Li Yin entered the room. Yu Jun immediately hurried back to her seat, which was right next to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin curled his lip. “You’re restless as ever. Why rush over to talk to him?”
Yu Jun shot him a glare, signaling him to keep quiet. Zhou Jin, unwilling to back down, made a funny face at her.
Unexpectedly, from the front of the room, Li Yin said, “Third Prince…”
Zhou Jin startled and immediately scrambled to his feet.
Li Yin said, “Let me test you today. The problem of ‘pheasants and rabbits in the same cage,’ which we studied last time—have you mastered it?”
Zhou Jin let out a relieved breath. For the past few days, determined not to let Zhou Zhi steal the spotlight, he had truly put in painstaking effort. Arithmetic, in particular, gave him the most headaches. All those chicken heads and rabbit feet nearly drove him insane. Fortunately, he hadn’t given up.
He answered, “Professor, yes, I’ve grasped it.” As he spoke, he couldn’t resist casting a smug glance at Yu Jun, preparing to show off in front of her.
But Li Yin continued, “Excellent. Then what of ‘Han Xin Counting Soldiers’?”
Zhou Jin’s mouth, which had just opened to speak, snapped shut. He stared at Li Yin in disbelief. “Professor Li, we haven’t even covered that yet, have we?”
“Were you not told to preview the material? The Third Prince has not looked into it?”
Zhou Jin was speechless with frustration. He had practically killed himself just to master what had already been taught. Why should he also have to delve into material they hadn’t covered yet?
“I… have not.” Zhou Jin gritted his teeth and lowered his head, seething inwardly. He refused to believe anyone else in this Imperial Study had bothered to preview that. Who didn’t get a headache at the very mention of arithmetic?
But Li Yin did not press him further. His gaze shifted towards the back of the room. “Fifth Prince, have you looked over it?”
Zhou Zhi rose. “Professor, I have looked at it briefly.”
“‘There is a quantity of items whose number is unknown. Counted in threes, there is a remainder of two. Counted in fives, there is a remainder of three. Counted in sevens, there is a remainder of two. What is the number?'”
This problem originated from the Sunzi Suan Jing, also known as “The Unknown Quantity.” Li Yin had only mentioned it once before, without explaining the method of solution.
Yu Jun secretly glanced back. What was going on with Zhou Zhi today, getting called on over and over? He wouldn’t end up getting his palm smacked again, would he?
Zhou Zhi noticed her worried glance cast in his direction. Nodding slightly to her, he answered, “Twenty-three.”
Under the gaze of all present, Li Yin gestured for him to sit. He did not utter a single superfluous word.
In the front row, Zhou Jin’s face, however, began to flush crimson.
For that class, Li Yin taught this very problem—known among common folk as “Han Xin Counting Soldiers.”
Half a shichen later, class ended. Everyone bustled about, packing up to leave.
Zhou Jin noticed Yu Jun still glancing back at Zhou Zhi. Unable to resist, he tugged her sleeve. “The plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden have all bloomed! I already spoke with Second Brother and Fourth Brother. Let’s go to the Octagonal Glazed Pavilion there today—admire the plum blossoms and have a hotpot, how about it?”
Yu Jun’s heart stirred at the suggestion. She looked at Zhou Zhi. “Shall we bring Little Five along?”
Zhou Jin frowned. He was about to object but then changed his mind. “Whatever you like. The more the merrier, anyway.”
Yu Jun, seeing his agreement, waved Zhou Zhi over. Zhou Zhi was about to head over when, without warning, Li Yin said, “Fifth Prince, please wait a moment.”
Zhou Jin might be fearless before heaven and earth, but towards this Professor Li, he felt an innate sense of dread. He signaled Yu Jun with a look. “We’ll wait for you outside.”
The entire group swarmed out like bees. The room was left empty. Zhou Zhi walked over to Li Yin. “Professor, do you have any instructions for me?”
Li Yin said, “The Nurturing Harmony Pavilion is in a remote location. I’ve vaguely heard that even the Imperial Guards rarely patrol that area…”
Zhou Zhi, who had been listening with his head respectfully lowered, felt his eyes narrow slightly at those words. In the depths of his gaze, a flash of sharpness instantly surfaced.
Li Yin continued, “I have observed that the Fifth Prince possesses considerable talent in arithmetic. You are a promising gem. This ruler, though a humble object, can serve as a tool for self-cultivation when held. Your Highness may accept it.”
From his waist, he withdrew a bamboo ruler. “Do not discard it.”
Zhou Zhi’s heart felt as though pierced by ice—colder than the frozen snow. His face, however, remained utterly impassive. Extending both hands with utmost respect, he received the ruler. “Thank you, Professor. I shall… keep it well.”
Li Yin said nothing more. He turned.
Zhou Zhi clenched the bamboo ruler tightly, his gaze fixed on Li Yin’s retreating back, his eyes as sharp as blades.
Li Yin stepped outside. There, he saw Yu Jun standing, her hands tucked into her sleeves, watching as Zhou Jin and Zhou Xiang played in the courtyard, throwing snowballs.
Seeing him emerge, Yu Jun stepped back and bowed her head in silent greeting.
Li Yin asked, “Your Highness, these past two days… why have you not been riding the palanquin?”
“I was a bit unwell from a fright a few days ago, so Father granted me that special favor. Now that I’m better, there’s no need to rely on it anymore.”
“Are you afraid of idle gossip? Since it was the Emperor’s decree, what is there to fear?”
“It’s precisely because of Father’s favor that I must exercise even greater discretion. Only then will I not fail to live up to Father’s and Mother’s goodwill.”
Li Yin let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh. “Heh. As long as Your Highness is content in your heart, that is all that matters.”
Yu Jun was watching him leave when Ru Ning remarked, “That Professor Li… he seems to care quite a bit about Your Highness. He even spoke to you specially.”
“It’s probably because he’s noticed I’ve been lax in my studies, not as bright as Little Five. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kept him behind alone.” Yu Jun wrinkled her brow and turned to peer into the room. “Little Five?”
Zhou Zhi emerged outside, his expression already restored to its usual calm. “Fifth Sister, were you waiting for me?”
Yu Jun asked, “What did the professor want to speak about?”
“Professor… said my arithmetic skills are decent.”
Yu Jun smiled. “Decent? Not just decent! I was stunned. How did your brain even manage that? No wonder someone as strict as the professor looks at you with such high regard.”
She had barely spoken two sentences when, without warning, a snowball came hurtling through the air—straight towards Yu Jun.
In that split second, Zhou Zhi raised his hand and blocked it right beside Yu Jun’s face, catching the snowball perfectly. His movement was swift, clean, and impressively agile.
Yu Jun had barely even registered what happened. The ones who’d thrown the snowball were also staring, dumbfounded. By now, Zhou Jin had already rushed over. He looked at Zhou Zhi, then at Yu Jun. “Are you all right? Not frightened?”
Zhou Zhi had already hastily discarded the snowball, clutching his hand in apparent bewilderment, using his sleeve to wipe the melted snow from his palm—looking like he hadn’t expected to catch it at all, his face filling with panic and fright.
Zhou Jin’s heart had been full of suspicion, but seeing Zhou Zhi’s reaction, he concluded it was merely a fluke—a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse. “You startled me. I almost thought someone here knew martial arts.”
Zhou Zhi looked bewildered. “Third Prince, what martial arts?”
Yu Jun pulled him along. “Let’s not discuss that now. The Third Prince is treating us all. We’re going to the Octagonal Glazed Pavilion in the Imperial Garden to enjoy the snow and have a hotpot. I’m already hungry.”
Zhou Jin watched her tug Zhou Zhi along. He grabbed her other hand, not forgetting to say to Zhou Zhi: “The whole crowd of us has been waiting for you alone. Such an important guest you are.”
Besides the several palace princes and princesses, those present included the young heir of Duke Song’s estate, the Fourth Miss of General Du’s household, the young son of Minister Zhao of the Ministry of War, and the young granddaughter of Director Qian of the Imperial Academy.
The one who had nearly caused a disaster earlier with the snowball was precisely that young Duke Song heir.
The lively group made their way to the Imperial Garden. Inside the Octagonal Pavilion, warming braziers had been lit, making it as warm as a spring day. Moreover, because the pavilion’s windows were all made of glazed glass, the sunlight reflected in shimmering, prismatic colors. The interior was warm and cozy, bathed in bright, brilliant light.
A pot on the table was already emitting a mouthwatering fragrance. The moment they entered, everyone shed their cloaks and heavy wraps. Only Zhou Zhi had nothing extra to shed; he was already wearing just a single, slightly thick robe.
Zhou Jin ordered one of the windows opened. Outside, snow-dusted plum blossoms came into view—pure, fresh, and lovely. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of plum blossoms into the pavilion.
Young Miss Qian couldn’t help but sigh, “‘The plum is three parts less white than the snow, yet the snow loses to the plum a measure of fragrance’… It truly takes the Third Prince’s refined sense and ingenious thought for us to be graced with such a fresh and delightful scene.”
Young Master Song, however, remarked, “You all may love the scenery. As for me, I have eyes only for this bubbling hotpot. Don’t you think, with the icy world outside and the steaming warmth here—fine food and lovely views—it’s truly rare and precious?”
Zhou Jin sat beside Yu Jun. “I knew you would all love it.” Seeing the light in Yu Jun’s eyes and the smile on her lips, clearly indicating she was pleased, Zhou Jin finally felt his spirits smooth out.
But when his gaze shifted and landed on Zhou Zhi sitting beside Yu Jun, the Third Prince was far less delighted. Originally, he hadn’t wanted Zhou Zhi sitting so close to Yu Jun, but she had pulled him over herself. Still… the boy seemed quite obedient, so there was no need to spoil his own mood over him.
Zhou Jin looked around. “Where’s the osmanthus wine I ordered?”
His attendant eunuch, Ying’er, whispered hesitantly, “Your Highness, what if someone gets drunk…”
Zhou Jin snapped, “Quiet with you! Pour it for everyone now!” As he spoke, he cast a quick glance at Zhou Zhi, then added, “With snow and blossoms and fine food, naturally, we need fine wine. Today, everyone must drink. Anyone who refuses—well, they’re just not giving me face.”
All those present had drunk wine before. But Zhou Zhi was different. The circumstances in which he had grown up had never allowed him to sample such a rare delicacy as wine.
When Yu Jun had proposed bringing Zhou Zhi along, the reason Zhou Jin hadn’t refused was because a mischievous scheme had sprung into his mind. He intended to use this opportunity to thoroughly humiliate this Fifth Prince whom he had never been able to stand.
Yu Jun said, “With such good food and a fine setting, at least behave yourself. Don’t stir up trouble. There’ll be no explaining it later.”
Zhou Jin chuckled. “Today, I’m the host. Even if something happens, I’ll take full responsibility. Little Five, your courage seems to be shrinking. A couple of years ago, you would’ve been the first to leap up demanding wine. And now you’re trying to stop me? Or… are you perhaps afraid someone might get drunk and are already covering for them in advance?” He deliberately glanced suggestively at Zhou Zhi, his gaze carrying a hint of provocation. “Zhou Zhi, your Fifth Sister has no faith in you. Tell me yourself: do you dare drink or not?”
Yu Jun hurriedly tugged at his arm. “What are you doing? He’s still young…”
Zhou Jin burst into loud laughter. “Old Fifth, hear that? Still a baby! Needs your Fifth Sister to protect you!”
Yu Jun hated him for it and thumped him with her fist. Seeing him still unrepentant, she pinched his arm hard.
Suddenly, her hand was seized—roughly, almost forcefully—and pulled away. Yu Jun turned her head, surprised, to look at Zhou Zhi.
He pressed her hand down, his grip firm and unyielding. “I may not know how to drink, but since the Third Prince is so generously urging, naturally, I must pledge my life to accompany him in this.”
Zhou Zhi realized he had somewhat overestimated this body’s current condition.
After all, it was just a tender, youthful boy. Years of cold and deprivation in the Cold Palace, constant lack of food and clothing, had left the body weak and frail. Not being constantly bedridden with illness and actually managing to leave the Cold Palace at all was already a blessing to be thankful for.
Moreover, the moment the osmanthus wine hit his throat, Zhou Zhi detected it: the sweet liquor had been spiked with something stronger.
After all, he was no true little prince who had never tasted potent spirits.
In his previous life, he had drunk wine, killed men, rebelled, and ascended the throne.
And then, at the pinnacle of his arrogance, believing the world was entirely within his grasp, he had been poisoned to death by the person he trusted and cherished most.
Sudden. Without any preparation.
How could he possibly accept such an end willingly?