Chapter 19 The Unfilial Son

The eerie sound of crying at night made the Crown Prince frown immediately. His first thought was, *Who’s pulling this underworld stunt? I ought to send them for a tour of the Prudence Punishment Department.*

But as he approached, he was shocked—why was Wenxian here?

Hong Yan’s sincere voice rang out, and the Crown Prince’s expression instantly turned blank: “…”

He wasn’t even surprised. If even Suo’etu could be reduced to a muddle-headed fool, how could Wenxian be any exception? Yuanbao really ought to tone it down. If such a vicious trick gave Consort De a stroke, he’d have a hard time smoothing things over.

The Fourth Prince spotted the Crown Prince’s apricot-yellow robe out of the corner of his eye and quickly snapped out of his daze, calling out, “Second Brother.” Wenxian Princess turned around in a fluster, wiping her eyes sheepishly. “Second Brother, forgive my impropriety. Are you here for Yuanbao?”

“No matter. It’s good to vent your grievances.” The Crown Prince shot Hong Yan a fleeting glance before asking warmly, “I heard Honghui has a slight fever. Yuanbao was so worried he disturbed you, Fourth Brother. I should have come with him.”

The Crown Prince’s family treated him with utmost sincerity, and the Fourth Prince was deeply moved. He cupped his hands and said, “Second Sister-in-law already sent medicine. There was no need for you to come personally! Honghui’s fever broke, and he’s resting peacefully—all thanks to Yuanbao’s blessings. It’s I who should thank you, Second Brother.”

Blessings? Seeing Yinzhen’s genuine expression, the Crown Prince swelled with pride—*of course.*

The two exchanged modest pleasantries for a while before turning back—only to find Wenxian and Hong Yan both gone, leaving only He Zhuer and Su Peisheng standing there forlornly.

The Crown Prince couldn’t believe it. “Where are they?”

“Young Master Hong Yan said it was late and time for beauty sleep, or else his aunt’s beauty would suffer greatly, and he’d be heartbroken,” Su Peisheng replied cautiously.

“Wenxian Princess immediately agreed, saying she’d escort the Young Master back to the palace. She even took off her jade pendant as a gift,” He Zhuer added in a whisper.

Yinzhen: “…Second Brother, don’t be angry.”

“I’m not.” The Crown Prince smiled. “It’s late. I should return as well. Pleasant dreams, Fourth Brother.”

**East Palace.**  

Hong Yan had announced he would stay in the main courtyard tonight, and the Crown Princess was overjoyed. She immediately ordered servants to tidy up the room he used to frequent and sent word to the Crown Prince.

Before long, footsteps approached, and the Crown Prince lifted the curtain. “My dear, I’ll be sleeping with Yuanbao tonight.”

Before the Crown Princess could react, he calmly explained, “Yuanbao has plenty of ideas. I wanted to discuss debt collection with him. I’ve been too busy during the day to talk.”

Unaware of the underlying drama, the Crown Princess only knew official duties were taxing, and the Crown Prince’s reasoning was flawless. After a brief pause, she thought it would be good for father and son to bond and smiled. “Remember to rest early, my lord. You must rise early tomorrow.”

The Crown Prince replied leisurely, “Naturally.”

Meanwhile, Hong Yan was tucked under a soft quilt, ready to sleep, when the door creaked open. His father strolled in casually and ordered the servants outside, “Bring another pillow and a brocade quilt.”

Hong Yan looked as if he’d heard a ghost story. “??”

The Crown Prince smiled sweetly, his tone dripping with gentleness. “Yuanbao, you’re grown now. It’s time we deepened our father-son bond, don’t you think?”

**The next morning,** the golden sedan chair was parked in its usual spot.  

Only the round, sweet face inside no longer wore its usual cheerful smile, instead looking utterly drained. Yinzhen’s heart ached at the sight. “Don’t come today. Go back and get some proper sleep.”

The Crown Prince, however, was in high spirits. Hearing this, he interjected, “Yuanbao has slept enough, Fourth Brother. There’s really no need to worry.”

“He did sleep enough…” Hong Yan nodded slowly, dragging his words. “But I have duties to attend to. I need to collect debts.”

The Fourth Prince was both shocked and moved. Yuanbao’s unwavering determination toward his goal—what a remarkable spirit! Truly worthy of being the confidant Yinzhen had recognized. With such perseverance, how could the National Treasury’s problems not be resolved?!

Just as he was about to praise him, someone called out loudly, “Your Highness, Crown Prince, please wait! Fourth Prince, please wait!”

After lingering for a while, the crowd outside the Gate of Heavenly Purity had mostly dispersed. The Crown Prince turned to look and saw Prince Jian’s heir, Yaerjiang’a, approaching swiftly. The heir cautiously glanced around before winking and lowering his voice. “Your Highness, Fourth Prince, I have urgent matters to discuss. Perhaps we could adjourn to Prince Jian’s residence?”

Prince Jian inherited the lineage of Prince Zheng, one of the hereditary Iron-Cap Princes, with countless achievements credited to his ancestors and control over the Bordered Blue Banner. The heir, twenty-one years old, had a fairly handsome face, towering stature, and a robust build—though with faint dark circles under his eyes.

Now that the old Prince Jian was bedridden, authority had fallen to him. Despite his youthful vigor, all the imperial princes treated him warmly—the Crown Prince was no exception.

Yinreng pondered briefly—could Yaerjiang’a be here to repay the silver?

Prince Jian’s residence had borrowed five hundred thousand taels, no small sum. Combined with the prestige of an Iron-Cap Prince, he couldn’t afford to disregard it. After turning over several thoughts in his mind, the Crown Prince nodded. “Please lead the way, Heir.”

Yaerjiang’a was overjoyed but failed to notice the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson watching him intently. Hong Yan tilted his head up, shedding his lethargy as he asked curiously, “I’ve heard Prince Jian’s residence is breathtaking. May I go see it?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t you be able to?” Yaerjiang’a nodded repeatedly, grinning broadly. “Young Master, you’re welcome anytime! Having esteemed guests grace our home truly brings honor to our humble abode!”

Observing his delighted expression, the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince exchanged glances, suspicions forming in their minds.

This might very well be good news.

Prince Jian’s residence spanned vast grounds, its wealth accumulated over generations adorning artificial hills, ponds, carved pavilions, painted halls, and even a Nine-Bend Corridor. The heir eagerly led the way, ushering the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, and their entourage through the main gate, proudly introducing the estate’s scenery along the way.

Due to the Crown Prince’s arrival, the prince’s residence was quickly cleared of unnecessary personnel. The gardens were free of noise, filled only with blooming flowers—many of unfamiliar varieties—leaving Hong Yan dazzled.

Yaerjiang’a had been discreetly observing the eldest grandson for some time. Seeing this, he smiled and said, “If Young Master likes them, why not take a few pots? They’re just flowers my subordinates gathered—nothing rare.”

Hong Yan shook his head, his expression utterly well-behaved. “These are all things the Heir cherishes. Hong Yan is content just admiring them. By the way, didn’t you have matters to discuss with my Father and Fourth Uncle? I’ll stroll around the gardens—you should attend to your business.”

Yaerjiang’a was startled—the eldest grandson was far too considerate!

With this thought, his grin widened further. No wonder the Emperor treasured him like the apple of his eye—the Eldest Prince’s jealousy wasn’t unfounded.

Thus, he signaled a trusted attendant with his eyes and whispered to Hong Yan, “Let Minghua accompany you. If you need anything, just give him your orders.”

Hong Yan acknowledged with a nod, waving cheerfully at the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, his smile radiant. “Father, Fourth Uncle, I’ll be waiting for you!”

The Fourth Prince’s expression softened. The Crown Prince moved his lips but ultimately said nothing, leaving He Zhuer to accompany Hong Yan as he followed Yaerjiang’a to the study to discuss matters.

“Two days ago, the Eldest Prince and the Eighth Prince hosted a banquet for me. We drank and talked during the feast. After much deliberation, I felt uneasy and decided it was best to inform Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince to ease my conscience.” Yaerjiang’a pointed to his chest and laid out the Eldest Prince’s ‘plan’ in full detail. After speaking, he solemnly added, “…I fear it may not be in your favor.”

The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, while Yinzhen furrowed his brows deeply. After a long pause, Yinzhen spoke, “Why go to such lengths?”

“Exactly! Why go to such lengths?” Yaerjiang’a clapped his hands together indignantly. “Scheming behind one’s back—what kind of gentlemanly behavior is that? But Your Highness must not underestimate this matter. Those princes and commandery princes united together form a formidable force, enough to turn the capital upside down!”

The Fourth Prince’s frown deepened. The Crown Prince listened with a faint smile and suddenly asked, “In your opinion, what should I do?”

The main topic had finally arrived. Yaerjiang’a’s eyes gleamed as he leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Let Your Highness know that I stand on your side. Otherwise, why would I risk offending the Eldest Prince with this task?”

Unlike that fool Prince An, he saw the current situation clearly. The Emperor trusted and favored the Crown Prince and doted on his eldest grandson. The heirship would remain unshaken for at least a decade. Even if the heirship were in jeopardy, the reckless Eldest Prince would never be the one to succeed—ha, as if he had lost his mind.

As an Iron-Cap Prince, Prince Jian’s household wasn’t in a hurry to take sides, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

The Fourth Prince had long been recognized as the Crown Prince’s staunch ally, so Yaerjiang’a didn’t avoid him. Seeing the Crown Prince lost in thought, as if believing his words, Yaerjiang’a felt a surge of joy and continued, “Though my father is ill, he remains the head of the Court of the Imperial Clan. With just a word from Your Highness, no storm, no matter how great, can overturn the situation!”

Yaerjiang’a spoke with grand promises, and the Crown Prince pondered silently. After a moment, he asked impassively, “And what is it that you seek in return?”

“I hope Your Highness will show some leniency.” Among such astute company, Yaerjiang’a no longer hid his intentions and whispered, “…The five hundred thousand taels of debt—our household is truly struggling to repay it.”

Before the Crown Prince could respond, Yinzhen’s expression tightened abruptly.

Yaerjiang’a, seemingly confident, smiled faintly. “I beg both elder brothers for flexibility. With just a word of approval from Your Highness, my household will pledge allegiance to you. Our Niru Chiefs will follow your command, and we offer fertile lands, countless beauties…”

The offer sounded enticing, as if writing off the five hundred thousand taels would yield far greater returns.

Yaerjiang’a was convinced the Crown Prince wouldn’t refuse. After all, the support of an Iron-Cap Prince was something many could only dream of!

“No.” The Crown Prince spoke with serene indifference. “Weighing both sides, the five hundred thousand taels still carry more weight.”

Yinzhen exhaled in relief, while Yaerjiang’a’s smile froze at the corners of his lips.

Utterly disbelieving, his face darkened instantly. After a long pause, he even seemed somewhat humiliated and enraged.

Taking a deep breath, Yaerjiang’a forced a smile. “Would Your Highness reconsider?”

His tone carried hints of threat and coercion, which also angered the Crown Prince.

The atmosphere in the study grew tense. Suddenly, a soft knock sounded at the door.

One tap, then another, piercing straight into their ears.

Yaerjiang’a sprang to his feet and demanded sharply, “Who’s there?”

Hadn’t he dismissed everyone?!

“Your Highness, it’s me. I have something to discuss with you.” Hong Yan’s muffled voice came through, and Yaerjiang’a felt the heavy stone in his heart drop—only to be replaced by rising fury.

Those damned servants didn’t even stop him, letting a child barge into the study’s restricted area. He’d remember this.

Soon, sunlight spilled back into the study, brightening the room once more. Hong Yan strode in briskly, followed by a tearful Minghua and He Zhuer carrying a bundle.

“I just went back to the carriage to fetch something special to show you,” Hong Yan said cheerfully, personally unwrapping the bundle in He Zhuer’s hands before lifting the black cloth covering it—

It was a plaque.

Neither exquisitely crafted nor entirely crude; only the four bold, blackened characters stood out starkly—written in the Emperor’s own hand.

“National,” “Treacherous,” “Vermin.”

For a moment, the room fell deathly silent, broken only by Hong Yan’s instructions: “Since it’s Hanmafa’s imperial brushwork, we ought to hang it properly for all to admire. Father will hammer the nails, Fourth Uncle will climb the ladder, and we’ll work together to mount it on the main gate of the residence. We’d rather exhaust ourselves than trouble Your Highness with the effort.”

Before the Crown Prince could react, Yinzhen stood frozen for a long moment before slowly uttering a single word: “Agreed.”

·

Prince Jian’s residence descended into chaos.

Bound by propriety, none dared offend the Crown Prince and his party. The servants could only weep and beg for mercy, kowtowing to plead for the Emperor’s forgiveness.

Yaerjiang’a trembled uncontrollably as he stared at the plaque, gripped by shock and terror, muttering “no” repeatedly.

How could this be? Impossible! This plaque must never be displayed outside!!

Distraught and panic-stricken for the first time in his life, he suddenly thought of his ailing old father.

As if summoned by the thought, the elderly Prince Jian—flushed and coughing violently—was helped forward with unsteady steps. The moment he saw Yaerjiang’a, he trembled with rage and roared:

“You unfilial—”