Chapter 34

She turned her head to look at Zong Jincheng, who appeared utterly bewildered, as if he didn't recognize the situation.

The Duchess of Jin quickly chimed in, "Your Highness, this is Zong Jincheng, Zong Zhao's son, and he just turned eight this year."

She emphasized the name "Zong Zhao" heavily, fearing that the Crown Prince might not recognize the child or realize he was the son of someone the Crown Prince detested.

Everyone knew that Zong Zhao and the Crown Prince had grown up together, close as brothers. But eight years ago, they had a massive falling out, and since then, they had become virtual strangers, not even speaking to each other. Whenever someone mentioned Zong Zhao's name in front of the Crown Prince, it would cause him to frown, clearly indicating the depth of their animosity.

Xu Wan was also aware of this.

Before entering the palace, to avoid making mistakes at the Eastern Palace, she had asked Cui Zhi about the social connections of Marquis Manor, inquiring if they had any close allies or enemies among the court officials.

Cui Zhi had replied that Marquis Manor didn't engage much with others, and the only person they might have offended was the Crown Prince. However, given the Crown Prince's good nature, it was unlikely he would make things difficult for a woman like her.

After meeting the Crown Prince in person, Xu Wan was even more convinced of this.

Once the Crown Prince confirmed Zong Jincheng's identity, his eyes fixed solely on the boy, examining him from head to toe. Suddenly, he remarked, "You've grown so much."

Zong Jincheng returned his gaze, his dark, luminous eyes filled with confusion. "Do you know me?"

The Crown Prince smiled. "When you were born, I held you in my arms."

Xu Wan, with her sharp eyes, noticed a hint of bitterness in his smile.

Could there be some deeper connection between the Crown Prince and Jincheng?

Xu Wan couldn't help but wonder. Everyone knew that Zong Jincheng was Zong Zhao's eldest son, but his mother's identity was unknown. Marquis Manor had firmly registered him as the legitimate son. Could his mother have had a connection with the Crown Prince?

"Oh, I don't remember you," Zong Jincheng replied honestly.

"That's alright," the Crown Prince said, patting his head. "Tell me, what's going on here?"

The Duchess of Jin grew anxious at this. "Your Highness, why are you...?"

Before she could finish, the Crown Prince shot her a warning glance.

The Duchess of Jin was stunned. How had the situation taken such an unexpected turn?

Didn't the Crown Prince cut ties with Zong Zhao?

Why was he now chatting with Zong Zhao's son?

The Crown Prince ignored the Duchess of Jin's displeasure and focused solely on listening to Zong Jincheng recount the events. Then, his gaze shifted to Zhai Yao, the one who had started the trouble.

The smile in his eyes faded, but his tone remained calm and gentle. "All men are born equal, regardless of status. Since you consider those people to be beneath you, then you must not have any regard for them. Come, inform Weiyuan Earl Manor that I, the Crown Prince, will send Zhai Yao to live in the slums, to experience firsthand the life of those he deems 'lowborn.' No one is to provide him with any assistance."

Zhai Yao panicked. "No, no! I don't want to go to the slums! Your Highness, I was wrong! Please, show mercy! Spare me, Your Highness... spare my life!"

"Take him away," the Crown Prince ordered, and the guards immediately dragged Zhai Yao away, his cries growing louder as he was pulled further.

Perhaps the commotion had grown too loud, as the guests who had already arrived at the Eastern Palace began to emerge from inside. Noblewomen and children gathered, and even the Crown Princess came out to inquire, "Your Highness, what has happened?"

The scene at the entrance was chaotic, with everyone crowding together, making for an unsightly spectacle. Even the eunuchs and palace maids passing by outside couldn't help but glance over, and it might even disturb the other concubines in the palace.

The Crown Princess, known for her gentle disposition, stepped forward to mediate. "Your Highness, there are many people here, and it's a bit crowded. If there's something to discuss, perhaps we should let them all come inside first?"

Xu Wan also felt that things were getting out of hand. All the attention was now focused on them, and before coming to the Eastern Palace, Marquis Manor had no enemies. But after this visit, they were likely to make many.

Yet, despite his gentle manner of speaking, the Crown Prince's actions were anything but mild.

He said calmly, "It's nothing major. Just that the Duchess of Jin said something unpleasant, and the child, not understanding social etiquette, simply wanted an apology."

The Crown Princess looked at the Duchess of Jin in surprise. "Then, Madam, just apologize to him. Why make a fuss over a child?"

"I..." The Duchess of Jin, though furious, dared not speak out. How had the situation turned into her fault? As the Duchess of Jin, how could she apologize to a child?

And what about Xu Wan, who had dared to confront her earlier? If she apologized, it would be admitting defeat, and the entire Duke Jin's Manor would lose face.

After waiting for a while with no apology forthcoming, the Crown Prince remained unmoved, and the Crown Princess was astonished. She seemed to understand why he had insisted on not entering the Eastern Palace.

In moments like this, where the couple was usually gentle, the one to take on the role of the stern one was always the Crown Princess. She straightened her posture and spoke coldly, "Duchess of Jin, do you intend to keep the Crown Prince and myself waiting here until nightfall?"

The Duchess of Jin was startled by her sudden change in demeanor. "I dare not! I will apologize, I will apologize right now..."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have cursed at Young Master Zong. Please forgive my careless words, Madam Zong and Young Master Zong!"

Zong Jincheng huffed and turned his face away.

The Duchess of Jin's face turned pale with anger.

This little brat! Once she left the Eastern Palace, she would make him pay!

Xu Wan, noticing the fury in her eyes, quickly interjected, "The Duchess of Jin is very gracious. Please don't take it to heart, considering he's just a child."

The Duchess of Jin clenched her teeth, forcing a smile. "Of course not..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Crown Princess, observing the tense atmosphere, quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, now that the matter is resolved, everyone, please come inside. The palace has prepared fruits and pastries for all to enjoy."

"The Crown Princess has gone to great lengths. I heard there are even green grapes, we must have a taste."

"There's plenty. The Emperor has bestowed many on the various palaces. Please, help yourselves."

The Crown Princess led the crowd inside, and the Duchess of Jin followed them.

Xu Wan was about to call for Zong Jincheng and Zong Wenxiu to join her when the Crown Prince suddenly stood beside Zong Jincheng, patting his little head. "Jincheng, come and sit with me."

Xu Wan: "!!!"

What kind of secret relationship do you two have?!

How can you be so clingy after just meeting?!

Zong Jincheng, having just been helped by the Crown Prince to teach Zhai Yao a lesson and to stand up to the Duchess of Jin, was already fond of him. He agreed immediately, "Okay!"

The two walked off together, chatting and laughing, leaving Xu Wan and Zong Wenxiu staring at each other.

Zong Wenxiu timidly said, "The Crown Prince seems to really like my brother. I don't think anything bad will happen..."

Xu Wan gave a dry laugh. "He won't have any problems. We, on the other hand, will."

"Huh? Why?"