# Chapter Sixty-Seven
The two arrived in the city at the shichen hour and reached the Crown Prince's residence before the wu hour. As the carriage stopped at the ceremonial gate, Qi Xiao and Bai Ren disembarked one after the other. The servants at the gatehouse hurried forward when they saw Qi Xiao return, kowtowing as they spoke: "Thank heavens Your Highness is back. We were just about to send someone to the estate to inquire... The palace sent someone earlier, requesting that Your Highness enter the palace after lunch."
Qi Xiao frowned slightly. "Did they say why?"
The man nodded. "Yes, isn't it Elder Prince Hui's birthday today? It's a milestone birthday, and His Majesty wishes to celebrate it for the elder prince."
Qi Xiao glanced at Bai Ren, then turned to Shunzi. "Go to the Lingnan Prince's residence and ask whether the young prince has also been invited. If so, tell the servants there to send over Bai Ren's court robes, along with all the necessary coronets, jade ornaments, fan pendants, and such. Also inform them to send a carriage to the palace gate tonight to pick up the young prince."
Shunzi acknowledged and departed.
Qi Xiao and Bai Ren entered the residence. As they walked, Qi Xiao explained slowly: "Elder Prince Hui is Emperor Wen's youngest brother. During his youth, he was particularly favored by Emperor Taizong. Although he was granted a fief upon coming of age, Taizong never actually let him go to his territory. He's remained in the capital all along, holding no real power, but his stipends are substantial, and he commands considerable respect in the city..."
The two passed through the inner ceremonial gate and entered the main hall. Servants hurried forward to help them change clothes. Bai Ren racked his brain but could only recall a vague impression. He frowned and said, "If that's the case... why don't I have any impression of this elder prince? I think I only saw him once during the New Year celebrations."
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. "Elder Prince Hui is a clever man. He was a son of Emperor Taizong by a concubine, and his mother's family background was nothing special. But he was exceptionally intelligent from childhood—his literary and martial talents rivaled those of the legitimate sons. Emperor Taizong adored him and once considered having him raised in the empress's quarters under Empress Hongci's care. However... Prince Hui knew better. He understood that showing too much brilliance would only bring disaster upon himself and his mother. After age ten, he feigned constant illness. After a few years of playing the sickly invalid, he turned to poetry and calligraphy, never concerning himself with anything else. Emperor Taizong understood it all but pitied him even more. Empress Hongci, moved by the prince's earlier tactful retreat, treated his mother with greater leniency. Even after Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Empress Hongci often told others that among all her children, Prince Hui was the one she loved most."
Qi Xiao changed into his informal attire and shook his head with a smile. "Whether that was genuine sentiment or merely words for show, the fact that a prince by a concubine received such favor speaks to how carefully Prince Hui navigated court politics. After Emperor Wen took the throne, he became even more low-key. In recent years, whenever anything arises, he sends only his son and daughter-in-law to handle matters, rarely showing his face himself."
Bai Ren understood. He nodded and said, "No wonder... such an elder prince, yet I never had any impression of him. So why this grand celebration for his birthday this time?"
Qi Xiao said, "The palace loves to celebrate milestone birthdays. This year marks Elder Prince Hui's seventieth birthday, so naturally they'll make it a grand affair. Your residence and the Prince Hui's mansion haven't had much contact, so your steward probably hasn't prepared any gifts. Take one from my collection when you go to the palace."
Before Bai Ren could refuse, Qi Xiao smiled first. "Don't argue with me over such a small thing."
Bai Ren felt a warmth in his heart. He smiled and said nothing more.
As they spoke, lunch was being served outside. Qi Xiao and Bai Ren ate in silence. After the meal, Shunzi returned. Sure enough, the Lingnan Prince's residence had received the news as well. Shunzi brought back a trunk full of clothing and accessories. The two rested briefly before changing into formal attire and entering the palace.
Qi Xiao wore his black nine-serpent court robes as always. Bai Ren changed into the eight-tassel crown and seven-emblem attire befitting a prince's heir. Before departing, Qi Xiao glanced at himself in the bronze mirror and chuckled softly: "A perfect match."
Qi Xiao and Bai Ren entered the palace together. Once inside, Bai Ren went first to pay respects to the Emperor, while Qi Xiao was stopped by a female official from Princess Dunsu. He was escorted to Yuxiu Palace.
In Yuxiu Palace, sandalwood incense curled through the air. Princess Dunsu reclined on a couch with her eyes closed, resting. Upon hearing Qi Xiao arrive, she quickly sat up and smiled. "Rise, come sit beside your aunt."
Qi Xiao sat down and smiled. "Auntie is early indeed."
"Not early at all. I entered the palace yesterday..." Princess Dunsu smiled warmly. "I just heard from the palace servants that you sent quite a few gifts to my residence. How thoughtful of you."
Qi Xiao chuckled lightly. "There's nothing much at the estate worth presenting. Just some local products from my own travels. I hope Auntie won't disdain them."
Princess Dunsu shook her head with a smile. "How could I? By the way... I hear that on this trip to supervise the spring plowing, you brought someone along?"
Qi Xiao paused, then nodded. "Yes. Bai Ren hasn't been attending the Haixin Academy much lately. Since he had nothing to do anyway, I brought him along so he could see and learn more, so he'll know how to handle affairs in the future..."
Princess Dunsu interrupted with a smile. "Save those explanations for others. You don't need to use them on me. I summoned you today because there's something I need to tell you. When you hear it, you'll have a better sense of the situation."
Qi Xiao frowned slightly. "What happened?"
Princess Dunsu sighed softly. "Elder Prince Hui has a granddaughter. She came of age just last year."
The smile faded from Qi Xiao's face. He curled his lips into a cold smile. "So who's set their sights on Bai Ren?"
"Nothing escapes your notice." Princess Dunsu lifted her teacup and took a sip. "It's the Emperor's idea."
"Roujia married into the He family. Although it was a marriage alliance, it's not a union with the imperial clan. Before this, the Emperor wanted to keep Kangtai, but... you saw for yourself Kangtai's caliber—he's difficult to match with anyone. Now Kangtai has left in such a rush with Wen Yu. The Emperor has shifted his attention to Bai Ren. Well, it makes sense. Roujia's marriage is about to happen, so wouldn't the next step be Bai Ren?"
Princess Dunsu set down her teacup and continued. "After hearing this news yesterday, I gave it some thought. This marriage is actually quite good. I've met Elder Prince Hui's granddaughter. Her appearance and character are well-matched for Bai Ren. She's of legitimate birth. Setting aside the person, even considering family standing alone, Bai Ren would be the one gaining from this match. The Prince Hui household holds no real power, but over the years Elder Prince Hui has built connections far and wide. Among the notable families in the capital, many have married into his household. At court and outside, in the Three Departments and Six Ministries, there's no one he can't speak to. As for wealth... I once heard the princess consort say that they've already prepared a generous dowry for their granddaughter. That shows how prosperous they are."
Qi Xiao listened quietly. After a long moment he said, "This is the Emperor's intention. What does the Prince Hui household have to say? The elder prince is no fool. If he truly wants what's best for his granddaughter, he shouldn't involve himself in Lingnan's affairs."
Princess Dunsu smiled. "You've hit the nail on the head. Yesterday the Emperor merely mentioned that it was time to find a good match for his little granddaughter. Elder Prince Hui immediately said his granddaughter had no talents or virtues, was unworthy of the great noble houses, and only wished to marry into a scholarly family. The Emperor pretended not to understand and let it pass. That's why I was in such a hurry to summon you. If you like this match, have Bai Ren visit the Prince Hui household. Perhaps it could still work out."
Looking at Qi Xiao's expression, Princess Dunsu knew he wasn't pleased. She smiled and counseled him. "I understand your feelings... But what does it matter? Even if they marry, it won't prevent you two from being close. Arranging such a good match for him—he'll remember your kindness. Isn't that good?"
Qi Xiao smiled. "Remember my kindness? If I really pull this off for him, I'd be thanking heaven if he doesn't tear down the Crown Prince's residence."
Princess Dunsu didn't catch his words clearly. "What did you say?"
Qi Xiao shook his head. "Nothing."
Princess Dunsu's earlier assessment was correct. Even by Qi Xiao's exacting standards, this was an excellent match—one that would benefit Bai Ren in every way. Her considerations for him were sound. Even if they truly married, it wouldn't affect what Qi Xiao and Bai Ren had together. But Qi Xiao knew all too well that Bai Ren would never do such a thing.
It wasn't just Bai Ren—now even Qi Xiao himself couldn't do it. Bai Ren's heart was pure and kind. He would never harm a good woman's life for the sake of his own future. As for Qi Xiao, he feared nothing more than earning Bai Ren's disgust.
Qi Xiao sighed. For Bai Ren's sake, he'd truly become a saint.
Seeing Qi Xiao lost in thought, Princess Dunsu pressed. "So what's the final decision? Say something."
Qi Xiao had no intention of explaining things in detail to Princess Dunsu. If he laid it all out plainly, she'd probably think he'd gone mad. He shook his head. "This marriage won't happen."
Princess Dunsu found it most regrettable. "Such a beneficial match, and you won't even ask Bai Ren?"
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. "No need. He'll feel the same way."
"Fine, you're the one who decides." Princess Dunsu shook her head. "Since neither side is willing, even if the Emperor desires it, there's nothing to be done. They're not his own children, so he can't force a betrothal. Sigh... what a shame."
Qi Xiao called Jiang Deqing in and briefly explained the situation, then instructed: "Go and give the young prince a hint. Have him play dumb consistently. The Emperor will understand."
Jiang Deqing hurried off to comply.
Princess Dunsu adjusted her hair ornament and spoke softly. "Let's consider that matter settled. There's another thing... You haven't been to pay respects to Empress Feng in quite a while, have you?"
Qi Xiao smiled indifferently and said nothing. Princess Dunsu sighed. "I know you don't want to see her. But no matter what, nominally she's your stepmother. The Crown Prince never visits the Empress to pay respects—this is indefensible no matter where you take it. I'm not asking you to attend morning and evening greetings every day, just drop by occasionally. Don't give others ammunition to criticize you. If they pin a label of 'impiety' on you, you'll suffer for it."
Qi Xiao nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Auntie. Your nephew understands."
"Understanding alone isn't enough." Princess Dunsu checked the water clock and rose. "We still have time before the banquet. Come with me to Fenghua Palace now."
Qi Xiao could hardly refuse. Smiling, he accompanied Princess Dunsu out of the hall.
Princess Dunsu had intended to have Qi Xiao make an appearance before others, but she drew a blank. Empress Feng had already gone to the front to oversee the birthday banquet preparations. Princess Dunsu had felt somewhat sorry for Empress Feng, now fallen from power and lost in favor. But upon hearing that the Empress had gone to manage affairs again, her expression immediately changed. She coldly remarked: "So despised and hated by everyone, yet she still scrambles to humiliate herself. Is she still dreaming, thinking that this pile of cold ashes from the Feng family might somehow reignite?"
Qi Xiao wasn't worried in the slightest. The Emperor was merely preserving appearances, positioning Empress Feng prominently to silence critics. Reignite? That had become impossible the moment Qi Huo took a concubine to bed.
The two chatted as they walked toward the front. During the evening banquet, the Emperor indeed brought up Elder Prince Hui's granddaughter's marriage several times. Each time, the elder prince deflected with jokes and banter. When Bai Ren was mentioned, Bai Ren played the fool consistently. The Emperor understood that someone had leaked information, but there was nothing to be done. After some light teasing, he didn't pursue it further.
Throughout the entire banquet, Qi Xiao and Bai Ren didn't exchange a single word. After the banquet, each boarded their own residence's carriage. Once they exited the inner city and turned onto Shuyuan Lane, the two carriages stopped one after another and drew alongside each other, as if the passengers inside were speaking. But in less than half the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the carriages parted and went their separate ways—one east, one west. Only this time, the Lingnan Prince's carriage was empty, while in the Crown Prince's carriage, the two were in intimate embrace, their affection unbroken.
In the bedchamber of Qianqing Palace, the Emperor lay on the couch in his undergarments, gently rubbing his brow. He spoke slowly in a low voice: "You saw clearly?"
The person kneeling on the ground nodded. "Absolutely certain. The young prince went to wash his hands twice during the banquet, and I watched closely both times. There was a red mark on each of his wrists—a rope burn. Judging by the color of the marks... it couldn't have been more than two days ago."
The Emperor pondered this, then nodded. "You may withdraw."