Chapter 6: He Really Plays Wild

"It is a pity for the Prince of Zhennan. After a lifetime of military service and a family renowned for their loyalty, all that remains to inherit the estate is this debauched young man. The future is truly perilous!"

The man sighed with affected sorrow, prompting those around him to chime in with agreement.

"If you ask me, if the young heir were to be replaced by you, you would certainly be far better than that Zhao Ang!"

Jing Hong tilted her neck to look up at the man, flattering him. The man laughed heartily, pulled Jing Hong into his arms, and spoke with a hint of mockery.

"Don't say that. I cannot compare to Zhao Ang, who can stomach an ugly woman like Liu Yu. You, Jing Hong, are much more delightful."

"Well said! Such a good-for-nothing is someone we could never hope to emulate!"

As the man finished speaking, the group burst into laughter. Meanwhile, news from the brothel spread as if it had wings, reaching the desks of households all across the capital.

"The heir to the Prince of Zhennan, Zhao Ang, has returned to the brothel to dally with prostitutes after his period of confinement, only to be pressed by an ugly woman until his wails of agony echoed throughout the entire establishment."

Savoring the information brought by his subordinate, the man hiding in the shadows wore an unreadable expression. He looked at the man kneeling before him.

"A wastrel will always be a wastrel; he will never amount to anything. Continue to keep watch."

"Understood."

The man acknowledged the order and retreated. Similar scenes were playing out in various corners of the capital. Zhao Ang’s reputation was so firmly established that when people heard this news, they felt no surprise, but rather a strange sense of "as expected."

Zhao Ang, currently in the brothel, was oblivious to the fact that yet another scandal had spread throughout the capital, even reaching the ears of his grandfather.

"That scoundrel! To commit such an act again—I will beat him until he cannot even stand!"

Upon hearing the report from Wang Xin, the old Prince slammed his hand down with such force that the table before him shattered. This sudden outburst startled Mo Xizi, who was in the middle of a meal, causing his chopsticks to freeze in mid-air.

The old Prince seemed to regain his composure, looking at Mo Xizi with an apologetic expression.

"My family's wayward son lacks discipline; I apologize for this spectacle. I fear this meal cannot continue. Next time, I, old Zhao, will be sure to host you properly!"

The intent to dismiss his guest was clear. Mo Xizi, knowing that family scandals should not be aired in public, did not insist on staying. Besides, he had come to extend the old Prince’s life, and now that he had Zhao Ang’s prescription, he was no longer needed.

However... could the person capable of writing such an exquisite prescription really be the type to frequent brothels, nearly lose his life, and remain unrepentant? Mo Xizi was skeptical, yet he had no evidence. He stood up, offered a few words of comfort to the old Prince, and took his leave.

"Wang Xin, see Master Mo out."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Wang Xin guided Mo Xizi out of the Prince’s estate, leaving the old Prince alone with his troubled thoughts. Having spoken heart-to-heart with Zhao Ang earlier, he knew his grandson was not truly the lecherous sort who would frequent brothels. If that were the case, why did he constantly cultivate this image of a playboy? What was he plotting? The old Prince could no longer fathom his grandson’s mind.

Regardless, Zhao Ang’s actions had caused him some trouble. He only hoped that the path he had charted for his grandson would remain unaffected. The old Prince sighed softly and called for the servants to clean up the mess. The scheme he spoke of traced back to the previous day.

"Is it true, my lord, that you wish to trade the merit of saving the Northern Frontier for the marriage of Princess Zhaoping to your grandson, Zhao Ang?"

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Jing Emperor sat upon a couch, while the old Prince knelt before him.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The world knows that my foolish grandson had a slight misunderstanding with Princess Zhaoping. Today, I humble myself to beg Your Majesty to grant this union, turning that misunderstanding into a beautiful tale."

The old Prince knelt lower. After crushing the Turkic forces and saving the Northern Frontier, he had led his Black Tiger Army back to the capital and secretly requested this audience. He had decided that if his grandson was being punished by the Emperor for offending Princess Zhaoping, he would simply make her his granddaughter-in-law. This would silence the wagging tongues; after all, if she were his wife, what did it matter if Zhao Ang had offended her?

Moreover, he had his own calculations. He knew his body would barely last another six months, and he was well aware of his grandson's nature. Rather than letting Zhao Ang be torn to pieces by others after his death, it was better to hitch his wagon to the Imperial family. Once he was gone, the Imperial family, out of respect for his service to the Great Qian and the fact that Zhao Ang was now a prince consort, would be compelled to provide some protection. Furthermore, having Zhao Ang marry the Princess would diminish the Emperor's vigilance toward the Black Tiger Army, preventing the tragedy of the "hunter discarding his bow once the birds are gone."

The Emperor sat in silence for a moment, as if in deep thought. The old Prince bowed his head to the floor, pleading once more.

"I act only out of love for my grandson. I beg Your Majesty to grant this!"

"Why go to such lengths!"

Seeing this, the Emperor stepped forward to help the old Prince up, his expression strained, his tone hesitant.

"I understand your love for your grandson, but Princess Zhaoping is my most beloved daughter. Zhao Ang’s reputation outside is truly poor, and I..."

The Emperor’s face grew more conflicted, but the old Prince knew he had relented. He knelt again and hurriedly promised.

"Your Majesty, rest assured! Once I return, I will strictly discipline my grandson and ensure he never lingers in such places of vice again!"

"In that case, I shall try to persuade Princess Zhaoping on your behalf!"

With this, the Emperor had agreed on the condition. The old Prince kowtowed in gratitude before returning to the Prince of Zhennan’s estate.

However...

"Sigh!"

The old Prince let out a heavy sigh. He had been back for less than a day, and not only had Zhao Ang not stopped frequenting places of vice, he was playing even more recklessly. What was to be done? He felt a splitting headache, yet he remained powerless, unaware of Zhao Ang’s true intentions.

Night fell quickly. Wang Xin watched the old Prince, who had been brooding over his desk for a long time, and finally ventured to advise him.

"Your Highness, why not tell the young heir about your plans, so that he does not continue to behave so absurdly?"

"I cannot. Since he already has his own plans in mind, how could I..."

Before the old Prince could finish, the butler rushed into the study, his expression urgent as he looked at the old Prince.

"Your Highness, a distinguished guest has arrived!"

At that moment, the person following him stepped forward. The old Prince rushed around his desk and knelt immediately.

"This subject pays respects to Your Majesty. Your Majesty has come, and I have failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

The distinguished guest was none other than the Jing Emperor. The others hurriedly knelt as well, chanting "Long live" in unison.

"It is I who have come in disguise without prior notice. What sin could you possibly have committed?"

The Jing Emperor stepped forward to help the old Prince up and looked at the others. "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The group rose, and the old Prince signaled to Wang Xin, who led the others out.