Zhou Zhi entered the Imperial Study. Although his birth mother still had no formal title and retained the status of a palace maid, both mother and son had left the Cold Palace and moved into Nurturing Harmony Pavilion. This was already a monumental change.
This incident stirred considerable unrest within the Inner Palace.
That day, all the consorts went to pay respects to the Empress.
Consort De arrived late, as usual.
Everyone had grown accustomed to it. After all, who could blame her, when Consort De had such a powerful family to rely on?
Back when the current Emperor, Zhou Kang, was still just a military officer under the previous dynasty’s Taizong, the Lu family was already a prestigious noble house in the capital, a ducal household. Half of the aristocratic families in the city had ties with the Lus.
Most preciously, the treasured daughter of the Lu household, Lu Yi, had declared upon first seeing Zhou Kang that she would marry no one else.
Perhaps it was a fated bond, and the old master of the Lu family, having great foresight, actually approved the match.
For a long time, this affair was the talk of the capital. After all, the renowned Lu clan had allowed their nobly-born daughter to become a military officer’s secondary consort… Many great families with generations of ties to the Lu family frowned upon hearing this, some even daring to speak outrageous slander. But Lu Yi remained unmoved, still determined to marry him.
Until a coup d’état occurred. The previous dynasty’s Taizong announced his abdication, and Zhou Kang became the new Emperor.
Those who had mocked the Lu family scattered like frightened birds, rushing to curry favor, hoping to survive peacefully under the new Emperor’s wing.
And the ease with which Zhou Kang secured his throne was undeniably due in large part to the Lu family’s support.
Whether it was Lu Yi’s decision to marry down, or the Lu family’s all-out support, for Zhou Kang, both were acts of providing charcoal in a snowstorm. He naturally could not forget this.
Moreover, Lu Yi was born with exceptional beauty. Although her temperament was slightly willful and coquettish, it was precisely the type he adored. Thus, their affection was unparalleled.
Upon his ascension, she was promptly made Consort De. After giving birth to Zhou Jin, rumors circulated within the palace that the Emperor intended to promote her to Noble Consort.
There were even some more outrageous rumors.
Had Empress Wang Zhen not been his wife from hardship—having followed him since he was a lowly soldier—and furthermore, had she not proven herself by first giving birth to the eldest son, Zhou Xi, who possessed excellent character and a stable position, perhaps Consort De might have even vied for the Empress’s throne.
It was also precisely because Consort De was indeed a formidable opponent that when Empress Wang had previously heard that the Lu family was uniting with noble houses to urge Zhou Kang to change the Crown Prince, she had become so unsettled. Had Yu Jun not reminded her, she might have lost all composure.
Now, watching Consort De enter with an air of supreme elegance, Empress Wang wore a faint, sardonic smile.
Consort De half-curtsied, a fleeting gesture of salute. Without waiting for Wang Zhen to speak, she seated herself. “On such a cold day, I thought Her Highness the Empress might be suffering from her old ailment again, so I considered coming later to allow you more rest. It seems my consideration was unnecessary.”
Empress Wang smiled, her tone cool. “My trivial discomfort is nothing. After all, younger sister, you have many matters requiring your attention. Just manage your own palace affairs well, and His Majesty and I can relax somewhat.”
Consort De raised her head, looking at Wang Zhen with a cold sneer. “What does Your Highness mean? Could I possibly be causing His Majesty trouble?” Without waiting for the Empress to reply, she smiled and looked at her own hands—her nails long, transparent, and delicately pink, impeccably maintained. Admiring them, she said, “Just last night, His Majesty rested in my palace. He didn’t say a single word of complaint; on the contrary, he was utterly delighted… This morning, he didn’t even want to go to the morning court session, insisting on having breakfast with me first.”
Empress Wang’s smile nearly cracked. She let out a soft scoff and turned her face away.
The other consorts, hearing Consort De’s audacious words, variously smiled awkwardly or lowered their heads, pretending to be deaf and mute. Those belonging to Consort De’s faction chimed in with laughter: “Consort De has always been the most favored. Of all the sisters in the Inner Palace, who can compare?”
Consort De savored the Empress’s expression. Everyone knew well that, although Wang Zhen was Empress, the number of times the Emperor stayed in the Central Palace throughout the year could be counted on one’s fingers.
Thus, Consort De’s arrogance had its foundation.
Her display today was, naturally, because Zhou Jin had been punished for hitting Yu Zhi, causing the Palace of Cloud Construction to lose face. She deliberately flaunted her status to remind everyone whose favor mattered most in the Emperor’s heart.
Seeing the Empress silent, Consort De continued smugly: “By the way, I heard that the one from the Cold Palace… that deranged palace maid, has been moved to Nurturing Harmony Pavilion. How did Your Highness suddenly remember such a person?”
Wang Zhen replied, “Do you not know? Previously, there was an incident where the Fifth Prince and the Third Prince… oh, it was an accidental collision that injured the Fifth Prince. Upon hearing of it, His Majesty suddenly recalled the existence of this person. No matter how displeased he might be, she is, after all, imperial blood. So he ordered me to arrange it and permit the two of them to move out.”
Consort De sneered, “I thought Your Highness had suddenly developed a benevolent heart. Turns out he only benefited by basking in Ruilin’s reflected glory.”
She had more to say, but upon hearing the Empress speak of “imperial blood,” she held back.
Seeing her subside, the Empress added, “Regardless of whose glory it was, they are still part of the palace. With the New Year approaching, perhaps the Empress Dowager will return to the palace… All of you must ensure proper discipline within your own palaces. Let there be no disturbances or troubles.”
Though Wang Zhen addressed everyone, her intended target was clear to all.
As for the story of Zhou Zhi and the Third Prince Zhou Jin colliding, several versions had already circulated throughout the palace—some even claiming the two princes had come to blows.
Given Zhou Jin’s temper—eunuchs who served him tea that was slightly too cool risked being beaten to death by Consort De—if that Fifth Prince truly dared strike Zhou Jin, then…
In the four or five days since Zhou Zhi began attending the Imperial Study, nearly all the court officials involved in instruction had words of praise for him.
It turned out Zhou Zhi possessed a photographic memory. Everything he was taught, he learned extremely quickly. Though newly enrolled, he not only kept up in all subjects but displayed exceptional performance.
Even Zhou Xiao and Zhou Jin couldn’t help but look at him in a new light.
Yu Jun was overjoyed and specially selected a jade paperweight to give him as encouragement.
One day, Zhou Zhi came out from Nurturing Harmony Pavilion, accompanied by a single young eunuch, heading towards the Imperial Study.
The eunuch, named Zhong Qing, had been assigned by the Department of Imperial Household Affairs. Thin and small, he carried Zhou Zhi’s book-box and walked extremely slowly, gradually falling behind.
Zhou Zhi glanced back at Zhong Qing, who was hanging his head low… Nurturing Harmony Pavilion was located in a remote area. This stretch of palace pathway saw few travelers; at that moment, only the two of them were present.
Even the snow on the ground hadn’t been swept away by eunuchs, crunching beneath their feet with a soft, crisp sound.
Step by step, Zhou Zhi walked, secretly regulating his breathing.
A moment later, from the palace path ahead, two figures dressed as eunuchs emerged, heading straight in his direction.
Zhou Zhi heard the frantic footsteps of Zhong Qing behind him, and then, with a rustle, the sound of him fleeing.
Zhou Zhi stopped, standing still.
The two who approached exchanged glances, surprise evident in their eyes. One of them said, “Well, aren’t you clever? Knew enough to stop and wait for us.”
The other laughed, “I’ve often heard the Fifth Prince is young but beautiful. Indeed, what a fine face… A pity you were born in this palace. If you were in one of those pleasure houses, who knows how popular you’d be.”
Zhou Zhi lowered his head slightly, his long lashes quivering gently. His voice was soft as it rose: “You dare insult a prince? Do you not fear the death penalty?”
“What prince… who here regards you as a prince?” The jeering eunuch, seeing his slender, delicate figure and attractive features, along with his seemingly terrified demeanor, became recklessly bold. “Truth be told, we came specifically for you today…”
Zhou Zhi retreated half a step. “I don’t recall where I might have offended anyone…”
“It’s not us you offended,” the man stared at him, licking his lips. “It’s…”
“Old Four!” The other eunuch cut him off. “Talk less.”
That man blocked his companion and said to Zhou Zhi, “Kid, don’t think just because you’ve left the Cold Palace that you’re about to soar onto the highest branch… Someone of your lowly origin will never compare to a truly noble master. We’re acting on orders. You needn’t resent it…”
Suddenly, the man beside him said, “Third Brother, let me handle this kind of good fortune…” He seemed worried the plum assignment might be snatched away and immediately reached out to grab Zhou Zhi’s neck. “Behave yourself… and this big brother will grant you a swift release.”
The man’s face was full of lecherous intent, certain of success.
Just as his hand was about to reach Zhou Zhi, Zhou Zhi suddenly raised his own hand.
The jade ruler hidden beneath his sleeve darted out like a flash, striking the man’s neck and instantly rupturing the major blood vessel there—though the skin itself remained unbroken. Blood pooled beneath the surface. The man’s eyes turned glassy. Without a sound, he pitched forward.
Zhou Zhi caught him with one hand, his eyes downcast, silent.
The other man saw his companion collapse against Zhou Zhi, twitching faintly as if in a fit. Frowning, he said, “Hey, don’t tell me that problem of yours is acting up now? We’re not here for pleasure. Get it done quickly.”
As he spoke, he came over to pull at his companion. Unexpectedly, just as he drew close, Zhou Zhi violently shoved the body at him. The man was only concerned with catching it when Zhou Zhi leaped, fingers curled together in a bird-beak strike, and drove his hand downwards with full force towards the man’s eyes.
The man’s eyeballs exploded with agony. Unable to see, unable to stand steady, he was crushed backward by his companion’s corpse.
Zhou Zhi sprang forward and did the same, striking the side of his neck with the edge of the jade ruler.
The winter days were cold. The body’s vessels, already brittle, were further struck with a forceful, skillful blow. The blood vessels burst open again, blood rushing wildly. The man’s eyes widened, quickly filling with bloodshot threads. His legs kicked briefly in the snow before becoming still.
Zhou Zhi stopped, observing expressionlessly. Confirming that both men were indeed completely dead, he slowly let out a breath.
A cloud of white mist formed at the corner of his lips.
Zhou Zhi withdrew a handkerchief and began meticulously wiping the jade ruler clean. He carefully placed it into his sleeve, then wiped his own hands.
Without so much as lifting an eyebrow, moving with deliberate, unhurried care, he spoke: “Come out.”
At Zhou Zhi’s cold order, a thin, small figure emerged stealthily from the corner behind him. The figure was cowering, head drawn in, neck shrunk, utterly terrified.
It was the young eunuch who had accompanied him, Zhong Qing.
He was still clutching Zhou Zhi’s book-box. Shivering, he shuffled forward and knelt on both knees. “This slave… Your Highness Fifth Prince…”
His eyes darted incessantly towards the two corpses lying on the ground ahead, his face deathly pale. In his gaze, amidst the shock and terror, there flickered a trace of faint, hidden satisfaction.
Zhou Zhi folded the handkerchief. “How did you know?”
The question came out of nowhere, but Zhong Qing understood perfectly in his heart. Hanging his head, he replied, “It was… two nights ago. They came to find me. Said… that Your Highness had offended someone, so they wanted to teach Your Highness a lesson.”
Zhou Zhi said, “And you believed they only intended to teach me a lesson?”
Zhong Qing immediately kowtowed. “This slave… this slave was momentarily foolish… This slave knows his error. Fifth Prince, spare me!”
Zhou Zhi bent down, his finger pressing against Zhong Qing’s forehead, slowly tilting his head up.
Zhong Qing dared not resist. He met Zhou Zhi’s eyes for a moment, then hastily looked down again.
Zhou Zhi’s voice came softly by his ear: “You weren’t foolish. You did it deliberately. Whatever they intended to do to me, naturally, they would not have fared well in the end. As for whether I lived or died—that naturally had nothing to do with you.”
Zhong Qing trembled, wanting to hide his face away. But Zhou Zhi’s finger was like iron, pressing against his forehead. It seemed that with the slightest force, it would pierce right through.