Chapter Ten: Returning to the Mansion

“Living a life of debauchery? Miss Bi, do you think I’m a fool, or that the Third Prince is?” Zhou Hao spoke plainly and directly.

“Since His Majesty granted me a residence and a thousand taels of gold, even if I were to indulge in pleasures, I should return to my own mansion. Why would I be at the Third Prince’s residence?”

“Surely it’s not because I harbor resentment against the Third Prince and intend to cause trouble for him?”

Bi Ruxue smiled faintly but did not respond further.

She had sensed that the information Bi Yutang had given her was somewhat off.

In this matter, it seemed she had indeed misjudged the Crown Prince.

Still, she could not bring herself to like him.

Which young lady would be happy about suddenly having an arranged fiancé, especially one she barely knew?

Bi Yutang, though rough around the edges, clearly understood from his sister’s words that she was displeased.

He took the cue and replied, “Crown Prince, after all, you were the first to return. I thought your residence wasn’t ready yet, so you were temporarily staying at the Third Prince’s place.”

Zhou Hao sneered but said no more.

There was no need to explain what sort of scoundrel the Third Prince was—they would figure it out in time.

“Miss Bi, I’ll take my leave now. There will be many opportunities to meet in the future.”

Zhou Hao stood and left without a trace of hesitation.

His purpose had been fulfilled; there was no need to remain and irritate anyone further.

It was obvious that Bi Ruxue still had a thorn in her heart.

Watching Zhou Hao’s departing figure, Bi Ruxue sneered coldly.

“It seems this Crown Prince does have some capability.”

“But what on earth did Father see in him?”

Bi Yutang smiled awkwardly.

Who knew what Father was thinking—he not only brought the Crown Prince here but also agreed to the marriage.

Could it be that Father feared someone too powerful might threaten his own position, so he chose a prince without strong backing?

Just as the two pondered, a loud laugh echoed as the General strode in.

“Miss, are you satisfied with your husband?”

Seeing their thoughtful expressions, the General knew Zhou Hao had left a strong impression on them.

That was all that mattered.

“Father, why did you agree to this marriage?”

Bi Ruxue’s brows furrowed deeply, her gaze full of displeasure.

How could such a matter be agreed upon outright in court without any discussion?

If they regretted it later, they would be ridiculed by the officials for a long time.

She didn’t understand what Father saw in the Crown Prince.

The General waved his hand, urging Bi Ruxue to temper her anger.

“You still don’t see things as clearly as your brother. Tell me, what has the Crown Prince done since he arrived?”

Bi Yutang thought for a moment and replied, “He seems to completely disregard Zhang Jinzhong and has done only one thing here: to prove that the debauched Crown Prince is not himself.”

The General chuckled, casually poured tea, then looked at Bi Ruxue.

“Miss, do you distrust your father’s judgment? This Crown Prince may seem rootless and reckless, but he has great ambition. Did you know he gave up the chance to be the heir at court?”

“He doesn’t want to be Crown Prince; he wants a fiefdom.”

Bi Ruxue understood the General’s meaning.

Claiming the title of Crown Prince still wouldn’t guarantee a secure position; it’s better to step away from the swirling vortex of fame and power in the capital and quietly recuperate somewhere beyond anyone’s reach.

As for the future?

Who said the Crown Prince is destined to become the emperor?

With such resolve, Bi Ruxue found it hard to believe Zhou Hao was truly a wastrel.

Yet she remained displeased with Father’s unilateral agreement to the marriage.

“Father, shouldn’t you have consulted me? This is your daughter’s great life matter, and you just agreed to it like that?”

The General patted her shoulder.

“Miss, you don’t understand—someone with that kind of ambition can succeed anywhere. If we let him slip away now, you won’t be able to catch up later.”

“I think even proposing marriage now is a bit late—are you still dissatisfied?”

...

Just after leaving the General’s residence, a eunuch came to find them.

“Your Highness, your residence is ready. I will take you to see it now.”

“Thank you, eunuch,” Zhou Hao said, bowing slightly before settling into the sedan chair.

By imperial order, a mansion had been prepared swiftly.

But looking back at himself—he had been in the capital for several months.

Had he not appeared at court, this residence and gold would never have come his way.

Zhou Hao sneered.

The Emperor had never regarded him as a son.

He probably assumed he would perish in the barbarian lands, never expecting to fulfill his promise.

What a heartless and ungrateful man!

Since that was the case, Zhou Hao no longer hesitated about acting against the Emperor.

If the Emperor didn’t see him as a son, why should he treat him as a father?

How despicable!

Lost in thoughts about his next move, he felt the sedan chair lower.

The eunuch’s raspy voice sounded beside him.

“Your Highness, please alight and see what you think of the residence.”

Lifting the curtain, Zhou Hao looked up.

Though the Emperor was somewhat inhumane, the residence was not bad—a prince’s standard, imposing and grand.

“Not bad, not bad. Eunuch, why don’t you accompany me inside for a look?”

Zhou Hao made some casual small talk.

The eunuch, a clever man, replied offhandedly.

“You see, I’m just a messenger. It would be presumptuous to accompany Your Highness. The gold and silver have already been stored in the treasury.”

“The servants have been arranged as well. If you’re not satisfied, just say the word and I’ll have them replaced.”

Zhou Hao sensed something was off.

The eunuch’s attitude was unusually good.

Within the palace, the Emperor and Empress both harbored great hostility toward him.

Yet this eunuch showed no such ill will—he even went out of his way to serve him?

Something was amiss.

“Eunuch, do you have some request of me?” Zhou Hao asked coldly, fixing him with a sharp gaze.

No one would go this far without a reason.

He simply did not believe otherwise.

With a sudden thud, the eunuch knelt, forehead pressed firmly to the ground.

“Your Highness, this old servant only wishes to serve you faithfully. To be by your side is my greatest honor.”

Zhou Hao was somewhat surprised.

He intended to build his own faction within the capital.

But the first to come seeking him was a eunuch?

He found this puzzling.

Striding into the residence, he tossed out a command.

“Speak your business inside.”

The eunuch dared not delay, rising quickly to follow Zhou Hao to the main hall.

The servants recognized Zhou Hao and greeted him with proper respect, addressing him as “My Lord.”

Still, these servants would need to be replaced.

Who knew how many spies had been planted among them?