the Crane Guards. Once that is resolved, other matters will fall into place.”

“Here’s what you should do: go personally to the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence and tell Lady Liang that Muchen can still be the daughter-in-law of the Emperor.”

“This… should we not consult the Crown Prince before making such a decision?” Grand Eunuch Wang glanced at the Emperor’s expression, hesitating to finish his thought.

Previously, the Emperor had said not to involve the Crown Prince in the Wei Yuan Marquis’s affairs, but now he was quietly settling the matter, which might cause trouble if the Crown Prince found out.

The Emperor glared at Grand Eunuch Wang, “What are you thinking? Liang Muchen has already been publicly embraced by the Fifth Prince; how could she be given to Liu Zhen?”

Grand Eunuch Wang’s eyes flashed, “So, Your Majesty intends for the Duke of Qing to take her as a… secondary consort?”

“Given the situation, I hope the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence understands.” The Emperor sighed, closing his eyes slightly.

Grand Eunuch Wang, with a solemn expression, bowed and said, “I understand. I will convey Your Majesty’s intentions to Lady Liang and believe she will appreciate Your Majesty’s considerations.”

After a pause, he asked, “Do you need me to inform the Duke of Qing’s residence as well?”

“Forget about the Duke of Qing’s residence. After such a commotion in the East Palace, the Duke of Qing will be aware of the situation,” the Emperor said, sipping his tea and closing his eyes again to rest. “Go handle the Wei Yuan Marquis’s affairs, and on your way out, ask someone to go to Kun Ning Palace and invite the Empress to join me for lunch in the Yang Xin Hall.”

Arranging children’s marriages is best left to the Empress.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

---

When the Crown Prince returned to the East Palace, Yuhua Palace was empty.

“Where is she?” the Crown Prince asked.

Su Xin, aware that the Crown Prince was asking about someone specific, replied respectfully, “Miss is busy in the kitchen. She said she wants to prepare an extra dish for Prince Yuanbao tonight.”

The Crown Prince had already entered the hall but turned around and put on his boots again.

“You’re going to the kitchen?”

“Yes, I want to check.”

Though Yuhua Palace was some distance from the kitchen, the Crown Prince walked quickly and soon arrived there.

The kitchen staff, surprised by the Crown Prince’s unexpected visit, were about to greet him, but the Crown Prince raised a hand to signal them to remain silent.

The staff understood and quietly left the kitchen.

The Crown Prince then approached.

At that moment, Rong Rong was standing with her back to him, holding a knife and working on a pumpkin.