Chapter 72.1 â This Face Causes Trouble
They had a good nightâs sleep in the palace, but on the second day, it snowed again outside.
The Emperor and the officials were stuck in the palace. The Emperor was said to have had a fever last night, and someone were sent to the capital overnight to call the royal physician. There hadnât been any news about his condition until this morning, but judging from Zhang Jianâs look, it was probably going to be hard to return today.
When Qi Yang and Lu Qipei arrived outside the Emperorâs residence, the Fourth Prince was pestering Zhang Jian, saying, âThis palace doesnât have a lot of physicians and medicines, Iâm afraid it would be inconvenient if Royal Father stayed here to recuperate. Weâre only 50 li from the capital, and it only takes two to three hours by carriage. It would be better to return to the palace.â
Zhang Jian smiled as he listened, but his face was serious as he said, âIt would not be possible today. Your Highness can see that itâs snowing again outside. No matter how carefully you drive, it wouldnât be as good as staying warm inside. If His Majesty caught a cold outside again, Iâm afraid the illness might become worseâ¦â
Zhang Jianâs eyes were shining as he gave the Fourth Prince a meaningful look, as if saying âif his Majestyâs condition worsens, can you bear the responsibility?â
The Fourth Prince understood; he only wanted to take advantage of the Emperorâs illness to curry favor, so how would he dare to bear such a responsibility? He immediately hesitated, and just happened to catch a glimpse of Qi Yang and Lu Qipei arriving. He immediately changed the topic towards them, âQi Yang is here too?â
Zhang Jiang also saw Qi Yang and her prince consort, and gave them a bow.
Qi Yang nodded at the Fourth Prince and asked Zhang Jian, âI heard that Royal Father had a fever last night, and his condition got worse. I was worried, so Iâve come to visit.â After a pause, she glanced at the Fourth Prince again, âI donât know how Royal Father is right now, would it be convenient to meet him?â
Zhang Jianâs face did not change when he heard those words. First, he said that His Majesty was in good health, then he went inside the hall to report.
After Zhang Jian left, the Fourth Prince snorted and said, âRoyal Sister sure is busy. You didnât come when Royal Father was sick yesterday, and only thought of visiting now?â As he said that, he glanced at Lu Qipei, as if saying that she only cared about her little romance and didnât care about her fatherâs health.
Then, the Fourth Prince continued, âHowever, your visit today is in vain. Royal Father is not seeing anyone. If youâre busy, you should just go back.â
The Fourth Prince was being snide, but unfortunately Qi Yang just ignored him completely. It made him feel powerless, as if his fist was hitting cotton. From the very beginning, he didnât like Qi Yang for one sole reason â it was because she was favored by the Emperor.
However, the Fourth Prince still underestimated how much Qi Yang was favored by the Emperor. As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Jian came out. The latter was still smiling, but his words were completely different from when he was facing him. âHis Majesty hasnât rested yet, please come in, Your Highness.â
Qi Yang didnât say anything about this outcome, and let Lu Qipei inside after thanking Zhang Jian.
The Fourth Princeâs eyes opened in astonishment, as if he had not expected the Emperor to show his favoritism so blatantly. Although the Emperor had been partial ever since he was small, this was the first time it was so blatant.
He turned to Zhang Jian and gritted his teeth, saying, âSince Royal Father is seeing Qi Yang, he should be in good health. I would also like to see him.â
After saying that, he was going to follow Qi Yang and Lu Qipei, but he was stopped by Zhang Jian. âHis Majesty is only seeing Princess Qi Yang and her prince consort.â
The Fourth Prince became even more upset. He tried suppressing his emotions, but failed. He asked, âWhy? Is His Majesty so partial to Qi Yang!?â
Of course this wasnât something easy for Zhang Jiang to say, but anyone with eyes could see that the Crown Prince and Princess Qi Yang were His Majestyâs favorite son and daughter. The former was born from the Empress, while the latter was born from his favorite consort.
What was even more rare was that the two had always had a good relationship, and the two of them took up all the Emperorâs love and affection. The rest of his children were basically in the same situation as the Third Prince, and didnât have much weight in the Emperorâs heart.
Instead of answering this sensitive question, Zhang Jiang lowered his eyelids to answer the previous question. âHis Majesty said that there was a lot of noise outside the hall earlier which disturbed him, so he doesnât want to see anyone else.â
The meaning of these words was obvious; the Fourth Prince had been too noisy. But he was here to show his concern and filial piety!
The Emperor had such a temperament; he was very nice to those he loved, and cruel to those he hated. As for the rest, he didnât care about them. And the Fourth Prince had never been someone who could enter his heart. Although he already understood that the Emperor was cold, his heart still felt cold at this moment.
In the end, he didnât have the courage to cause a ruckus outside the Emperorâs residence. Not to mention, the Emperor already disliked him for being noisy before, so he could only turn around and leave.
Zhang Jian looked at his back and secretly shook his head. He stood in a different position, and saw things differently. No wonder the Emperor favored the Crown Prince and Princess Qi Yang; none of these princes were smart⦠and some were not only not smart, but also didnât even know their duties!