Zhou Shuqing and Zhou Ying went out, but Song Xia, who was at home with nothing to do, received a surprise: Zhou Yuqing, who had been away in Jiangnan for more than half a year, had returned.
"Why so suddenly? Didn't your last letter say there would be another two weeks?"
Zhou Yuqing smiled throughout: "I was originally going to meet that uncle before returning, but my master said that he had something come up and allowed me to return to the capital ahead of schedule."
Song Xia looked her son up and down: "You've grown taller, and your health is getting better and better. I really want to thank your master for taking such good care of you."
“If Master heard Mother say that, he would be very happy. He is always worried and watches me eat at every meal, afraid that I will lose weight and my aunt will scold me when I come back.”
"Your aunt loves you very much. She often thinks about you when she's not in the capital. Shall we go see them tomorrow?"
"Okay, I also miss my maternal grandfather, uncle and aunt very much."
"Where did your mentor take you this year? Was it fun?"
“We’ve been to so many places, the Western Regions, the Northern Frontier…” Zhou Yuqing’s eyes shone as she recounted her experiences over the past year. “Mother, the scenery in these places is so magnificent. I wish you could go and see them too.”
"There will be opportunities, once these troubles in the capital are over."
Zhou Yuqing blinked, not asking what it was about. Anyway, her mother was thorough and never caused any worry.
"Mother, I made a good friend on this trip, and you'll never guess who it is."
Song Xia thought for a moment: "Since your master took you to the Western Regions and the Northern Frontier, could it be that you ran into Prince Ding?"
Zhou Yuqing chuckled: "As expected, nothing can be hidden from you, Mother."
Although it was just a guess, it turned out to be true. This Prince Ding is the Empress's grandson, the future Crown Prince, and the one who will eventually ascend the throne. He is currently leading troops in the field. I never expected that he would have such a connection with my son.
"In fact, Prince Ding is of the same generation as my mother."
"Before we became acquainted, we didn't know each other's identities. At that time, my son and master were in danger, and it was His Highness Prince Ding who saved us."
Song Xia is not as simple as her son. The Empress and Prince Ding in the previous life were so decisive in their plot to seize the throne. It was not a sudden action. They must have planned it in advance. Yu Qing and Master Ye went to the Northern Frontier and were captured by someone. They were also rescued by Prince Ding by chance.
However, regardless of the circumstances, Yuqing is unlikely to be involved in officialdom in the future, and maintaining friendly relations with Prince Ding is not a bad thing.
All the Prince Ding wanted was the Chengjun Prince's Mansion behind him and Yuqing. Since they were destined to ascend the throne, it would be beneficial for the Prince's Mansion if his father said a few words in their favor.
When Prince Huai and Zhou Yuqing think that Prince Cheng's mansion is on Prince Huai's side, but it turns out that they are actually Prince Ding's people, that will be quite a sight.
Tsk, I wonder if Zhou Ying and Prince Huai have met yet. Although people in the capital don't really care about seniority when getting married, if Zhou Ying really marries Prince Huai, how should she address him? After all, Prince Huai is a generation higher than her.
"Mother has something to tell you, but don't be surprised."
"Could it be related to Zhou Shuqing and the others?"
"Yes, the brother and sister went to Guoan Temple today. On the surface, they were praying for the souls of Aunt Meng's lost child, but in reality, they went to see Prince Huai."
"To see Prince Huai?" Zhou Yuqing frowned. "What do they want?"
"Of course, it's about currying favor with Prince Huai. If nothing unexpected happens, Zhou Ying should be entering Prince Huai's residence soon."
"Mother, are you just going to let them get involved in the struggle for imperial power?"
"They have big ambitions, what can Mother do?"
Zhou Yuqing looked at his mother in disbelief. If his mother did not allow it, Zhou Yuqing and Zhou Ying would not even have the chance to see Prince Huai.
"Yuqing, who do you think has the best chance of ascending the throne right now?"
“Prince Huai,” Zhou Yuqing said bluntly, “Mother, if those two siblings really gain Prince Huai’s favor, they will certainly not let you off the hook when he ascends the throne.”
"Since everyone believes that Prince Huai will succeed to the throne, why hasn't His Majesty issued an edict to establish a crown prince?"
Who can guess His Majesty's thoughts?
"I assure you, the one who will ascend the throne in the end will not be Prince Huai."
Zhou Yuqing frowned. Although he didn't know why his mother was so sure, he finally nodded.
Mother, do whatever you want. At worst, we can take you to Jiangnan or the border regions in the future.
Zhou Yuqing was very open-minded. After seeing the sights outside, he began to understand why his master didn't like Kyoto and why he traveled around so much. Kyoto may not be a big city, but the people who live there have a lot on their minds. Social interactions and interpersonal relationships are too mentally taxing. It's better to just give them all up.
Meanwhile, inside the Guoan Temple, Zhou Ying finally met the Prince Huai, whom she had been longing to see.
Today she was dressed in a plain white dress, and her hair ornaments were extremely simple, with only two white jade hairpins on her jet-black hair.
As the old saying goes, if you want to look good, wear mourning clothes. Zhou Ying's outfit was no different from mourning clothes. Even the maids who accompanied the other nobles to offer incense were dressed in more elaborate ways than her.
However, it was this simple attire that drew frequent glances from Prince Huai.
"And this young lady is?"
"This is my younger sister. She came to Guoan Temple today to offer incense and pray for blessings."
Zhou Ying bowed slowly, her voice unhurried: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Huai."
"No need for formalities." Seeing the beauty bow, King Huai wanted to help her up himself, but when he reached out his hand, he realized it was against the rules.
He smiled meaningfully: "Everyone says that Mr. Zhou is handsome and elegant, but I didn't expect your sister to be just as good."
"Your Highness is very kind."
Zhou Ying simply lowered her head. A gentle breeze blew, just enough to stir the hair beside her cheek, allowing Prince Huai to see the slight blush on her earlobe.
Prince Huai laughed even louder. He had only come to see Zhou Shuqing on the way, but now he had the two siblings invited into the meditation room. He was not a lustful person, but this little gentleman's sister was indeed different from other women.
His eyes darkened. He could take a woman he liked and also get connected with Prince Cheng. Why not?
At this moment, Zhou Ying's heart was pounding. She was afraid that something unexpected would happen, and that Prince Huai would not like her.
Fortunately, the meeting with Prince Huai went even more smoothly than she had imagined. She could feel that His Highness Prince Huai was watching her the whole time.
After entering the meditation room, Prince Huai thoughtfully had vegetarian food and snacks from Guoan Temple served. One of the dishes was famous in the capital but extremely difficult to make, and even ordinary nobles could not afford it. Yet, Prince Huai presented it to Zhou Ying.
"Let's give it a try. I've heard it's very famous, so I'll just eat something new and interesting."
Zhou Ying parted her lips slightly: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Zhou Shuqing kept talking about everything under the sun, but Prince Huai's mind was entirely on Zhou Ying. When he saw her take a bite, his smile deepened.
The next day, before Song Xia could even return to the Prince Cheng's residence, someone from the palace sent word that Consort De wished to see her.
Wow, these brother and sister are quite cunning! They actually managed to seduce King Huai to this extent.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
