Chapter 824: But Father the Emperor Has an Edict

Xiao Jieyun folded the memorial, tossed it aside, and sat quietly for a while.

Eunuch Cheng glanced with the corner of his eye: what has His Majesty seen, why this expression? What happened?

Xiao Jieyun picked up another document, opened it, glanced at it, and his brows knit instantly.

Eunuch Cheng's heart jumped.

Xiao Jieyun read softly: "Rumors spread throughout Jingcheng, all saying the Seventh Prince, resentful because the Empress gave birth to a legitimate heir, is idle, lacking ambition, and spends his days wandering among the mansions of princes and ministers."

"Moreover, he left the city with Princess Huguo for several days and has not returned; supposedly to relax, but in fact to collude with court officials, expand his faction, and plot treason."

Eunuch Cheng was greatly startled: Princess? How does a princess get involved? Tuan Tuan is such a good child!

He raised his eyebrows slightly but dared not speak, after all, the Emperor had not addressed him.

Xiao Jieyun folded the memorial, tossed it to the corner of the desk, where it piled with the previous one.

"Xuanwu Guard."

The hall doors opened slightly, two Xuanwu Guard entered the hall, kneeling on one knee: "Present."

"Go to Prince Jing's Mansion for a visit," Xiao Jieyun said calmly, "and find out where Prince Jing is now."

"Yes!"

The hall doors closed again, Xiao Jieyun picked up the next memorial and began to read.

Soon, the two Xuanwu Guard returned with a report: "Your Majesty, the steward of Prince Jing's Mansion reports that the Seventh Prince and Princess Huguo went together to Fangfei Garden a few days ago and have not returned."

Xiao Jieyun was silent for a moment, then waved his hand.

The two Xuanwu Guard saluted and withdrew.

Eunuch Cheng's heart lifted.

Inside Fangfei Garden there is a hunting ground; a hunting ground has horses, bows, and arrows, and if someone intends to use it for "private weapons training"…

Fangfei Garden now belongs to the princess! What should be done?

"Cheng Jinyan, draft the edict."

The Emperor's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Eunuch Cheng hurriedly bowed and replied, "Yes."

Xiao Jieyun pondered briefly: "Fangfei Garden is Princess Huguo's domain…"

Having finished the edict, Xiao Jieyun glanced at him: "You will go to Fangfei Garden yourself to proclaim the decree."

Eunuch Cheng bowed and answered, "Your humble servant obeys."

Shortly after he left, a voice from the inner chambers outside the hall came in: "Your Majesty, Song Jingxian, Lord Song, requests an audience."

Xiao Jieyun raised his hand to signal.

The young eunuch beside him shouted, "Proceed."

Song Jingxian walked slowly into the hall, bowing and performing the ritual.

Xiao Jieyun said, "Please be seated."

The young eunuch brought a brocade stool; Song Jingxian inclined his body and sat: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

He did not wait for the Emperor to speak, and said, "Your Majesty, the recent rumors are all my fault; I earnestly ask you not to blame the Seventh Prince."

Xiao Jieyun's brows lifted slightly: "Lord Song, why say that?"

"Few days ago I, the senior minister, visited Prince Jing's Mansion to see the Seventh Prince."

Song Jingxian lowered his head slightly: "In casual conversation I unintentionally mentioned an amusing incident when I taught Tuan Tuan."

"The Seventh Prince and Tuan Tuan have always been close; perhaps after hearing my words he couldn't rest easy, so he went looking for her."

"Tuan Tuan is young and doesn't understand court affairs; surely she dragged the Seventh Prince around to play, which allowed schemers to spot a mistake."

He sighed lightly: "This matter has nothing to do with the Seventh Prince."

Xiao Jieyun lifted his tea cup and took a sip: "Lord Song, when you went, how did the Seventh Prince appear?"

Song Jingxian's face showed hesitation, and he did not answer.

Xiao Jieyun stared quietly: "I am concerned about the Seventh Prince; Lord Song, feel free to speak frankly."

Song Jingxian then softly uttered four words: "Melancholy and joyless."

Xiao Jieyun placed the tea cup on the Dragon Desk: "Whether Lord Song mentioned it or Tuan Tuan dragged him around,"

"If his words or actions are careless, what consequences could arise? Shouldn't he be aware himself?"

"'Melancholy and joyless…' The Emperor's expression finally turned sour: 'Even this little turbulence cannot be endured; his joys and angers are all seen through, how can he bear the vast empire?'"

"Your Majesty," Song Jingxian lifted his head, his expression earnest, "the Seventh Prince is still a youth; though naturally steady, he inevitably lacks experience."

"If blame must be placed, it should be on this old minister's prattling, not the Seventh Prince's fault."

Xiao Jieyun looked at him for a long while, waved his hand: "I understand; you may withdraw."

Song Jingxian rose, performed a bow, and slowly left the hall.

In Fangfei Garden.

Eunuch Cheng had just entered the main gate and asked, "Where are the princess and the Seventh Prince?"

The servant replied, "They are fishing by the pond."

"Show the way."

"Yes." The servant led him through the corridors.

Eunuch Cheng looked up and saw Xiao Ze sitting on a small stool, holding a fishing rod, his eyes fixed on the water.

Tuan Tuan crouched at the bank, clutching a branch of unknown origin, leaning forward to stir the water.

Xiao Ze laughed, "Tuan Tuan, don't stay crouched by the water; the fish are scared away by you."

"The little fish won't run!" Tuan Tuan said without turning her head, "They like me; whenever I'm here, they gather around to look at me."

Xiao Ze smiled and shook his head.

Xiao Er also laughed, "Miss, the fish have all gone to see you, so Seventh Prince will have to return empty‑handed today."

Tuan Tuan only then tossed aside the branch, lifted her head, and at a glance saw Eunuch Cheng walking toward her.

Her eyes instantly brightened; she sprang on her short legs toward Eunuch Cheng and dived into his arms: "Grandpa! Why are you here?"

"You don't have to stay with Imperial Uncle; did you come to play with me?"

Eunuch Cheng bent down, caught her in one hand, and gently clasped her small shoulders: "Princess, be gentle; this old servant's bones are no match for yours."

He glanced toward the pond; Xiao Ze had already put down his fishing rod and stood up, his eyes flashing.

"I brought fresh roasted deer meat from the Imperial Kitchen for you; it's placed in the Flower Hall ahead. Want to try? It's still warm."

"Roasted deer meat?" Tuan Tuan clapped her little hands: "Great! Third Elder Brother didn't catch a single fish. Grandpa, is there enough? Let's eat together."

"Of course there's enough!" Eunuch Cheng laughed: "Princess, go taste it first, see if it suits your palate."

"Third Elder Brother!" Tuan Tuan turned and shouted at Xiao Ze, "Grandpa brought deer meat, come quickly and taste it with me!"

At first sight of Eunuch Cheng, Xiao Ze's heart sank.

Eunuch Cheng would never leave Father Emperor's side lightly; he must have come for a reason.

He smiled at Tuan Tuan: "I'm not hungry yet; you go try the flavor first. If it's good, bring it over and we'll eat together."

"Alright!" Tuan Tuan grabbed Xiao Er's hand, hopped away cheerfully.

Eunuch Cheng watched her disappearing back, his smile fading, and stepped before Xiao Ze: "Seventh Prince."

Xiao Ze showed no expression: "Eunuch Cheng, does your arrival now mean Father Emperor has issued an order?"