The news from the Crown Prince's residence eventually reached Prince Jing's ears, and at that moment he was discussing with his advisors the matter of placing people there.
Prince Jing's Mansion.
The elegant library was guarded by layers of guards, and the doors and windows were tightly closed, so outsiders could not find out what was going on inside.
A man dressed in a black tiger-striped robe leaned lazily on his desk with one hand. He had sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, thin lips, and a slightly upturned mouth that revealed his unruly and unrestrained nature.
His black hair was pulled up high, his phoenix eyes were slightly lowered, and he casually played with the white jade walnuts on the desk. However, the sharp glint that occasionally flashed in his eyes made people dare not underestimate him.
Who doesn't have ambition?
With the current emperor having no heir, he is naturally one of the popular candidates for the position.
Although the Crown Prince is incredibly intelligent, his physical condition is so poor that I've heard he hasn't even consummated his marriage with a woman yet—what a joke!
Unfortunately, the Emperor was averse to women for various reasons, which made him even more fond of the Crown Prince!
Whenever Sheng Changling thought of this matter, a feeling of pent-up resentment would rise in his chest. He even sent many concubines over because of it, but…
The scouts reported that the Crown Prince had not favored those women at all, and that they could not even see him on ordinary days.
However, some good news came today: his hypocritical Crown Prince actually ordered a palace maid to be beaten to death.
Although the lives of palace maids were as insignificant as dust, they were still of bondservant origin.
If it's not done well, just send it back to the Imperial Household Department; why punish it with beatings to death?
Oh dear, we've handed him a blatant piece of dirt on us. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it!
Sheng Changling smiled slightly, clearly pleased, and then slowly uttered a few words.
"What do you all think? Do you have any solutions?"
After cautiously glancing at the man at the head of the table, the advisors fell into deep thought upon hearing his words.
After a while, a thin man with sharp eyes stood up and bowed.
"Your Highness, I believe there is something to be done about this. I have heard that Lord Shi hates cruel people the most, and the Crown Prince's behavior is indeed appalling."
"Oh, not bad. That old man Shi Nian is the most intolerant of any nonsense. You should have someone make arrangements."
That's not enough; that alone is not enough.
Given how much the Emperor dotes on the Crown Prince, he certainly won't neglect him because of a palace maid; at most, he'll give him a warning.
But when the scout reported that this palace maid's identity was quite extraordinary.
Sheng Changling's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the corner of the table, making a "thump-thump-thump" sound that resonated in the hearts of his advisors like a drumbeat.
Everyone knows that His Highness Prince Jing has a bad temper, is capricious, unpredictable, and often beats or kills servants.
Even some of the advisors were killed instead of offering advice.
Therefore, they had to be even more careful when serving Prince Jing, for fear of doing something wrong and being punished by His Highness.
Sheng Changling didn't care what his subordinates thought. He didn't care whether they were loyal or not; he only cared whether they were useful.
It's not easy to find fault with the Crown Prince. Once we finally find one, we have to find a way to make a big deal out of it.
It's important to know how important reputation is for a prince, and it's time for the Crown Prince's benevolent image to change.
Thinking this way, an idea gradually emerged in Sheng Changling's mind until it was fully formed.
"Mr. Wen, aren't storytellers and storybooks popular in the streets? I imagine His Highness the Crown Prince must be very happy that his glorious deeds will be known to more people."
This palace maid is the Crown Princess's personal maid; isn't the Crown Prince's action extremely inappropriate?
"Your Highness, I understand. I will go to Yanchun Tower tomorrow and will be able to fulfill Your Highness's instructions properly."
"Let Anwu go with you, Mr. Wen. Don't disappoint me."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Sheng Changfeng smiled with satisfaction, his crimson lips as vibrant as peonies, yet as chilling as fresh blood.
The staff members all lowered their heads, not daring to look at the dark figure on the high platform for even a second.
...
Night was falling.
The Chonghua Palace was also lit with lanterns, and the red lanterns were hung high, illuminating the way ahead.
Red silk, which can be seen everywhere, has become the most commonly used decoration, and is displayed in various places.
The scene today is quite puzzling. Could it be that the Crown Prince has taken a new concubine, and joy is evident everywhere?
Only those in the know understand that there were no new girls; they were all specially prepared by His Highness for the Crown Princess.
The palace servants had been making preparations all afternoon, and the Zhengde Hall was already aware of such a commotion.
Ye Zhi watched as her master continued to eat his dinner at a leisurely pace, and stamped her foot anxiously, but dared not disturb her master's enjoyment of the meal.
"Ye Zhi, what's wrong with you today? It's not like you to keep quiet."
Liu Lingxi put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and then looked at Ye Zhi and said.
Upon receiving confirmation, Yeats hurriedly shared his guess, his face beaming with joy.
"My lord, why aren't you worried? The Crown Prince said he'll be coming to Zhengde Hall tonight, and the outside is decorated so festively... His Highness the Crown Prince values you highly!"
"Be careful what you say. How dare you question His Highness's thoughts?"
Liu Lingxi looked disapproving. In her opinion, she and the Crown Prince were only husband and wife in name, so how could she suddenly be valued?
Your Highness must have your own reasons, but it's unclear whether you're trying to mislead the Emperor or Prince Jing.
If Sheng Changfeng knew that the Crown Princess had guessed his thoughts in this way, he would be so angry that he would vomit blood.
Who knew his Crown Princess would think that way? He was now happily rushing to Zhengde Palace.
There were a lot of memorials to write tonight, and I was busy until quite late. My father specially invited me to stay for a meal, so I couldn't get back in time.
Fortunately, he has already given instructions to make arrangements, and the Crown Princess should have received the news by now!
I wonder if Xi'er will like his arrangement?
Thinking this, the usually dignified and composed Crown Prince began to stride forward, as if he couldn't wait to see his Crown Princess.
"Your Highness, please slow down. It's dark, watch your step."
The little eunuch was struggling to catch up, but fortunately, the little eunuch carrying the lantern in front was quite fast.
With His Highness eager to return home, he finally arrived at the Zhengde Hall, which he had been longing to visit.
"This servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Sheng Changfeng had no time to pay attention to these servants; his gaze was fixed on the woman who was gracefully walking out of the palace under the cover of night.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects."
"No need for formalities, Xi'er..."
His Highness the Crown Prince, who is usually eloquent, is not so eloquent when he is in front of his own Crown Princess.
He stared intently at his Crown Princess's face, which was as beautiful as a lotus emerging from water, his gaze gradually becoming infatuated and burning with desire.
His gaze slowly moved downwards, revealing her tightly bound waist beneath her wide robe. He rubbed his fingers, his large hand clenching and then loosening.
With great difficulty, he regained some of his senses and took the initiative to start a conversation.
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