Ever since the emperor issued the decree to rehabilitate Wang Boyuan and reinstate him to his original post, the prince's attitude towards Song Chengze, both in the court and in private, has become increasingly intriguing.
Faced with King Cheng's sarcasm, Song Chengze could only shake his head helplessly.
That day, the brothers came out of Chengtian Hall. Prince Cheng tilted his head and looked at Prince Jing, "Fourth brother, how are you going to welcome our father?"
King Jing looked up at the sky. It was particularly hot this year, and the sky in July was as hot as fire.
"I just heard the imperial decree from my father, but I haven't come to terms with it yet. I'll go to the clan affairs office and see if there's any precedent for this."
The Crown Prince slowly followed. "No need to go. In my opinion, there has never been a precedent in this dynasty for the Emperor to visit a prince's home with such fanfare. Even in the past, there were always reasons for going. This is the first time that it's been so unified and the date has been set."
Prince Cheng fanned himself with his sleeves, "Whose idea was this? I don't believe it was Father's own idea. The imperial physician just said that Father's eyes have been getting better since he entered the seventh month, and it's time for him to rest properly. He's not going to the other courtyard, but thinking of us families."
The prince said quietly, "It is precisely because Father's health is getting better and his mood is good that he wanted to visit the children's house."
Prince Cheng squinted his eyes at the Crown Prince and said, "Your Highness, if you live in the palace, then the Emperor will not visit you. There is no precedent for this, so you don't need to worry about how to receive you and how to satisfy the Emperor."
The Crown Prince's face flushed, and he held out his hand as if to cough. "Whether Father is satisfied or not is important, but sincerity is more important. Fifth Brother, instead of wasting time on this, it would be better to think carefully about the details. Don't let Fourth Brother get Father's praise in three days, and then you use the same method here. That would be disastrous."
King Jing looked at the crown prince taking the blame on himself and waved his hands quickly, "I'm confused and don't know what to do. Fifth brother, just think of your method. Even if it's a bit heavy, so what? As long as father is happy, nothing else matters." After saying that, he bowed, lifted his robe and walked down the stairs.
Prince Cheng snorted coldly and walked forward. When he reached Song Chengze, he paused and said, "What haven't you done well recently that has upset the Crown Prince? If I were to ask you, even if you are so loyal, you should choose your master carefully. Don't let others drink the soup before you finish your work."
"Old Fifth, what do you mean?" the prince said unhappily.
Prince Cheng turned around and said, "What do you mean, Your Highness? Don't be so rude. I'm not the Sixth Old Man. You don't have to glare at me. I advise Your Highness that this knife isn't even sharpened yet. Even if you want to test its speed, you shouldn't force yourself on an old dog, especially one that's been with you for years."
After saying that, he looked at Song Chengze again, with a playful look on his face, clicking his tongue, and patted Song Chengze on the shoulder, "Sixth brother, be more discerning. It's not too late to think it over now." After saying that, he walked away with a hearty laugh.
Song Chengze looked at the prince standing on the steps and said with a bow, "My mother has not been feeling well these past few days. My father just asked me to go visit her."
The prince narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Prince Cheng's receding back, with murderous intent in his gloomy eyes.
After hearing what Song Chengze said, he turned to look at him with his usual expression, "Old Five has been a little crazy lately, have you really not found out what the reason is?"
Song Chengze shook his head. "I've been busy preparing for Lord Wang's return to the capital, so I haven't paid much attention to that. Besides, didn't the Crown Prince ask me to take care of this matter?"
The prince looked directly at Song Chengze. Song Chengze looked as good-tempered as ever, but the prince felt that his smile was really uncomfortable.
"Go, and pay your respects to Concubine Lian on my behalf."
Song Chengze clasped his fists respectfully and turned away.
The prince watched Song Chengze turn and enter the harem, then waved back to his trusted eunuch.
――――――
Concubine Lian looked at Song Chengze's obviously thin face and said distressedly, "Don't push yourself too hard. If it doesn't work out this time, just look for another opportunity."
Song Chengze took the handkerchief handed to him by Aunt Mo and wiped his face. "This is our only chance to target the Fifth Brother. We must not fail. Don't worry, Mother. I'll just be discussing matters with them a little later these few days. After this time, I'll rest well."
Concubine Lian nodded, "Has the Emperor just made his decision?"
"Yes, in three days, Father will go to Fourth Brother's place first. As for when he will go to Fifth Brother's place, he didn't specify a specific time."
"Is everything arranged?"
"Well, it's almost done. Now it all depends on Meng Zhi's ability. But I think it shouldn't be difficult. Given her relationship with my fifth sister-in-law, there's a good chance her ideas will be adopted. And just now, when we were at the steps of Chengtian Palace with the Crown Prince, I felt that the fifth brother was holding back a lot of energy. No matter what method the fourth brother uses to entertain father, he has to be outstanding."
Concubine Lian clasped her hands together and said, "Please bless my son so that his wish will come true this time."
Song Chengze smiled slightly, "Don't worry, how are you doing here? What did Concubine Jing say to you?"
Concubine Lian put down her hand and whispered, "I originally thought it would be a bit difficult, and even specially invited Yunying to do the preliminary groundwork, but I didn't expect that Concubine Jing would agree so readily."
Yunying is Concubine Xiu's maiden name.
Song Chengze breathed a sigh of relief. This was great.
"What should we do next? Fanghua's marriage must be approved by the Emperor." Concubine Lian said worriedly, "It's impossible for me or you to bring it up with the Emperor, right? And how will the Empress respond?"
Song Chengze said softly, "This matter requires a two-pronged approach. Doesn't Jingpin need to discuss this with her brother? I mean, after all, Fanghua will be living with them in the future."
"Don't worry about that. The Ninth Prince celebrated his birthday a few days ago. Jingpin's sister-in-law came to the palace, and Fanghua also went."
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