After leaving the palace, Xiao Muchen did not return directly to the prince’s residence. Instead, he went to a private dining establishment, where Kang Wang was already waiting.
“Fourth Brother.”
Kang Wang, dressed in casual attire, immediately stood to greet him as Xiao Muchen entered.
Xiao Muchen gave a slight nod. “Why are you here so early?”
Kang Wang chuckled awkwardly. “Miss Zheng sent me a message, so I thought I’d better speak with you as soon as possible.”
The two took their seats, and the owner himself brought out the food and wine, instructing his son, Fang Chengda, to stand guard outside the door.
“Fengcheng Marquis Madam has received invitations from Xingqin Marquis Madam three times already. She refused the first two, but this time she couldn’t decline again and had to accept.”
“Xingan Marquis is trying to win over Fengan Marquis?”
Kang Wang scratched his head. “I don’t know, Fourth Brother. But I have a bad feeling about this.”
Of course, it wasn’t a good thing.
If Fengcheng Marquis Madam was seen associating closely with Xingqin Marquis Madam, it would create the illusion of a strong bond between the two families. That would naturally lead people to suspect that Fengcheng Marquis and Xingan Marquis were just as close.
Clearly, the Crown Prince’s previous attempts to win over Fengcheng Marquis had failed. Now, he was resorting to underhanded tactics to force the couple into submission.
Since the Qinan battlefield involved the Imperial Horse Bureau, the Crown Prince was undoubtedly looking for a way to defuse the crisis. The best strategy? Bringing Fengcheng Marquis onto his side.
Once Fengan Marquis was on the Crown Prince’s ship, everything else would fall into place.
Kang Wang noticed that Xiao Muchen’s already stern expression had darkened even further, and he turned pale with fear. His voice trembled as he asked, “Fourth Brother, this won’t be a big problem, will it?”
Xiao Muchen knew that Kang Wang was not as sharp as some of their other brothers, but at least he was loyal. Ever since siding with him, he had never caused trouble.
Thinking of this, Xiao Muchen’s gaze softened slightly as he said, “Tell Fengcheng Marquis Madam not to refuse—she should attend the banquet.”
Kang Wang didn’t ask why. He simply responded, “I’ll let her know.”
He might not understand everything, but he trusted that Fourth Brother would never lead him astray. Whatever Fourth Brother said, he would follow.
“…Fourth Brother, about the military report from Fengcheng… should it still be presented tomorrow?” Kang Wang’s heart pounded, and his palms were slick with sweat.
This was the most nerve-wracking thing he had ever been involved in.
Xiao Muchen nodded. “Eighth Brother, you’ve always been known for your honesty. Among us, Father trusts you the most because you never lie. Tomorrow, everything will depend on you.”
Kang Wang felt immense pressure.
Although… he had to admit…
He had never done anything this thrilling before.
“Fourth Brother, what if i mess up?”
Kang Wang looked uncertain.
Xiao Muchen said, “If you can’t do it, at most, only the Fengcheng Marquis’ family will be punished. When the time comes, you can just find another fiancee.”
Kang Wang: …
Ever since the imperial decree for his marriage was issued, Miss Zheng had never minded that he was an overlooked Wangye, nor did she care that his birth mother was just a concubine of low rank.
How could he allow the Fengcheng Marquis’ household to suffer punishment?
“Fourth Brother, I can do it,” Kang Wang gritted his teeth. Even if he couldn’t, he had to.
Xiao Muchen looked at the determination in Kang Wang’s eyes and smirked inwardly. See? His younger brother wasn’t incapable—he had just grown used to backing down in everything, conceding before he even fought.
“Eighth Brother, you can’t keep retreating and suffering losses all your life. One day, you will be a husband and a father. If you can’t stand tall, how will you protect your wife and children? Do you want them to live as you have?”
Kang Wang’s eyes instantly reddened. He opened his mouth but hesitated before finally whispering, “…i don’t.”
“Then do your best. No matter what happens, I’ve got your back.” Xiao Muchen clapped Kang Wang’s shoulder firmly. “As brothers, we’ll stand together. We’ll carve out a new path for ourselves.”
“…Alright. I’ll do as you say.”
Because his Fourth Brother didn’t look down on him, was willing to teach him, guide him, and even help him.
Xiao Muchen poured wine and raised his cup. The two brothers drank together. Kang Wang threw back his drink in one gulp.
Fourth Brother was right—he couldn’t spend his entire life being a coward.
if it were just him, he could bear it, but did he want his wife and children to live like that too?
No. He absolutely did not.
“Fourth Brother, I will remember how well you treat me,” Kang Wang said solemnly.
“You and I are brothers. There’s no need for such words.” Xiao Muchen met his gaze. “This is your chance to prove yourself before Father. Show him that you have the responsibility of a prince, and it will make it easier to find you an official post.”
Kang Wang was momentarily stunned. All his elder brothers had positions in the court—only he had nothing.
Hearing his Fourth Brother’s words, a surge of heat rose in his chest.
“…Alright,” Kang Wang gritted out.
This time, he would give it his all.
****
Mingxi received a lantern from Xiao Muchen, along with a letter.
After reading it, she burned it to ashes in a bronze basin, then stood by the window holding the lantern. She was still wondering how the Fengcheng Marquis’ matter would be brought before the emperor.
She hadn’t expected Xiao Muchen to send Kang Wang. But given that Kang Wang was the future son-in-law of the Fengcheng Marquis, it made sense for the marquis to appeal to the emperor through him.
Now, it all depended on how well Kang Wang performed.
As night fell, a horse galloped through the city gates just before they closed.
At this moment, Mingxi was having dinner with her family.
In the palace, the Lantern Festival banquet, hosted by the Empress, was in full swing. The palace was adorned with lanterns of various colors. As darkness deepened, the lanterns were lit, creating a dazzling sea of light.
The emperor was in high spirits, drinking and celebrating with his consorts.
Consort Shu had claimed illness. The emperor, deeply concerned, sent her over a dozen lanterns for her to enjoy, along with an elaborate feast—his favor for her was evident.
The Empress’s smile faltered slightly, though she suppressed her displeasure.
Consort Gui was dressed extravagantly, radiant as ever. Compared to her, Consort Xian seemed lacking— Yu Wang, had been stationed outside the capital, making her much more restrained in both speech and conduct. She no longer had the air of confidence she once did.
Consort De remained as low-key as ever, her attire modest and unassuming. Among the four principal consorts, she was neither the most eye-catching nor the most favored, yet she held her ground steadily.
The Crown Prince and the other princes, regardless of their true thoughts, outwardly maintained a show of brotherly harmony.
Only Xiao Muchen, as always, wore a cold expression. Even the emperor couldn’t do anything about it. His usual stern face didn’t make anyone uncomfortable; instead, it felt perfectly normal.
If there ever came a day when Duan Wang was smiling all the time, that would be truly terrifying.
At that moment, from the corner of the hall, Kang Wang quietly got up and walked out.
Xiao Muchen glanced at him from the corner of his eye but quickly looked away, turning his gaze toward his father. The Crown Prince was offering him a toast, presenting a picture of familial affection.
Jin Wang and Qi Wang were exchanging amused glances, drinking together.
Xiao Muchen lowered his gaze, staring at the intricate carvings on the table. Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
Kang Wang rushed in, holding a memorial in both hands. His steps were frantic. He fell to his knees in the center of the hall with a loud thud and cried out, “Royal Father! urgent news from Qinan—Fengcheng Marquis has been gravely wounded and is critically ill!”
