Chapter 56

Upon seeing Qiao Tianjing’s serious expression, the Crown Prince immediately felt a surge of tension in his heart.

He discreetly pressed his right hand down, and Qiao Tianjing nodded understandingly, then proceeded to talk about some trivial matters.

As they walked quite a distance away, Eunuch Huang respectfully watched them at the door. When he couldn’t see them anymore, he turned and went back to the study.

Seeing the Emperor gazing at Princess Yuliu’s portrait again, Eunuch Huang couldn’t help but sigh.

“Your Majesty, they’ve all left.”

“Mm.”

Emperor Yong sat in his seat, nodding indifferently.

Seeing this, Eunuch Huang hesitated to speak.

He had just seen that the Western Prince seemed to have noticed the wastebasket in the corner. It contained the calligraphy practice sheets sent over yesterday afternoon, which were done with care.

Sometimes, even Huang Gonggong, who understood Emperor Yong the most, couldn’t understand why he was so fixated on Princess Yuliu.

She was indeed a rare beauty in the world, with her icy skin and jade-like bones, resembling a goddess.

But she was very distant from the Emperor, and it seemed like her heart was not here.

Yet, the Emperor persisted with his affection, even after more than ten years had passed, still unable to let go. As a result, he was quite indifferent towards the Empress, as well as the Crown Prince and the Western Prince.

“What has the Second Prince been busy with recently?” Emperor Yong’s voice rang out faintly.

Eunuch Huang pondered deeply, startled by the low voice. Luckily, Emperor Yong’s attention was focused on the portrait, and he didn’t notice Huang Gonggong’s lapse in composure.

“Your Majesty, after the Lantern Festival, the Second Prince seems to have become even more quiet. These days, he has met with the eldest son of the Qingguo Duke’s Mansion once.”

“Sheng Mingcheng? He’s just a playboy, the Second Prince shouldn’t be interested in him.”

Eunuch Huang immediately flattered, “Indeed, Your Majesty. I’ve observed that the Second Prince has high standards, so someone like Sheng Mingcheng naturally wouldn’t catch his eye.”

Emperor Yong made a noncommittal hum and then said, “Is there any interesting news in the capital recently? Tell it to Yuliu to listen to.”

Eunuch Huang was already accustomed to this.

The Emperor often treated Princess Yuliu’s portrait as if she were alive, worried that she would be bored, and always wanted Eunuch Huang to inquire about some interesting news.

Eunuch Huang searched his mind and immediately brightened up.

“Your Majesty, there is indeed an interesting event. This year’s poetry gathering produced a talented woman, the ten-year-old daughter of Minister Meng, named Meng Guxue.”

Emperor Yong raised an eyebrow slightly, “Oh, a talented woman? How does her poetry sound?”

Eunuch Huang vividly recited the poems composed by Meng Guxue.

Emperor Yong pondered for a moment and nodded, “It’s much better than those sour and rotten poems, but where did she get the references to the Xiongnu and the Wuding River?”

Eunuch Huang promptly recounted the events of the poetry gathering, mentioning that the Crown Prince had already made a judgment, so Emperor Yong no longer cared.

“The daughter of Minister Meng indeed has a good talent for poetry. Grant her a favor at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet and let her daughter come as well.”

Officials of different ranks had different privileges at palace banquets.

As a Minister, Meng was of the third rank, and could only bring one female family member, usually the principal wife.

Eunuch Huang quickly agreed and made a mental note.

After a moment of silence, Emperor Yong asked again, “Have the essays from the top scholars of the Spring Examination been submitted?”

Eunuch Huang immediately took out several papers from the desk and smiled, saying, “Your Majesty, they were submitted early in the morning. Here they are.”

Emperor Yong glanced at them and said lightly, “Tomorrow morning, let the Crown Prince take a look as well.”

It was reasonable for the Crown Prince to review the essays of the top scholars. Eunuch Huang hurriedly bowed and agreed.

The Emperor Yong quickly added, “Make a copy and send it to Second Brother.”

There was a slight surprise on Eunuch Huang’s face. This was stepping out of bounds a bit, but he dared not say anything, only obeying the command.

After arranging these matters, Emperor Yong waved his hand, “Leave, without my orders, no one is to enter.”

Eunuch Huang knew that His Majesty was going to be alone with Princess Yuliu again.

Before leaving, he specifically asked, “Your Majesty, how should we handle Di Zaiying today?”

Emperor Yong impatiently waved his hand, “Investigate. Remove any spies that need to be removed, and then find out his true identity.”

Eunuch Huang acknowledged with a yes and slowly backed out, just as he was about to close the hall doors, Emperor Yong’s deep voice suddenly came through.

“Huang Pei, don’t touch those who shouldn’t be touched. Don’t let the Crown Prince interfere.”

At this, Huang Pei’s shoulders trembled slightly, and he nodded respectfully.

As the hall doors closed, Eunuch Huang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He naturally knew who the “those who shouldn’t be touched” mentioned by His Majesty were. They were the spies that the Second Prince had been allowed to place in various palaces over the years.

Now that the Crown Prince’s reputation for virtue was universally recognized, yet His Majesty still indulged and favored the Second Prince so much, what should be done in the future… What should be done?

There was a hint of fear on Eunuch Huang’s face, but he quickly suppressed it.

By the Emperor’s side, acting deaf and dumb was the only way to live for a long time.

———

Seeing that there were official matters to attend to, the Crown Prince took a detour and sent the Second Prince back first.

Before parting, the Second Prince looked reluctantly at Qiao Jiaojiao.

“Have I not seen Qiao Sister for a long time?” The Second Prince said somewhat pitifully.

Qiao Jiaojiao was very grateful to the Second Prince for covering up the matter of the rebounding talisman for her and didn’t badmouth him for once.

【You take care of yourself, we’ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future.】

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tianjing, thinking of Qiao Jiaojiao’s previous speculation, said seriously, “Your Highness, the Second Prince is still young and needs more protection.”

The Crown Prince nodded solemnly, “Your words are reasonable, I understand.”

The Second Prince held Qiao Jiaojiao’s hand softly.

He suddenly smiled, “Last time, the Crown Prince said I could only hold Sister Qiao when I turn eleven.”

“I tried today, and it was indeed difficult. I need to eat well and grow taller, so that I can easily pick up Sister Qiao like Big Brother Qiao.”

His words were full of innocence, dispersing some of the gloom on the faces of the Crown Prince and Qiao Tianjing.

Qiao Jiaojiao glanced at him askew.

【Silly, you may grow up, but so will I, and you still won’t be able to pick me up then.】

The Second Prince bid farewell to Qiao Jiaojiao earnestly, “Sister Qiao, let’s meet again at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet.”

Qiao Jiaojiao grumbled a couple of times, taking it as an agreement.

【Got it, got it, you really are a chatterbox.】

The Crown Prince personally sent the Second Prince back and then led Qiao Tianjing away.

The palace road was extremely empty, with no one around to eavesdrop.

Seeing this, Qiao Tianjing lowered his voice and spoke, “Your Highness, there is a major matter that your servant must report.”

The Crown Prince’s expression became serious, “Speak, Tianjing.”

Following the script he had discussed with his father at home, Qiao Tianjing cautiously began:

“Your Highness, do you remember the student from Zhuozhou who recited couplets on stage during the Lantern Festival?”