Chapter 7 Jealousy

He Zhuer’s tearful display was truly impactful. The Crown Princess was stunned for a long moment before rising to hurry toward the study. Seeing Hong Yan’s solemn expression as he tried to follow, she allowed him to come along.

As they walked, the Crown Princess asked quietly, “What has His Highness encountered?”

How could he be so troubled that he couldn’t eat? Wasn’t he always known for his composure?

He Zhuer looked miserable. “This servant knows a little. The Emperor has assigned tasks to all the princes…”

Then he mouthed the words: “Reorganizing the National Treasury.”

The Crown Princess roughly understood. Even confined to the inner quarters, she knew this was a thorny assignment. Moreover, the Crown Prince had too many considerations—how could he act recklessly without regard for consequences?

Hong Yan listened quietly before suddenly asking, “Is Fourth Uncle still in the study?”

“Replying to the Young Master, yes,” He Zhuer answered, looking at Hong Yan with deep emotion. The young master cared so much for the Crown Prince that he’d come to comfort his father! If the Crown Prince knew, he might smile with joy and cast aside his worries!

Yet as soon as they crossed the threshold into the courtyard, He Zhuer watched helplessly as Hong Yan turned decisively toward the Fourth Prince, who stood lost in thought by the wall, without even pausing.

He Zhuer: “?”

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince received gentle comfort, his mood instantly brightening. Even the food seemed more appealing now as he poured out his heart to the Crown Princess.

For some reason, ever since their marriage, the Emperor had grown increasingly critical of him, losing the doting patience of his childhood and occasionally even showing disdain. Now, saddled with this thankless task, the Crown Prince felt aggrieved—was he no longer his father’s most beloved son?

The Crown Princess: “…”

So that was what troubled him. She was both exasperated and amused, itching to knock some sense into that aggrieved head of his, but restrained by propriety. Softly, she said, “How could Your Highness think that? Doesn’t the Emperor dote on Hong Yan precisely because of you?”

Her words heartened the Crown Prince, finally reminding him of his clever eldest son. Recalling how Hong Yan had brought him great face before his brothers that morning, he suddenly grew eager to see the boy. “Where’s Yuanbao? Where did Yuanbao go?”

“He came with me, intending to comfort his father…” The Crown Princess paused mid-sentence. Where was Yuanbao now?

Soon, He Zhuer found himself under two intense gazes.

Cowering in a corner, he stammered, “Replying to my masters, the Young Master spoke with the Fourth Prince… then went straight to the Hall of Heavenly Purity without stopping.”

The Crown Prince felt wronged, and Hong Yan felt wronged too.

That damned system! Not content with summoning him to find Fourth Uncle, it had made him listen as Fourth Uncle voiced his troubles—how the Imperial Household Department was an entangled mess impossible to reform, how the ministers’ borrowed Treasury Silver was difficult to recover… Until he’d blurted out: “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

Yinzhen was stunned by Hong Yan’s calm certainty.

His offer to show Hong Yan the ropes had been mere jest. Now that they truly had to reform the bureaucracy, how could a five-year-old possibly get involved?

The Fourth Prince was speechless for a long moment—until his nephew reassured him, “Fourth Uncle, wait for me.”

With all the bearing of an imperious imperial grandson.

Then, filled with fervent purpose, Hong Yan left his kindred-spirited Fourth Uncle behind and marched straight to the Hall of Heavenly Purity without pause.

—Gazing up at the golden plaque, the Imperial Eldest Grandson finally had an epiphany, understanding everything with perfect clarity.

[“Good at Confiscating Homes”] This monthly ability truly lives up to its name. The system clearly intended for him to team up with Fourth Uncle to sweep through the treasuries of corrupt officials across the land and return all ill-gotten silver!

Look, here comes the opportunity!

Words like “Don’t worry” and “I’ll help you” perfectly fit those three words—I’m good at this.

Hong Yan wanted to curse himself for being a jinx. What did he mean by “Kangxi’s 47th year” and “there’s still plenty of time”? Now, at just five years old, he had to shoulder this heavy burden without a moment’s respite.

Had his wise and mighty imperial grandfather secretly conspired with that wretched system?

The system kept summoning him, and the ability incessantly urged him. After some thought, Hong Yan realized that since there was no escaping it, he might as well accept his fate.

Looking at it another way, his father also had official duties to attend to. Teaming up with Fourth Uncle would also lend his father a helping hand.

Suppressing his heartache, Hong Yan pushed aside thoughts of the Mist and Rain Pavilion and roasted lamb, emptying his round face of expression as he stepped into the Hall of Heavenly Purity.

As soon as the imperial eldest grandson was spotted, palace attendants rushed inside to announce his arrival. By the time he reached the Imperial Study Room, Hong Yan had swiftly shifted to an obedient demeanor.

When he hesitantly explained his purpose, Li Dequan’s face momentarily blanked, and the Emperor’s hand trembled, leaving a long streak of vermilion ink.

“Nonsense!” The Emperor’s face darkened as he scolded Hong Yan for the first time. “Utter nonsense. The tasks I’ve assigned to your father and uncles—how could you possibly… Did Yinreng tell you about this?”

“Father didn’t mention it to me,” Hong Yan shook his head vigorously, his eyes sparkling. “Hanmafa, if Eighth Uncle can go, so can I.”

Eighth Prince Yinsi, at seventeen, had already taken on official duties—who wouldn’t praise such youthful brilliance? But comparing seventeen to five years old—was that even fair?

The Emperor opened his mouth to speak, but Hong Yan simply gazed at him silently, his phoenix eyes glistening with moisture.

Seeing this, the Emperor paused, beckoning him closer with a softened tone. “Come here, to me. At your age, imperial princes are just beginning their studies. Even if our Yuanbao is exceptionally bright, no less capable than older youths, official duties are too arduous and exhausting. I couldn’t bear to put you through that.”

Li Dequan snapped out of his astonishment, thinking to himself, Your Majesty, you weren’t nearly this lenient with the imperial princes this morning.

Hong Yan slowly shuffled over, tilting his head to look up at his grandfather, his eyes still moist. “Hanmafa, your grandson doesn’t want official duties. He just wants to follow Fourth Uncle to broaden his horizons and gain experience—just like a little tail. I promise I won’t interfere with important matters.”

His voice was small and pitiful, further softening the Emperor’s expression. He pointed at Hong Yan, remaining silent for a long while.

This was the first time his imperial grandson had ever made such a request.

After a long pause, the Emperor said, “Your Fourth Uncle is stern—he might not be able to handle you…”

“Fourth Uncle said himself that I’m his confidant,” Hong Yan thought there might be hope and pursed his lips into a smile, blinking his dewy eyes even more charmingly. “Fourth Uncle likes me very much!”

Confidant? Likes him?

The Emperor was stunned. Since when?

He glared at Li Dequan, who could only bow with an awkward smile, inwardly lamenting his predicament.

Uncle and nephew had been “secretly colluding” right under his nose, and he hadn’t known? The Emperor was displeased and snorted coldly. “Old Fourth already has Honghui, yet he still idles around the palace all day…”

“Hanmafa,” Hong Yan pouted unhappily, his voice full of grievance. “You always wrong people!”

“I wronged him?” The Emperor snapped back to his senses—wait, he’d nearly been led astray by this little rascal.

Grandfather and grandson stared at each other for a long moment before the Emperor finally relented, “…I grant your request. No mischief, observe more and speak less—consider it a learning experience.”

In an instant, Hong Yan’s smile became sweeter than the brightest sunshine. “Thank you for your magnanimous grace! Hanmafa is truly the kindest person in the world.”

“Enough with the flattery,” the Emperor said, though his growing unease hinted at regret. Sensing the shift, Hong Yan was quick to make his escape but was promptly halted. “Wait!”

“I’ll assign you a few attendants to accompany you at all times,” the Emperor sighed. “Consider it for your safety.”

The world beyond the palace was a den of snakes and wolves, where loyalty and treachery were indistinguishable. With the grand scheme about to unfold, desperate men might resort to anything. What if his precious grandson came to harm?

Seeing Hong Yan nod obediently, the Emperor smiled helplessly and watched as the boy skipped away.

Once the small figure had vanished, the Emperor’s smile faded, replaced by a pensive gleam. He turned to Li Dequan and ordered, “Investigate Hong Yan’s interactions with the Fourth Prince. If you miss anything, you’ll answer to me.”

The Hall of Heavenly Purity was off-limits without summons—except for Hong Yan. Troubled by his nephew’s earlier words, the Fourth Prince had returned to the prince’s residence, his unease growing with each passing moment.

If those jesting words were taken seriously, wouldn’t Second Brother have his head?

Before an hour had passed, a eunuch from the Hall of Heavenly Purity arrived with a summons.

The Emperor sat inscrutable on high, while Yinzhen knelt below, his anxiety palpable. The Imperial Study Room was silent save for the sound of breathing.

“Corrupt officials who exploit the people’s blood and sweat deserve death,” the Emperor began, his gaze sharp though his tone remained mild. “Was it you who taught Hong Yan those words?”

The Fourth Prince stiffened and bowed deeply. “I beg Hanmafa to see the truth! This son would never dare.”

The Emperor hummed, his smile ambiguous as he pressed on. “As Yuanbao’s confidant, what do you make of Wuya Desheng borrowing silver from Consort De?”