Volume 1, Chapter 5: The Unfortunate Prince of Pingyang

Witnessing the scene before them, they were struck by both shock and fury. The source of their agitation was clear: Grand Eunuch Zhao had entrusted them with the protection of Song Chenfei, yet here he was, having been beaten.

"Young Master Song, who did this?" they asked, rushing to help him up.

Song Chenfei, however, ignored his own condition and turned to support Li Hao. "Li Hao, are you alright?"

Li Hao was deeply moved. "Chenfei, I'm fine, just a bit bruised."

"Good brother, from now on, I’ve got your back," Song Chenfei promised solemnly. After what had just transpired, he knew that while their association began with shared interests, this moment had proven something far more significant. Li Hao was worth nurturing.

Only then did Song Chenfei look toward the empty table. "Gentlemen, while you were away, some intruders broke in, assaulted us, and snatched the thousand taels of silver granted to me by that noble."

"What!"

"How bold! To dare rob a royal—" They abruptly cut themselves off. Since the official had not disclosed his identity, they dared not be the ones to reveal it.

"Who was it? Do they have no regard for their lives?"

"This is beneath the feet of the Son of Heaven! Is there no law left?"

It was indeed a heinous crime. To steal an imperial gift was an act of treason—a capital offense. In the worst-case scenario, it could even lead to the execution of one's entire family. It was truly terrifying.

A glint appeared in Song Chenfei’s eyes as he thought of the middle-aged man. "There is nothing we can do; the other party holds immense power. What can we possibly manage against them?"

"Regardless of who they are, they will pay a price in blood."

"They are people from the Prince of Pingyang’s estate."

Royalty!

However, when the two men left behind by Grand Eunuch Zhao heard this, they did not show surprise. Instead, they exchanged a glance. "If this involves the Prince of Pingyang, it concerns the imperial kin. This is beyond our jurisdiction. Young Master Song, wait here; I must report this to Grand Eunuch Zhao immediately."

One remained to protect Song Chenfei, while the other hurried off to notify the Grand Eunuch.

Before long, Grand Eunuch Zhao heard the report, set down his tea, and proceeded at once to inform the Emperor.

Upon learning of the matter, the Emperor’s expression darkened. "This is a provocation against me. This Song Chenfei is a talent I hold in high regard, and they even dared to steal the silver I bestowed upon him."

"The Prince of Pingyang has become increasingly arrogant over the years," the Emperor remarked. "Summon him to the palace at once. I wish to ask my imperial brother if he still acknowledges me as his sovereign."

The Emperor’s face remained calm, but those who served him knew he was truly incensed.

A eunuch was immediately dispatched to the Prince of Pingyang’s estate to deliver the imperial decree.

"I accept the decree. Long live the Emperor, may he live for ten thousand years," the Prince of Pingyang said, kneeling to receive the order.

After rising, he immediately ordered his men to present the eunuch with a heavy gold ingot. "Eunuch Liu, you have had a difficult journey. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

"The Prince of Pingyang is too kind. Then, this humble servant shall accept," Eunuch Liu said, his face beaming as he took the gold.

"Eunuch Liu, why has the Emperor suddenly summoned me to the palace?" the Prince asked, filled with unease. It had been a long time since he had set foot in the palace.

"I cannot say for certain, but the Emperor has been in a poor mood lately. Your Highness, do be careful with your words." Having taken his money, Eunuch Liu felt obliged to offer a word of warning, but he dared not say more regarding the sovereign.

"My thanks, Eunuch."

The Prince of Pingyang felt a chill in his heart. Although he was technically the Emperor's elder brother, everyone knew that there was no true affection within the royal family. They were not born of the same mother; they were merely acquaintances. The Emperor was like a deity of the Great Qian Dynasty, his power unfathomable. Even as a Prince, a single word from the Emperor could end his life. Knowing the terrifying nature of the Qian Emperor, he dared not show the slightest negligence.

He quickly changed into his formal attire and departed for the palace with Eunuch Liu.

Shortly after, in the Imperial Study:

"Your subject pays respects to the Emperor," the Prince of Pingyang said, kneeling.

"There are no outsiders here, Pingyang. Rise," the Emperor replied, picking up his teacup for a sip.

The Prince’s heart sank. Usually, he would have been invited to sit, but not this time. He felt a deep sense of dread, his body trembling slightly.

"Your Majesty, may I ask what I have done wrong?" the Prince asked, unable to contain himself.

"You tell me, what have you done wrong?" The Emperor set down his cup, his gaze piercing.

"I do not know. I have always been law-abiding. Despite my royal status, I have never overstepped my bounds. I have always followed Your Majesty’s teachings and dared not show the slightest disrespect," the Prince replied sternly.

The Emperor said, "Well spoken, but I find your actions do not match your words."

The Prince bowed respectfully. "I truly do not know."

The Emperor withdrew his gaze. "It seems you really are unaware. Let me enlighten you. Not long ago, I bestowed a thousand taels of silver upon a certain individual, yet people from your estate beat him and stole the silver. Is this how you manage your household? Have you forgotten our ancestral teachings?"

The Prince of Pingyang shivered. The Qian Emperor despised nothing more than those who allowed their subordinates to act like tyrants. Over the years, he had executed more than four or five royal relatives for similar conduct, striking terror into the hearts of all.

"I was unaware. I have always strictly disciplined my staff, but the estate is large, and I have inevitably been negligent. Had I known, I would have severely punished them." The Prince cursed the bastard in his estate who had put him in such a miserable position. If he found out who it was, he would tear them limb from limb. To dare rob an imperial gift and beat the recipient—they had clearly lost their minds.

"Very well. Given your sincerity, I will give you one chance to rectify this. I do not wish to see this happen again." The Emperor spoke softly, but his next words made the Prince break into a cold sweat: "If I ever encounter this again, do not blame me for being heartless."

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty. I will strictly discipline my subordinates. This will not happen again," the Prince promised, as if swearing a blood oath.

"Withdraw. I have state affairs to attend to."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

The Prince of Pingyang bowed and backed away step by step, only daring to straighten his posture once he had exited the Imperial Study. He was drenched in cold sweat.

This was the majesty of the heavens; this was the power of the Emperor!

"The Qian Emperor is becoming increasingly terrifying. He was the least favored, with no support and a mother of common birth, yet he succeeded in the struggle for succession, ousted the Crown Prince, and became the new Emperor. He is truly formidable."

At the thought, the Prince of Pingyang shuddered. He knew of the Qian Emperor’s ruthless nature. To think someone from his own estate had dared to rob and assault a man favored by the Emperor—it was abominable!

"I will peel the skin off whoever did this!" the Prince vowed, storming back toward his estate.