Compared to his older brother, who was always in the spotlight and had many friends, the prince had always been obedient and well-behaved.

The emperor wondered if it was because the prince had grown up and developed his own thoughts, but since entering the East Palace, he had become more reflective and even questioned some of the emperor’s ideas and decisions.

Thinking about his frightening dream from last night made the emperor feel even more uneasy.

In the morning, he had sent food to the prince as a reminder of how far he had come since his youth, so he wouldn’t forget his roots.

From this perspective, it seemed more fitting for the top scholar to mentor the King of Chu.

“I have seen your handwriting,” the emperor said. “It is very elegant and unique. It’s impressive to have such good handwriting at the age of sixteen. My eldest son is in his thirties, and his handwriting hasn’t improved. I would like you to help him with it.”

Ji Yanming knew that the King of Chu was in a bad situation and had little hope of recovery, but since the emperor had spoken, he had no choice but to accept the order.

Realizing he needed to maintain a positive impression, he replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will obey your orders.”

The emperor understood this task should be done quickly and not delayed. However, he had heard that since the King of Chu was demoted, he had become irritable. Ji Yanming would likely feel awkward approaching him about this.

Seeing Ji Yanming’s discomfort, the emperor said to Gao Zhen, “Take the champion to the Prince of Chu’s Palace and tell him this was my wish.”

Gao Zhen’s eyes lit up, and he agreed.

_

Inside the palace, the King of Chu was focused on playing a guzheng, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, with his head down.

Since his father had restricted his political progress, and he was only in his thirties with a family to support, he couldn’t afford to be truly depressed. He thought it better to engage in something unrelated to power.

Recently, his father had been talking about revising books, clarifying history, and promoting rituals and music. The King of Chu decided to cooperate, thinking nothing could go wrong.

Just as he was starting to enjoy playing the guzheng, a servant announced that Gao Zhen from the palace had arrived.

The King of Chu was startled, and he immediately stopped playing the guzheng.

Gao Zhen had been sent by his mother, Concubine Shu. Although his behavior had become unpredictable in recent years, he was still on the King of Chu’s side.

Gao Zhen had always worked closely with the emperor in Xuanzheng Hall, and they rarely visited each other. It was unusual for Gao Zhen to come to see him so openly.

Worried it might be a trap, the King of Chu coldly replied that he had a headache and didn’t want to see anyone.

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhen was unsure of what the King of Chu was thinking. He looked at Ji Yanming, who was with him, and said, “Your Highness has been feeling down lately. This isn’t good. Mr. Ji, please wait a moment. I will go check on him.”

Seeing Gao Zhen enter alone without anyone else, the King of Chu felt relieved. He asked, “Why did you come here suddenly?”

Gao Zhen then explained that the emperor had mentioned the King of Chu’s poor handwriting and was sending someone to help.

“Father personally sent someone to me? Are you serious?” The King of Chu perked up. “He has finally remembered he has a son? He is willing to send the top scholar to assist me?”

Having a top scholar assigned to him was different from just sending someone over. 

At such a young age, Ji Yanming had achieved six top placements, and his future was full of possibilities.

Was this action of my father intentional or unintentional?  

The King of Chu’s heart brightened up little by little.  

Gao Zhen shook his head.  

Although it was sad that the King of Chu ended up like this, it wasn’t entirely unfair.  

The King of Chu had never plotted with his uncles to commit treason, but his relationship with them was indeed unusual.  

The King of Chu was the oldest among the many princes. When the late emperor was alive, several of his uncles studied in the palace. The King of Chu was about the same age as his uncles, so they played together and grew up together.  

Even after some of his uncles got into trouble, the King of Chu still couldn’t be completely heartless and even pleaded with the emperor for their wives and children.  

The emperor was so furious that he almost imprisoned his eldest son. However, considering their old friendship, he dismissed his son from all his posts and punished him to reflect on his mistakes at home.  

This closure lasted for three years.  

There has never been a case in the Great Zhou Dynasty where a prince could come back after rebelling, especially since the emperor had now appointed a crown prince.  

Now, all those connected to the King of Chu had accepted their fate. They didn’t hope for him to regain power but only wished for His Royal Highness the King of Chu to live a good life, keep a low profile, and stay in the emperor’s good graces.  

“Your Highness, please be careful with your words.” At this point, Gao Zhen wanted to put an end to the King of Chu’s unrealistic fantasies. “This idea came from the top scholar who admires you.”  

This plan was indeed proposed by the emperor, and Ji Zhuangyuan agreed. Gao Zhen believed his statement was not false, just a bit altered.  

But to the King of Chu, it sounded like the emperor disliked his poor handwriting and wanted to choose someone to teach him. Because the top scholar admired him, he immediately offered to help.  

During his thirty years of ups and downs, Gao Zhen had helped the King of Chu many times, and the King of Chu had always trusted Gao Zhen’s words.  

The King of Chu didn’t expect that even at his lowest point, there were still people willing to stand by him. He quickly added the upcoming top scholar to his group of close supporters.  

The King of Chu was deeply moved. He personally went out to welcome Ji Yanming in, holding his hand tightly and not letting go: “I have heard of your great virtue before, but I didn’t expect you to be so noble. Although I am down and out now, I have never lost my spirit. If I can turn things around in the future, I won’t let you down.”  

Gao Zhen instantly felt he had made the right choice. The eldest prince was in such a situation but still dreamed of gaining power overnight. It seemed that he had an incorrect view of himself.  

Ji Yanming frowned slightly.  

Being connected to an unfavored prince is not terrible. What is terrible is that this unfavored prince is still confused.  

People say the King of Chu is smart, good at identifying and employing people, and has the talent to govern the country, but somehow he doesn’t seem so smart.  

Sure enough, rumors are not reliable these days.