On a bitterly cold winter morning where the air was so frigid that water would freeze in an instant, Cao Yuanlu personally escorted Yun Kui to the Donghua Gate.
Located along a long palace path on the western side of the imperial city, the Donghua Gate stood just beyond a wall separating it from the various government offices—ranging from the Six Ministries and Five Courts to the Hanlin Academy.
Originally, this was the most convenient route for court officials heading to their offices. However, most avoided it out of fear of the Crown Prince’s notorious temper, choosing instead to take longer detours rather than risk drawing attention near the Eastern Palace.
Of course, a handful still passed through—loyal old ministers who supported the Crown Prince, upright officials unafraid of rumors, those who buried themselves in their duties without a care for palace gossip, and those with ulterior motives seeking to glean information about the Eastern Palace.
Cao Yuanlu made sure to introduce Yun Kui to the guards stationed at the gate, explaining her purpose there to prevent any misunderstandings. After all, she was the first woman the Crown Prince had ever kissed—Cao Yuanlu practically wanted to enshrine her like a goddess.
The head guard, Luo Zhang, was a striking figure. He gave Cao Yuanlu a slight nod but didn’t spare Yun Kui a glance, standing as still as a stone lion outside the palace gates.
Yun Kui thanked Cao Yuanlu and found a sunny, breezy spot to stand.
The Eastern Palace guards were the Crown Prince’s personal soldiers, bound by strict military discipline. During campaigns, they were forbidden from drinking or indulging in pleasures—violations were met with unyielding punishment. No matter how curious they were, none dared to openly gawk at this palace maid who had been punished with gate duty.
Yun Kui tilted her head, attempting to strike up a conversation with a burly guard beside her. She wanted to ask about the timing of officials’ arrivals and perhaps inquire about his hometown, age, and marital status. But the man remained as silent as a towering mute, utterly unresponsive.
Defeated, she leaned idly against the gate, basking in the sunlight.
The cold was biting—the difference between standing in the sun and in the shade was stark. Fortunately, she was bundled up in a thick silver-red embroidered coat adorned with crabapple blossoms, the warmth of the sun seeping into the fabric. If not for her punishment, sitting on the threshold knitting or petting a cat would have been far more enjoyable.
Gradually, officials began passing through the gate, forcing Yun Kui to straighten her posture and scrutinize each one.
Her primary task in this punishment was to uncover the mastermind behind the poisoning attempt. If she made no progress, the Crown Prince—with his penchant for torment—might very well condemn her to guard this gate for the rest of her life.
The sight of a radiant beauty outside the Eastern Palace was rare. Some young officials stole curious glances, whispering among themselves, while others stared outright, turning back for another look even after walking several paces away. A few elder ministers, likely guessing her identity, regarded her with cold disdain or pity.
What they despised or scorned didn’t bother Yun Kui. Did they think she was some seductress who had ensnared the Crown Prince? She wasn’t even close to that level.
As for the young officials, in the past, she might have spared them a second glance. But now, her situation was awkward. Leaving the palace seemed unlikely—she might be kept in the Eastern Palace or sent back to the Imperial Household Department. Even if she were eventually released, would any respectable family overlook her history as the Crown Prince’s bedchamber maid?
Ah well, since she was here, she might as well make the best of it. At least her life was spared—who knew what the future held?
After two days of gate duty, Yun Kui still had no leads. Then, on the third day, a group of extravagantly dressed imperial princes arrived at the Eastern Palace.
The group was dressed in similar formal robes, the varying patterns of python embroidery on their garments signifying their noble imperial lineage.
Luo Zhang, the head of the guards, had just returned from his patrol and clasped his hands in salute to the group. Noticing their gazes briefly passing over her, Yun Kui also bowed properly in greeting.
At the forefront stood Prince Chen, clad in a violet robe, his face as refined as polished jade, exuding an air of regal elegance. His demeanor was scholarly and courteous as he spoke, "We have come today to visit our elder brother, the Crown Prince. Might he be available to receive us?"
Luo Zhang replied, "Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses. Allow this humble subordinate to inform His Highness of your arrival."
Prince Chen responded graciously, "We appreciate your trouble, Commander Luo."
In truth, Prince Chen had already visited twice before, only to be turned away by the Crown Prince, who cited his severe injuries as the reason. The other imperial princes, who typically deferred to Prince Chen, had the sense not to curry favor at the Eastern Palace—lest they provoke the Empress and Prince Chen. After all, if even Prince Chen was denied an audience, the others would only invite humiliation upon themselves.
However, recent rumors suggested the Crown Prince’s condition had improved. As cousins, it was only proper for them to pay a visit, so they had accompanied Prince Chen to fulfill their duty.
Aside from Prince Jing, the eldest prince who lived reclusively outside the palace, Prince Sheng who was bedridden with illness, and the Fifth Prince who was away on official business, nearly all the other imperial princes had gathered here today.
As Luo Zhang went inside to announce their arrival, the remaining princes stood waiting, their gazes naturally settling on Yun Kui, who was guarding the palace gates.
The Fourth Prince, with his charmingly roguish demeanor, remarked, "The Crown Prince truly lacks appreciation for beauty. To exile such a lovely maiden to stand guard in the cold—if it were me, I couldn’t bear it."
Unsure how to respond, Yun Kui simply said, "This servant made a mistake and deserves the punishment."
The Fourth Prince asked curiously, "What mistake did you make?"
Yun Kui pressed her lips together.
Flirting with the Crown Prince, knocking him over, and forcibly kissing him—that was all.
She settled on a slightly more presentable explanation: "This servant spoke out of turn and offended His Highness."
The group was astonished.
Rumors painted the Crown Prince as ruthless, cold-blooded, and murderous. How had this girl escaped with her life after disrespecting him?
After a moment of contemplation, Prince Chen addressed Yun Kui, "Since you attend to the Crown Prince regularly, could you tell us how his condition fares?"
Though the Crown Prince and Emperor Chunming’s sons were cousins, they had rarely met over the years. Even during the three years the Crown Prince had previously spent in the capital, their encounters had been few. The youngest, the Ninth Prince, had never even seen the Crown Prince’s face.
Prince Chen had only heard of the Crown Prince’s condition from the Empress, but hearsay was no substitute for seeing with one’s own eyes. As Emperor Chunming’s legitimate heir, Prince Chen had more reason than anyone to be concerned about the late Emperor’s chosen successor.
Yun Kui hesitated, uncertain whether to speak the truth.
In recent days, she had witnessed countless spies being dealt with and had herself received mysterious poison sent by unknown parties. If the Empress’s secret medicine also contained deadly toxins, and Prince Chen was the Empress’s own son—could he mean the Crown Prince harm?
Any one of these princes before her might be the mastermind behind the poisonings.
With this in mind, she answered evasively, "This servant is dull-witted and knows nothing of medicine. My duties are merely to serve tea and water. As for His Highness’s condition, Your Highnesses will see for yourselves once you enter."
The Seventh Prince muttered, "The Crown Prince refused even Second Brother before. He might not receive us today either."
A flicker of displeasure, almost imperceptible, passed through Prince Chen’s eyes.
The Seventh Prince's words made it sound as though he were beneath others, unable to even request an audience with the Crown Prince. But what made that notorious, universally despised lunatic any nobler than him?
Meanwhile, the Sixth Prince stayed silent, his gaze fixed on Yun Kui from the moment he arrived, his eyes alight with undisguised admiration. He found the girl utterly captivating—her bright eyes, snow-white skin, delicate nose, and cherry lips more radiant than peach blossoms in full bloom under the spring sun.
As the Empress's own son, the Sixth Prince was just beginning to understand the ways of the world. Yet, no concubines had been arranged for him, as his mother despised those seductive creatures who could lead young men astray. She feared he would lose himself in pleasure and neglect his studies.
Rumor had it that Prince Jing, the eldest brother, was born to a lowly foot-washing maid who had climbed into the Emperor's bed. Later, when Emperor Chunming ascended the throne and expanded his harem, the Empress could only seethe in silent fury.
But it was the Emperor who sowed his seeds far and wide—what did that have to do with him?
He didn’t crave a house full of wives and concubines—just a little beauty to warm his bed.
Someone like Yun Kui would be perfect. With her porcelain skin, rosy lips, and a voice as soft and sweet as honeyed cake, she melted his heart.
Yet the Crown Prince had the audacity to punish such a delicate beauty by making her guard the palace gates. Some had too much, while others had nothing at all.
His prolonged staring didn’t go unnoticed.
It wasn’t until Prince Chen cleared his throat in reminder that the Sixth Prince snapped out of his daze, sheepishly averting his gaze.
The Ninth Prince, the youngest and chubbiest of the lot, was already panting from the long walk from his quarters. Now, forced to wait in the biting wind, he grumbled impatiently—had he known it would be like this, he wouldn’t have come.
What Crown Prince? He’d never even met the man—it wasn’t like they were real brothers.
After what felt like an eternity, Luo Zhang finally emerged to announce, "His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."
Prince Chen nodded politely. "Our thanks."
Luo Zhang then turned to Yun Kui. "His Highness asks that you escort the princes into the hall."
Yun Kui was taken aback. No more gate duty?
Or was there something suspicious about these princes? Was the Crown Prince giving her a chance to observe them closely for her dreamwalking later?
The journey from Donghua Gate to Chengguang Palace was another long stretch. The deeper they went, the more solemn and heavily guarded the surroundings became. The group instinctively straightened their postures, careful not to make a single misstep.
The Ninth Prince waddled behind on his stubby legs, huffing and puffing, until he finally whined for the Seventh Prince to carry him.
But the Seventh Prince was just a scrawny youth himself—how could he possibly bear the Ninth Prince’s weight?
When the Seventh Prince refused, the Ninth Prince turned to the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince eyed his pudgy little brother and whispered, "Father tested my archery and horsemanship this morning. My arms are still sore. Don’t make this harder for us, alright?"
Frustrated, the Ninth Prince called out to Prince Chen, "Second Brother! None of them will carry me!"
Prince Chen was just as annoyed but maintained his dignified air as the eldest. "Ninth Brother, behave yourself. This is the Eastern Palace, not your Baohua Hall."
"What’s so special about the Eastern Palace?" the Ninth Prince retorted. "They’re all scared of the Crown Prince—are you scared too?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Prince Chen’s usually unshakable composure darkened.
The others held their breaths, not daring to intervene.
Seeing his brother’s expression shift, the Ninth Prince stuck out his tongue and ducked behind the Sixth Prince.
Then, noticing how the Sixth Prince kept stealing glances at the palace maid, the Ninth Prince marched up to Yun Kui and demanded, "Get on your hands and knees. You’re my horse now."
The crowd exchanged uneasy glances. Everyone knew the Ninth Prince, being the youngest, was deeply doted on by Emperor Chunming and had grown accustomed to throwing his weight around—even the eunuchs and maids of Baohua Palace had served as his human footstools before.
But this was the Eastern Palace. Who would dare treat the Crown Prince’s bedchamber maid so disrespectfully?
Though this woman had been punished to guard the palace gates and had fallen out of favor, she was still once the Crown Prince’s intimate companion. The Crown Prince was known for his cruelty, yet he was fiercely protective of his own. Who would dare lay a hand on anyone from his palace? Everyone still remembered how Cao Yuanlu, who had been demoted to the Imperial Stables, was summoned back without so much as a word of warning from the Crown Prince.
Yun Kui stood frozen, her face pale.
This little demon wanted her to crawl on the ground and serve as his horse? He was so heavy—he’d probably break her back!
It was the Sixth Prince who stepped in to mediate. "Ninth Brother, she is the Crown Prince’s concubine, not some lowly servant from your palace. Besides, riding a person is wrong to begin with."
The Ninth Prince immediately retorted, "Isn’t that what concubines are for? To be ridden like horses?"
The moment these words left his mouth, the expressions of everyone present darkened. No one expected a five-year-old child to say something so crude.
The Sixth Prince instinctively glanced at Yun Kui’s face.
Yun Kui pressed her lips together, a faint ache settling in her chest.
In the eyes of the nobility, a bedchamber maid was nothing more than this—a lowly, nameless plaything.
Still, she had always been adaptable. The wages of a bedchamber maid were three times what she had earned before. Serving the nobility came with risks, but it also brought more opportunities for rewards. She took the money and did her job—there was no shame in that.
Prince Chen glared at his insolent younger brother and coldly demanded, "Who taught you such words?"
It wasn’t that Prince Chen was inherently kind or that he feared the Crown Prince’s wrath that made him scold his little brother and defend a mere palace maid. Rather, his brother could act high-handed and spout nonsense within his own palace, but this was a public setting. If word spread to those rigid old ministers, they would accuse the Emperor of failing to discipline his son.
A stain on the reputation of a wise ruler would only give them more reason to criticize the Emperor and rally behind the Crown Prince.
Prince Chen had long understood the precarious position of their lineage. Even the Emperor had to mind his words and actions, maintaining his image as a virtuous ruler at all times.
If the Ninth Prince could spout such vulgarities in the Eastern Palace today, tomorrow he might do the same in the Imperial Study. Such behavior would only invite more scrutiny toward the Emperor.
The Ninth Prince, too young to grasp these implications, simply felt aggrieved. Everyone had always indulged him—even the Emperor never denied him anything. Yet now, his elder brothers were all trying to discipline him.
His cheeks flushed red with anger as he stomped his feet and shouted, "I want to ride the horse! I want to ride the horse!"
With that, he threw his full weight into shoving Yun Kui. Stout and fierce, his strength was considerable in his rage. Yun Kui couldn’t dodge in time and was sent sprawling onto the hard stone pavement. Her knees struck the unyielding tiles, the thick layers of her skirt doing little to cushion the sharp pain. Her elbows and palms were scraped raw.
Yun Kui cursed inwardly. Well, at least tonight’s dream subject had been decided.
The Fourth Prince and the Seventh Prince rushed forward to restrain their younger brother, while the Sixth Prince instinctively bent to help Yun Kui up.
Just then, a pale, slender hand with prominent veins suddenly reached out, blocking his movement.
A biting wind howled through the narrow passageway. Dark clouds blotted out the sun, casting the palace walls in thick shadows. For a moment, even the air seemed to still.
Everyone felt a chill run down their spines, and even the loud and unruly Ninth Prince froze, forgetting to cry or make a fuss.
The Crown Prince, clad in a wide-sleeved black robe embroidered with golden serpent patterns, had appeared without anyone noticing.
He stood imposingly tall, the dark fabric of his robes billowing wildly in the biting wind like ink splashed across a storm-laden sky—a hidden dragon from the abyss. Though his pallid complexion still bore traces of illness, his every movement exuded a cold, oppressive aura of dominance, so intimidating that none dared meet his gaze.
Prince Chen suppressed the unease stirring within him and quickly stepped forward to bow. "Your Highness, this younger brother greets you."
The other princes, who hadn’t seen the Crown Prince in years, snapped out of their daze and hastily followed suit with respectful bows. The Ninth Prince craned his neck to look up at the man radiating an almost murderous aura, recalling the palace servants’ whispers of him feasting on human flesh and blood. The little boy was so petrified by his overwhelming presence that he didn’t dare move a muscle.
The Crown Prince’s gaze swept indifferently over the disheveled girl on the ground before his low, weary voice drifted lazily through the air. "You’re quite bold in front of me. How is it that outside, you let others butcher you without a fight?"
The moment these words left his lips, the princes exchanged stunned glances.
What did he mean… "bold in front of me"?
Every one of them tread carefully around the Crown Prince, tails tucked between their legs. Even the Emperor and Empress treated him with deference, while outsiders spoke of him like frightened birds avoiding a predator’s shadow.
And yet, someone dared to be bold with him?
Hadn’t she merely "spoken out of turn and offended His Highness"? Or was there more to it?
Strangely, the Crown Prince didn’t seem inclined to punish her severely.
Even Yun Kui herself blinked in bewilderment, a hint of grievance flashing in her eyes.
"Excuse me, Your Highness… I only acted recklessly because I thought I was going to die! Normally, I’m nothing but respectful and obedient!"
"Besides, these are imperial princes. How could I possibly defy their orders? Or do I have the right to borrow your prestige and throw my weight around?"
Prince Chen, sensing the Crown Prince’s protective undertone, quickly interceded on the Ninth Prince’s behalf. "We came today to inquire after Your Highness’s health, never intending to disturb your peace. The Ninth Prince is young and ignorant—he was only jesting with Yun Kui earlier. Let him apologize to her now."
The Ninth Prince was dragged forward by his two elder brothers, his thick neck flushed red with defiance.
He had never apologized to anyone in his life! As the Emperor’s most beloved son, why should he bow his head to a lowly palace maid? He was the one who bullied others—no one had the right to bully him!
The Crown Prince looked down at the chubby boy, a mocking smirk curling his lips as he recalled Yun Kui’s tale of Concubine Yu’s scandalous dream involving the Heir of Ningde Marquis. His gaze on the Ninth Prince grew laden with implication.
"Young and ignorant? From the ‘wisdom’ he just spouted, he hardly seems ignorant."
The others stiffened in shock—he’d even overheard the Ninth Prince’s crude remarks about concubines!
Yun Kui pushed herself up from the ground with trembling hands, standing silently behind the Crown Prince with her lips pressed tightly together.
Prince Chen adopted a solemn tone. "No doubt the servants at Baohua Palace have been gossiping, and he merely parroted their words without restraint. This younger brother will report to His Majesty and Her Majesty upon returning, requesting severe punishment."
The Ninth Prince’s face burned crimson with rage, his teeth clenched, but he didn’t dare throw a tantrum in front of the Crown Prince. He pouted and whined, "Second Brother—" only to be silenced by Prince Chen’s sharp glare.
The Crown Prince let out a light chuckle. "Prince Chen, it seems you still don’t understand me. When I wish to punish someone, I do it on the spot. There’s no such thing as ‘dealing with it later.’"
Prince Chen’s face turned ashen, his back teeth clenched in silent fury.
The Ninth Prince finally grasped the situation—the Crown Prince intended to punish him, all for the sake of a mere palace maid!
Trembling with a mix of fear and resentment, he threw himself onto the ground, kicking and wailing like a petulant child. "I’m a prince! She’s just a maid! Maids are supposed to obey princes! Even Father Emperor doesn’t scold me—who are you to discipline me? I want to go back to the palace! I want to see Father Emperor! Let him judge this!"
The Seventh Prince tried to pull him up but failed, eventually giving up in exasperation. The others could only watch helplessly. Throwing tantrums was the Ninth Prince’s specialty, and Emperor Chunming doted on him most of all.
Years ago, when the Eighth Prince had passed away from illness, Emperor Chunming had been consumed by grief. Not two months later, Concubine Yu became pregnant, and the Emperor transferred all his love and guilt for the lost child onto the Ninth Prince, spoiling him into utter lawlessness.
Prince Chen itched to kick his younger brother out but suppressed his rage, turning instead to the Crown Prince. "Indeed, my younger brother is unruly. How does His Highness intend to punish him?"
If he insists on punishment, then so be it. Let the rumors spread—the Crown Prince, indulging his favored concubine to bully a prince. I’d like to see how he explains that.
Hearing his thoughts, the Crown Prince smirked.
His notorious reputation over the years owed much to the efforts of the Empress and Prince Chen.
The Crown Prince signaled to Deshun beside him. "Did you see and hear everything the Ninth Prince just said and did?"
Deshun hurriedly bowed. "This servant witnessed it all."
"When you see His Majesty later, regardless of the occasion, speak only the truth. And," the Crown Prince’s lips curled coldly, "tell His Majesty that since he has failed to discipline his son, I will do it for him."
Deshun immediately obeyed.
The princes present, including Prince Chen, were stunned.
At this hour, the Emperor was likely in the study discussing state affairs with his ministers. If Deshun delivered this report now, what would the court officials think?
Sprawled on the ground, the Ninth Prince realized the Crown Prince had sent someone to tattle and even intended to punish him. After a delayed reaction, he kicked his legs wildly and shrieked even louder, his cries piercing the air.
The child’s wails were deafening. Yun Kui covered her ears briefly, then stole a glance at the Crown Prince. From her angle, she could only see the hard line of his tightly pressed lips and the unyielding set of his jaw.
Is His Highness… standing up for me?
Her heart fluttered—until she met the Crown Prince’s cold, disdainful gaze.
This disdain was different from the scorn in the officials’ eyes. It was more like… disappointment in her cowardice, her lack of spine.
Yun Kui pressed her lips together.
Apologies, but all my courage was spent the night I tackled you. There’s none left…
Prince Chen looked at his howling brother and forced a smile. "Elder Brother has every right to discipline the Ninth Prince. But he’s still a child, and Yun Kui wasn’t actually harmed. Could you show leniency and spare him this once?"
He had brought the Ninth Prince here. If anything happened, the Emperor wouldn’t confront the Crown Prince—he’d blame Prince Chen for failing to protect his younger brother.
Yet even as he spoke, a dark thought flickered through Prince Chen’s mind.
"The Crown Prince is cruel and bloodthirsty. If severe punishment leaves the Ninth Prince disabled, or worse, dead... once the court officials are stirred up, those old ministers who support the Crown Prince will surely be utterly disillusioned by this tyrant who harms his own younger brother. As the Emperor's legitimate son, what would stop me from ascending the throne?"
A faint, disdainful smile played on the Crown Prince's lips.
So much for the so-called virtue of a benevolent prince, for brotherly love and harmony.
He gave Qin Ge a meaningful glance.
Qin Ge immediately obeyed, stepping forward to gag the wailing little chubby boy and pin him to the ground. He tried to bind his hands behind his back with rope, but the short, stubby arms couldn’t even reach each other. In the end, Qin Ge simply wrapped the thick rope around the boy’s entire body, tying him up tightly from head to toe.
Gagged and trussed up like a stuffed dumpling, the Ninth Prince could only let out muffled, heart-wrenching sobs as he struggled desperately, tears streaming down his face, his forehead drenched in sweat.
The Sixth Prince and the Seventh Prince winced in sympathy. After all, he was their younger brother, still so young—how could he endure the Crown Prince’s brutal methods?
The Sixth Prince cautiously approached Yun Kui and whispered, "The Ninth Prince has already learned his lesson. Could you plead with the Crown Prince to go easy on him? A light punishment as a warning would suffice."
Yun Kui, who had been thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, blinked in surprise.
Would His Highness really kill the little chubby boy? If so, she’d be branded a wicked seductress, responsible for the death of a prince!
The Emperor might not punish the Crown Prince for it—instead, she’d be the one paying with her life!
Growing uneasy, Yun Kui glanced at the Ninth Prince, who was writhing and rolling on the ground, and couldn’t help but speak up. "Your Highness..."
The Crown Prince shot her a cold look. "Then how would you punish him?"
His question left everyone stunned.
Even Yun Kui was taken aback—was the Crown Prince actually asking for her opinion?
Was he really avenging her, letting her decide the punishment? But who was she to dare pass judgment on a prince? A mere maid of the Crown Prince’s household!
Forcing a smile, she hesitated.
Maybe make the Ninth Prince compensate me for emotional distress? A hundred taels wouldn’t be too little, a thousand wouldn’t be too much. Yue Ge.
No, that’d just be extortion.
After an internal struggle, she finally managed, "This servant wouldn’t dare."
The Crown Prince smirked and said to Qin Ge, "Since the Ninth Prince wants to ride a horse, take him to the back riding grounds for a few laps."
The others exchanged puzzled looks. The Ninth Prince was still so young—his feet couldn’t even reach the stirrups. The Emperor had gifted him a small pony from the Western Regions, barely chest-high, but he couldn’t even climb onto that. What kind of horse was the Crown Prince planning to make him ride? And how?
Qin Ge hoisted the tightly bound little dumpling up effortlessly. With his immense strength—capable of wielding weapons weighing dozens of pounds with ease—a small meatball like this was nothing. Ignoring the boy’s frantic kicking and struggling, he carried him off toward the riding grounds as if he were weightless.
Naturally, the other princes followed to see what would happen.
When the Crown Prince glanced her way, Yun Kui immediately scurried after them.
To the north of the Eastern Palace lay the largest riding grounds in the imperial palace—vast, bordering a lake, its fine sand like snow, covered in lush golden grass. Here, the Crown Prince’s dozen or so prized steeds roamed freely.
Though the older princes had also been drilled in horsemanship and archery under Emperor Chunming’s strict supervision, their bloodline seemed devoid of martial talent. Against noble youths, they might hold their own in a game of polo, but when facing true military officers, they paled in comparison.
Emperor Jingyou, the late emperor, was a formidable warrior who conquered lands far and wide. Even the Crown Prince, though plagued by chronic headaches, was an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Emperor Chunming, well aware of this, did not seek to compete in martial prowess but instead emulated the benevolent rulers of antiquity—bestowing kindness, practicing virtue, and treating scholars with humility.
While Emperor Jingyou favored martial might and conflict, Emperor Chunming promoted civil officials, showered scholars with privileges, and expanded the imperial examination quotas, earning the gratitude of scholars across the realm. Meanwhile, the military officers once favored by Emperor Jingyou were systematically suppressed, both overtly and covertly.
Prince Chen, resembling his father in temperament, had also earned a reputation among the people as a virtuous prince. For him, horsemanship and archery were important—but not essential.
The imperial princes usually practiced riding and archery at another training ground within the imperial city. The equestrian field north of the Eastern Palace, however, was tacitly reserved for the Crown Prince alone. Few dared to ride there, so today’s rare visit left the onlookers wide-eyed with awe, their admiration barely concealed.
Only Prince Chen’s deep-set eyes betrayed a trace of hidden resentment and envy.
Had it not been for the Crown Prince standing in his way, his father would have long consolidated absolute power and ruled the realm unchallenged.
Not just this small riding field—the vast lands, the rivers and mountains of the empire—should one day belong to his father and himself.
The Ninth Prince struggled fiercely, his face flushed red and his neck taut with exertion. The other princes had initially held their breath for him, but if the Crown Prince’s punishment was merely teaching him to ride, it seemed far less brutal than they had imagined.
Then the Crown Prince’s personal guard led out a majestic, powerfully built Ferghana horse, and the crowd collectively gasped.
This Ferghana steed had been a tribute from the Western Regions five years prior—a fierce and untamable warhorse. At the time, the minor kingdom had presented it as a challenge, and not a single general in court had been able to tame it. In the end, it was the Crown Prince who subdued the beast, and afterward, the horse followed him into battle, charging through enemy lines as if they were nothing.
But such a towering, ferocious horse—how could the Ninth Prince, barely five years old, possibly ride it?
The Crown Prince patted the horse’s back, and the Ferghana steed flicked its tail as if understanding him.
Qin Ge lifted the Ninth Prince onto the horse in one swift motion, pinning the boy in front of him before gripping the reins and digging his heels into the horse’s sides. The Ferghana horse shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.
The Ninth Prince, already dizzy and sore from being bound for so long, felt as though his arms were about to snap. His delicate skin, chafed raw by the rough ropes, had turned an angry red. Before he could even react, he was hauled onto the horse.
The galloping steed jolted violently, the biting wind slashing at his face like knives. His plump little body swayed precariously with each stride, and even the cloth gagging his mouth was jolted loose.
The Ninth Prince wailed in terror, his cries tearing through the air, but neither heaven nor earth answered his pleas—the Ferghana horse showed no sign of stopping.
The other princes watched their younger brother with bated breath, their nerves stretched taut.
The Ferghana horse was too wild—even Qin Ge struggled to control it, let alone with the added weight of a child. The Ninth Prince had nothing to hold onto, relying solely on Qin Ge’s grip on the ropes binding him. At any moment, he could be thrown off.
A fall from such a height would either kill him or leave him crippled.
As the Ferghana horse completed its first lap, passing by the other princes, the Ninth Prince’s hoarse sobs scattered in the cold wind. Along with them, dark, foul matter splattered from the horse’s back. The onlookers’ expressions twisted in realization—their little brother had been jostled so badly he had vomited.
Yun Kui found it satisfying but dared not laugh. He could only stand silently behind the Crown Prince, his lips curling in secret amusement.
The Crown Prince stood with his hands behind his back, listening in silence to the unspoken thoughts of his brothers.
"I wonder how long the Crown Prince intends to punish him. If I were the Ninth Prince, my bones would be rattled to pieces by now."
"Please don't fall off..."
"This might be for the best—let him learn a lesson so he won’t dare bully others again."
"That eunuch must have reached the imperial study by now. I wonder how His Majesty will react when he hears of this... Were there any court officials present in the hall?"
"Her smile is so beautiful..."
An abrupt voice suddenly rang out, causing the Crown Prince to furrow his brows and cast a cold glance toward the source of the thought.
The Sixth Prince had been worrying over the Ninth Prince’s plight, but his gaze shifted when he caught the faint, sweet smile on Yun Kui’s lips.
The horse grounds were bitterly cold, everything rigid, withered, and dull—yet she stood apart, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, her snow-like skin dewy and radiant. That smile of hers was like a warm spring breeze melting into one’s heart. Nothing could rival such delicate, tender beauty.
The Crown Prince’s eyes darkened imperceptibly, his usually impassive face now tinged with a hint of icy displeasure.
Yun Kui sensed a sharp gaze fixed upon her and looked up, only to see the Crown Prince’s tall, aloof figure walking away.
Just as she was about to avert her eyes, she noticed the Sixth Prince smiling at her.
"The Sixth Prince seems a bit silly..."
"But he’s quite handsome—he inherited Empress Dowager’s beauty."
She dared not stare too long and turned away, only to meet the Crown Prince’s pitch-black, ominous eyes unexpectedly.
Yun Kui: "..."
The vast horse grounds had fallen silent, the Ninth Prince’s cries no longer audible. Qin Ge finally reined in his horse before the crowd, dismounted, and unceremoniously dropped the trembling, disheveled Ninth Prince onto the ground.
The Seventh Prince, standing closest, caught a whiff of something foul.
Qin Ge knelt and pleaded guilty: "This subordinate has failed in his duty. The Ninth Prince... has a dislocated arm and has fainted."
The princes hurried forward to assess the damage. The Ninth Prince’s hair was in disarray, his face streaked with tears and snot, traces of vomit still clinging to his lips. His fine robes and delicate skin had been scraped raw by the coarse ropes, and his trousers were soaked through. He looked as pitiful as a beggar wandering the streets.
Horror and resignation flickered across the faces of the onlookers.
Prince Chen suppressed his fury, forcing his expression to remain neutral. "Elder Brother, what should we...?"
The Crown Prince replied indifferently, "Untie him."
Then, to Qin Ge, he added, "Since you failed in your duty, go and receive your punishment."
Qin Ge complied without hesitation.
The crowd: "..."
That "punishment" sounded as casual as telling someone to go eat a meal.
In any case, the fault lay with the Ninth Prince. The Crown Prince had merely punished him with two laps on horseback. Even if his arm was dislocated, the Crown Prince had disciplined his own guard—who would dare criticize him?
Having had his fill of the spectacle, the Crown Prince lost interest and turned to return to the palace.
Yun Kui quickly followed.
The other princes had no choice but to order servants to carry the Ninth Prince back.
Amid the chaos, they forgot their original purpose for coming to the Eastern Palace.
But the Crown Prince seemed perfectly fine—energetic enough to personally torment someone. Where was the frail, frequently unconscious man from before?
On the palace path, Yun Kui trailed closely behind the imposing figure.
His expression was dark, clearly displeased. Was he upset that she had been bullied by the Ninth Prince, thus embarrassing him?
Pursing her lips, she stepped on his shadow as she followed, cautiously studying his tense profile. "Thank you for intervening earlier, Your Highness. If you hadn’t arrived in time, this servant might have truly been ridden back to Chengguang Palace by the Ninth Prince. My poor waist wouldn’t have survived..."
Unconsciously guided by her words, the Crown Prince’s gaze drifted to that slender, delicate waist of hers.
In the dark of night, those scorching memories flooded my mind.
The delicate curves were as fair as snow, soft beyond words...
