Did The Young Prince’s Kingdom Get Destroyed Today? Chapter 35

Chapter 35

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The two little ones searched the palace for two whole days. Their study companions also helped in the search and even looked outside the palace.

But they couldn’t find it.

On the third day, Ling Rui sat dejectedly on a chair and told Noble Consort Yi, “We can’t find it in the palace.”

In such a large palace, there was no sign of the herb he was looking for.

Noble Consort Yi had anticipated this result. Not only had she expected it, but she also believed the fourth prince hadn’t held much hope either, “If we can’t find it, so be it. I’ll have the people from the General’s residence look for it outside.”

“Healing bones and muscles takes a hundred days. Your fourth brother’s arm will need a long time to recuperate. During this period, we’ll try to find it. How does that sound?”

“Alright.”

Ling Rui nodded and stretched out his small hands, signaling Noble Consort Yi to pick him up, “Mother, Father saw me yesterday, why didn’t he hug me?”

Ling Rui recalled yesterday’s events and asked Noble Consort Yi.

Noble Consort Yi’s heart sank, but she maintained a calm expression, “Your father is in a bad mood recently. He didn’t want to affect you, so he didn’t hug you.”

“Does Little Seven really want Father to hug you?”

Noble Consort Yi had previously encouraged the little one to sleep with his father, but after a few days, it was Ling Rui who didn’t want to sleep with his father anymore.

Although his father would play with him before bedtime, Ling Rui still preferred sleeping with Noble Consort Yi.

“Father used to hug me.”

Ling Rui sat in Noble Consort Yi’s lap, looking up, “But now he doesn’t.”

Noble Consort Yi kissed his little face and teased him lightly, “If Little Seven wants Father to hug you so much, should I send you to him?”

“No.”

Ling Rui shyly buried his face, not wanting to go to his father just for a hug.

Noble Consort Yi held him and quickly shifted the topic to something he was interested in, “Your little uncle said he misses you very much. He sent you another letter, and this time he even drew a picture. Do you want to see it?”

“I want to see!”

Ling Rui’s attention was successfully diverted. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Noble Consort Yi, “What did Uncle draw?”

“He drew the scenery of the border.”

Noble Consort Yi took out the letter and looked at it with him. As they read, she also taught him to recognize characters, “When you grow a bit older, you’ll be able to write with a brush. In your studies, you can look up to your eldest brother.”

“Although she didn’t like the consorts in the harem, she had to admit that those with children didn’t fall behind when it came to their children’s education.

Even Lan Xuan’s Consort Ru once bravely sought advice from Noble Consort Yi and Consort De on how to educate her child.

Unfortunately, the chubby sixth prince was simply not cut out for studying.

Consort Ru tried all sorts of methods, but in the end, she had to accept that her little chubby boy wasn’t suited for academics. She resigned herself to this fate and now only hoped that her little chubby boy would grow up healthy and strong.

Though his intelligence couldn’t match his brothers’, at least his health shouldn’t fall short.

After Consort Ru came to terms with this, the little chubby boy breathed a sigh of relief. Returning to the palace, he finally had a chance to relax without his mother constantly pushing him to excel.

“Big Brother says I’m smart!”

Ling Rui happily shared his big brother’s praise with Noble Consort Yi, “I’m a little prodigy!”

Noble Consort Yi: “…”

Noble Consort Yi rubbed his head and humored him, “Alright, alright, you’re a little prodigy, you’re the smartest.”

The little prodigy looked at the letter with Noble Consort Yi for a while, then climbed down from her lap, “Mother, I’m going to see Fourth Brother.”

“Mm, go ahead.”

Noble Consort Yi straightened his clothes and watched him leave.

Outside the palace, a few prospective study companions who hadn’t yet been selected were waiting for the little prince. They stood or sat near the door, not too far away.

“Jiang Yan, I heard your mother has a good relationship with Noble Consort Yi. Why doesn’t Noble Consort Yi let you into the palace?” Zhen Feng asked curiously, though the question had a hint of provocation.

Jiang Yan rolled his eyes at him and retorted, “I’m here to be a study companion to the little prince, not to visit relatives. Why would Noble Consort Yi let me into the palace?”

Besides, when he was born, Noble Consort Yi had given him a pure gold longevity lock. She was kind to him.

After rolling his eyes, Jiang Yan looked at Zhen Feng like he was an idiot, “And you, do you really think you’ll be picked? If I remember correctly, you’re related to Consort Li, no, Concubine Li. Do you think the Emperor and Noble Consort Yi would keep you around?”

Everyone knew that Concubine Li and Noble Consort Yi didn’t get along at all. It was unthinkable that Concubine Li’s relatives would be allowed to be the little prince’s study companions.

Though Zhen Feng was on the temporary study companion list, everyone understood he wouldn’t be kept in the end.

Zhen Feng was infuriated by his words, “My family and Concubine Li are only distant relatives, we have nothing to do with each other. I genuinely want to be the little prince’s study companion, don’t slander me!”

“Then swear it.”

Jiang Yan looked at him, his voice crisp, “Swear that you’re here to be the little prince’s study companion because you genuinely like him and not for any other reason. If you’re not sincere, may your whole family suffer misfortune and never gain the Emperor’s favor again! Swear it!”

Zhen Feng: “…”

Zhen Feng’s face turned livid as he glared at Jiang Yan and gritted his teeth, “Why don’t you swear too…”

“I swear, I genuinely like the little prince. If I’m not sincere, may my whole family face bad luck, and may I never inherit my father’s title. How about that?” Jiang Yan swore without hesitation.

He was the only young son of the Duchess and the undisputed young heir of the Duke’s household.

This oath was pretty severe.

Zhen Feng clenched his fists but didn’t dare to make such a vow. Though they were all young, they understood the importance of family.

If he swore falsely and implicated his family, he would become a sinner.

Seeing Zhen Feng’s hesitation, Jiang Yan grew even more smug, “Say something. You always show off in front of the little prince. So swear it.”

As they bickered, Chen Zhou watched silently without participating.

He didn’t join in their conversation or remind them that the little prince had actually been watching them from a distance.

As the two continued their repetitive argument, Ling Rui, who had been watching for a while, finally spoke up, “Stop arguing.”

At his words, Jiang Yan quieted down.

“Your Highness, are we still searching for the herb?” Zhen Feng asked, now addressing Ling Rui with a smile, “I’ve asked someone to check the medicine shops outside the palace. As soon as I get news, I’ll tell you immediately.”

“Alright.”

Ling Rui agreed and then looked at them, saying, “We’re not looking for herbs anymore. We’re going to see Fourth Brother. You can do your own thing.”

“Your Highness, our job is to accompany you,” Zhen Feng replied promptly.

Ling Rui held a book in his hand and walked ahead, talking to his study companions as he went, “I’ve asked for leave from the tutor, so I won’t be attending classes for a few days.”

Zhen Feng smiled, “Whether you attend classes or not, we’ll accompany you.”

Jiang Yan, annoyed by Zhen Feng’s flattery, moved closer to Chen Zhou and said, “Chen Zhou, you’re still the honest one.”

He preferred the little prince to choose someone like Chen Zhou as a study companion.

Of course, having only one honest companion wouldn’t be enough; the little prince also needed someone as smart and brave as himself!

They soon arrived at the fourth prince’s residence.

Consort De had grown accustomed to the little prince’s daily visits and chose to ignore him. This troublesome little prince couldn’t be chased away, so all she could do was avoid seeing him.

As soon as Ling Rui entered, he saw Consort De’s departing figure.

He blinked and, after she completely left, continued his short-legged run into the fourth prince’s chamber.

“Fourth Brother, I’m here!”

Ling Rui ran inside with his book and accurately pounced onto Ling Hao’s lap.

Ling Hao wasn’t lying down at the moment; he was sitting by the bed with his shoes on. When he saw the little child rushing over, he freed one hand to catch him. “Little Seven, you’re here again.”

Ling Rui looked up at Ling Hao with an expectant face, as if waiting for him to do something.

After a few seconds, Ling Hao lowered his head and kissed his soft cheek. After the kiss, he smiled at him, “Alright, my little clingy one.”

Ling Rui was delighted to be kissed on the cheek.

He had talked with the imperial physician recently. The physician had said that after Fourth Brother’s injury, it might also have some psychological impact, and it was crucial to pay attention to his emotions during this time.

Ling Rui tried hard to understand the physician’s words.

After understanding, he translated it to mean that he needed to care for Fourth Brother and not let him feel sad.

Ling Rui even put himself in Fourth Brother’s shoes. If his little arm couldn’t move, he would be very sad too.

So now, he had to cheer up Fourth Brother!

Ling Rui’s way of comforting was simple and straightforward: he offered his own soft, chubby cheeks.

And Ling Hao always seemed genuinely happier after kissing his little cheeks.

“Fourth Brother, look at this page.”

Ling Rui opened the book he brought and asked his Fourth Brother to teach him.

During these days of recuperation, Ling Hao had nothing to do, so he began teaching him his lessons.

Although Ling Hao had his academic strengths and weaknesses, his overall knowledge was quite good.

“Fourth Brother, when can I start writing?”

After learning for a while, Ling Rui offered his small hand for Ling Hao to inspect.

The tutor had said his hands were too small to hold a pen properly, so he hadn’t taught him how to write yet.

Ling Rui was currently focused on recognizing characters and attending lessons. The pens on his desk were mostly used for doodling, not proper writing.

“When your hands grow this big, you can start writing.”

Ling Hao gestured to give him a small goal to aim for.

The sight of the older and younger studying together made Jiang Yan, standing nearby, envious. He whispered to Chen Zhou, “I wish I could kiss His Highness’s little face.”

Chen Zhou: “?”

Chen Zhou’s honest face immediately turned serious as he sternly said, “You can’t.”

Jiang Yan was the youngest in his family. The Duchess had difficulty bearing children, and after many years of marriage, she finally had him. After his birth, her health prevented her from having more children.

So, Jiang Yan’s desire for a younger sibling had never been fulfilled.

He was excited to come to the palace as a study companion to the little prince because he knew the little prince was younger than him. His mother often talked about how well-behaved and adorable the little prince was.

In short, he had been looking forward to meeting the little prince for a long time.

“You can’t kiss the little prince.”

Seeing Jiang Yan still eyeing the little prince, Chen Zhou sternly reminded him, “You’re not his biological brother; you can’t kiss him.”

If he did, Jiang Yan would definitely get into trouble!

Jiang Yan, warned repeatedly, felt a bit unhappy, “Why are you so serious? I was just saying it.”

“Even if you’re just casually saying it, you shouldn’t.”

Chen Zhou was very strict. He sternly warned, “Don’t say things like that again.”

Jiang Yan: “…”

Seeing Chen Zhou’s face as if he was going to tell on him but not knowing who to tell, Jiang Yan reluctantly nodded, “Alright, I get it.”

With Fourth Brother teaching him, the three temporary study companions were left with nothing to do but stand by silently.

As evening approached, the study companions left the palace.

Ling Rui was sitting on Ling Hao’s lap, and he spoke quietly, “You don’t need to come tomorrow. I’ll be going to school.”

Ling Rui froze.

He instinctively looked at Ling Hao’s arm, “It’s not better yet.”

The medicinal herbs hadn’t been found, and Fourth Brother’s arm wasn’t healed. How could he go to school like this?

“It’s okay. If necessary, I can practice writing with my left hand.”

“Or just listen to the lessons without writing for a while.”

Perhaps because the little child had been keeping him company every day, Ling Hao wasn’t feeling particularly depressed.

He had moments of sorrow when his wound caused him pain at night, but his mood lifted quickly as the image of the little child with his bright, trusting eyes came to mind, saying: “Fourth Brother, be well.”

“I’ll find the medicinal herb for you.”

“Don’t be sad, Fourth Brother.”

With the little child working so hard to cheer him up, Ling Hao felt he couldn’t let him down by staying gloomy.

“I’ll go to school with you.”

Hearing this, Ling Rui snuggled closer to him, his pretty eyes curving like crescent moons.

After deciding to go to class, Ling Rui returned to the palace that night and told Noble Consort Yi to wake him up early the next morning.

While he informed Noble Consort Yi in Fenghua Palace, Ling Hao was met with his royal mother’s disapproval.

“Why are you pushing yourself?!” Consort De glared at the bandage on his arm and said coldly, “The Emperor hasn’t finished investigating this matter. You can’t go to class.”

“You need to stay in the palace and let the Emperor know you’re still recovering.”

After hearing her words, Ling Hao calmly replied, “Royal Mother, do you think Royal Father can find out anything?”

“The horse that suddenly went mad was mine. It was my horse that attacked my eldest brother’s horse. If my eldest brother had been riding it at the time, what do you think… my punishment would have been?”

“Even if it wasn’t my eldest brother riding it, but rather Fang Huaiyu. If Fang Huaiyu had been seriously injured or disabled, would the Fang family and the Empress accept it?”

Ling Hao’s words made Consort De’s heart skip a beat.

“Royal Mother, I don’t know who is behind these shady dealings, and on my own… I can’t uncover the truth.”

When Ling Hao spoke to this point, his tone was somewhat weary: “I am still young now. I haven’t reached the age to establish my own household, nor do I have any power or influence.”

“What I should be doing now is studying, growing myself, at least to be somewhat capable like Eldest Brother.”

“Royal Mother, you—”

Before he could finish, Consort De interrupted him: “Do you think all the plans I’ve made for you are unnecessary?”

“Do you think that without my protection over the years, the Empress would have allowed you to grow up safely?”

“Do you really believe her daily prayers show she has a merciful heart?”

Consort De’s questioning silenced Ling Hao.

The atmosphere between mother and son suddenly dropped to freezing point.

After a long silence, Ling Hao spoke softly, “Royal Mother, I know you are protecting me, and I am very grateful. But now that I’m older, I have my own thoughts and things I want to do.”

These days, they hadn’t had many disputes.

With Ling Rui staying in the palace, Consort De’s emotions would nearly get out of control, but each time, Ling Rui would look at her timidly, not speaking, just watching.

Under such a gaze, Consort De’s outbursts had surprisingly reduced.

Now, she stared intently at Ling Hao for a moment before turning and leaving.

She was angry again, but this time she chose to leave in silence.

The next day.

Ling Hao indeed went to the academy. Ling Rui was so happy to see him that he jumped off his chair and ran over to hold his hand.

The little fatty was quite concerned about his Fourth Brother, offering him his favorite snacks and saying generously, “Fourth Brother, eat as much as you want!”

Ling Hao looked at the little fatty and accepted his kindness with a nod.

The tutor was a bit surprised to see Ling Hao in class, but after the surprise, he was full of praise.

Life continued uneventfully.

Ling Hao didn’t expect the incident at the racecourse to be thoroughly investigated.

Although he didn’t have high expectations, Emperor Ling was seriously investigating. When the evidence pointed towards Consort De’s palace, the Emperor angrily swept everything off his desk.

He wasn’t foolish enough to believe Consort De was behind this.

His anger stemmed from not being able to find out who wanted to harm his son.

“Your Majesty, please calm down.”

Seeing the Emperor so furious, Lu Guang, who was close to the Emperor, humbly urged him to calm down.

He is the closest person by Emperor Ling’s side, so he knows clearly that Emperor Ling cannot afford to be so angry now.

Emperor Ling’s health has not been as robust in recent years.

Of course, Emperor Ling himself is unaware of this matter. The imperial physician dare not speak so bluntly, only giving him “tonic” soups from time to time.

Lu Guang personally brewed a cup of calming tea for Emperor Ling, which he drank.

After drinking the tea, Emperor Ling’s mood indeed eased considerably. Sitting in his chair, he placed the empty tea cup on the table, pressed his temple, and asked, “What has Yong Wang been up to lately?”

“Yong Wang has been reflecting at his residence,” Lu Guang replied.

Hearing this, the Emperor remained silent for a long time.

Yong Wang, known for his licentious ways, had never done much good in official matters, but his comfortable life over the years indicated he had some redeeming qualities.

After a long contemplation, the Emperor slowly spoke, “Summon Yong Wang to the palace.”

“And bring the Imperial Astronomer as well.”

When the Emperor mentioned the Imperial Astronomer, a cold glint appeared in his eyes.

A few days ago, the Imperial Astronomer had observed a calamity star.

He knew the saying, “When a calamity star appears, the country is doomed.”

The Imperial Astronomer had detected the star but not its exact location. The Emperor had given him a few days to provide a clear answer.

Now, the time was up.

And the Emperor had a suspicion in his heart.

While the Emperor was summoning people, in the imperial garden, Ling Rui laid in Fourth Brother’s arms, talking to Ah Wu after showing him another future vision.

He was asking Ah Wu about finding medicinal herbs.

“To heal Fourth Brother’s arm.”

Ling Rui pleaded softly with Ah Wu, “If Fourth Brother’s arm heals, he can ride and shoot again.”

He spoke about Fourth Brother, but Ah Wu avoided the topic and directly asked, “Zaizai, do you want to change fathers?”

Ling Rui: “…”

Ling Rui rubbed his little ears, thinking he had misheard.

But Ah Wu continued, “If you don’t want to change fathers, how about not having one at all?”

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