Chapter Two: Clothed in Rags

Front Yard.

In the main hall.

Compared to the Crown Prince’s life of rags and hunger, the Third Prince, Zhou Qing, lived in utmost luxury.

On the dining table, a dozen dishes were neatly arranged.

Among them were delicacies like bear’s paw and monkey brain.

However, today, Zhou Qing was not dining alone.

Opposite him sat a beautiful woman in imperial robes, her attire magnificent and radiating an aura of nobility.

“Qing’er, how is your eldest brother doing at the mansion?”

“Remember well, you must never underestimate your eldest brother. When he was sent as a hostage to the enemy kingdom, your father made solemn promises!”

“If he truly rises one day and becomes the Crown Prince, your life won’t be easy. All my hard work over the years will have been for nothing!”

The beautiful woman spoke to the Third Prince with patient admonishment. Her features were gentle and lovely, but her words carried the venom of a scheming beauty.

This woman was none other than the Empress.

The mother of the realm, a figure second only to the emperor, yet now so petty and narrow-minded!

The reason the Third Prince Zhou Qing targeted Zhou Hao was entirely the Empress’s will.

At present, Zhou Qing was favored by the Emperor, and in the Empress’s eyes, her youngest son was destined to soar and claim the Crown Prince’s title.

Once that happened, she would rise by virtue of her son’s status and become the Empress Dowager.

At such a critical moment, the Empress naturally could not allow anyone to disrupt her plans.

Even if it was her own son, he must yield.

Otherwise... it would mean death!

“Mother, rest assured, I know what to do!” Zhou Qing nodded.

Just as he finished speaking, a sudden wail came from outside the hall.

“Third Prince, you must stand up for your servant!”

It was the scoundrel servant who had been reprimanded earlier by Zhou Hao, now standing before the hall.

He wept bitterly and exaggerated the severity of Zhou Hao’s previous actions.

“Third Prince, this isn’t just hitting me—it’s a slap in your face!”

“Your status is noble, and you may not want to stoop to his level, but if you don’t intervene this time, you might lose face forever!”

“Is that so?”

Hearing how strong-willed Zhou Hao had become, Zhou Qing snorted coldly.

“I want to see if my eldest brother has truly changed into someone else.”

“When did he dare to act so defiantly?”

As he spoke, the Third Prince stood up, his face cold, ready to punish Zhou Hao.

Before he could step out the door, the Empress’s voice came from behind.

“Qing’er, be careful. You can teach him a lesson, but you must know your limits!”

“No matter what, you are brothers. Even if you strike him, it must be done carefully. No injuries to the face or limbs, and absolutely no signs that outsiders can see—otherwise, gossip will spread, and that would be bad!”

“Mother, don’t worry. I understand!”

Zhou Qing nodded, a shadow of dark intent slowly gathering in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, a dozen attendants followed him as a formidable group strode toward the rear yard.

...

Awakening in pain.

Zhou Hao felt a gnawing hunger in his belly.

After reprimanding the servant, he made his way to the kitchen.

Ignoring others’ objections, he devoured food with great relish.

“You worthless fool, plotting rebellion and failing, and now you come here to scavenge? Don’t you know your status forbids you from being here?”

The cooks surrounded Zhou Hao, speaking harshly.

Though their tone was stern, knowing his identity, they dared not advance.

“The Third Prince has arrived. This time, let’s see how he deals with you!”

With the sound of chaotic footsteps, the Third Prince appeared.

The fearful cooks hastened to report Zhou Hao’s misdeeds.

“My dear eldest brother, you’ve gone too far today!”

“This is my prince’s mansion; everything must follow rules! Even if we are family, today I must teach you a lesson, so you remember next time. Otherwise, how can I manage these servants?”

Seeing Zhou Hao leisurely finish his meal and cross his legs in an arrogant manner, the Third Prince’s anger flared.

He shouted fiercely, “Attack! Remember, no hitting the face!”

With a light wave of his hand, his men swarmed forward.

“After you’ve eaten, it’s time to move.”

“Today, you will learn your lesson!”

Facing the onslaught of the servants, Zhou Hao stretched and stood up.

His gaze was sharp as he said, “You’re just asking for death! Knowing I am a prince, yet you dare lay hands on me—are you not afraid the news will reach His Majesty and you’ll be punished?”

“My dear younger brother, you won’t dare kill me. As long as I have breath, I guarantee you and your men won’t come out unscathed!”

Zhou Hao sneered and threatened directly.

The servants, once fierce, halted at his words.

They knew Zhou Hao spoke truthfully.

After all, he was a prince!

If word got out, the Third Prince might be safe, but they, the servants, would surely suffer!

Thinking of this, they hesitated.

Just as the crowd faltered, Zhou Hao seized the moment and charged forward.

His target was clear—the Third Prince!

Before anyone could react, his fist landed squarely on the Third Prince’s abdomen.

“Ouch...”

Caught completely off guard, the Third Prince cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground.

Taking advantage of the moment, Zhou Hao pinned the Third Prince beneath him.

He swung his palm with all his might, striking the Third Prince’s face repeatedly.

As he struck, he jabbered relentlessly.

“I am your elder brother—like a father to you—and today I’ll teach you a lesson!”

“I told you to keep up appearances! I told you to act arrogantly! Today, if I don’t beat you until even your mother wouldn’t recognize you, I’ll admit defeat!”

“What are you all waiting for? Attack!”

The Third Prince struggled, raising his hands to defend.

Only then did the nearby servants react.

“What are you doing?” But before they could move forward, Zhou Hao shouted angrily.

“My fight with him is a matter between princes—brother teaching brother, it’s only natural!”

“If any of you dare interfere, that’s outright rebellion. If anyone doubts me, come and try! I want to see who has the guts to lay hands on me, a prince!”

Zhou Hao’s fierce spirit intimidated the servants.

When did this useless brat become so bold?

The servants stopped advancing, and seeing the Third Prince humiliated, they could only rush to the front yard to seek the Empress’s help.

“Enough! Zhou Hao, are you trying to rebel?”

“Stop this at once!”

A sharp command suddenly interrupted Zhou Hao’s momentum.

Looking up, he saw the Empress had arrived in the rear yard.

So late at night—why was Mother here?

Seeing her angry face, Zhou Hao was slightly surprised.

Before he could react further, the Empress scolded him.

“Zhou Hao, you are the eldest brother, yet where is even a shred of brotherly respect?”

“Stop immediately and kneel before your younger brother to apologize!”

Apologize?

Faced with the Empress’s accusations, Zhou Hao sneered coldly and finally understood.

She showed no surprise at his presence here.

She must have known long ago what had happened to him at the Third Prince’s residence.

Now, the Empress appeared and, without hearing any explanation, threw all the blame onto him.

Where was the justice in that?

Surely this so-called mother had forgotten the promise she made when she left.

She clearly knew he was suffering but said not a word.

If that is so, what responsibility does she still have as a parent?

In an instant, countless thoughts surged through Zhou Hao’s mind, and his expression grew colder.

“Mother, this is the first time we’ve met since I returned to court.”

“Hahaha, I remember when I left, you promised me the Crown Prince’s position upon my return.”

“It’s only been a few years... Have you already forgotten?”

“Or in your eyes, am I just an abandoned child, no longer as important as your youngest son?”