Chapter 20: Conspiracy

“His Highness’s younger sister, Princess Changfeng, is quite outstanding.”

With a slight smile, Wen Renlin scrutinized Zhao Yan’s expression, taking in every subtle change. However, Zhao Yan just stood there blankly, then slowly lifted her gaze when she regained her composure.

“My younger sister is indeed excellent, but unfortunately, she is not suitable for Prince Su.”

Speaking in Zhao Yan’s voice, she praised herself, and her hesitant, half-lowered eyes brightened. She raised her head and said, “If my Grand Tutor becomes my brother-in-law, wouldn’t it be inappropriate? It goes against the norms.”

Wen Renlin’s smile faded slightly as he scanned her fair face, trying to detect any signs of confusion. But her eyes were clear, reflecting his inscrutable countenance. Wen Renlin wasn’t in a hurry; when it came to playing with people’s hearts, he always had patience.

“It depends on whether Your Highness gives this prince the opportunity to become a in-law.”

He wiped away the crimson medicine stains from the young prince’s clothes and then stepped back.

As his steady footsteps gradually faded away, and even the rustle of his robes ceased after a while, Zhao Yan finally dared to relax her tightly clenched fist and exhaled a breath of white air.

Every encounter with Prince Su felt like a battle of wits. There was a moment when Zhao Yan thought her secrets might be exposed, as if his deep and intimidating eyes had already seen through everything.

If Wen Renlin had concrete evidence of her deceit, he would have taken direct action in the Taiji Hall instead of probing like this. In other words, although he suspected the right person, he didn’t have solid proof.

And as someone of his status, he couldn’t openly demand that the Crown Prince prove his identity; that would be a great disrespect.

Wen Renlin wanted to see her panic and lose her composure, to see her flustered, but Zhao Yan didn’t give him what he wanted. She knew that as long as she resisted his repeated tests and provocations, her life would be safe for the time being.

Wrapped under layers of tightly bound clothing and corsets, even she could only see her true self during that brief moment of bathing. Wen Renlin wouldn’t have the opportunity to find evidence. Zhao Yan tightened her clothes around her as if protecting her last piece of armor, then resolutely walked into the chilly wind.

The winter chill still lingered in the air, but the sky was no longer bleak and overcast. Sunlight filtered through the milky clouds, bringing a hint of spring warmth. But for Zhao Yan, this warmth was burdensome—she was still wrapped in the fox fur necessary for a crown prince, shielding herself tightly.

If it had been last year when she first returned to the palace, she might have quietly complained about the heat, but now she just pursed her lips and endured it.

It had been half a month since Wen Renlin’s last test. As she returned to the Chongwen Hall for her studies, she wondered what trap he had set for her this time. As she descended from the carriage at the Changqing Gate, she saw a young man in a tight bun waiting below.

Recognizing the familiar figure, Zhao Yan hadn’t yet asked when Liu Ying explained, “Your Highness might feel lonely and vulnerable, so the attendant came early.”

Just as she finished speaking, Pei Sa saw the frail-looking prince in the sunlight.

Feeling grateful for his righteous words at the winter banquet, Zhao Yan was about to greet him when Pei Sa reluctantly bowed and said, “I am Pei Sa, greeting His Highness the Crown Prince.”

He then stepped aside without further words, displaying a coldness completely different from his demeanor at the banquet.

Seeing his icy profile, Zhao Yan couldn’t help but ask, “Is Prince Pei in a bad mood?”

Pei Sa stopped in his tracks, his eyebrow with a small scar furrowed. “May I ask, Your Highness, where have I offended you?”

This confused Zhao Yan, “You spoke up for me at the winter banquet, and I was grateful, why would you say ‘offended’?”

“If not, why would you specifically choose me as your study partner?” Pei Sa’s brow furrowed even more.

Zhao Yan blinked, gesturing with her eyes: What’s going on?

They arrived early, with two hours before the hour of Chen, yet someone was already waiting inside the Chongwen Hall.

With an attendant accompanying her, Zhao Yan felt slightly more confident. Taking a deep breath, she looked towards the figure standing behind the screen, then stepped into the hall and said, “Student pays respects to…”

But her words got stuck in her throat as she looked at the scholarly young man in elegant blue robes, “Why is it you?”

Zhao Ji was engrossed in observing the genuine work of art, “Crane Calling Picture,” on the wall. When he heard her, he turned around, his indifferent gaze pausing briefly on Zhao Yan’s face, a hint of confusion appearing.

But he was always polite and respectful, quickly averting his gaze and bowing, “I am Zhou Ji, temporarily serving as the Eastern Palace’s tutor. Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Zhao Yan naturally knew he was the future tutor of the Crown Prince… But wasn’t the morning lesson usually assisted by the Prime Minister?

As long as it kept her away from Wen Renlin, she was happy.

For the first time, Zhao Yan found Zhou Ji’s icy demeanor cute. She couldn’t help but smile slightly and said, “I’ve long heard of Mr. Zhou’s name. Please, have a seat.”

Zhou Ji saw the enthusiasm in her eyes, feeling a bit out of place.

But considering the Crown Prince’s reputation for kindness, he gradually eased up. He nodded in acknowledgment and took his seat, asking, “I’ve just taken on this role and am not familiar with the previous teaching process. Could Your Highness please inform me of the current curriculum?”

After Master Wen retired, several imperial scholars had come to teach, but since they also served as assistants, their teachings were scattered and lacked coherence.

Zhao Yan wasn’t particularly focused on this, so she casually mentioned a text she was familiar with, “We’ve been studying the second volume of ‘Essentials of the Spring and Autumn Annals’ since the new year.”

Zhou Ji nodded in understanding. With gentle movements, he picked up a paperweight and began his explanation, starting from left to right.

“His voice lacked the deep and rich tone of Wen Renlin, clear and cold like spring water washing over stones, without any ripples.”

Zhao Yan had once found Zhou Ji’s lecturing tone as dry as reciting scriptures, but now she realized she had taken her blessings for granted. At least this little conservative man in front of her had always been a friend of literature, straightforward and honest, unlike Wen Renlin, who was outwardly white but inwardly black, dangerous and cunning.

Pei Sa, at the desk to the right, looked surprised, staring at Zhou Ji’s empty desk, unable to help asking, “Can he teach without looking at the books?”

Zhao Yan was accustomed to Zhou Ji’s teaching method and smiled as she replied, “Zhou Wanlan has an excellent memory. He’s well-read and can recite volumes backward.”

Pei Sa’s expression turned solemn, holding the book more respectfully.

…

Now Zhao Yan understood where his grumpy “offense” came from. Marquis Jinping’s son turned out to be a pure martial artist who couldn’t even read big characters. It was no wonder he looked so sullen sitting here in the Chongwen Hall as a study companion.

Just as Zhao Yan hesitated whether to remind him, a shadow loomed over her from behind, stretching over the desk and enveloping her.

This familiar feeling…

Slowly turning her head, the first thing she saw was the dark corner of a robe, and then Wen Renlin’s inscrutable handsome face.

What had to happen, happened.

Quickly averting her gaze, Zhao Yan pretended to focus on her book, only to hear Wen Renlin’s deep voice coming from above, “The Chongwen Hall is quite lively today.”

Zhou Ji had been focused on his teaching until Wen Renlin spoke, then he also looked up.

Their eyes met, but Zhou Ji remained calm and composed, showing no sign of fear.

“Prince Su! Ah, it’s all my fault!”

The steward eunuch of the Chongwen Hall timely broke the silence, explaining, “Mr. Zhou temporarily replaced the assistant tutor, so His Majesty rearranged the schedule to allocate this hour to him. Martial arts class will be moved to another time. I was about to inform you personally, but then Your Highness unexpectedly entered the palace, causing a delay.”

The steward eunuch wiped the fine cold sweat from his forehead and smiled apologetically, “Could you perhaps rest in the rear hall for an hour? Allow me to brew a cup of hot tea for you as an apology?”

Wen Renlin seemed in a good mood. His gaze paused slightly on the young prince’s bowed head before he raised his hand slightly and said, “No need, I’ll just stay here and listen.”

With that, he walked to the circle chair where the Empress had listened before, sat down gracefully, and gestured with his fingers against his temple, signaling them to continue. The steward eunuch naturally didn’t dare to object. Seeing that Zhou Ji didn’t voice any opposition, he reluctantly withdrew after serving the tea.

Zhou Ji indeed had no interest in anything beyond literature—even to the point of being dull. He only nodded slightly towards Wen Renlin in acknowledgment before continuing his explanation.

The hall seemed peaceful and harmonious, if one disregarded the faintly chilling gaze that swept over them like a breeze.

Zhao Yan focused intently on the books in front of her, occasionally making notes with her pen. Her long eyelashes were half-lowered, giving her a somewhat feminine appearance.

Wen Renlin observed her studious appearance, his cold, pale hands casually resting on his knees, index finger tapping intermittently.

She was very obedient during others’ classes.

Not even blinking, let alone fainting. Quite rare.

A low chuckle sounded, lightly falling into Zhao Yan’s ears.

She didn’t know what Wen Renlin was chuckling about, only feeling a chill creeping over her body. Despite her efforts to focus, she couldn’t stop the passage of time. As the bell tolled, an hour of literature class quickly passed.

Zhou Ji calmly stood up and bowed, handing over the Chongwen Hall to Prince Su, who also served as the Grand Tutor. Wen Renlin unfolded his legs, about to approach Zhao Yan, but she swiftly got up and followed Pei Sa to the corridor outside the hall for some fresh air. Watching her retreating figure without a glance back, Wen Renlin paused, squinting his eyes.

The wind chimes swayed in the breeze, the sunlight gentle and comforting.

Pei Sa leaned against the railing, chatting casually with someone, “I didn’t expect Mr. Zhou, so young, to stand his ground against Prince Su without faltering. Truly worthy of admiration as a scholar.”

Zhao Yan couldn’t help but smile at his words.

Scholarly integrity? Zhou Ji naturally had it. People often said Zhou Wanlan was a flower on a high peak, difficult to approach, but only Zhao Yan knew it was because he was slightly face-blind. To avoid the embarrassment of mistaking people, he chose to remain silent and wait for others to introduce themselves.

Over time, this gave people the impression of aloofness.

Zhao Yan withdrew her thoughts, gazing at the distant mountains outside the city, sighing deeply. Pei Sa’s gaze was indeed drawn by her troubled appearance, and he turned to look at her.

“The upcoming lessons with Prince Su may be challenging.”

Zhao Yan steered the conversation in the direction she had planned.

Pei Sa shrugged it off, “Archery is my strength, and I have some knowledge of chess and military strategy. Nothing too difficult.”

“Exactly. That’s why I specifically asked you to accompany the Crown Prince, to assist me.”

She feigned a sense of distress, sighing softly, “It’s all because of my weak health that I didn’t perform well in the Grand Tutor’s class.”

Pei Sa, a straightforward man, was relieved to hear that the Crown Prince had requested his assistance. Seeing the Crown Prince’s despondent expression, he understood, “Is he making things difficult for Your Highness?”

Zhao Yan just smiled and shook her head, showing a compromising nature.

Pei Sa felt a sense of responsibility welling up in his heart and spoke frankly, “Understood. Although I dislike Your Highness’s weakness, I cannot shirk my duty.”

Touched by Pei Sa’s actions, Zhao Yan waited until he entered the hall before turning to Liu Ying, who was waiting outside the hall. “Prepare a cup of the tea brewed by Doctor Zhang for me.”

If she remembered correctly, today’s martial arts class would focus on archery again. This was the class Zhao Yan dreaded the most. Unlike military strategy or chess, it involved physical contact, so it was better to be prepared.

Frowning, she drank the bitter tea. When she felt her pulse change, Zhao Yan returned to the main hall feeling much lighter on her feet.

Wen Renlin didn’t head to the courtyard behind the Chongwen Hall.

The desks had been moved aside, creating an empty space in the middle of the hall. Wen Renlin stared at the chair where Zhou Ji had sat, and said slowly, “Get rid of this filthy thing.”

The eunuch wiped his sweat, nodding and instructing a young eunuch to remove the chair and replace it with the one Wen Renlin had used earlier. Meanwhile, Pei Sa, who had entered the hall earlier, was now wearing heavy sandbags around his waist and legs, holding a cup of tea in the corner, beads of sweat forming on his nose.

“What’s going on?” Zhao Yan asked Li Fu in surprise.

Just when she had finished drinking a cup of tea, how did her “ally” end up like this?

Li Fu whispered, “Perhaps Prince Su was dissatisfied with today’s lesson, so Prince Pei took offense for you and volunteered to spar with him. And then…”

He shook his head, “Prince Pei’s martial skills are definitely among the best of the younger generation, but unfortunately, his opponent is Prince Su. After dozens of moves, he still lost. Prince Su said his foundation was unstable and suggested he practice more, so that’s how it ended.”

Even so, Zhao Yan’s fondness for Pei Sa only grew.

Although Pei Sa had stated he disliked the Crown Prince’s overly kind nature, he still stood up for her when it mattered most. This loyalty, regardless of personal preferences, was commendable in the treacherous court environment.

Moreover, Wen Renlin was capable of single-handedly suppressing formidable generals like He Hu of the rebel army. To spar with him for dozens of moves, even in defeat, was still an honor.

A hoarse dragging sound interrupted Zhao Yan’s thoughts.

Wen Renlin grabbed the back of the chair and dragged it to the window, then sat down facing Zhao Yan, crossing his legs and smoothing his robe. The gentle sunlight spilled in through the window, half landing on his handsome profile, and the other half flowing down his clothes and boots like a golden thread.

This version of Wen Renlin was as harmless and quiet as when she first met him in the snow last year.

“Grand Tutor.” Zhao Yan greeted him calmly, without any panic or evasion.

Wen Renlin raised his eyes, his thick eyelashes also gleaming with a golden sheen.

“It seems, Your Highness, has figured out how to deal with me.”

He smiled with interest, gesturing for her to come closer.

Following his instructions, Zhao Yan took a step forward and responded smoothly, “Grand Tutor, you flatter me. I promised to study hard and won’t slack off.”

Wen Renlin chuckled, thumb rubbing lightly against the black iron ring.

The attendants soon brought in the weapons needed for the lesson, including knives, swords, and spears.

“The spring chill is piercing, and the courtyard is well-ventilated, making it easy for the wind to enter the body. There’s no need to move. Today, I will teach Your Highness some basic blocking techniques, so you can defend yourself in case of danger. This is also His Majesty’s intention.”

Wen Renlin could see through Zhao Yan’s thoughts. He stood up and walked to the weapons rack, pointing out each weapon one by one. “Last time, Your Highness was lucky to escape with only superficial injuries when you resisted. If you act recklessly again next time…”

He glanced over, half of his body shrouded in shadow, and gently ran his finger across his neck. Although the gesture was casual, it sent a chill down Zhao Yan’s spine. The perilous scene of being attacked on the way back from the suburban sacrifice flashed through her mind.

She obediently reached out and took the lightweight dagger Wen Renlin had selected for her.

The dagger felt cold and uncomfortable in hand.

Pei Sa remained crouched in the corner, the tea cup in his hand creating slight ripples. Wen Renlin seemed to have forgotten about his presence, entirely focused on demonstrating techniques to Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan’s face showed a mix of surprise and resentment, feeling overwhelmed by the attention from Prince Su, who devoted all his energy to her during their training sessions.

“Never struggle or move your head when someone is holding a blade to your back.”

With just one hand, Wen Renlin grabbed Zhao Yan’s wrist holding the dagger and effortlessly placed it against his own neck. “Your Highness’s previous move was incorrect…”

Feeling his pulse under her fingertip, he paused subtly, deep in thought.

Zhao Yan knew it was the effect of the tea, and with a smirk, she retorted, “Isn’t it unfair for the Grand Tutor to focus solely on me and ignore Prince Pei?”

“Struggling like that will only provoke the assailant. Instead, grip my arm, press down, and use your other arm to strike backward with force.”

Wen Renlin corrected her movements calmly, saying, “The Grand Tutor is naturally responsible for His Highness. I, on the other hand, am devoted and not as fickle as Your Highness…”

His deep voice sounded near her ear as he found the right words, “…fickle as the weather.”

Who’s being fickle here!

Zhao Yan attempted to strike back, but Wen Renlin easily intercepted.

“Not enough force. You’ll miss your chance.”

He restrained her, saying, “Since recovering from your illness, you’ve been cautious. But with Zhou Wanlan, you seem quite trusting, as if you’ve known him for a long time.”

Zhao Yan’s eyelid twitched, pretending to be clueless, “You jest, Grand Tutor. I’ve been ill, barely had any companionship, let alone acquaintances. How could I know Zhou Wanlan? I’ve only heard of his talent and purity of character.”

Wen Renlin nodded faintly, “His talent and purity against my cunning and deceit; hence, I avoid him.”

So, you’re aware!

Zhao Yan tried to counter, but he immobilized her other hand, pinning her from behind. Throughout the exchange, Wen Renlin only used his left hand, keeping his stronger right arm restrained.

He gazed at her reddening ear tips with a smile in his eyes, “I heard Zhou Wanlan tutored at Huayang, perhaps he’s met Princess Changfeng.”

To others, Prince Su seemed diligently teaching her, but Zhao Yan knew the malice hidden beneath his facade.

“Indeed? If that’s the case, when they meet someday, Zhou Wanlan will surely recognize her first.”

Implying that if Zhou doesn’t recognize her, then she’s not his acquaintance.

Zhao Yan countered, “Prince Su seems very concerned about my sister.”

“Of course.”

Wen Renlin leaned closer, teasing, “I look forward to seeing Princess Changfeng’s beauty at the flower banquet.”

“…”

Zhao Yan’s chest was tightly bound, making it difficult for her to breathe. At the mention of his words, she almost blacked out.

The dagger clattered to the ground as Zhao Yan clutched her wrist and fell to the ground. From Wen Renlin’s perspective, he only saw her frail shoulders trembling uncontrollably, as if she was in extreme discomfort.

His gaze lingered on his empty palm; he hadn’t used much force just now.

“The same trick won’t work a second time.”

With that, he reached out to help Zhao Yan up. Before his fingertips could touch her clothes, a glint of cold light flashed before his eyes. Wen Renlin’s eyes narrowed, and his left hand lightly grasped her wrist. Just as he was about to mock her futile attempt, he realized something was wrong.

She was only holding the scabbard in her hand, which meant the dagger must be…

A rush of wind brushed past his ear, and instinctively, Wen Renlin used his right arm to block Zhao Yan’s other hand. He tilted his head slightly, and the blade grazed past his jaw, leaving a chilling sensation in its wake.

Sunlight filtered through the tense atmosphere, illuminating the dancing dust in the air.

As the wind ceased, the fluttering clothes of the two also fell. The hall was silent, except for the interweaving breaths of urgency and calm.

Wen Renlin quickly regained his composure.

Her feigned exhaustion just now was merely a cover to conceal the dagger and scabbard. This deception was executed perfectly, forcing him to use both hands to deal with it.

“Your Highness, are you really planning to kill your tutor?”

He lowered his eyelids, looking at the exhausted youth before him, his ink-like eyes swirling with deep darkness.

“How could a student dare?”

With too much force, Zhao Yan’s neatly tied hair loosened, her cheeks flushed, and she gasped hurriedly, “All is fair in war; it’s the Grand Tutor’s teaching.”

Her voice was weak, her pulse erratic, but her eyes were bright.

As if saying: See, I told you I’d follow the Grand Tutor well.

Wen Renlin looked at her as if seeing her for the first time, gazing at her for a long time. His gaze seemed to peel away her layers of disguise, revealing the most genuine and pure inner self.

The position of being restrained wasn’t comfortable, and Zhao Yan’s heart was pounding. Seeing that Wen Renlin didn’t bring up the topics of “Huayang” or “Princess Changfeng” again, she subtly struggled against his hold on her wrists.

Wen Renlin pretended not to notice her little scheme and calmly released her hands.

The bell tolled timely, and Zhao Yan coughed lightly to avoid eye contact. She bid farewell to Wen Renlin with a sway of her body, then approached Pei Sa, who was still in a horse stance. She took the tea cup from his outstretched arm and asked, “Are you okay?”

For a whole hour, not a single drop of tea spilled from the cup.

Pei Sa removed the sandbags from his waist and rubbed the back of his neck, cracking it with a sound of disdain. His tone carried a thick sense of frustration, “I’m fine, just practicing basic skills.”

While Wen Renlin hadn’t changed his mind, Zhao Yan quickly led Pei Sa out of the hall. Once they were in the sedan chair heading back to the Eastern Palace, Zhao Yan collapsed into the pile of embroidered cushions, too exhausted to say another word.

May the gods protect her, another day of narrowly escaping death.

In the Chongwen Hall.

Wen Renlin lifted his right arm, revealing a small tear in the tightly bound sleeve.

This was where he blocked the Prince’s attack just now. Although it was only a very fine and shallow tear, Zhang Cang, who had observed the whole situation, couldn’t help but feel a pounding sensation in his temples.

Apart from on the battlefield swarmed by enemies, he had never seen anyone get close to the Prince. 

This attack was so dangerous! If the Prince hadn’t been experienced in battle and responded in time, the dagger might have slashed across his face!

To be honest, the Prince’s temperament is unpredictable, his methods are not entirely righteous, and his reputation speaks for itself. He can barely comfort a crying child…

But he does have a handsome face. If he loses even that last virtue, how will he find a wife in the future?

Compared to Zhang Cang’s countless thoughts, Wen Renlin seemed much more indifferent.

“Any news from Huayang?” he asked.

Zhang Cang finally remembered the main matter and replied, “We’ve received a carrier pigeon message from Cai Tian. He followed your orders and paid respects to the Empress Dowager, with Princess Changfeng accompanying him. There were no abnormalities.”

Wen Renlin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Are you sure it was the princess herself?”

Zhang Cang replied, “Cai Tian will continue to lurk in the palace for a while to observe any changes.”

Wen Renlin lightly touched the small tear in his sleeve and suddenly chuckled. Whenever he felt bored, the young prince always managed to stir up new interests for him. Well, he looked forward to seeing how long this drama in the Eastern Palace would last.

He wondered how frightened and trembling she would look on the day she could no longer hide.

He was truly looking forward to it.

A cold wind passed through the halls, clouds blocking the sun and casting large shadows over the imperial city. With the arrival of Jingzhe, the damp rain swept through the capital.

Spring thunder rumbled, and the atmosphere in the Prince Yong’s mansion was gloomy.

The curtains fluttered, revealing the twisted figure inside, accompanied by murmurs mixed with the sound of rain, making it unclear whether it was pain or pleasure. Zhao Yuanyu watched, his mouth dry, but the dryness only reached his chest, with no further reaction.

Inside the tent was the most potent woman he had bought, who had only taken a little of that medicine and became like this, delirious.

“Are you sure both men and women can use this medicine?” he tugged at his clothes and asked.

The lightly dressed woman’s body pressed against him like boneless, and she smiled seductively, “Rest assured, Your Highness. The divine medicine personally prepared by the master can rejuvenate even eunuchs…”

Realizing she had hit a sore spot, the woman’s face turned pale.

But Zhao Yuanyu didn’t care about these things right now. He was quite satisfied with the effects of this medicine, which would soon destroy the twisted pleasure brought by the Prince’s good reputation, covering up the pain of his hidden illness.

Zhao Yuanyu calculated carefully, almost unable to contain his excitement. “This alone is not enough; we need to add another crime to make it irredeemable.”

The woman smiled, pouring wine respectfully, “May the master bless Your Highness to rise to the top and enjoy endless glory.”

Zhao Yuanyu laughed heartily, pulling the woman into his embrace, his fierce face illuminated by the purple and white lightning.

After a few spring rains, the capital city looked refreshed. The heavy gray gradually faded among the peach blossoms and willow greens. Kites soared in the sky, flowers bloomed on the ground, and bees and butterflies fluttered around, full of vitality.

With the release of the examination results, Liu Ji was the least happy.

“If it weren’t for the troubles in the Eastern Palace, I would have…” She didn’t finish her sentence.

But Zhao Yan understood her unfinished words: If it weren’t for the consecutive troubles last year, perhaps the ones who passed the examination would be young talents like Shen Jingming and Cheng Jixing…

And the Eastern Palace wouldn’t be so weak, still lacking devoted followers.

Zhao Yan looked at the list presented by the Ministry of Rites, feeling overwhelmed. These were all such chaotic people! They were all connected to various factions in the court, and none of them were clean or usable.

Due to the Emperor’s seclusion for purification, he had no time to attend the Hairpin Banquet, so this heavy responsibility fell on the Eastern Palace.

As night approached, Zhao Yan was still busy reviewing the banquet procedures. The table was piled high with memorials about the officials recommending positions for the successful candidates in the imperial examinations, which she had yet to review.

As Liu Ying entered to light the lamps, she saw the furrowed brow of the young prince behind the memorials and advised, “Your Highness, you should rest early since you have to attend the banquet tomorrow.”

“That’s a valid point.”

Liu Ji dipped her finger in the wine and idly drew on the desk, “You currently have no real power, and the Emperor won’t really entrust you with the appointments. Just skim through those memorials with a ‘review’ stamp; there’s no need to rush.”

“It’s not just about the memorials.”

Zhao Yan lifted her slender hand and gently covered the small mole at the corner of her eye, where she had applied vermilion. For some reason, her eyelid had been twitching incessantly since the afternoon, causing her great annoyance and distraction.

While spring bloomed throughout the city, the Prince’s mansion seemed forgotten by the gods.

While the city was in full bloom, with cherry blossoms and apricot blossoms, here there were only towering pines and green cypresses, devoid of any peach or apricot blossoms.

Cai Tian had returned from Huayang Palace for several days, but he had yet to see the prince. Calculating the days, it was almost time for his illness to flare up. At such times, the prince’s mood would be particularly bad, and he would see no one.

He looked at the tightly closed door of the study and asked, “On which date did the prince take the medicine last month?”

Zhang Cang thought for a while before replying, “The prince wanted to test his physical limits and waited until the seventh before taking the medicine.”

Cai Tian nodded.

Today was only the second day of the month, so it seemed there were still a few days until then.

“The onset of the illness seems to be getting later each month. Maybe one day he won’t need to take the medicine anymore, which would be a good thing.”

While Zhang Cang rambled on, the door of the study opened from the inside.

Wen Renlin appeared, paler than usual but otherwise showing no abnormalities.

“Prepare the carriage; we’re going to the palace,” he said.

In the twilight, his figure remained tall and straight, his steps steady, as if nothing in the world could make him pause or stoop.

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