Chapter 9 Intimidation

The Crown Prince was suddenly hit by a “heaven-sent gift package,” his face turning alternately red and pale in a most dramatic display.

Watching Hong Yan run toward Yinzhen with a radiant smile, the Crown Prince sneered coldly, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “An explanation? Fine. I’ll wait for your explanation.”

Hmph, how impressive. Uncle and nephew had conspired to keep him in the dark, and judging by Yuanbao’s words, even Hanmafa had approved of it.

He had been made a fool of, deemed unworthy of his illustrious title. The Crown Prince was so furious that steam seemed to rise from his head. Casting aside all decorum befitting a future emperor, he strode forward, seized Hong Yan’s chubby little hand, and lifted his son into his arms. In a low, threatening voice, he demanded, “Since when?”

From this angle, the Crown Prince’s expression was inscrutable, his aura dangerously intense. Hong Yan froze for a second, inwardly cursing his luck.

Had Fourth Uncle forgotten to explain things to his father?

With no one left to shoulder the blame, this was nothing short of a trap.

Hong Yan groaned inwardly but immediately wiped the sweet smile off his face, adopting an expression of utmost obedience. “Please calm down! I discussed it with Hanmafa. Today, I’m just tagging along with Fourth Uncle to broaden my horizons and gain some experience—all to share your burdens, Father.”

“Second Brother, as Yuanbao said,” the Fourth Prince finally seized the right moment to interject, coughing apologetically, “this is my fault. Yesterday’s summons took me by such surprise that I forgot to inform you…”

The Crown Prince’s handsome face cycled through shades of red and green, momentarily unsure whom to blame.

Yuanbao was being mischievous, but how could Hanmafa encourage his antics?

However, they were still at the Qianqing Gate, with countless eyes watching them. Just then, Suo’etu, as if his soul had been reignited, hurried over, his aged face glowing with excitement as he called out fervently, “Grand Heir—”

Mindful of the setting and his own dignity, the Crown Prince jabbed Hong Yan’s round cheek fiercely, swallowed his anger, and forced a dignified, restrained smile before reluctantly setting his son back on the ground.

Thankfully, his father had an image to uphold—this crisis was averted. Hong Yan exhaled in relief, silently thanking Suo’etu for the timely rescue. He gazed at the minister with kindness, as if looking at the perfect scapegoat. “Great-Uncle.”

As an outer court official, Suo’etu rarely had the chance to see Hong Yan. The last time had been during a palace banquet, where he’d caught only a distant glimpse—long ago now.

If the Emperor was his sovereign and the Crown Prince his master, then the Grand Heir was the young lord he would serve with all his might, the future hope of the Hesheli clan.

Moved nearly to tears by Hong Yan’s affectionate address, Suo’etu hastily replied, “Ah! This humble servant dares not accept such an honor! I am unworthy, truly unworthy.”

Watching Suo’etu’s excessively doting smile, the Fourth Prince shuddered.

The Crown Prince’s face darkened, barely suppressing the urge to reprimand him. He quickly grasped Hong Yan’s small hand and said coolly, “We can’t delay any longer. Let’s go to the Department of Extensive Storage.”

The trio—two adults and one child—gradually walked away, leaving Suo’etu standing alone, abandoned and forlorn.

Yet he remained beaming, showing no trace of displeasure. First, he marveled at how splendid Hong Yan was—so clever, so filial—praising him in his mind for over three hundred words. Then he began pondering the thorny task of reorganizing the National Treasury and the Emperor’s intentions.

—The Grand Heir was still so young, yet he was already working alongside his uncles. Such favor was unprecedented, unheard of!

Suo’etu suddenly grew exhilarated, a gleam flashing in his eyes. With a flourish of his sleeves, he turned and happily headed back to his residence, oblivious to the stares around him.

Da Age stared dumbfounded at Suo’etu’s retreating figure, unable to snap out of his daze for a long time.

“He…” Yin Zhi’s hand trembled slightly, “Was Father joking?”

Mingzhu slowly shook his head, his expression turning grave before easing slightly after a moment. “Lord Prince need not concern yourself with this. Just focus on fulfilling your duties—that is enough.”

So what if the Emperor’s eldest grandson was ordered to accompany them? It was utterly absurd! At five years old, what trouble could he possibly stir?

That old fox Suo’etu was celebrating too soon. Favored or not, if the child caused any embarrassing delays or offended someone due to his ignorance, the little brat would have nowhere to cry!

Yanxi Palace.

Da Age’s primary consort, I’ergenjueluo Shi, coughed softly, her delicate features unable to conceal her aged weariness.

Seated above, Consort Hui was cheerfully entertaining her grandson Hong Yu. At two years old, Hong Yu bore a striking resemblance to Da Age—his round, lively eyes full of spirit, though his speech remained somewhat unclear.

Consort Hui patiently shook a small drum, eliciting giggles from Hong Yu. Hearing her daughter-in-law cough, she paused and asked with concern, “Why hasn’t this lingering illness improved? You must summon the imperial physician.”

Da Age’s consort dabbed her lips with a handkerchief and replied gently, “Mother, it’s just an old ailment. It’s nothing serious.”

All of the capital knew that Da Age’s consort had borne four daughters in succession before risking her life to deliver him a son. But though she succeeded, her health had been ruined. Over the years, countless imperial physicians—even folk doctors—had been consulted, yet no cure had been found.

Consort Hui sighed. “A checkup might at least ease your discomfort.”

Back then, Da Age’s consort had married early, while the Crown Princess entered the palace later. Da Age and the Crown Prince had been locked in rivalry, each vying for the title of fathering the Emperor’s first grandson. Da Age had been desperate, and Consort Hui had urged him relentlessly—yet who could have predicted they were never destined for it?

Seeing her daughter-in-law in such a state, not only Yin Zhi but even Consort Hui herself felt remorseful. Her mood for playing with Hong Yu faded, and she beckoned a palace maid. “Fetch my token,” she ordered.

Before the words fully left her lips, the head maid Lian’er hurriedly lifted the curtain and bowed. “Your Highness, Madam—news has spread throughout the palace! The Emperor has permitted the eldest grandson to assist the Fourth Prince in official duties—specifically, the reorganization of the Imperial Household Department!”

Consort Hui froze. The eldest grandson?

The Crown Prince’s son, Hong Yan?

“Could the Emperor have…” After verifying the news repeatedly, Consort Hui straightened, swallowing the words “lost his senses.” Instead, she muttered in disbelief, “No matter how clever Hong Yan is, he’s only five! How can he participate in court affairs?” And such critical ones at that!

Wasn’t this tantamount to treating state affairs as child’s play?!

Consort Hui frowned, signaling Momo to hand Hong Yu to Da Age’s consort before pacing the hall with a stormy expression.

The Emperor doted on his eldest grandson no less than on the Crown Prince—which seemed natural, yet it made life difficult for consorts like her who were grandmothers. In the imperial family, everything boiled down to competing for the Emperor’s favor. Even if they had aged and abandoned thoughts of vying for his affection, they still had to consider their descendants, didn’t they?

Though Consort Hui harbored some faint hopes regarding the succession, she knew the odds were slim. Even if the Crown Prince were to be toppled, there was still Hong Yan—both legitimate and eldest. If the Emperor bypassed all the princes to designate a crown grandson directly, she truly would have no grounds for complaint.

Setting aside the matter of the heir apparent, who wouldn’t want their grandchildren to gain the Emperor’s favor? While others feasted, she at least wanted a sip of the broth. Hong Yu hadn’t reached the age for enlightenment yet, and Hong Yan’s current favor didn’t hinder anyone—but in a few years, who could say?

Third Prince had Hongqing, Fourth Prince had Honghui, and Fifth Prince’s illegitimate son didn’t count. Would Consort Rong and Consort De not care?

Having lived in the depths of the palace for so many years, everyone knew each other’s tricks. The rumor of “the eldest grandson’s wisdom and virtue” had been spread by her, and hadn’t Consort De also fueled it, hoping to dilute some of Hong Yan’s imperial favor?

If successful, it might even help Yin Zhi, after all, the Crown Prince relied too heavily on his eldest grandson’s advantage. Who would have thought the Emperor would directly acknowledge the rumor, and now even allow Hong Yan to assist his uncles in official duties!

Consort Hui thought to herself, had the Emperor gone mad? One incident after another was simply too alarming.

Seeing her in such a state, the Crown Princess gently closed her eyes.

With her mother-in-law reacting like this, it wasn’t hard to imagine how her husband would take the news. She lowered her gaze and kissed the innocent Hong Yu, lost in thought. The child she had risked her life to bring into the world was born into a whirlpool where everyone wanted to consider his interests, everyone was willing to consider his interests.

Would there ever be a day of peace?

Meanwhile.

Upon suddenly hearing the news of the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince’s arrival, half of the Imperial Household Department was thrown into panic, while others, after a brief moment of surprise, quickly regained their composure.

The Imperial Household Department was divided into several branches, a vast establishment supplying the needs of the Forbidden City’s thousands. The silver circulating daily was incalculable, and over time, corruption had inevitably crept in.

Especially the hereditary bondservant families, deeply rooted and flourishing, controlled the palace’s minor selections and material supplies. No one dared offend them, and many unfavored masters even had to defer to them.

Need one mention Consort De of the Uya clan, Noble Consort Wei, Noble Consort Wanliuhashi, and the mother of the Thirteenth Prince, Consort Zhangjiashi—all from bondservant backgrounds, each raising healthy princes. Just Consort De’s maternal clan, the Uya family, one of the prominent Imperial Household Department families, had quietly taken a leading role. Over the past decade, how many conveniences had they provided for the Palace of Eternal Harmony? No one knew.

Though the Emperor had promoted Lingpu, the Crown Prince’s milk brother, as the Imperial Household Department’s chief steward, answering to the East Palace, everyone in the department knew Lingpu was merely a figurehead. Real power still lay with the bondservant-affiliated managers.

Now that orders had come down to investigate, many guilty managers were uneasy, though some remained calm, thinking Fourth Prince was Consort De’s son—he would surely lend a hand. They had nothing to fear.

Besides, the Crown Prince was upright and honorable—what did he know of the department’s shady dealings? Even if skilled auditors were brought in, they weren’t afraid.

As for the powerful managers of the Department of Extensive Storage, they stood firm as mountains, orderly organizing the palace servants to move box after box of ledgers into the courtyard, respectfully awaiting the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince’s “inspection.”

Lingpu, the nominal chief steward, usually served at the East Palace and had rarely visited the Department of Extensive Storage. Now, panting as he crossed the threshold, he sternly reminded them of the etiquette required when meeting the heir apparent. The managers and servants dared not argue, answering in unison.

“The Crown Prince and Fourth Prince have arrived!” a eunuch announced.

Within moments, the Crown Prince arrived with a frosty expression, followed by the tight-lipped and inexplicably guilty-looking Fourth Prince, a retinue of palace attendants, and an exceptionally handsome, well-behaved child.

Wuya Desheng stood among the ranks of the stewards. Seizing a moment during the greetings, he stole a glance from the corner of his eye and suddenly locked eyes with the child.

Desheng was startled and immediately lowered his head, his heart unsettled for a long while.

The child appeared well-behaved, but his gaze—how, how could it be so terrifying?!

As if he could see right through them!!

Hong Yan regretted his decision.

He shouldn’t have come.

The moment he stepped into the courtyard, his system ability clamored incessantly, an overwhelming desire surging through his body. Not only that, but his mind even echoed with the illusory sound of “beep beep beep beep!”

[Good at Confiscating Homes]—system ability activated.

Hong Yan could no longer maintain his act of being well-behaved to comfort his emotionally wounded Father.

He stood still, scanning the account books of the Department of Extensive Storage, the stewards, and the storerooms behind them.

The courtyard fell silent.

Before the Crown Prince could speak, a childish yet authoritative voice rang out: “Guards, seize the one with bulging eyes in the front row, the one with slanted eyebrows, and the ugliest one. Also, the one in the second row with shifty, dishonest eyes—drag them all out.”

Hong Yan pointed at them calmly, one by one.

As soon as he finished speaking, two inconspicuous gray-clad guards behind him bowed in acknowledgment. Amidst the stunned silence of the onlookers, they dashed forward with inhuman speed, twisted the arms of the accused, and then, repeating the motion, flung them heavily to the side!

Among them were three chief stewards of the Department of Extensive Storage, and one—

The Crown Prince was dazzled, while the Fourth Prince took a closer look and thought, “…”

Wasn’t that his maternal uncle, Desheng?