The Third Prince’s expression remained as cold as frost.
This time Mu Xueshi was not certain whether his tactic would work.
Holding the prince, he could feel something different in the man’s anger.
Usually, even when the Third Prince was angry, his chest remained warm.
But now his entire body felt rigid and icy, making Mu Xueshi shiver.
In the end, the Third Prince still walked toward Wu Cai.
Mu Xueshi released him but followed closely behind.
With one hand, the prince lifted Wu Cai from the ground and forced him to stand.
His hand moved casually along Wu Cai’s left arm.
Then—
Crack.
A sharp breaking sound rang out.
The noise was so sudden that Mu Xueshi’s ears rang painfully.
Wu Cai collapsed to the ground, his face pale as paper. His entire body trembled violently.
Yet he continued nodding repeatedly, thanking the Third Prince for mercy.
Uneasily, Mu Xueshi looked from the suffering Wu Cai to the Third Prince already walking out the door.
After hesitating briefly, he followed.
Before leaving, he quietly instructed Steward Wang to find a good physician for Wu Cai.
“This time the medical expenses are on me,” he added.
Mu Xueshi no longer dared criticize the Third Prince.
Compared to what might have happened, this punishment was already extremely merciful.
Moreover, the prince had been acting on his behalf.
At times like this, Mu Xueshi knew he should behave properly and stop causing trouble.
They returned early.
Mu Xueshi could not quite explain why, but he felt the Third Prince’s mood was particularly dark.
While riding the horse, he secretly glanced at the prince several times.
Each time, the Third Prince’s expression remained gloomy.
Not knowing what to say, Mu Xueshi sat quietly playing with his sleeves and fingers.
His soft pale hands had nothing to fiddle with.
After a while he began twisting his clothes absentmindedly.
Eventually he grew so bored that he pulled the Third Prince’s sleeve over and began braiding the fabric together.
The prince’s expression grew increasingly severe.
Meanwhile Mu Xueshi’s eyelids gradually drooped.
His head suddenly dropped forward—
and he collapsed straight into the prince’s arms.
Within moments he had fallen asleep again, wearing a peaceful expression.
After returning to the palace, the Third Prince was summoned to the imperial court.
Meanwhile Mu Xueshi secretly slipped away to the embroidery hall to find Qingyun.
He had wanted to visit her immediately after hearing she was unwell, but had not dared bring it up earlier for fear the prince might be angry.
When the Third Prince arrived at the Golden Hall, he saw the Second Prince, whom he had not seen for several days.
The Second Prince still wore that faint, unreadable smile. His clothing was casual, hardly befitting a royal prince.
In his arms he held Su Ying.
The moment the child saw the Third Prince, he clutched the Second Prince tightly, almost trying to climb into him.
Seeing this scene, the emperor smiled slightly.
His favorite son and beloved grandson were both present. Naturally his mood was excellent.
Laughing, he beckoned to the child.
“My dear grandson, come. Let your imperial grandfather hold you.”
Su Ying knew his grandfather held greater authority than his imperial uncle.
Immediately he stretched out his chubby lotus-root-like arms toward the emperor.
The emperor took him carefully into his embrace, smiling warmly—even casting a pleased glance toward the Third Prince.
“Recently the Emperor of Lubei will be visiting Yunxi. Though the two nations appear peaceful these past two years, minor skirmishes have continued in secret.”
He continued calmly.
“I hear the Emperor of Lubei has come for a marriage alliance. His younger sister has reached marriageable age, and he wishes to choose a husband for her among my sons.”
“Husband!” Su Ying suddenly repeated seriously.
Of course he had no idea what the word meant.
After saying it, he rubbed his smooth cheek against the emperor’s face and giggled mischievously at the Second Prince.
The Second Prince, however, never looked at anyone except Su Ying.
Even while the emperor discussed matters of state, the two of them were busy playing together.
Whenever he was with Su Ying, the Second Prince’s age seemed to shrink to six years old.
“Lu Huan, what do you think of this matter?”
“…Lu Huan?”
The Second Prince finally realized he had been addressed.
He quickly composed himself and replied solemnly,
“A marriage alliance would benefit relations between the two nations. I’ve heard the Emperor of Lubei’s sister is exceptionally beautiful. Surely none of the princes would refuse such an honor.”
The emperor smiled faintly.
“And would you accept?”
The Second Prince’s expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his smile.
“Father overestimates me. Su Ying is still young, and all my attention is devoted to him. I have no intention of marrying again.”
He paused before adding lightly,
“Besides, if the Emperor of Lubei wishes to choose the most outstanding prince, then naturally that honor belongs to Third Brother.”
With one sentence, he pushed the matter directly onto the Third Prince.
A flash of cold light appeared in the Third Prince’s eyes.
Yet he said nothing.
The emperor had long grown accustomed to his silence.
Still, when he looked at the Third Prince now, his expression became somewhat complicated.
Futile Devices Scans 
Leave a comment