No wonder the princes and princesses quickly find excuses to leave after paying their respects. Who would have thought this gentle and humble Emperor Hong was such a chatterbox in private? I have a father who also goes off-topic when discussing historical events, so I’m accustomed to handling such situations. Emperor Hong was delighted that I was willing to keep him company.
Emperor Hong’s children had established their own residences outside the palace, but I was granted residence in the ** Palace, traditionally for South Rui’s heir apparent. This clearly indicated that Emperor Hong viewed me as the heir. He also hired two teachers to instruct me in royal etiquette and governance principles.
Although I didn’t feel suitable for governance and found mid-career learning difficult, I couldn’t refuse Emperor Hong’s kindness and attended classes with the two scholars, though I found the coursework overwhelming.
Emperor Hong’s harem consisted of a few concubines, three princesses, and one prince. The three princesses and the fourth prince had been granted territories and would soon depart, while the fifth princess was married to Da Qi. Only the second princess, Jiang Yun Qiao, remained without a territory.
Jiang Yun Qiao, two years my senior, had been groomed for the heir’s position. Had I not been found, it would have been hers. Yet, she seemed indifferent to that status and often accompanied me around Feng Zhu City.
I kept the secret of the fifth princess to myself, not disclosing it to Emperor Hong. While the second princess was my relative, the politics of the royal family were complicated, and I couldn’t fully trust them. Thus, I silently apologized to the fifth princess, waiting for the right moment to bring her back.
Since my arrival in South Rui, I’ve been cautious and observant. I don’t desire to be empress but must protect myself and my family and reunite with An Jin. If gaining power is necessary, then I must compete.
Was Emperor Hong’s intention in finding me truly just familial affection? Despite my explanations that I had no interest in being the heir and wanted a quiet life with my family, he insisted on granting me the palace and proclaimed me as the next heir. Was there a hidden scheme?
