After leaving Xuanzheng Hall, the Crown Prince headed straight for the upper study. After walking a few steps, he ran into the two sons of the King of Chu, Xiao Lang and Xiao Ming.

It was common knowledge that the King of Chu and the Crown Prince did not get along. The Crown Prince wished he could eliminate the King of Chu with a single finger, while the King of Chu wished he could defeat the Crown Prince with a single blow. If the adults had such a relationship, the children’s relationship would naturally not be much better.

Therefore, after meeting the Crown Prince, the two cousins only greeted him symbolically and exchanged a few simple pleasantries. After that, they said nothing more, walking together in silence toward the study.

The brothers Xiao Lang and Xiao Ming are both born to the Princess of Chu. Now they study together in the palace and are quite dependent on each other. Their bond is stronger than before at home, and they are inseparable in the palace. The elder brother protects the younger brother, and the younger brother supports the elder brother. This makes the Crown Prince, who usually competes with his illegitimate brothers in wits and courage, feel quite envious.

His mother often told him that he was the Crown Prince, the most honorable grandson of the Emperor, and should be the undisputed leader among all the Emperor’s grandsons. She advised him to show the same demeanor his father had when facing his brothers and to subdue them with both kindness and authority.

Seeing Xiao Lang and his brother being indifferent to him, the Crown Prince felt a bit unhappy. However, he was worried that if he showed anger, someone with ulterior motives would spread rumors, damaging his reputation for being harsh to his cousins, so he kept it to himself.

Xiao Ming was only five years old and very cute. He did not sense the tense atmosphere between the brothers. He skipped a few steps, turned to Xiao Lang, and asked, “Brother, do you have zither lessons today?”

Xiao Lang replied, “Hmm, there is indeed a class in the afternoon. Father loves music, and he told us to study hard. You must listen carefully and learn from the teacher. When you can play a piece, go back and play it for father and mother. They will definitely be happy.”

Xiao Ming nodded immediately, saying, “Okay, brother, I’ll be obedient, study hard, and go back to play for father and mother to make them happy!”

The Crown Prince finally had a chance to interrupt, so he spoke up, “Just now at Grandfather’s place in Xuanzheng Hall, I heard Lord Luo from the Imperial Music Bureau play two pieces. I must say, Lord Luo’s zither playing is truly heavenly music, incomparable to us gentlemen. The last time my mother invited her to the East Palace to play, I thought Lord Luo played very well. I didn’t expect that after not seeing her for a few days, I felt that I learned a lot more when I listened to her again.”

It would be great if I could meet Lord Luo playing the zither next time I go to my royal grandfather’s place.

Xiao Ming had always heard people say that Lord Luo played the zither well, especially his father, who praised him highly. It was a pity that he had never heard it.

Hearing this, Xiao Ming looked envious but also a bit sad.

Xiao Lang gently stroked Xiao Ming’s head to comfort him and whispered in his ear: “Our father is very resourceful, and his family is close to Ji Yanming and Ji Zhuangyuan. If you want to hear Lord Luo play the zither, just ask Father when we go home. I think he will definitely arrange it.”

Xiao Ming nodded seriously, and after being comforted by his brother, his mood improved.

The King of Chu went to his uncle’s house today to “discuss matters.” After eating and drinking, he listened to a few songs with his aunt. By the time he returned to the palace, it was already dark.

The King of Chu entered the main courtyard and saw the princess sitting alone in the lamplight, looking worried.

After changing his clothes, the King of Chu approached the princess and held her in his arms: “What’s wrong, princess? If you have any difficulties, please tell me, and I will solve them for you.”

Princess Chu sighed, “It’s not a big deal. It’s just that Xiao Lang and Ming’er came back today and talked about the Crown Prince listening to Tao Sheng playing the zither in Xuanzheng Hall. They were so envious and looked at me eagerly, which was really pitiful.”

“What are they envious of?” The King of Chu was momentarily confused, “Are they envious that the Crown Prince can go to Xuanzheng Hall to pay respects? They are all studying in the palace now, so isn’t it more convenient for them to pay respects than for us? If they want to, they can just go to Xuanzheng Hall to pay respects to Father.”

This would also help their parents show their respect, which is beneficial for everyone.

“Of course it’s not because of that,” Princess Chu rolled her eyes at the King of Chu. “They envy the Crown Prince for listening to Tao Sheng play the zither.”

In the past, Tao Sheng often came to the Prince of Chu’s mansion to teach lessons and would often play music for the Prince of Chu. But later, Tao Sheng joined the Imperial Music Bureau, where she became busier. The Prince of Chu was also familiar with the Ji family, so Tao Sheng would only play a song at the Prince of Chu’s invitation when she came to visit.

As for the two children, Xiao Lang and Xiao Ming, they had to attend school in the palace during the week and had no chance to hear Tao Sheng play the zither when she visited the Prince of Chu’s mansion. Later, they had no opportunity to follow the Prince of Chu to the Ji residence to see Tao Sheng, so they never got to hear her play.

“What’s the problem?” The King of Chu said, waving his hand. “I will send a message to Tao Sheng right away. When she is free at home, she can bring the two boys over to study hard.”

After that, the King of Chu wrote a note and immediately had his followers deliver it to Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng had just returned from work and was surprised to see someone from the Prince of Chu’s mansion delivering a letter.

It was already late, and she wondered how urgent the matter could be for the King of Chu to need someone to come in the cold weather and snow.

Tao Sheng opened the letter and saw that the King of Chu simply wanted to invite his two children over to listen to the zither to fulfill their wishes.

Since this involved the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince, it was somewhat of a face issue for the King of Chu.

Tao Sheng quickly wrote a response, saying there was no need for the King of Chu to bring the children over specially; she could just visit him after leaving work tomorrow.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu is a good man and a good boss.

This time, in front of the children, they needed to give face to His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu.