Qing Wang followed the carriage all the way to the side entrance of the Xiao Manor. Seeing Xiao Jirou getting off the carriage without even glancing at him, he turned his horse around with a desolate look.
He might be fine with it, but others might not be. Dressed like this and wandering around on the street, wasnât it challenging the hearts of common people?
Qing Wangâs mind was blank, seemingly thinking of many things, but also as if he wasnât thinking at all. A few guards from Qing Wang Manor rode their horses not far behind him.
Suddenly, a voice came from the side, âSeventh brother, whatâs wrong with you? You look so dejected. Did you catch sister-in-law with a pretty white face together in bed?â
Qing Wang raised his head to look. It was Lu Wang.
He was also riding a horse, accompanied by several guards. He smiled gloatingly, not bothering to hide his ill intentions at all.
Qing Wang ignored him, urging his horse to continue forward. However, before he could leave, Lu Wang stopped him.
âWhatâs wrong with you? We are brothers after all. If you have any difficulties, tell your older brother, and maybe I can offer some advice.â
âStep aside!â
Lu Wangâs eyebrows furrowed, and he stared at him, saying, âWell, old seventh, you think youâre favoured by the new emperor, so now you look down on me, your sixth brother, donât you? Let me tell you, even if you ascend to the heavens, I will still be your older brother.â
âGet lost!â
Qing Wang, already feeling frustrated, saw Lu Wang persistently bothering him again. Unable to control his anger, he raised the horsewhip in his hand and struck at Lu Wang.
Lu Wang didnât expect that Qing Wang, who had always been an underdog to him, would dare challenge him. Without saying a word, he rushed forward.
The two fought fiercely, exchanging blows on and off their horses, completely engrossed in the fight, not pulling back their punches at all.
As the two princes fought, the guards from both their manors couldnât pretend not to notice. They quickly dispersed the common people on the sides of the road. At the same time, they were inwardly anxious, knowing that if news of this brawl between the princes reached the emperorâs ears, it would be troublesome.
They were hesitant to intervene and could only anxiously stand by the side, watching.
As if their worries were heard, when the two princes finally got tired of fighting and collapsed on the ground, a group of people arrived on fast horses. The person leading the group was a eunuch.
âThe emperor commands both Lu Wang and Qing Wang to enter the palace for an audience.â
Inside Yangxin Hall, Emperor Jinâan sat on the dragon throne with a stern expression.
Standing below were Qing Wang and Lu Wang, both with swollen and bruised faces. Qing Wang had a black ring around one eye, with blood oozing from his mouth. Lu Wang fared worse, with two black rings around his eyes, and half of his face swollen like a pigâs head.
âSo, youâve all grown up, huh? As imperial princes, you both fought in the bustling streets without a care for your face?â Emperor Jinâan said.
Hearing this, Lu Wang felt particularly wronged.
Before, he used to beat Qing Wang, and now, he still could, but he couldnât gain the upper hand. Not only that, he was even beaten up like this. Without needing to look in the mirror, he knew how pathetic he must appear.
âFifth brother, it wasnât me who struck first; it was old seventh! Look at what he did to me. I merely found him in an unpleasant mood and offered a few words out of concern before he turned and attacked me, showing no respect for his elder brother at all!â
In terms of lip service, Qing Wang was not as eloquent as Lu Wang, and he lacked Lu Wangâs shamelessness to distort the truth, turning black into white.
âChen¹ was reckless; please punish me, Your Majesty,â Qing Wang said, trying to hold back his frustration.
âSo, now you know you were reckless? Itâs true that only a dog who doesnât bark bites people. How did Zhen not know you were so capable before? You fought your sixth brother as if you were fighting a thief. Let me tell you, this matter is far from over,â Emperor Jinâan scolded.
âThen Iâll offer some compensation to sixth brother,â said Qing Wang under his breath.
âYou think some compensation is enough? Let me tell youâ¦â
âEnough! You are no good either. Zhen knows what your temper is like. Why do you always insist on making trouble from nothing?!â Emperor Jinâanâs reprimand was followed by a flying inkstone, passing through the space between the two brothers and smashing onto the ground into pieces.
âBoth of you are fined half a yearâs worth of allowance! Get lost for Zhen!â
Both princes bowed and expressed their gratefulness before leaving Yangxin Hall looking despondent.
Walking on the palace path, Lu Wang reverted to his usual ways and mockingly asked Qing Wang what was bothering him.
Qing Wang couldnât possibly tell him, so he kept silent.
Lu Wang couldnât stand seeing Qing Wang acting like he was the most wronged person in the world and sneered, âIâm sparing you some face, but you really think I donât know youâve been humiliated by the Xiao Family? With your current situation, itâs normal for seventh sister-in-law to give you the cold shoulder. Who knows, maybe sheâll remarry soon, and thenâ¦â
Before he could finish his words, a fist struck, and the two once again turned into a tangled mess. This time, the palace servants were trembling with fear.
Finally, when Fu Cheng received the news and rushed over, he said, âYour Highnesses, please calm your anger. If you continue like this and the emperor gets angry, then it really wonât end well.â
Only then did the two princes reluctantly stop fighting.
Afraid that the two would continue fighting inside the palace, Fu Cheng specially ordered a young eunuch to escort them out of the palace.
Once they passed through the Xihua Gate, Lu Wang glanced at Qing Wang and said, âHey, you really donât want my help? I heard that the Xiao Family has found a man for seventh sister-in-law, and that man is also interested in her. When the time comes, donât regret it later.â
Qing Wang couldnât sit still any longer and immediately rushed over.
gingercat's notes:
¹Means this subject/official