Chapter 15

Zhu Chengjun’s attitude remained as indifferent as before the New Year, but as long as he didn’t resort to sarcasm like Zhu Chengke, Zhan Jianxing and Xu Yi didn’t mind, quietly following him to the Discipline and Virtue Institute.

Nothing else happened along the way. At the institute, Chu Hanlin was already up. Upon their arrival, he led them to a side room specially arranged for his lectures. Inside, four sets of desks and chairs were prepared, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones neatly placed on the tables.

Zhan Jianxing couldn’t help but take an extra glance. She had brought her own set of writing tools, but they were the most basic and inexpensive kind. The ones on the table were clearly far superior in quality.

Xu Yi also stared intently. Noticing their gazes, Chu Hanlin smiled and said, “These were sent by Her Highness the Princess Consort for your use. She hopes you will study diligently and encourage the Royal Grandson to cultivate virtue.”

No scholar could resist fine writing tools. Both of them felt delighted, and even Zhan Jianxing temporarily set aside her aversion to Prince Dai Manor. Together, they cupped their hands and bowed in the direction of the inner palace, saying, “We thank Her Highness the Princess Consort.”

At this moment, Zhu Chengke arrived.

He wore a lynx fur coat, its soft, warm fur framing his delicate, pale face, exuding an air of opulence that stood in stark contrast to Zhu Chengjun’s cotton robe.

To be fair, Zhu Chengjun’s robe wasn’t shabby either—it was much better than the one he had worn last time. The fabric was smooth, the color deep and refined, with auspicious cloud patterns embroidered along the collar and cuffs.

But everything pales in comparison. Standing next to Zhu Chengke, Zhu Chengjun once again appeared plain.

Zhu Chengke smiled before speaking, giving Chu Hanlin a slight bow. “My father feared I might be late and disrespectful to you, sir, so he had me woken up early. Yet I still arrived later than the others. Please forgive me, sir. Tomorrow, I will come earlier.”

The students all seemed well-behaved, and Chu Hanlin was in good spirits. “You’re not late at all. They were simply too early. This is the perfect time—let’s stick to this hour from now on.”

Zhu Chengke was very agreeable in front of Chu Hanlin and immediately replied, “As you wish.”

Today marked the first formal day of study. Before the lesson began, the students were to perform the ceremonial bow to their teacher. However, since Zhan Jianxing and Xu Yi were merely Study Companions and not formally enrolled under Chu Hanlin, they simply followed along by offering a cup of tea.

Once the ceremony concluded, with Chu Hanlin’s approval, the students took their seats. Just as Chu Hanlin was about to speak, a man strode in through the door.

He was a young man, around twenty-four or twenty-five, wearing a Winged Goodness Crown and a robe with a leather belt. Hands clasped behind his back, he entered with a smile and said, “I’m late. My apologies for interrupting your lecture, Lecturer.”

Chu Hanlin took a closer look and recognized the visitor. Rising from his seat, he cupped his hands in greeting. “Eldest Young Master.”

Zhu Chengjun also stood up. The newcomer was none other than his elder brother, Zhu Chengchang, the eldest son of the late Heir Apparent of Prince Dai.

By the rules of succession, Zhu Chengchang was the most qualified heir to the title of Prince of Dai. However, due to repeated misconduct and incidents involving the princely manor, the title currently remained vacant. Without any official imperial decree, Zhu Chengchang bore no formal title and was simply addressed vaguely as “Eldest Young Master.”

Zhu Chengke slowly rose to his feet as well. Naturally, Zhan Jianxing and Xu Yi dared not remain seated and also stood up.

Zhu Chengchang bore a three or four-tenths resemblance to Zhu Chengjun in appearance, but their temperaments were quite different. He was actually more similar to Zhu Chengke, both exuding an air of undeniable nobility and wealth. With a smile, he said, “Lecturer Chu need not stand on ceremony. This boy Chengjun is somewhat fond of play. On the first day of lectures, I had intended to personally escort him here to ensure he heeds your instructions. Unexpectedly, some family matters detained me.”

Chu Hanlin’s steady gaze remained unchanged, though inwardly he already knew what Zhu Chengchang referred to—the commotion between Nanny Ni and Chunying had occurred not far from the Discipline and Virtue Institute. Gossipmongers had long since investigated and returned to spread the juicy tale.

Chu Hanlin had refrained from commenting then and now pretended ignorance, smiling faintly as he said, “You are too kind, Eldest Young Master. Despite his tender years, the Ninth Young Master possesses a rare steadiness.”

Zhu Chengchang’s eyes swept over the lowered back of Zhu Chengjun’s head, initially just a passing glance. But catching sight of Zhu Chengke standing beside him from the corner of his eye, he paused momentarily before looking back at Zhu Chengjun, staring for a moment with a slight frown before relaxing again. “He may appear well-behaved on the surface, but inwardly he’s quite mischievous and can’t sit still for long. If not for this, he wouldn’t have failed to even write his own name, angering His Imperial Majesty.”

“It will improve with time. With an esteemed teacher like you, Lecturer, this boy will surely come to his senses. If he remains as lazy and neglectful as before, please don’t cover for him—just inform me, and I will certainly discipline him.”

These words sounded admirable, but if he had truly intended to discipline his younger brother earlier, how could the boy have grown so utterly unlearned? Chu Hanlin thought to himself, yet not a trace of this showed on his face as he merely replied, “The Ninth Young Master’s eyes are clear and bright, with an innate scholarly refinement within.”

“Let us hope so. I won’t disturb you further, Lecturer. That family matter is still unresolved, and I must return to handle it—” Zhu Chengchang trailed off meaningfully, then sighed. “Ah, with a large estate and many mouths to feed, sometimes things slip through the cracks. Outsiders may mistake it for negligence on our part, but that’s hardly the case!”

As he spoke, his eyes scanned Chu Hanlin’s face, but the latter’s spring-like smile didn’t waver in the slightest as he simply said, “Safe travels, Eldest Young Master.”

Having announced his departure, Chu Hanlin naturally saw him out, leaving Zhu Chengchang no choice but to leave, his implied intentions unfulfilled.

**

After exiting the Discipline and Virtue Institute, Zhu Chengchang’s expression remained unchanged, but he spoke not a word along the way. His attendant, sensing his foul mood, dared not even breathe loudly, following behind like a shadow.

Zhu Chengchang resided in a palace called the Hall of Prudent Virtue in the eastern section of the inner court. His claim of “family matters” wasn’t entirely false—at that moment, a eunuch knelt in a corner of the courtyard, none other than Zhang Ji, who had earlier clashed briefly with Nanny Ni.

Zhu Chengchang walked past him as if he were invisible. Zhang Ji lifted his head and reached out, wanting to grasp the hem of his robe, but seeing his retreating footsteps, ultimately didn’t dare. His shoulders slumped as he knelt back down into the cold wind.

Inside the inner chamber, it was as warm as spring. The eldest madam, Tao Shi, was sorting clothes with her maids, several luxurious fur cloaks spread across the kang.

Seeing Zhu Chengchang enter, Tao Shi hurriedly stood up and smiled. “You’ve returned, Eldest Young Master.”

Zhu Chengchang glanced at the kang but didn’t respond to her greeting, instead asking, “I told you to send some items to Little Nine’s place, to dress him properly so he doesn’t appear shabby in public. What did you send him?”

Tao Shi was somewhat bewildered. The smile that had been lingering on her lips faded as she asked, “What’s the matter, my lord? Naturally, I follow your instructions. I made sure to get him new clothes before the New Year, and everything he wears now is brand new. Did he complain to you about something?”

At this, Tao Shi couldn’t help but let out a scornful laugh. “What kind of life did he have before? He had no choice but to endure it. Now that you show him some favor and provide him with new things and attendants, he starts acting presumptuous. Truly, a base-born seedling can’t handle being elevated—”

“What nonsense are you spouting? It wasn’t Little Nine who said anything,” Zhu Chengchang said coldly. “I saw it with my own eyes. Standing next to Chengke from Second Uncle’s family, he looked as shabby as a Study Companion.”

“What—what’s the issue with that?”

Tao Shi grew even more confused and surprised. “My lord, surely you don’t intend to provide for him at the same level as Qilang? Qilang has his own parents to indulge him however they please. We are merely his elder brother and sister-in-law. It’s already his good fortune that we’re looking after him. The household hasn’t yet recovered from its difficulties. If we treat everyone like Qilang, we won’t be able to make ends meet.”

Zhu Chengchang pointed to the items on the kang. “Can’t make ends meet? Then what are these?”

Tao Shi stammered, “Th-this is—”

“Don’t tell me these are for me. Do you think I’m blind and can’t tell the size?” Zhu Chengchang’s tone finally sharpened, carrying a chill. He picked up a fur cloak and thrust it in front of Tao Shi’s face. “For your nephew again? Your nephew is so precious—just the son of a mere thousand-household officer—yet he gets to wear fox fur, while my own brother doesn’t even get a scrap?”

Tao Shi was left speechless. Her nephew was the same age as Zhu Chengjun, much younger than Zhu Chengchang. There was no way to twist this in her favor.

After a long pause, she managed a weak excuse: “Qilang has always been frail since birth, with a delicate constitution. My nephew is the same. Seeing how warmly and comfortably Qilang dresses, and how his health seems to have improved lately, I thought my nephew might also—”

“Qilang was truly born with an illness. Your nephew was running around the estate like a wild thing the last time he visited. What ‘delicate constitution’ are you talking about?” Zhu Chengchang cut her off bluntly, then turned and called out, “Bring Zhang Ji in.”

Soon, Zhang Ji entered. He had been kneeling outside for a long time, and the cold had stiffened his movements.

Tao Shi stood to the side, uneasy, wanting to find another excuse but not daring to speak.

Zhu Chengchang ignored her and tossed the fur cloak at Zhang Ji. “Take this to the Ninth Young Master. Make sure you deliver it in front of Chu Xiuxian. Tell him the weather is still cold, and he should wear it over his cotton robe when leaving school to shield against the wind.”

Zhang Ji quickly replied, “Yes, my lord.” Then he pleaded, “My lord, about Chunying—”

Zhu Chengchang acted as if he hadn’t heard, instead bending down to inspect the other fur garments on the kang.

Eager to redeem herself, Tao Shi snapped at Zhang Ji, “Your sister has no shame. The master has already spared her life—what more do you want? Focus on serving him well; that’s your only way out. If you keep pestering your master, not only will your sister suffer, but you won’t fare any better either!”

Zhang Ji protested, “But—”

He bit his tongue and swallowed his words. As long as his master still had use for him, there was hope. If he were completely cast aside and denied even an audience, his sister would be truly lost.

In the time it took to say these few words, Zhu Chengchang had already pulled out two more fur coats from the kang and tossed them into Zhang Ji’s arms. “Take these back to Little Nine’s room for him to wear on ordinary days. If there’s anything else he lacks, come and tell me.”

Zhang Ji responded dejectedly. Seeing that Zhu Chengchang had no further instructions, he silently retreated backward and left.

Tao Shi’s gaze followed him, her heart aching unbearably—those were the three finest garments among all the clothes!

The talk of the manor’s hardships wasn’t just empty words. The Prince Dai Manor had been under confinement for eight long years. Although the stipend of rice was still delivered on time, the covert income streams had almost completely dried up. Tao Shi had painstakingly saved up these few pieces of clothing, only for them to be snatched away so casually.

And snatched away for that Zhu Chengjun, who had always grown like a weed in the manor, neglected and disregarded.

The more Tao Shi thought about it, the more her heart ached. Unable to hold back, she said to Zhu Chengchang, “My lord, you’ve truly grown fond of your brother now.”

Zhu Chengchang glanced at her.

Tao Shi immediately shrank back, her voice softening. “My lord, I didn’t mean it that way—”

But what exactly she meant, she couldn’t articulate.

Zhu Chengchang grew somewhat impatient and finally gave her a hint. “If you want to become the princess consort, from today onward, rein in your petty thoughts. Better yet, learn to care for Little Nine as well.”

Tao Shi’s heart first burned with excitement, then she faltered in understanding. “Huh?”

“Have you never wondered why Second Uncle sent Chengke to Chu Xiuxian?”

Tao Shi ventured cautiously, “To curry favor with Chu Xiuxian, so he’d speak well of him to the Emperor?”

“You’re not entirely foolish,” Zhu Chengchang finally nodded. “But beyond that, Chengke specifically chose that boy from the Zhan family as his study companion. This is a blatant show of his intention to demonstrate reform to His Majesty. Hmph, Second Uncle may seem rough, but when it comes to scheming, he’s quite something.”

Tao Shi said, “His efforts are in vain. You, as the eldest son of the main line, are the rightful heir to the title of nobility.”

A faint smile tugged at Zhu Chengchang’s lips, but he shook his head slightly. “That may be so, but there’s a principle of balance at play here. While he’s busy putting on a show of obedience and flattery before His Majesty, Chengjun was also personally mentioned in the Emperor’s edict. Who’s to say His Majesty won’t inquire about him one day? If he stands beside Chengke but falls short in every way—not just in studies but even in trivial matters like attire due to his own frivolity—and Chu Xiuxian reports this, wouldn’t it seem as though I, his elder brother, have been mistreating him?”

Tao Shi suddenly understood. “So that’s how it is! My lord is truly wise. I hadn’t thought of any of this before.”

Zhu Chengchang said, “Even I realized it late—only after hearing Second Uncle had sent Chengke did it occur to me. He had to hastily set up a stage for his performance, but we already have the perfect actor. Why not use him? From now on, divert half the affection you have for your nephew to Little Nine. Understood?”

Tao Shi quickly replied, “I understand. I’m not an unreasonable person. From now on, I’ll treat Ninth Brother as my own younger brother.”

Zhu Chengchang smiled in satisfaction. “That’s more like it. Being a step behind doesn’t mean staying behind forever.”

Tao Shi suddenly remembered something and tentatively added, “My lord, since that maid Chunying is a flighty creature and Zhang Ji is also difficult to manage, placing them with Ninth Brother might not be appropriate. Perhaps—”

Zhu Chengchang cut her off. “I still have uses for Zhang Ji. Don’t interfere.”

Tao Shi was truly afraid that with Zhang Ji around, that “ambitious” maid who dared to seduce the master might return. But Zhu Chengchang spoke so firmly that she didn’t dare argue, only replying meekly, “Yes.”

Author’s Note:

Let the games begin.