As soon as Yintang made this outburst, the guests' gazes toward Yinti immediately turned somewhat odd.
Everyone knew that the Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince had long been at odds. Back when Mingzhu was at the height of his influence, his clashes with Suo Etu had been fierce, nearly engulfing the entire court. Officials lived in constant fear, unable to sleep peacefully. Yet who could have predicted that Mingzhu would suddenly fall from grace? Before the New Year, both the Eldest Prince and Consort Hui had incurred the Emperor’s wrath—one was confined to reflect on his mistakes, while the other was sent to pray in the Buddhist hall. With such harsh criticism, the Eldest Prince’s hopes for advancement were dashed unless he resorted to desperate measures.
The sudden turn of events left many officials who had bet on him empty-handed. It was said that some elderly ministers, frail and white-haired, had fainted upon hearing the news, becoming the laughingstock of the court.
As the Eldest Prince gradually faded into obscurity, spring arrived, and all things revived. The Emperor eventually pardoned his confinement. But now, on the Crown Prince’s wedding day, coaxing the seven-year-old Ninth Prince to drink—how could he stoop so low?
After all, these were imperial princes—who would dare openly criticize them? Yet the subtle disapproval in their eyes gathered like streams, converging like a spotlight on Yinti at the banquet.
Yinti was instantly exasperated.
Gritting his teeth, he found himself at a loss for words. His Ninth Brother seemed born to oppose him. A sour feeling rose in his chest—just what charm did the Second Prince possess to earn such fierce loyalty from their younger siblings?
Sourness and jealousy aside, there was little else he could do. Resenting the Crown Prince had become a habit. His ambitions for the throne were utterly crushed, along with his once-arrogant spirit. Looking back calmly now, hadn’t he squandered the Emperor’s favor and indulgence?
After studying the Emperor’s teachings, Yinti had an epiphany. Swallowing his pride, he sincerely reconciled with the Eldest Princess Consort. When she returned from Cining Palace after her confinement, she sighed deeply at the sight of him, her icy heart thawing slightly.
She patiently explained the lessons she had learned: if the Crown Prince were toppled, what good would come to him, the whetstone used to sharpen the blade?
Yinti finally understood. Sitting in silence with reddened eyes, he felt a hollow ache in his chest, yet it was as if a heavy burden had lifted, leaving clarity in its wake.
From then on, he let go of half his worries. The other half remained tied to Concubine Hui, still praying in the Buddhist hall, and the officials who had staked their fortunes on him—a dilemma he agonized over but couldn’t resolve.
His mother had given him life and raised him. If he could dispel her stubbornness and bring her out of the Buddhist hall, that would be ideal. If not, he would fulfill his filial duties and leave it at that. As for Yunxin’s death in childbirth, he still hadn’t made peace with it.
Ah, such troubles.
Meanwhile, the Second Prince was basking in glory, marrying not just a bride but a fortune. Just look at the endless dowry list—how many treasures had the Emperor and the Empress Dowager added? And Noble Consort Yi’s contributions—why hadn’t she saved them for the Fifth Brother or Ninth Brother?
Yinti couldn’t fathom Noble Consort Yi’s thoughts. Then it struck him—no wonder Yintang was so adept at making trouble for him. Like mother, like son!
The Eldest Prince was the most wronged man alive, but no one else saw it that way.
Yintang was undeniably charming. His features resembled Xiuxiu’s, perfectly arranged into a pleasing face—fair-skinned, rosy-lipped, with large, lively eyes that hinted at future handsomeness. No wonder the banquet guests doted on him; none of their own grandsons could compare.
Glancing behind him, the Tenth Prince, who was always by his side, didn’t have eyes quite as striking.
The Eleventh Prince was rarely seen, as Noble Consort Yi kept him well-protected. Rumor had it he was serving as the bed-warming child in the bridal chamber.
Whenever the Emperor mentioned the Eleventh Prince in casual conversation, his face would soften with affection, claiming Yinzi was just as handsome as his older brothers and would surely captivate noble ladies in the future. The ministers privately scoffed—how could any imperial prince’s mother be unattractive? The Emperor wouldn’t have spared a second glance otherwise.
Though Concubine Hui wasn’t famed for her beauty, the Eldest Prince was undeniably dashing, with looks beyond reproach.
Handsome he might be, but his character...
The large red flower on Yintang’s waist swayed dizzyingly, making Yinti’s breath hitch. The guests’ sidelong glances, the Third and Fourth Princes stifling laughter—Yinti took a gulp of wine and said in a conciliatory tone, "Little Ninth, as your elder brother, I’ve always treated you well. Have I ever wronged you?"
He cupped his hands in apology. "I beg your forgiveness. Be magnanimous and spare me, won’t you?"
The Tenth Prince, Yin'e, was stunned, then dismayed—had the Eldest Prince just surrendered?
Yintang smiled sweetly. "Easy, easy."
Then, turning to the faintly amused Fourth Prince Yinzhen, he took a step back and declared with earnest sincerity, "Fourth Brother’s riding and archery lag far behind his studies. A true hero excels in both! I beg the Eldest Prince to teach him properly!"
Yinzhen stiffened. "..."
The Eldest Prince hesitated, studying his younger brother’s icy expression. "This..."
Gritting his teeth, he relented. "Deal."
Yinzhen: "..."
Yin'e was horrified, his legs nearly giving way. Gulping, he cautiously retreated. "Haha, Fourth Brother, Ninth Brother clearly cares for you."
Such mundane chatter. The Third Prince, Yin Zhi, glanced around, recalling Consort Rong’s advice but unsure how to join the conversation. Nearby, Prince Rong and the Seventh and Eighth Princes were enthusiastically discussing the future Second Princess Consort. Yin Zhi disliked gossip and idle talk. Slowly, his fingers curled, his smile turning strained.
It was as if he alone stood apart.
Earlier, Yintang’s loud plea and Yinti’s equally loud response had made the riding lessons public knowledge. The guests’ prejudices melted away, replaced by admiration—who knew the imperial brothers interacted so affectionately, without barriers? Such heartwarming fraternal bonds!
The most deeply moved was Kangxi himself.
With the gates of Yuqing Palace wide open today, the Emperor, uneasy about potential risks, had dispatched imperial guards for security. En route, reports of the princes’ antics reached him, colored by the messenger’s sentimental interpretation, oblivious to the undercurrents beneath the brotherly facade.
Kangxi remarked to Liang Jiugong, "Yintang has grown more sensible now."
Then, regret crept in. "Every child has their mischievous phase. When he sneaked a peek at the imperial teachings, I shouldn’t have punished him with the ruler." After all, he was Xiuxiu’s precious treasure, born of her hardship.
Liang Jiugong’s hair stood on end. Anticipating the Emperor’s unspoken thoughts, he hastily agreed, "Indeed, indeed."
Having heard such remarks countless times, he was numb to them now, no longer yearning for companionship. After so much teeth-gnashing, he feared nothing, confident he’d still be gnawing pork trotters at seventy.
I think I’m hungry.
Your Majesty, Lady Yi is right behind you. If you step down and walk, it’s just a few paces...
The Yuqing Palace had long prepared the main courtyard for the future Crown Princess. Once the bridal sedan entered the palace and the heavens and earth were worshipped, the bride would be welcomed into the meticulously arranged wedding chamber.
The room was a sea of vibrant red, with the bed covered in auspicious fruits, leaving no space to sit. The Eleventh Prince, Yinzi, pondered for a moment while holding a small wooden stool before finally setting it aside and leaning against the bed instead. His chubby little hand reached for a golden longan.
He was feeling a bit hungry.
With a small smile, he thought that once he cleared a corner of the bed, he could sit comfortably.
Outside, the Wedding Maid was still welcoming the bridal procession, leaving only Yinzi and his "guard squad" in the wedding chamber. Seeing this, the Wet Nurse gasped in alarm, and the attending Maids hurriedly cautioned, "Your Highness, the Eleventh Prince, you mustn’t eat those! If you bite into them, the Crown Prince and his consort may not have a harmonious future!"
Yinzi obediently nodded, carefully placing the longan back where it belonged.
"Nor those on the table either," they added.
The attendants all nodded in agreement.
Just then, a loud growl came from his stomach. Yinzi’s cheeks flushed pink as he whispered, "I'm hungry."
"This servant is at fault! I’ll fetch some pastries from the kitchen right away," the youngest Maid said, her heart aching for him. "Please wait just a little longer, Your Highness."
"One person alone won’t bring enough to fill his stomach. This old servant will go too. I once served in the Yuqing Palace and know the way well," said the elder Nanny Yue before turning to the remaining Wet Nurse, Nanny Chen. "You must stay by the Prince’s side without leaving for even a moment."
Though she said this, Nanny Yue was actually quite at ease. Today was a special occasion, and the main courtyard was heavily guarded. A single shout would summon armed guards in an instant—something Yinzi was well aware of.
They hurried off, leaving the Eleventh Prince to rub his belly and slowly settle onto the small stool, resting his chin in his hands as he daydreamed.
"One sheep, two sheep, three sheep..." By the time he reached one hundred, Yinzi gave up counting.
He turned pleading eyes to Nanny Chen. "Nanny, when will Second Brother and his bride arrive? My snacks haven’t come either." Then, pointing at the door, he blinked. "Could you go check for me?"
Few could resist such a sweet plea. Nanny Chen initially shook her head but eventually relented after his repeated requests. Hesitating briefly, she finally agreed. "This servant will only step outside for a quick look and return right away. Your Highness need not worry."
Once outside the wedding chamber, she glanced around before carefully closing the door and walking away cautiously.
Moments later, a knock sounded. A gentle, respectful woman’s voice spoke. "Your Highness, the Eleventh Prince, this servant is Chunlin, an attendant of the main courtyard. Noble Consort Yi has sent word—if you grow too restless or uncomfortable, you may accompany this servant to the Princes’ Quarters. Her Ladyship is waiting for you there."
She spoke unhurriedly, her eyelids lowered as if confident in her plan.
With a creak, the door cracked open slightly. Chunlin suppressed her excitement and slowly lowered her gaze to see a fair-skinned, rosy-lipped little boy standing not far away, studying her with innocent curiosity.
He was adorable—undoubtedly Noble Consort Yi’s Eleventh Prince.
"Is Mother really in my courtyard at the Princes’ Quarters?" Yinzi asked, blinking.
Chunlin bowed deferentially and smiled. "Her Ladyship misses you dearly. Please follow this servant."
Yinzi hesitated, unmoving. Just then, the sharp crack of ceremonial whips echoed through the air, followed by a solemn announcement that pierced the silence: "His Majesty the Emperor arrives! Noble Consort Wen arrives! Noble Consort Yi arrives!"
Chunlin: "..."
Yinzi: "..."
The front courtyard erupted in noise while the main courtyard fell utterly still.
Yinzi touched the embroidered pouch at his waist and looked up with a pout. "Elder Sister, you lied to me."
The moment his soft, childish voice faded, Chunlin’s respectful expression twisted into something vicious. Her hands shot out like claws, aiming straight for Yinzi’s throat—
If the Eleventh Prince cried out, she would be dead.
The moment the gust of wind reached his neck, Yinzi raised his small hand and flicked it lightly. A cloud of powder burst into the air, landing squarely on Chunlin’s delicate face.
A searing pain shot through her eyes, followed by warm blood streaming down her cheeks. She let out a bloodcurdling scream before collapsing to the ground with a thud.
