“Heh.”
The Third Prince let out a soft, humorless laugh.
“So it seems my Qinyi Courtyard harbors heavenly generals in secret. If we mortals have shown discourtesy, I pray the immortal will grant us forgiveness.”
Mu Xueshi forced two awkward chuckles. The pull of his facial muscles made his already scratched and blotched face look even more absurd. Earlier the child had been too entranced by his eyes to notice the rest of his features, but now, seeing the grotesque grin from afar, the boy burst into laughter, wriggling gleefully in the prince’s arms.
“No offense taken. Your hospitality’s passable—good food, good lodging. Add a couple of beauties to attend me, and it’d be perfect. Heh…”
From the moment he saw the Third Prince, a chill had crept across his scalp. An inexplicable unease stirred within him. His jest was merely an attempt to ease the tension. He did not understand why, deep in his subconscious, he feared this man. In school, he had once relished provoking bullies, as though challenging them proved his own bravado. Yet here, before this prince, bravado deserted him.
“Su Ying.”
The prince’s single call cut through the air like a blade.
The child’s laughter ceased at once. Turning to look at the prince’s face, he saw the expression there and dared not make another sound. His lips quivered, tears falling silently down his cheeks. Not a single sob escaped, yet his sorrow was heartrending.
Outside Qinyi Courtyard, the Second Prince had already arrived with his retinue, searching the surrounding grounds thoroughly. Su Ying was the Second Prince’s son. The prince had fathered him at fifteen; now at six years of age, Su Ying was still cherished as though an infant.
Thus the boy had grown mischievous and spirited, adored by the elders as a source of constant joy. The Emperor himself doted upon this little imperial grandson. Aside from the Third Prince, Su Ying was perhaps the most favored youth at court.
“Your Highness, shall we force entry? I am certain Su Ying is within the Third Prince’s palace. If we wait here, who knows how long it will take?” the guard Guan Rong said, bowing at the Second Prince’s side.
The Second Prince, however, appeared entirely at ease. Though a trace of urgency flickered within, his face retained its habitual nonchalance. Among all the princes, none possessed greater patience. If anyone sought to test endurance against him, they would surely concede defeat.
Though the palace—even young Su Ying—feared the Third Prince, the Second Prince treated him as any other brother, save for refraining from entering his courtyard uninvited. That secluded place was taboo, and he had no desire to stir unnecessary trouble. By nature romantic and carefree, he shunned courtly struggles for power. To him, spending a lifetime in simple joy with Su Ying would suffice.
Guan Rong continued to press for instruction, but the Second Prince raised a hand, silencing him. The guard withdrew obediently.
The Second Prince was certain Su Ying was inside Qinyi Courtyard. His own Han Hui Palace stood not far away. Aside from visiting the Emperor, the boy frequented only the Third Prince’s residence.
Though the Third Prince barred outsiders, a small drainage opening on the southern wall allowed Su Ying to slip inside with ease. If something captured his interest, he might linger all day. If not, he would vanish within the time it took to brew a cup of tea.
Blessed with keen direction, Su Ying often roamed alone without attendants. The Second Prince indulged him completely—rarely sending servants to follow. Only when the boy tarried too long would he personally lead a search.
Futile Devices Scans 
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