Misty morning light enveloped the Imperial Street as Duke of Chengguo turned his horse away, his hundred attendants following in unison.
Though no one heard what he said, every movement of the Duke commanded attention.
"Where is he headed?"
Everyone speculated and pointed, stirring murmurs.
Could he really be running away, skipping court?
The news about Prince Huai's "evil spirit" and his relocation to the Imperial Mausoleum had not been kept secret. Instead, it had been deliberately spread, reaching every corner of the capital within a single day and night. The conspiracy lay exposed, blatant for all to observe; the question now was how each person would respond.
It had been seven or eight years since the former Crown Prince passed away, his memories almost completely erased. Now, the long-neglected Prince Huai was thrust once more into the spotlight. The emperor wished to observe just how much of a ripple this old story and old figure could still provoke, and see who among them still held onto memories of the past.
And it was clear to everyone what fate awaited those who could not let go.
This was the final round of sorting; after this, no more old accounts or familiar people would remain.
Most others could be easily accounted for—being long-present in the capital and court, they'd already been sifted through over the years. Now, the question rested on the Duke of Chengguo.
He had stayed away from the capital for years. Upon hearing of these old figures, would he reminisce on past events? Would he still cling to old affections, or would he sever them and march forward?
Everyone waited to see his choice, knowing full well it was an impossible one.
When faced with difficult decisions, people often prefer escaping them. Sometimes, that's not the worst choice.
Many court officials had done the same before—claiming illness ahead of time—but the Duke had already arrived at the Imperial Street. Could he now feign sudden sickness and turn back? Such a poorly executed deceit would be far too unconvincing.
As the Duke's party slowly receded into the distance, countless eyes followed them, until someone suddenly froze in shock.
"That direction…" he blurted out.
That direction!
The expressions of others shifted to disbelief.
"Surely not," one murmured.
The area in question was no stranger to them; near the Imperial Street, prime real estate occupied by just two households—Thousand-Man Commander Lu and Prince Huai's mansion.
The Duke of Chengguo could not possibly be going to Thousand-Man Commander Lu's residence. Then, that could only mean…
Prince Huai's mansion!
He was headed for Prince Huai's mansion!
The Imperial Street erupted, as though a chef surrounded by onlookers had thrown chunks of rabbit meat into sizzling oil—it boiled over with chaos.
People had guessed the Duke might oppose the matter during court, or remain silent, but no one anticipated the Duke would act so boldly before the proceedings even began.
What was he planning?
Was he really going to visit Prince Huai?
Was this truly happening?
The Duke of Chengguo halted before the mansion, gazing at the structure before him.
"Prince Huai's Mansion"—the three characters on the plaque were elegant and dignified, strikingly beautiful.
But those standing outside the mansion were anything but.
Clad in flying fish uniforms wielding Jinyiwei blades, their faces pale and icy, their expressions cold and sinister—chilling anyone who laid eyes upon them.
Yet the man who now faced them showed no trace of fear.
"Please announce: the Duke of Chengguo seeks an audience with Prince Huai," one of the Duke's attendants said, holding out a visiting card with a respectful and solemn demeanor.
No Jinyiwei took the card. Their expressions shifted slightly with confusion.
Their orders were to keep out the Duke of Chengguo's heir, but what about the father?
"I've heard Prince Huai is unwell, so I've come to check on him," said the Duke gently, dismounting and walking forward.
His attendants followed, casually yet with disciplined precision, forming an organized yet seemingly unintended formation.
The Duke's followers were seasoned warriors from the military.
Although neither they nor the Duke displayed any weapons, their mere approach prompted the Jinyiwei to tense, gripping their blades tightly.
If denied entry, they would force their way inside.
That much was unspoken, but their intentions were crystal clear.
The atmosphere outside the mansion grew stifling, heavy with tension.
"Sir," said commander Jiang anxiously from a distance, standing by the wall.
Lu Yunqi motioned dismissively.
"Are we really going to let him in?" Jiang asked again, unable to hold back.
Lu Yunqi turned and began walking toward the imperial palace.
"Isn't this all to reach a conclusion?" he replied. "Now, we have one."
The mansion doors opened wide as the Jinyiwei stepped aside in silence.
The Duke of Chengguo raised his gaze once more to the plaque, motioned for his attendants to stop, adjusted his robes, and ascended the steps alone, stepping over the threshold into Prince Huai's mansion.
Countless prying eyes withdrew. The news spread like wildfire.
............…
"He really went in?" Huang Cheng asked, seated in his office.
Although he held a senior position, he always arrived in his office early before court began—while others were still eating breakfast and chatting on the Imperial Street—a habit maintained for decades.
No matter how well the work was done, one's attitude had to be impeccable. This was wisdom gained from his years of experience.
Upon hearing Huang Cheng's inquiry, the officials nearby eagerly nodded in response.
"Absolutely. Everyone saw it. Thousand-Man Commander Lu ordered the gates to open. The Duke entered, alone," they affirmed.
Huang Cheng let out a soft "Oh."
"And what should we do now, sir?" they queried anxiously.
Huang Cheng chuckled.
"Do nothing. Isn't this marvelous?" he said, rising to neaten his robes and affix his official hat. "The Duke truly lives up to his reputation as a warrior—decisive and clear in his motives. It's admirable, truly admirable."
To receive praise from Huang Cheng meant that the situation was indeed commendable, and everyone heaved a sigh of relief, smiling along with him.
Meanwhile, in the still-closed Jiuling Hall, the news had reached everyone there as well.
After a moment of shock, their gazes converged on Zhu Zan.
"Why are you all staring at me?" Zhu Zan frowned, his expression complex.
Was this a decision his father made long ago, or was it a spontaneous act?
And who was his father doing this for?
Zhu Zan had refrained from telling his father about Miss Jun's determination toward Prince Huai's mansion, not wanting to disrupt his father's resolve.
How could he not understand? Back then, when Miss Jun had insisted on treating Prince Huai despite the circumstances, her actions had clearly been driven by something beyond gaining fame.
Human affairs—without people, there are things one simply wouldn't do.
But for a man with insight like his father, could silence truly conceal these intentions?
Zhu Zan turned his gaze to Miss Jun.
Was his father doing this for Miss Jun, or for someone else—perhaps Prince Huai?
Miss Jun was already looking at him, her expression equally conflicted.
"I didn't expect…" she murmured. "The Duke could act in such a way."
Was the Duke repaying the favor she had done for him, or was it for something else—perhaps, old affections?
............…
The Duke of Chengguo stopped walking and gazed ahead.
Though the palace before him was smaller in scale compared to those within the imperial grounds, it was still majestic and luxurious. Eunuchs and palace maids stood in front of the structure, their demeanor far less commanding than those in the imperial court, tinged with apprehension that lent the solemn atmosphere of this audience an odd undertone.
A child's figure appeared in the doorway, stepping across the threshold and onto the steps, standing there in resplendent attire, hands folded behind his back.
This was the child.
The Duke instantly recognized him—not just by the grand display and ornate garb—but by his features and demeanor.
He was the spitting image of the former Crown Prince.
Thin yet brimming with vitality.
The former Crown Prince had been frail yet vibrant, and now, this child—long confined—still radiated life.
"You're the Duke of Chengguo?" The slightly childish voice broke through the Duke's thoughts.
The Duke stepped forward, kneeling on one knee.
As both a military general and a Duke, he wasn't required to offer such a formal greeting to a prince. Yet he knelt anyway.
"I am Zhu Shan," he said warmly.
"Why have you come to see me?" the prince asked.
The Duke raised his head to look at the boy before him.
There was no joy, no wariness, and certainly no fear. There was only a hint of arrogance and a child's unrestrained curiosity.
The Duke suddenly thought of another child.
That child had also looked at him this way once.
But that child was gone now.
The Duke untied a pouch from his waist and held it up in both hands.
"I came to check on you, Your Highness," he said gently. "Your Highness, would you like some candied fruit?"