Qi Xiao and Bairen entered the city, and before noon they arrived at the Crown Prince's residence.

The carriage stopped outside the ceremonial gate. Qi Xiao and Bairen got off the carriage one after another. Seeing Qi Xiao's return, the gatekeepers hurriedly came to greet them, bowed and said, "It's fortunate that Your Highness has returned. We were just thinking of going to the manor to inquire... Earlier, someone from the palace came, asking the Crown Prince to enter the palace after lunch."

Qi Xiao frowned slightly, "Did they say why?"

The person nodded, "Yes, they did. Today is the birthday of Old Prince Hui, a significant birthday. The Emperor wants to celebrate the birthday for the Old Prince."

Qi Xiao glanced at Bairen, turned to Shunzi and said, "Go to the Lingnan Prince's Manor and ask if the Young Prince has also been invited. If so, have the maids inside send over Bairen's court attire, including all the headpieces, jade pendants, and fan ornaments. Also, let them know to send a carriage to wait at the palace gate in the evening to pick up the Young Prince."

Shunzi acknowledged and left.

Qi Xiao and Bairen entered the residence. As they walked, Qi Xiao slowly explained, "Old Prince Hui is the youngest brother of Emperor Wen. Back in the day, he was quite favored by Emperor Taizong. Although he was granted a fief after coming of age, he was never allowed to go to his fief and has always lived in the capital. He doesn't have much real power, but his fief is quite wealthy, and he has considerable prestige in the capital..."

The two passed through the inner ceremonial gate and entered the main hall. The maids hurried forward to help them change clothes. Bairen thought hard for a while but could only recall a vague impression. He frowned, "If that's the case... why do I have little impression of this Old Prince before? It seems I only saw him once at the end of the year."

Qi Xiao smiled faintly, "Old Prince Hui is a wise man. He is Emperor Taizong's son born of a concubine, whose mother was of low birth. But he was unusually intelligent since childhood, with literary and military talents rivaling the legitimate sons. Emperor Taizong was very fond of him and even wanted to send him to the Central Palace to be raised by Empress Hongci. However... Old Prince Hui understood in his heart that further displaying his talents would only bring trouble to himself and his mother.

"After the age of ten, he always pretended to be ill, languishing for a few years, and then became obsessed with poetry and prose, no longer concerning himself with other matters. Emperor Taizong understood everything in his heart and loved him even more. Empress Hongci, grateful for his past consideration to avoid suspicion, was even more lenient towards his mother. Even after Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Empress Hongci often told others that among all her sons and daughters, she only doted on and loved Prince Hui."

Qi Xiao changed into casual clothes and smiled, shaking his head, "Regardless of whether it was said for others to hear or if Empress Hongci truly felt that way, it wasn't easy for Old Prince Hui to be favored to this extent as a prince born of a concubine. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he acted even more low-key. In recent years, even if there was any matter, he only let his sons and daughters-in-law handle it, rarely showing his face."

Bairen understood and nodded, "I see... For such an Old Prince, no wonder I have little impression of him. In that case... why make such a big show of celebrating his birthday this time?"

Qi Xiao said, "The palace likes to celebrate full birthdays. This year is Old Prince Hui's 70th birthday, so naturally they want to make it lively. Your manor has never had much interaction with the Hui Prince's Manor. The steward probably didn't prepare a birthday gift. Later, you can bring one from me when you enter the palace."

Before Bairen could decline, Qi Xiao smiled first, "These little things, don't argue with me about it."

Bairen felt warmth in his heart, smiled and didn't say more.

As they spoke, lunch was already served outside. Qi Xiao and Bairen ate, not speaking for a while. After finishing lunch, Shunzi returned. The Lingnan Prince's Manor had indeed received the message. Shunzi brought a trunk full of clothes and accessories. The two rested for a bit and changed into formal attire to enter the palace.

Qi Xiao still wore his black nine-dragon court robe, while Bairen changed into the eight-tasseled crown and seven-patterned robe of a king's heir. Before leaving, Qi Xiao glanced in the bronze mirror and softly laughed, "A natural pair."

Qi Xiao and Bairen entered the palace together. After entering, Bairen first went to pay respects to the Emperor, while Qi Xiao was intercepted by Princess Dunsu's palace maids and invited to Yuxiu Hall.

In Yuxiu Hall, sandalwood incense wafted. Princess Dunsu was reclining on a soft couch with her eyes closed, resting. Hearing Qi Xiao's arrival, she quickly sat up and said with a smile, "Quickly, come sit by your aunt."

Qi Xiao sat down and smiled, "Aunt arrived early."

"How is this early? I entered the palace yesterday..." Princess Dunsu smiled kindly. "I just heard from the palace maids that you sent quite a few things to my residence. That was thoughtful of you."

Qi Xiao chuckled lightly, "There's nothing good to offer from the manor, just some local produce. As long as Aunt doesn't mind, that's good."

Princess Dunsu shook her head and smiled, "How could I? By the way... I heard you took someone with you when you went to supervise the spring plowing this time?"

Qi Xiao paused and nodded, "Yes, Bairen doesn't go to the Huixin Academy much these days. It's boring for him to be idle, so I took him out to see more and learn more, to know how to handle affairs in the future..."

Princess Dunsu interrupted Qi Xiao with a smile, "Save those words for others, no need to use them to fool me. I called you here today because there's something I want to tell you, so you'll know what to expect."

Qi Xiao frowned slightly, "What is it?"

Princess Dunsu sighed softly and said slowly, "Old Prince Hui has a granddaughter who just came of age before the new year."

The smile on Qi Xiao's face faded, and he sneered, "Who has their eye on Bairen?"

"Nothing can be hidden from you." Princess Dunsu took a sip from her teacup and said softly, "It's the Emperor's idea."

"Roujia married into the He family. Although it was a marriage alliance, it wasn't a marriage with the imperial family after all. The Emperor originally wanted to keep Kangtai, but... you saw it too, with Kangtai's aptitude, it's difficult to find a match. Now Kangtai has hastily left with Wenyu, so the Emperor has set his sights on Bairen. It makes sense. With Roujia about to marry, isn't Bairen the next step?"

Princess Dunsu put down the teacup and continued, "After hearing the news yesterday, I came back and thought about it carefully. Actually, this marriage isn't bad. I've seen Old Prince Hui's granddaughter. Her appearance and character are a match for Bairen. She's also of legitimate birth. Even if we don't talk about the person and only discuss the family status, it's Bairen who benefits.

"The Hui Prince's Manor has no real power, but in recent years, Old Prince Hui has made connections everywhere. Many notable families in the capital are related to his family by marriage. In the palace and outside, in the three departments and six ministries, there's no place where they can't have a say. Moreover, regarding family wealth... I once heard the Prince's wife say that they have already prepared a dowry of two full carriages for their family's young lady, which shows their prosperity."

Qi Xiao listened quietly for a while, then said, "This is the Emperor's idea. What do the people of the Hui Prince's Manor say? The Old Prince is no fool. If he really wants what's best for his granddaughter, he shouldn't get involved in Lingnan's affairs."

Princess Dunsu chuckled lightly: "You guessed it. Yesterday the Emperor merely mentioned finding a good match for his little granddaughter, and Prince Hui immediately said his granddaughter had no talent or virtue, unfit to enter a princely household, and only wished to marry into a scholarly family. The Emperor pretended not to understand and let it pass. That's why I urgently summoned you. If you like this marriage prospect, have Bairen go to Prince Hui's manor to discuss it. It might really work out."

Princess Dunsu could tell from Qi Xiao's expression that he was displeased. She smiled and persuaded: "I understand your thoughts... What's the big deal? Even if he gets married, it won't stop you two from being close. Helping him secure such a good marriage, he'll remember your kindness. Isn't that good?"

Qi Xiao smiled wryly: "Remember my kindness? If it really works out, I'll thank the heavens if he doesn't tear down the crown prince's manor..."

Princess Dunsu didn't quite hear and asked puzzledly: "What did you say?"

Qi Xiao shook his head: "Nothing."

What Princess Dunsu said earlier was correct. Even in Qi Xiao's harsh view, this was a good match, all advantageous and not at all harmful for Bairen. Princess Dunsu had considered it well for him. Even if they really got married, it wouldn't interfere with matters between him and Bairen. But Qi Xiao knew clearly in his heart that Bairen could not do such a thing.

Let alone Bairen, even he himself could no longer do such a thing now. Bairen had a pure heart and would never ruin a good lady's entire life in vain for his own prospects. As for himself, he feared incurring Bairen's disgust.

Qi Xiao sighed lightly. For Bairen's sake, he had truly achieved enlightenment on the spot.

Seeing Qi Xiao lost in thought, Princess Dunsu couldn't help but ask: "Well, what do you say?"

Qi Xiao had no intention of explaining in detail to Princess Dunsu. If he made it clear, Princess Dunsu would probably think he had gone mad. So he shook his head: "This marriage cannot proceed."

Princess Dunsu felt it was a great pity: "Such a beneficial match. Won't you ask Bairen?"

Qi Xiao smiled lightly: "No need to ask. He surely thinks the same."

"Forget it then, you have the final say." Princess Dunsu shook her head. "Since both sides are unwilling, even if the Emperor approves, there's no way. They're not his own children, so he can't force the marriage. Sigh... What a pity."

Qi Xiao paused for a moment and called Jiang Deqing in. He briefly explained the previous matter and finally instructed: "Go give the Prince a heads up. Tell him to just keep playing dumb. The Emperor understands."

Jiang Deqing hurriedly acknowledged and left.

Princess Dunsu adjusted her cloudy hair and said softly: "Let's drop this matter. There's one more thing... You haven't paid respects to Empress Feng in a long time, right?"

Qi Xiao smiled faintly without a word.

Princess Dunsu sighed: "I know you don't want to see her. But no matter what, she is nominally your birth mother. The crown prince never paying respects to the empress is unacceptable anywhere. I'm not asking you to do it morning and night, just go see her every few days. Don't let others find fault with you. If they label you 'unfilial', you'll suffer for it."

Qi Xiao nodded: "Thank you for your guidance, Aunt. I understand."

"Just understanding is not enough." Princess Dunsu glanced at the water clock and stood up. "There's still time before the banquet. Come with me to Fenghua Palace now."

Qi Xiao had no choice. He smiled and accompanied Princess Dunsu out of the hall.

Princess Dunsu intended for Qi Xiao to put on an act in front of everyone, but unfortunately it was in vain. Empress Feng had already gone to take charge of the birthday banquet matters.

Princess Dunsu originally felt a bit sorry for Empress Feng's current fall from favor. But upon hearing she had gone to preside again, her expression immediately changed. She sneered coldly: "Annoying this one and disgusting that one, yet still rushing to make a fool of herself. Don't tell me she's still dreaming, thinking the ashes of the Feng family can reignite."

Qi Xiao was not anxious at all. The Emperor was merely saving face, putting Empress Feng in the open to shut people's mouths. Reigniting from ashes? It had already become impossible when Qi Hua favored that palace maid.

The two of them talked as they went to the front. During the evening banquet, the Emperor indeed brought up the marriage of Prince Hui's granddaughter several times, but was brushed off by Prince Hui's jests each time. When Bairen was mentioned, he also kept playing dumb.

The Emperor understood in his heart that someone had leaked the news, but had no recourse. After a few teasing remarks, he didn't bring it up again.

Throughout the entire banquet, Qi Xiao and Bairen didn't exchange a single word. After the banquet, they each boarded their own manor's carriage. After exiting the inner city and turning past Academy Alley, the two carriages stopped side by side, as if the people inside were talking.

After no more than half a cup of tea's time, the carriages started moving again, one heading east and one west, going their separate ways. Only, at this time, the carriage of the Prince of Lingnan was already empty, while in the crown prince's imperial carriage, the two were intimately whispering, with nonstop affection.

In the bedchamber of Qianqing Palace, the Emperor, wearing his casual attire, lay on the couch, lightly rubbing his brow. He said slowly in a low voice: "Did you see clearly?"

The person kneeling on the ground nodded: "Absolutely certain. This servant kept a close eye. The Prince washed his hands twice during the banquet. There was a red mark on each wrist, caused by rope burns. Judging from the color of the wounds... no more than two days old."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully: "You may go."