Chapter 4: The Karmic Ties of Past Lives
The Crown Prince's Mansion was adjacent to the Nanzheng State Royal Palace and occupied the most extensive location in the southeast corner. Crown Prince Fu Xun, having established his mansion at the age of twelve, gradually began to take over the affairs from a few key ministers. Furthermore, due to the illness of the Left Grand Tutor, the Crown Prince smoothly took over all matters of the civil, households, and rituals departments. Although his actions were not entirely perfect, he did not make any significant mistakes either.
In a blink of three years, half of the court affairs seemed to already depend on the Crown Prince's decision. This transition was almost imperceptible, like a gentle breeze, and even those who noticed could only remark with a sigh: "The Crown Prince is noble and pure, the epitome of all civil aspirations."
Crown Prince Fu Xun had slowly begun to make his mark in Nanzheng State, earning the praise of many ministers and citizens. The time Crown Prince Fu Xun spent handling court affairs grew longer, extending into the late night until a carriage, slowly bearing the mansion's emblem, emerged from the palace and entered the grand gate of the Crown Prince's Mansion.
Lights from the palace lanterns stretched out along the corridor, casting a glow in the night, and as a figure in silver-blue descended from the carriage, the entire Crown Prince's Mansion seemed to come to life. Qi Yu immediately greeted him; Qi Yu was in a particularly good mood today, not feeling oppressed or bullied, and followed the Crown Prince with a lighter step.
"Your Highness, today the Empress sent over a Morning Lantern, personally sought from the Cloud Temple for Your Highness; it is said to ward off evil spirits and protect against demons," Qi Yu reported.
Qi Ling glanced at Qi Yu. What's with you today? What's brought on this happiness?
Qi Yu rolled her eyes at him and followed the Crown Prince into the study.
Qi Yu narrowly avoided colliding with her master when he suddenly stopped, taking a step back immediately.
What was the master looking at? Qi Yu followed the Crown Prince's gaze to a string of Red Jade String hanging on the pen holder, its vivid red color stealing the vitality of the entire ebony desk, ostentatious and striking.
Wasn't this hung up by the Crown Prince this morning?
Naturally, Qi Yu understood her master's intentions; Princess Chao Ren was rather troublesome, and such a Red Jade String could save many items in the study.