In the blink of an eye, the day of the Little Imperial Grandson’s full-moon celebration arrived. As the Emperor’s first grandchild, the child had been the center of attention since birth, with the palace bestowing countless treasures—jewels, pearls, and silks—in lavish displays of imperial favor.
The Emperor even ordered Imperial Concubine Xu to personally preside over the ceremony at the Crown Prince’s Residence as a mark of special affection. Since the Crown Prince’s passing, the residence had been shrouded in silence and sorrow, but today, the joyous occasion brought rare liveliness to the household.
Prince Kang was occupied with leading the ceremonial rites, surrounded by members of the imperial clan, leaving Zhou Qingyuan and the others with some free time. Lu Chao deliberately chose a secluded corner where the group appeared to be nothing more than refined young gentlemen, exuding an air of effortless grace—though their banter was anything but refined.
Zhou Qingyuan narrowed his eyes and nudged Lu Chao teasingly.
"Chao, you’re quite the spectacle these days! Anyone with eyes can’t help but glance your way."
Lu Chao raised an eyebrow and countered with a composed smirk.
"Can’t be helped. With one of you dark as charcoal and the other scruffy as a stray dog, I’m practically glowing by comparison."
Zhou Qingyuan immediately scoffed and patted his own face indignantly.
"Hey, what do you know? This is called masculine charm! A little tan never hurt anyone—it’s the essence of rugged handsomeness!"
Chen Ning’an chimed in, stroking his slightly unkempt stubble with mock solemnity.
"Exactly. A bit of scruff adds character and wisdom."
Zhou Qingyuan and Chen Ning’an, now serving under Prince Kang, had matured in their duties, commanding subordinates and shedding their earlier boisterous tendencies. Only among close friends did they allow themselves this playful looseness.
In the rear courtyard, Lady Lu chatted amiably with the other noblewomen, while Xiao Zheng, ignoring the curious glances, sat quietly beside her sipping tea. Her gaze swept over the nimble-footed maidservants as she mentally mapped the Crown Prince’s Residence—memorizing the layout of corridors, gate positions, and even the arrangement of every flower and shrub.
As the auspicious hour approached, the Crown Prince’s concubine emerged, cradling the Little Imperial Grandson.
Xiao Zheng’s eyes sharpened as she studied the rumored concubine. Last time, under the cover of night and distracted by thoughts of Lu Chao, she hadn’t paid much attention. Now, she saw a slender woman with a gentle, dignified smile gracing her lips.
Perhaps roused from sleep, the Little Imperial Grandson squirmed and let out a loud wail.
"Oh dear, the little one’s just woken up," Imperial Concubine Xu cooed, taking the swaddled infant into her arms to soothe him.
The guests showered the baby with flattery.
"Such a robust cry! He’ll surely grow into a man of great stature!"
"The Little Imperial Grandson is blessed with fortune—destined for greatness!"
As the crowd around the concubine thinned, Lady Lu stepped forward gracefully.
"This humble subject, Lady Lu, pays respects to Your Highness. Congratulations on the birth of your precious son. May he be blessed with endless fortune and a life free of hardship."
The concubine looked up, a flicker of recognition crossing her eyes before she smiled.
"Lady Lu, there’s no need for such formality. Your presence today brings me great joy."
"Your Highness is too kind. Beyond celebrating this joyous occasion, I wished to express my deepest gratitude. My son owes his life to your intervention. This kindness is one I shall never forget."
The concubine’s expression softened with understanding.
"Ah, so you are Lady Lu. That night was but a small act. How is your son faring now?"
Lady Lu nodded.
"Thanks to Your Highness’s grace, he has recovered. Upon hearing of today’s celebration, he insisted on coming to thank you personally. He should be in the front courtyard now."
The concubine’s gaze shifted to Xiao Zheng, who stood half a step behind Lady Lu.
"And this must be General Xiao. Your reputation for valor precedes you. Forgive my lack of hospitality—I’ve been confined to the residence for so long."
Xiao Zheng bowed respectfully.
"You honor me, Your Highness."
Just then, the crackle of firecrackers from the front courtyard interrupted them.
Imperial Concubine Xu carried the Little Imperial Grandson to the front, her face radiant as she handed the child to Prince Kang.
Prince Kang accepted the infant, his usual composure giving way to visible unease. Though a figure of authority, this was his first time holding a baby, and his movements were stiff.
The Little Imperial Grandson, sensing discomfort, writhed and let out a piercing cry, his face flushing red as if to drown out the festive atmosphere.
Prince Kang panicked, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
The guests stifled laughter or feigned concern, yet none dared intervene.
Imperial Concubine Xu watched with mild exasperation but refrained from undermining Prince Kang’s dignity, offering only a gentle reminder.
"Your Highness, support his head a little more gently…"
Lady Lu frowned slightly, her experienced ears detecting something amiss in the baby’s cries—less a tantrum, more a cry of distress.
Xiao Zheng scanned the crowd. While all eyes were on the fussing infant, she noticed the concubine’s attendants fixated on Prince Kang’s collar.
Lu Chao, about to jest with Zhou Qingyuan about Prince Kang’s awkward hold, suddenly caught a glint of light reflecting off the prince’s collar. Alarm bells rang in his mind.
As if sharing a thought, his eyes met Xiao Zheng’s across the crowd. She gave a subtle nod.
"Ah—!"
A commotion erupted as the seventy-year-old Lord Lin’an slipped and crashed into a nearby official. His hefty frame sent shockwaves through the crowd, drawing gasps and chaos.
"Are you alright, my lord?"
Amid the distraction, Lu Chao swiftly approached Prince Kang, his tone light.
"Your Highness, I’ve often cared for my younger sister. May I suggest adjusting your hold? The Little Imperial Grandson might settle better."
As he spoke, Lu Chao deftly guided Prince Kang’s arms—while his right hand brushed the collar, retrieving a slender silver needle hidden within. The cold glint confirmed his suspicion. Concealing it in his sleeve in one fluid motion, he stepped back, the act unnoticed by all.
Prince Kang looked up at Lu Chao upon hearing this and was about to speak when he felt Lu Chao's hand brush discreetly past his chest under the cover of his wide sleeve. A sudden tension gripped his heart as he realized something was amiss, yet his expression remained unreadable, betraying nothing but a slight nod.
Sure enough, the Little Imperial Grandson's cries gradually softened, as if soothed by some unseen comfort. The two men exchanged a knowing glance before Lu Chao quietly withdrew from the scene.
