Under the Empress Dowager’s few words, Qi Yuyao’s little secret was completely exposed.
“So, you’ve fallen in love at first sight with Crown Prince Wei.” The soul of Prince Chen, who was following Qi Yuyao, expressed surprise and then chuckled, leaning in close to Qi Heng. “Look, Yuyao even shares this trait with us. Remember how we felt about the Qin family back then—”
Qi Heng gave him a glance, only thinking to himself, ‘Who’s like you?’
“Heng’er, what do you think of Crown Prince Wei’s character?” The Empress Dowager looked at Qi Heng.
Qi Heng glanced at the Empress Dowager and Qi Yuyao, appearing to contemplate for a moment. “Although Crown Prince Wei is a bit naive and easily fooled, he has a pure heart, treats people sincerely, and has a gentle temperament. If he’s a match for Yuyao, it seems fitting.”
“It’s clear that Heng’er, you have a high opinion of him,” the Empress Dowager said with a knowing smile. Qi Yuyao had become so shy that she hung her head. Suddenly, she remembered the scene when she first saw that young man with the grace of an orchid and jade tree turning to look at her. This memory made her blush from her ears down to her neck.
“Since Yuyao likes him, Heng’er, find an opportunity to ask Crown Prince Wei what kind of girl he likes,” the Empress Dowager continued.
“I asked him about it yesterday,” Qi Heng replied with a brief look. “But, in my opinion, whether they are suitable for each other or not, we will only know once they spend some time together.”
“True, it’s a reasonable approach. But, you know, with the difference between men and women, if this were to spread, it might invite some ridicule.”
“It was just a visit to see my elder brother practicing swordplay, a chance encounter, nothing more,” Qi Heng said in a calm tone.
The Empress Dowager suddenly realized, then looked puzzled. “Speaking of which, why has Shao’er started learning swordplay again?”
“He likes it, Mother. As you know, he’s always changing his interests from one day to the next,” Qi Heng answered, his expression unwavering. There was no hint that Qi Shao was being forced to practice swordplay by him.
The Empress Dowager looked kindly at Qi Yuyao. “Yuyao, why don’t you go outside for some fresh air? I’d like to have a word with your father.”
Qi Yuyao immediately stood up, performed a polite bow, and excused herself. The court ladies and eunuchs followed suit, bowing and withdrawing from the room.
With everyone withdrawn, the smile on the Empress Dowager’s face gradually turned serious. “Heng’er, as the current Emperor…I shouldn’t be the one discussing these matters.”
“Please go on,” Qi Heng said, setting down his teacup.
“In that case, I’ll be straightforward,” the Empress Dowager’s expression grew solemn. “How do you intend to arrange your relationship with your royal nephews? Now that you are the new Emperor, addressing them as ‘Imperial Princes’ may no longer be appropriate.”
“I plan to wait until they come of age and then grant them titles accordingly,” Qi Heng calmly responded. “As for the princesses, we can arrange something when they reach the right age.”
The Empress Dowager’s expression softened slightly. “Very well. Let’s put aside the other princes for now, but Qi Shao is now an adult prince, Your Majesty…”
“Qi Shao, I have different plans for him,” Qi Heng stood up, “Yuyao doesn’t have a mother, and there are certain matters that require your assistance, Mother.”
The Empress Dowager was momentarily surprised but then seemed to grasp the situation. She said with a hint of amazement, “So, Your Majesty has great expectations for him…”
Those words weren’t meant to be spoken, so she stopped herself and replaced it with a loving expression. “Your Majesty, you don’t need to worry. Yuyao is my own granddaughter, and I will certainly make arrangements for her.”
…
Qi Shao had a great time playing outside the palace with Wei Chao, but once he returned to the palace, he felt utterly baffled.
“Your Highness,” it was the same two familiar martial artists, their tone very friendly, and their expressions quite gentle, but their words weren’t as pleasant.
“The Emperor said that before tonight’s meal, you must move these bricks to the side chamber.”
Qi Shao gazed at the two towering piles of bricks, higher than most people, with a dazed expression. He knew that Qi Heng, his ruthless and cunning uncle, wouldn’t let him off so easily.
“Did Uncle Emperor mention what will happen if I can’t move them all?”
“The Emperor said, as soon as you finish moving them, you can have dinner,” the martial artist replied respectfully. “If you can’t move them, then you’ll have to go without dinner.”
Qi Shao unconsciously rubbed his stomach and raised an eyebrow. “In that case, I won’t move them, and I won’t eat.”
Luckily, he had been clever enough to eat something at the Four Seasons Restaurant with Wei Chao before returning to the palace.
Qi Shao felt secretly triumphant; Qi Heng surely hadn’t anticipated this!
“I advise His Highness not to disobey the Emperor’s orders,” the martial artist advised respectfully. “The side chamber isn’t far, and the round trip will only take about two-quarters of an hour.”
“I’ve made up my mind; there’s no need to persuade me,” Qi Shao waved his hand dismissively and returned to his sleeping chambers, where he promptly went to sleep.
The martial artist didn’t try to stop him, but there was a hint of sympathy in his gaze.
Qi Shao slept soundly, and the next morning, he was once again taken by the martial artist to practice swordplay. However, as he was being led to the Imperial Garden, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled when he saw the two individuals who were already waiting there.
“Yuyao, both of you, did you plan to come and watch me make a fool of myself today?”
Qi Yuyao’s face turned slightly red as she glanced at Wei Chao, but he didn’t seem to notice. He approached Qi Shao with a sword in hand.
“Qi Shao, what nonsense are you talking about? His Majesty is busy, so I suggested to him that I supervise your sword practice,” Wei Chao said.
Qi Shao thought Wei Chao was being naive. Who takes on extra responsibilities willingly? But since Wei Chao was here to supervise him, maybe he could get away with a few things.
The more Qi Shao thought about it, the more he found the idea feasible. He stealthily pulled Wei Chao aside and looked back with a guilty expression. Seeing Qi Yuyao watching him, he said, “Yuyao, my sister, I and the Crown Prince need to discuss something over there. You’re a delicate young lady, find a place to sit. After all, Wei Chao and I are just two grown men; we wouldn’t understand the topics you girls talk about.”
Qi Yuyao tightly clutched her handkerchief, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She turned and walked to a nearby pavilion.
“Why did you bring me here to say this?” Wei Chao glanced at the two martial artists who were still standing in their original spot. “It’s a bit far from them; they shouldn’t be able to hear.”
Qi Shao hooked his arm around Wei Chao’s neck and gestured for him to lower his head. “Wei, we’ve known each other for a long time, and our bond is deep. We’re practically like brothers, right?”
Wei Chao nodded. He genuinely considered Qi Shao a brother, even though their connection began with Emperor Jin’s intervention. Qi Shao had willingly used a precious detoxification pill to save him, which was a gesture he deeply appreciated.
Seeing Wei Chao’s agreement, Qi Shao became even happier. “So, as good brothers, can’t we help each other out?”
“Of course,” Wei Chao readily agreed, then furrowed his brows. “Qi Shao, have you encountered any difficulties? Is it something even His Majesty can’t resolve for you?”
Qi Shao thought that all his difficulties were brought by Qi Heng. If not for his oppressive influence, he wouldn’t have had such a miserable life as a prince, almost reduced to bricklaying.
“We’re discussing whether you’ll help or not!” Qi Shao said.
“As long as it’s not something heinous or against my principles, I’ll help you in every case,” Wei Chao affirmed.
“No, no, it’s nothing so serious,” Qi Shao’s smile brightened. “Just a small matter. When I’m practicing swordplay later, you can just go easy on me.”
“Go easy?” Wei Chao frowned, and Qi Shao thought he didn’t understand, so he explained, “Going easy means when the martial instructor asks me to make ten sword strikes, I’ll make it to the fifth, no, the seventh strike, and then you say that’s enough.”
Qi Shao looked at Wei Chao. “You understood what I mean, right?”
“I get it. You want to slack off and have me cover for you, right?” Wei Chao nodded.
Qi Shao nodded eagerly. “Exactly, that’s the idea!”
But Wei Chao, looking at Qi Shao’s radiant smile, shook his head slowly. “I can’t help you with this favor.”
“I knew you would…” Qi Shao’s smile froze as he looked at Wei Chao in disbelief. “What did you say?”
Wei Chao looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with this favor.”
“Why?” Qi Shao was shocked. “You said as long as it’s not something heinous or against your principles, you’d help me.”
“Letting you go easy on something isn’t heinous,” Wei Chao slowly spoke. “But there’s a follow-up: it can’t violate my principles.”
Qi Shao clenched his teeth. “Where does it violate your principles?”
“Your uncle’s words are my principles,” Wei Chao paused, feeling that his words were ambiguous, and he added, “Emperor Jin has entrusted me with important responsibilities, and I can’t let him down.”
Qi Shao was stunned, and it was a heartbreaking revelation. “We’ve known each other for so long, and we used to be together day and night. In your heart, is my uncle’s orders more important than me?”
“Of course not,” Wei Chao shook his head. Qi Shao thought there might be hope, but then Wei Chao continued, “How can you compare yourself to the Emperor? You’re my friend, while the Emperor…”
He was his savior.
“This is terrible, this is terrible,” Qi Shao looked utterly despairing. “If he finds out that I’ve brought you to your senses, he’ll know that we’ve repaid him with a foolish Crown Prince.”
“Qi Shao,” Wei Chao looked at him disapprovingly. “You need to have some confidence in yourself. I don’t think you’re foolish at all; you’re just lazy.”
“It’s getting late; you should start your sword practice now, or else the court will adjourn soon.”
Knowing he couldn’t escape, Qi Shao reluctantly returned to the martial artist. “Give me the sword.”
…
The Hall of Diligent Governance.
The road construction was settled, and the Ministry of Works gained significant recognition. When Yao Ru returned to the group, the joy on his face couldn’t fade.
Qi Heng glanced at the assembly. “Apart from the road construction and the establishment of the academy, I also plan to build the ‘Myriad People’s Village.'”
“Your Majesty,” Prime Minister Shao Guang took a step forward, “please forgive my ignorance, but what is the ‘Myriad People’s Village’?”
“It’s a place for refugees to live,” Qi Heng calmly stated, “and I intend to build such places across the entire country.”
“But wouldn’t the budget…” Prime Minister Shao Guang was greatly surprised and quickly bowed, “The natural disasters have just passed, the borders have only recently calmed down. At this time, we need rest and recovery; it is not advisable to burden the people and deplete the treasury. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”
“After the last natural disaster, the number of refugees increased significantly. Prime Minister, do you know how many refugees we have in Jin now?” Qi Heng’s eyes were dark, and he asked Shao Guang.
“Well…” Prime Minister Shao Guang immediately knelt down. “Your humble servant is ashamed, and I cannot estimate it.”
“Prime Minister, if you have the time, you can visit outside the city more,” Qi Heng added calmly, “The construction of the ‘Myriad People’s Village’ is imperative, and the road construction, the academy, and other projects require a large labor force, and these refugees are readily available manpower.”
“Pressing labor may arouse resentment among the people,” Minister Liu, the Minister of Rites, also frowned in disagreement.
“Of course, it’s not forced labor,” Qi Heng’s tone was indifferent, “The ‘Myriad People’s Village’ isn’t just for them to live in for free; if they want to live there, they naturally have to work for me.”
“But there will always be those who are unwilling…”
“If they are unwilling to work and support themselves, then they are naturally not qualified to live in the ‘Myriad People’s Village.'”
Prime Minister Shao Guang suddenly realized, “So, Your Majesty, you don’t intend for them to live there for free.”
Upon reflection, he felt that His Majesty’s ‘Myriad People’s Village’ was truly beneficial in every way. It not only demonstrated the court’s protection for the people but also provided them with employment opportunities. Moreover, participation was voluntary, and it wouldn’t stir up resentment against the government.
“Your Majesty’s compassion and benevolence are the blessings of the myriad people and the fortune of the state,” Prime Minister Shao Guang’s voice was excited, and he prostrated himself. Seeing this, the other ministers also knelt and praised His Majesty’s wisdom.
Qi Heng nodded. “Regarding the supervision of the construction of the ‘Myriad People’s Village—'”
“If Your Majesty doesn’t mind my old age and frailty, I’m willing to assist in the construction of the ‘Myriad People’s Village,'” Prime Minister Shao Guang eagerly exclaimed.
Qi Heng nodded. “In that case, I’ll leave this matter to Prime Minister Shao.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your graciousness,” Prime Minister Shao Guang appeared as if he were filled with excitement.
“Well, one last thing,” Qi Heng smiled slightly. “You, my dear ministers, have worked hard for a year. Starting from tomorrow, you’ll have seven days of rest.”
This unexpected addition of four days off brought joy to everyone, and they quickly expressed their gratitude.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Qi Heng half-closed his eyes, and Lin Dahai, who was standing nearby, took a step forward. “The court is dismissed.”
The assembled officials swiftly adjusted their robes and formed a neat line before kneeling and saying, “We respectfully take our leave.”
…
“…Ninety-seven…ninety-eight…” Qi Shao felt like he had been worked to the bone, gritting his teeth as he swung the sword again. “Ninety-nine…”
“…One hundred.”
Qi Shao was exhausted and collapsed on the ground, his sword lying beside him. “Is that enough now?”
Wei Chao looked at the two martial instructors, and they nodded seriously. “The Crown Prince can rest now.”
“Brother, you should get up quickly,” Qi Yuyao held her handkerchief, “The ground is cold, and you’ve sweated a lot. This can easily make you sick.”
“Phew…” Qi Shao took a deep breath. “I’m starving, I don’t have the energy.”
“You haven’t had your morning meal yet, Brother?” Qi Yuyao was surprised. “In that case, you should get up and have a meal.”
Wei Chao stepped forward, taking Qi Shao’s arm to help him up.
“It just so happens that I haven’t eaten yet,” Wei Chao said.
Qi Shao turned away. “Now you’re trying to please me? It’s too late! I’m still angry!”
“Your Highness!” the two martial instructors spoke with serious expressions. “His Majesty ordered yesterday that the Crown Prince can’t eat now.”
Qi Shao widened his eyes. “Why? He only said not to have the evening meal!”
“His Majesty’s intention is that when the Crown Prince finishes, he can then have his evening meal,” the martial instructor corrected. “Since the Crown Prince hasn’t completed his training yet, the evening meal has been continually postponed.”
“But it’s already the second morning!” Qi Shao emphasized.
“This is His Majesty’s command,” the two martial instructors bowed and offered their apologies. “Please pardon us, Crown Prince.”
“I… *%$#!” Qi Shao’s profanity was muffled by Wei Chao’s hand, and he whimpered a few times. But Wei Chao, being trained in martial arts, had the upper hand.
“I’ll talk to the Crown Prince.” Wei Chao looked at the two martial instructors, who understood and stepped aside.
Once the two martial instructors left, Wei Chao released his hand covering Qi Shao’s mouth. By now, Qi Shao had also calmed down and understood that Wei Chao had helped him.
Even though he was a prince, he couldn’t freely insult the ruler of the country. If Wei Chao hadn’t stopped him earlier, he might have committed a grave offense.
Qi Shao wanted to thank Wei Chao, but he had just made a fierce remark that he was angry and didn’t want to speak with him. Now that Wei Chao had helped him, he found it a bit hard to swallow his pride.
“Qi Shao, what does His Majesty want you to do? You haven’t finished,” Wei Chao asked.
Qi Shao remained silent for a moment and replied with a hint of reluctance, “He wanted me to move bricks. I’m a prince; how can I do that kind of work?”
“Move bricks?” Wei Chao was surprised, and Qi Shao thought he didn’t believe him. He grabbed Wei Chao’s wrist and said, “Come with me; I’ll show you.”
Qi Shao marched angrily, pulling Wei Chao along, and Qi Yuyao had to scurry to keep up.
“See, it’s these bricks,” they stopped at the door, and Qishao angrily pointed at the bricks in front of them. “He ordered me to move all these bricks to the side hall. It’s clearly because of what I said at the Ministry of Works that made him angry. He’s holding a grudge and retaliating against me.”
“How far is the side hall?” Wei Chao asked.
Qi Shao paused for a moment and answered, “About two-quarters of an hour’s walk from here.”
“Two-quarters of an hour,” Wei Chao mused. “His Majesty didn’t specify that you have to do it alone. I’ll help you.”
“What? Are you out of your mind?” Qi Shao couldn’t believe it. “Don’t you find his behavior extremely cold and rude, not to mention disrespectful?”
“Though I don’t understand His Majesty’s intentions, it’s certainly for your good,” Wei Chao lowered his voice and held Qi Shao’s arm. “Besides, your idea that His Majesty wants to retaliate against you is baseless. If he wanted to harm you, he could have simply issued a decree.”
Qi Shao fell silent. He understood this reasoning well. If not for Qi Heng’s deliberate leniency, he might have met a far worse fate by now.
It’s just his personality is like this; once he knows that he’s perceived differently by others, he can’t resist trying to test their limits and draw attention.
Qi Shao pushed away Wei Chao’s fingers. “All of you, go outside.”
“What are you going to do?” Wei Chao looked puzzled. Qi Shao, now irritated, said, “I have to carry bricks, and if you guys see it, what’s left of my dignity?”
Wei Chao chuckled. “No, I’ll help you carry them. That way, you won’t lose face.”
“I… can I help Big Brother too?” Qi Yuyao plucked up the courage to speak softly.
“You?” Qi Shao glanced at her, then vigorously shook his head. “No, how can a delicate girl like you do this heavy work? If you don’t want to leave, just stand there. Big Brother can handle it himself.”
“Big Brother is right. The princess is delicate. You should rest,” Wei Chao said gently, looking at Princess Qi Yuyao as if she were a younger sister. She was beautiful, kind, and full of virtue, truly the Emperor’s own daughter.
Qi Yuyao blushed slightly. “Then, I’ll go and have the palace servants prepare some tea. That way, if you get thirsty, you can quench your thirst.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Wei Chao replied warmly.
Qi Yuyao quietly acknowledged and then hurriedly left.
Qi Shao started, “Hey, I mean, how did your speech suddenly become so…”
He shivered, then patted Wei Chao’s shoulder, “Could it be that you’ve taken a liking to…”
As he spoke, he patted Wei Chao’s shoulder, but when he saw Wei Chao’s face, which looked so gentle and parental, he suddenly fell silent.
“With that expression on your face, do you think that my uncle’s daughter is like your own daughter?”
Wei Chao shook his head, “Of course not.”
He wasn’t about to have children at two or three years.
…
After finishing the memorials, Qi Heng wiped his hands with a cloth. Lin Dahai had just brought in a basin of water. “Your Majesty, you didn’t have breakfast this morning. Would you like some snacks?”
Qi Heng shook his head, “No need. How is Qi Shao doing?”
“According to the palace maids’ report, the Crown Prince and Princess Yuyao get along quite well,” Lin Dahai whispered, “Just a moment ago, I saw the three of them sitting together for a meal. Although the princess didn’t eat much.”
Qi Heng put down the cloth and chuckled, “Young girls always want to present their best selves in front of someone they admire.”
“I’m feeling tired. I’ll go back to the bedroom for some rest,” Qi Heng descended the steps, “In the afternoon, please invite Crown Prince Wei over.”
“Of course,” Lin Dahai nodded and then suddenly remembered something, “Your Majesty!”
Qi Heng paused and asked, “Is there something else?”
Lin Dahai hesitated for a moment and then said, “Regarding the Crown Prince, do we need to impose any punishment? Princess Yuyao sent someone to intercede just now, but I dismissed them as Your Majesty was busy.”
“No, there’s no need. I’ve achieved my purpose, and I believe he has learned his lesson,” Qi Heng replied calmly. “The lesson of ‘disaster comes from careless talk’ should stay with him.”
“Reward a copy of the ‘Silent Meditation Sutra’ to Yao Ru, and deliver it in person,” Qi Heng stated casually. “This means it should not be spread beyond the palace.”
Lin Dahai’s expression tightened, and he promptly lowered his head, saying, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
After a brief pause, Qi Heng continued on his way. Only then did Lin Dahai straighten up and head to the library.
At the hour of Shen13-5 am, Wei Chao, guided by the palace attendants, found Qi Heng in the Plum Blossom Garden, where he was enjoying the flowers.
“Wei Chao pays respects to Your Majesty,” Wei Chao bowed.
Qi Heng gestured to a nearby stone bench, the snow already cleared away by the palace servants. “Please, have a seat. I wanted you to accompany me for a conversation. I hope you don’t mind.”
Wei Chao quickly chose a nearby bench and shook his head eagerly, “Not at all, Your Majesty.”
A teapot was brought by the palace attendants. Qi Heng raised his hand, and he spoke to the surrounding palace maids and eunuchs, “You may withdraw.”
Once the palace attendants had left, Qi Heng looked at Wei Chao, who sat there with impeccable posture, looking like a diligent student in a classroom.
“You don’t need to be nervous,” Qi Heng said, “I’m here today to ask how the Crown Prince is finding his stay in the palace.”
“Why do you ask, Your Majesty?” Wei Chao was surprised by the question. Did Emperor Qi Heng imply that he should leave, that he wanted him gone?
Wei Chao’s reaction was too straightforward, and Qi Heng quickly understood. He sighed and said, “I didn’t mean anything else by it. Don’t overthink it.”
Wei Chao felt relieved; it seemed that Emperor Qi Heng wasn’t trying to dismiss him.
“It’s fine, everything in the palace is fine,” Wei Chao replied, “but I wish I could see you more often.”
“I have a daughter, and I’m sure the Crown Prince remembers,” Qi Heng said in a calm tone as he poured tea from a pot into the cups for both of them.
“How can I let you pour tea for me?” Wei Chao hurriedly tried to take the teapot, but Qi Heng fixed him in place with a single look.
“You haven’t answered my question,” Qi Heng reminded him as he set down the teapot.
“Naturally, I remember,” Wei Chao said, holding the teacup as if in a daze, not willing to drink it.
“Well, what do you think of her?” Qi Heng asked.
“The Princess, she’s gentle, beautiful, with a noble and virtuous character…” Loving one thing and extending it to another, Wei Chao praised Princess Qi Yuyao highly without hesitation.
“I intend to form a marital alliance with the State of Wei,” Qi Heng interrupted him, “so, Crown Prince, do you think she could be your wife?”
“An… an alliance?” Wei Chao was taken aback, realizing that Emperor Qi Heng had summoned him for this purpose.
“Why, don’t you want to?” Qi Heng arched an eyebrow. “If you’re not interested, then let’s forget I mentioned it.”
He understood the concept that forcibly doing something wouldn’t bring about the desired results. But how could he make Yuyao quickly shift her affection elsewhere?
“I…” Wei Chao hesitated. Suddenly, an image of the girl with her shy and bashful demeanor came to mind. It dawned on him that those eyes were filled with affection for him.
But after some contemplation, Wei Chao shook his head.
“I’ve always regarded the princess as a younger sibling. Your Majesty’s question caught me off guard, and I…”
“I understand,” Qi Heng said, without showing any annoyance at being turned down. “Marriage is a matter of mutual consent. If the Crown Prince is not willing, let’s consider today that I never brought it up.”
He had just rejected the god in his heart.
Wei Chao felt uncomfortable and guilty, but he didn’t have any romantic feelings for the princess. He couldn’t selfishly ruin a young girl’s life. If he were to marry Qi Yuyao for his own selfish reasons, it would be a betrayal of the trust that the Jin Emperor had placed in him. Furthermore, lies could not be hidden forever.
