The morning's classes had not yet concluded.
Gomoku had already taken the imperial school by storm.
The five princes were secretly passing notes to play the game during lessons when Imperial Tutor Xi discovered them, and soon almost all the tutors knew about it.
Unlike the angry Tutor Xi Shiqiu, Imperial Tutor Fang was rather lenient about it.
"A full game of Go from start to finish takes too long. One must study game records and delve into them carefully to appreciate its pleasures. Gomoku is faster-paced and easier to pick up; it's also a choice for exercising the mind."
Tutor Xi: "It is, after all, a trivial pursuit."
Imperial Tutor Fang: "I heard from the Fifth Prince that this was something the Seventh Prince learned from a palace servant back when he was living in Ju'an Hall. One must never underestimate the wisdom of the palace servants sometimes."
Tutor Xi held his forehead with a headache.
"Just yesterday you caught them secretly drinking milk tea during class, and today I caught two princes playing Gomoku. And it just so happens both things originated from the Seventh Prince. This little Highness is truly—"
Imperial Tutor Fang: "Truly clever, isn't he?"
Tutor Xi: "?"
Imperial Tutor Fang had already turned around, looking at the sky outside, stroking his beard, missing his youngest student even more.
At the same time, he was also very puzzled.
That little fellow used to be so passionate about studying, even learning under the desk. Why isn't he coming now?
-
Emperor Chongzhao, not pestered by a child last night, felt entirely at ease.
Especially after finishing reviewing the memorials, he finally had time to delve into new incense recipes and develop new scents.
But relaxed as he was, he felt a slight unease in his heart, as if something was missing.
Just after court today, Emperor Chongzhao asked as he walked back, "Are you sure the Seventh Prince didn't come by while I was in court?"
Eunuch Yu: "You know His Highness the Seventh Prince. He usually wakes up right around the time you're about to finish court."
Emperor Chongzhao: "And he really didn't make a fuss at Changxin Palace last night?"
"I was just about to mention that, Your Majesty. Word came from Changxin Palace. The Seventh Prince didn't sleep at Noble Lady Chu's place at all last night. He slept in the Fifth Prince's bed. It's said the two brothers got along quite well."
"He didn't sleep at Noble Lady Chu's?" Emperor Chongzhao frowned. "That's just him throwing a tantrum. Did he eat his evening meal?"
Eunuch Yu: "He ate with the Fifth Prince."
Emperor Chongzhao: "He certainly never shortchanges himself when it comes to food. Staying with Lao Wu is fine; it can foster brotherly affection. As long as he behaves himself."
A young eunuch ran over from afar. He was from the imperial school. Usually, palace servants from the school came to report which prince was punished by the tutor that day, or which prince didn't pay attention in class.
They were essentially messenger tools for teachers to tattle to the parents.
Emperor Chongzhao even sighed, "I'll guess it's the Eldest Prince again."
He took the note handed by the palace servant and unfolded it.
From the Eldest Prince to the Fifth Prince, not a single one was missing. Their names were all neatly written on the [Today's Punishment List].
Emperor Chongzhao: "?"
After a brief silence, he said, "Have they started a rebellion?"
The palace servant: "The Fifth Prince brought Gomoku to the school. After the other princes learned it, they also started playing in class. The Fourth Prince beat the Sixth Prince, who got angry and bit the Fourth Prince's favorite pillow to shreds. The Fourth Prince then threw the torn pillow in the Sixth Prince's face.
The school was in chaos. After a strict investigation by Tutor Xi, it was discovered that the three elder princes were also playing. Thus, all the princes were punished with the ruler."
Emperor Chongzhao imagined the scene and felt a pang of sympathy for the teaching tutor of the day. "And who did Lao Wu learn it from?"
The palace servant lowered his head. "It was the Seventh Prince."
"...That little rascal," Emperor Chongzhao crumpled the paper into a ball, laughing in exasperation, feeling both surprised and not surprised at all. "He really can't sit still anywhere!"
In just one night, he had led his brothers astray like this.
Aside from the Fourth Prince, who was particularly fond of sleep, the Fifth Prince was the most honest and trouble-free among the princes. Even though the youngest son wasn't by his side, his presence was certainly not diminished in the slightest.
So utterly troublesome.
"What is this Gomoku? Find someone who knows how to play and bring them to the Western Warm Pavilion."
"Summon the Eldest, Second, and Third Princes. The other two younger ones can be excused."
Just how entertaining could it be, to make the princes, one after another, neglect their studies for mere amusement!
-
Noon.
The Fifth Prince returned to Changxin Palace, crestfallen.
Noble Consort Rong had already heard the news and stood in the bedchamber with an angry expression.
The Fifth Prince hid his punished palms behind his back, held onto the doorframe, and entered quietly. "Mother Consort..."
Noble Consort Rong: "You dare to come back. Do you know how big a mistake you've made?"
The Fifth Prince lowered his head. "I shouldn't have taught my brothers Gomoku, leading to all of us getting hit with the ruler. I didn't study properly. I've failed your expectations of me, Mother Consort."
"That's only the first part," Noble Consort Rong said. "When the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince fought, why didn't you help the Sixth Prince fight back?"
The Fifth Prince's eyes widened slightly. "But... it was Sixth Brother who started it. He tore up Fourth Brother's favorite little pillow. Fourth Brother treasures his pillow the most."
"It's just a pillow!"
Noble Consort Rong interrupted impatiently. "Are you closer to the Fourth Prince or the Sixth Prince?"
The Fifth Prince: "But Sixth Brother was the one who did wrong first. Not helping him is the right thing to do."
Noble Consort Rong knelt down, gripping his shoulders tightly. "Good child, remember this. In this world, in this rear palace, only power determines what is right and wrong.
The Fourth Prince's mother is Consort Yi. Her family background is undistinguished, and she has no favor. But the Sixth Prince's mother is Consort Lan... If you don't help him, what if Consort Lan becomes displeased and whispers in His Majesty's ear? What if His Majesty gives you to someone else to raise?
Then, you'll be just like the Seventh Prince, having to choose a mother consort everywhere. You'll never be able to see your mother again."
She said softly, "In this rear palace, no one will treat you better than your own mother. The Seventh Prince has no mother. Look at the life he used to lead?"
Fear appeared in the Fifth Prince's eyes. "I don't want that, I don't. Mother Consort, please don't abandon me."
Noble Consort Rong was satisfied. "So, if the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince fall out, which side will you take?"
The Fifth Prince: "I—"
"Fifth Brother! Fifth Brother, Fifth Brother!" A clear, cheerful voice interrupted the conversation between the mother and son in the room.
Qu Dubian's voice came from outside. "Fifth Brother, come out and play!"
He was standing in the outer chamber. Such conversations between Noble Consort Rong and her son were clearly common, or else the door wouldn't be left open like this.
Qu Dubian sighed inwardly. He had actually been standing outside for a while. Having heard up to this point, he really couldn't help but interrupt. This was just the most crude and straightforward form of emotional manipulation. What kind of life had Fifth Brother been living all along?
No wonder that time in the imperial garden, Fifth Brother was holding a vase in the dead of winter, his hands turning purple from the cold, yet he dared not move, following behind the Sixth Prince like a little servant.
So, he had a birth mother like this.
The conversation inside stopped. After about ten seconds, Noble Consort Rong emerged with the Fifth Prince.
She put on a polite, affectionate smile. "Your Highness the Seventh Prince, do you need something from your brother?"
Qu Dubian: "I'd like to go out and play with Fifth Brother for a while."
Noble Consort Rong smiled and said, "Alright, Little Five, take good care of your younger brother."
Fifth Prince's eyes were still slightly red. Hearing this, he silently bowed towards Noble Consort Rong. "Please rest assured, Mother Consort."
Fifth Prince followed Qu Dubian out, his emotions seemingly not yet recovered, quieter and more withdrawn than usual.
If depicted in a modern comic, one might say the light had gone out from his eyes.
Qu Dubian had someone fetch his puppy cart.
Once outside Changxin Palace, he poked Fifth Prince's arm. "Fifth Brother, come take a ride. The puppy cart is also called the Happy Cart. If you're unhappy, just sit on it and all your troubles will vanish!"
Da Hei (Big Black) stood tall, its form sleek and elegant, its spirit more vigorous than ever. Even its wooden anti-bite muzzle seemed imposing.
Fifth Prince looked up. "Happy Cart?"
In his bewilderment, he was pushed onto the cart by Qu Dubian. Once Fifth Prince was seated, Qu Dubian climbed on too. Standing and holding the railing, he said to Da Hei, "Steady as always today."
Da Hei started trotting slowly. Fifth Prince instinctively grabbed the cart's railing.
Qu Dubian spread his arms, squinting his eyes. "So comfortable!"
This startled Fifth Prince, who quickly grabbed hold of him, his face tense. "Seventh Brother, Seventh Brother! Maybe we should get off! You'll fall like this!"
Qu Dubian shouted, "Da Hei, accelerate!"
Da Hei gradually picked up speed, forcing the palace attendants behind them to break into a jog.
Finally, Fifth Prince let out a yell, "Aaaaaah—!"
Qu Dubian laughed, "Hahaha! We're taking off! Attendant Ye, hurry up! You need to exercise!"
Amidst his younger brother's laughter, Fifth Prince gradually felt there was nothing to fear. His heart began to race, and a corner of the childhood nature suppressed since his birth was finally lifted.
He looked again at his younger brother's beaming, toothy grin and couldn't help but burst into laughter himself. He didn't know what he was laughing at, but he simply felt incredibly happy.
A vague thought surfaced in his mind.
So, it could be this joyful when not by Mother Consort's side.
The puppy cart stopped at the gate of Shunning Palace.
They had been laughing all the way. Getting off the cart, they coughed a few times. Qu Dubian took Fifth Prince's uninjured hand. "Is Fifth Brother happy now?"
Fifth Prince nodded emphatically.
"Happy. But brother, where is this?"
Qu Dubian said mysteriously, "The food here is even better than the Imperial Kitchen's. I'm only bringing you for one meal."
Then he shouted at the gate of Shunning Palace, "Lady Xuan! Big Sister! I'm here again!"
First time strangers, second time acquaintances, third time you eat and take some home, fourth time you just walk in like it's your own place.
Elsewhere.
The incense and two gold ruyi scepters bestowed by Emperor Chongzhao the previous day were delivered to Changxin Palace.
The eunuch delivering the rewards didn't see the intended recipient, so he entrusted the gifts to Noble Lady Chu to keep safe. He also relayed a few words from the Emperor, instructing her to take good care of Seventh Prince and so on.
After the eunuch left, Noble Consort Rong emerged from the eastern side hall, covering the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief as she smiled.
"Earlier, when Seventh Prince came looking for Little Five, I wondered where they went. So he dragged Little Five to Shunning Palace for a meal. My, last night she practically snatched him away, and today he goes right back. I'd say, if there's no mother-son affinity, one shouldn't force it, lest they end up humiliated, right?"
Many in the rear palace were watching Noble Lady Chu, waiting for the Seventh Prince to dislike her so the Emperor would choose someone new.
Noble Consort Rong stared at Noble Lady Chu's calm profile and lowered her voice. "Haven't you heard? His Majesty has started reviewing the list again. He probably also knows that Seventh Prince holds no particular fondness for you."
Noble Lady Chu replied, "There's no need for you to trouble yourself, elder sister. Even if His Majesty changes his choice, for the remaining four days at least, Seventh Prince will still be with me."
She glanced at the items bestowed by the Emperor. Each one, casually given, was extremely precious. The status of Seventh Prince in His Majesty's heart was likely higher than the person behind the scenes who sent her the message had estimated. If so, the possibility of her imprisoned brother being rescued was greater.
Returning to her bedchamber, Noble Lady Chu skipped the midday meal and sat by the window, lost in thought for a long, long time.
The Emperor had only assigned Seventh Prince to stay with her for five days. One day had already passed. If she couldn't make Seventh Prince want to stay in the remaining four days, she would certainly be replaced.
But Seventh Prince hardly spent any time with her. He slept with Fifth Prince and went to Shunning Palace to eat.
What could she possibly do in just four short days?
After much internal struggle, she finally retrieved a small vial of powder from a hidden compartment under her bed.
This was sent to her in the palace by her brother before he was imprisoned.
She told herself repeatedly: this isn't poison, and it's only for a few days. It shouldn't have a major impact.
Noble Lady Chu took a deep breath.
"Make sure Seventh Prince returns from Shunning Palace to have dinner tonight."
