Chapter 31: The Old Prince, He Is Super Doting!

"Keep your mouth shut and just focus on driving your carriage."

Jiang Qin, seemingly stung by a sore point, pulled back the carriage curtain, her tone haughty.

"Yes, Miss Jiang. This servant will say no more."

Fu Gui was remarkably good-tempered, while Zhao Ang, sitting nearby, chuckled softly. These two were a pair of sworn enemies who could find something to bicker about at any time and in any place. Still, it was for the best; at least it kept things from getting boring during the carriage ride.

As the carriage ambled toward the capital, news of their arrival had already reached the city.

"Withdraw that person. Zhao Ang is back; there is no need to continue the surveillance."

Inside a study, a man’s figure was concealed in the shadows.

"As you command, my lord." The person kneeling before him acknowledged the order and promptly left the study.

The man turned to look out the window. "The capital is about to become lively once again."

***

"Have you heard? The Heir Apparent is returning."

"Is that for real? I’ve felt quite bored these past two weeks without news of him."

"Exactly! I used to fall asleep listening to the gossip about his romantic escapades."

"Now that he’s gone, even my nightly diversions feel a little less fun."

Only after Zhao Ang had been away for a while did the people of the capital realize his value. After all, not everyone had the skill to drag the private affairs of wealthy, powerful families out into the open for the public’s amusement. In a sense, Zhao Ang’s antics had actually bridged the gap between him and the common folk.

"Your Highness! The Heir Apparent is returning!"

Just as the morning court session concluded, the old steward rushed in, breathless with the news. Upon hearing this, the old Prince could no longer be bothered to trade barbs with the Duke of Dingguo.

"Quickly! We must hurry to receive the Heir!"

Too impatient to even change out of his court robes, the old Prince didn't even bother with his carriage; he mounted a horse and rode toward the city gates, his heart burning with urgency. Seeing this, a colleague teased the Duke of Dingguo.

"Well, that settles it. His precious grandson is back; I suspect he won't be blaming you anymore."

Ever since Zhao Ang had run away from home, the old Prince had laid the blame squarely on the Duke of Dingguo, constantly glaring at him during court sessions and even causing several embarrassing scenes. Even Emperor Jing felt helpless about it, though his attempts to mediate had been fruitless.

"Do you think I fear him?" The Duke of Dingguo stood his ground, glaring at his colleague.

"Yes, yes, of course. My apologies." The colleague, having no desire to be dragged into their feud, made an excuse and departed, followed by the rest of the dispersing crowd.

***

Ten miles from the capital, Zhao Ang snapped open his folding fan, reverting to his usual roguish demeanor. Jiang Qin was nestled against him, and he wore a look of utter self-satisfaction. Jiang Qin was merely playing along, though she failed to realize that she no longer felt any real aversion toward him.

"My dear grandson, you’ve finally returned!"

No sooner had the carriage reached the capital than the old Prince’s wailing voice could be heard. Trailing behind him was a crowd of onlookers eager for a spectacle.

"Doesn't look like the Prince drove him away at all."

"Clearly, the Heir just couldn't stand the old man and went off to find some peace and quiet."

Someone noticed the absence of Liu Yu and looked puzzled. "But where did that ugly woman go? Why isn't she with him?"

"Where else? Probably got bored of her and tossed her aside."

"That sounds about right."

Zhao Ang’s reputation for being fickle was legendary. Since Liu Yu was plain-looking, her absence didn't raise a single suspicion. The crowd’s chatter reached Zhao Ang’s ears, leaving him somewhat resigned. It seemed he had maintained the original owner's persona quite well. But was the old man overacting a bit too much?

"Old man, you’ve just come from court—stay back. You reek of sour sweat." Zhao Ang used his fan to shield his nose, feigning disgust.

The old Prince wasn't offended; instead, he obeyed meekly and asked tentatively, "You won't run away from home again, will you?"

"No. It’s too crude out there. The Prince’s manor is much more interesting."

"Splendid! Let’s head back to the manor now!" The old Prince then took the reins himself to drive the carriage for Zhao Ang.

The people of the capital gained a deeper understanding of just how spoiled Zhao Ang was. Some even marveled at his cunning.

"The Heir's move of 'retreating to advance' was brilliant!"

"Before this, the old Prince could still steel his heart to lecture him."

"After these past two weeks, I suspect the old Prince will only be able to treat him like a precious treasure."

This observation resonated with the crowd. No wonder he was a playboy and they were just commoners; they were simply on different levels. It had to be said that Zhao Ang’s intelligence had been acknowledged, albeit in a roundabout way.

Back at the manor, once the doors were closed, the old Prince dropped his excited facade.

"Your Highness." Jiang Qin bowed to the old Prince, who reached out and patted her on the shoulder.

"Well? What do you think of my grandson?"

The old Prince’s abrupt question caught Jiang Qin off guard. But as she recalled everything Zhao Ang had done over the past two weeks, she nodded sincerely.

"The Heir’s strategic brilliance is not far behind your own, Your Highness!"

She had heard Jiang Cheng say this before and had scoffed at it then, but now she realized it was the truth.

"To earn such high praise from Jiang Qin—it seems you truly have accomplished quite a bit. Come, tell me all about it."

The old Prince led Zhao Ang into the study, clearly intending to talk deep into the night. Jiang Qin tactfully withdrew, leaving the two of them alone. As for Fu Gui, he was already busy preparing a room for Jiang Qin.

"Old man, I don't believe for a second that you didn't know about what happened at the estate. Tell me, what do you really want to talk about by keeping me here?" Zhao Ang saw through the old Prince’s intentions immediately and went straight to the point.

"It’s nothing major. The Emperor is holding a banquet in the palace in two days and has invited us both." The old Prince smiled at him. "What do you think the Emperor’s intention is?"

Zhao Ang sighed, feeling helpless. "Really, old man, have you become addicted to testing me? What other meaning could there be? Is it because I’ve been targeting the Duke of Dingguo too harshly these days? The Emperor wants to play the peacemaker and have us reconcile."

The old Prince lost his composure; indeed, such a question was child's play for his grandson. However, the mention of this reminded Zhao Ang of something.

"By the way, old man, how has the Emperor’s attitude been toward you lately?"

The old Prince pondered for a moment before giving his conclusion: "Although the Emperor is trying to appease both sides, he is clearly favoring the Duke of Dingguo."

"It seems that after the donkey is slaughtered, the millstone is to be handed over to the Duke of Dingguo."

Since that was the case, certain matters needed to be put on the agenda. It was time to pull out the thorns hidden within the Black Tiger Army. He rubbed his chin.

"Old man, find a time to arrange a meeting for me with the commanders of the Black Tiger Army."

"Ah, very well. After the banquet, I will have it arranged at the White Jade Pavilion. I’ll have Jiang Qin accompany you."

The old Prince agreed readily, clearly having had such plans all along.