Chapter 1663 - 1656: Ah Heng, Thank You

Chapter 1663 -1656: Ah Heng, Thank You

The Left Grand Tutor, bewildered and unsure, could only kneel. He originally thought he had made an error in his tasks and that Chu Heng and Chu Jinling were punishing him.

Unexpectedly, his kneeling went on until noon, and he was made to witness a “spectacle” in the side hall of the imperial study.

Chu Yifeng entered the palace with Zuo Qingqing and members of the Zuo family without prior notice, directly heading to Chu Heng’s imperial study.

Accompanying them were Chu Xi and Rong Sheng.

Chu Yifeng said, “I cannot persuade the princess, but your words carry weight. Have her apologize to Zuo Fenglin and admit her wrongdoing.”

Chu Xi stood beside Rong Sheng, her small hands clasping the hem of her dress tightly, fingers curling with force.

Rong Sheng, aloof and ethereal, remained silent.

The Zuo family, however, was anything but quiet. Zuo Fenglin was carried in, and Jiang Shi sobbed noisily, lamenting how her grandson’s injuries were unbearable, claiming he had been cruelly bullied by Chu Xi and Su Chenyang. She demanded that Chu Xi and all the Su family’s children apologize to Zuo Fenglin.

Chu Heng listened calmly and replied to Jiang Shi with an even tone, “Madam Jiang, do you truly believe Zuo Fenglin bears no fault in this matter whatsoever?”

Jiang Shi was taken aback by the question and turned to glance at Zuo Qingqing.

Zuo Qingqing nodded, giving her courage.

Emboldened, Jiang Shi continued, “Crown Prince, children’s quarrels are usually trivial matters. But they acted so maliciously—four children ganging up on my Fenglin and almost rendering him… unable to become a man. In terms of both reason and emotion, the fault lies entirely with those children!

They should apologize to Fenglin! Especially Chu Xi… Princess Xi!”

When Jiang Shi thought of Chu Xi’s royal status, she hastily added the title “Princess” to her name out of respect.

“Chu Xi, a dignified princess, should apologize to Zuo Fenglin? Madam Jiang, you certainly have audacity!” Chu Jinling slammed a memorial onto the imperial table, her tone sharp.

Jiang Shi shrank back and moved closer to Zuo Qingqing.

Zuo Qingqing grasped her handkerchief and spoke softly, “May I ask, Your Highness, does the status of a princess mean she can ignore propriety and arbitrarily humiliate the children of officials?”

As she spoke, her gaze carried a touch of pitiful frailty. “If so, then does that mean that even if a prince violates the law, he will not have to answer to the same judgment as the common folk? Is this the way of the Great Cheng’s principles?”

“You overstep!” Chu Jinling’s expression was fierce with anger. “A prince’s status—is that something you can speak of so recklessly? Do you think yourself fit to equate it with this matter?”

“This noblewoman misspoke…” Zuo Qingqing’s demeanor shifted to one of fear. Before she could continue, Chu Yifeng supported her, his voice cold, “And what of her words was wrong? The injury lies with Zuo Fenglin—should not the offenders pay the price? Or do you mean for me to personally force their heads down to apologize to Zuo Fenglin?”

“Your Highness, the eighth imperial uncle, you…”

Chu Jinling gritted her teeth. Chu Yifeng’s dominance was utterly unreasonable!

Yet if she didn’t stand up for Chu Heng, the Zuo family might bully him outright.

Chu Heng finished reading a memorial and finally spoke leisurely, “Big Brother, why rush? Ninth Brother has not said anyone won’t apologize. After all, it was Sister who injured someone first.”

As Chu Heng’s words landed, Chu Xi’s gaze immediately turned toward him, her expression filled with disappointment as their eyes met.

Would even he ask her to apologize?

Chu Heng offered her a smile and spoke softly, “Since you seek justice, I shall offer the Zuo family justice as well.”

Zuo Qingqing’s lips curled slightly. Chu Heng was backing down! If he backed down now, there would surely be more occasions where she could force him to retreat in the future!

Even Jiang Shi’s face lit with delight. She had suffered humiliation the day before; today, she could release all her pent-up grievances onto Chu Xi!

“However, I heard that the conflict started when Zuo Fenglin began racing through the sliding path with Song Huaining. It was Zuo Fenglin standing in for another racer, which led to his win against Song Huaining and stirred discord among the children.

Why not wait until Zuo Fenglin recovers, and then have them race again to determine the victor? Whoever loses will apologize to the other—what do you all think?”

Chu Heng finished speaking with a lighthearted smile.

The Zuo family was stunned into silence. Even Zuo Fenglin, lying on the stretcher, showed visible confusion in his wide-open eyes, “Race again? But I’m injured!”

“No worries, take your time and recuperate.” Chu Heng’s face remained soft with a gentle smile.

“Crown Prince, isn’t this a bit too frivolous?” Zuo Qingqing bit her lip. This resolution wasn’t what she wanted. Was Chu Heng merely treating this as child’s play? Or did he, being young himself, simply lack the maturity to offer a proper solution, resulting in this absurdity?

This was utterly preposterous!

“Miss Zuo doesn’t seem satisfied with my proposed solution? If you have other suggestions, speak them. Perhaps you would prefer me to accompany my sister personally and apologize to your nephew?” Chu Heng’s signature smile remained; however, his words sank heavily into Zuo Qingqing’s heart.

No matter how much favor she enjoyed from Chu Yifeng, she couldn’t afford to have the Crown Prince himself lower his dignity to apologize!

Zuo Qingqing slightly bent her knees, “This noblewoman dares not. The Crown Prince’s decision… is truly wise.”

“Very well, then let it be so.” Chu Heng placed the memorial back on the imperial table.

He even asked Chu Yifeng for a favor, “Big Brother, Sister Xi still has her injury and must practice for the race. I shall keep her in the palace for now—you needn’t worry. She and Aunt Rong Sheng won’t be going anywhere.”

Chu Yifeng snorted dismissively, showing no interest in whether they stayed or fled.

Instead, his focus remained on Zuo Qingqing, who seemed noticeably discontent.

Holding both of her hands, he leaned closer, speaking with care, “You’re unhappy, aren’t you? If this displeases you, I can make them apologize to Zuo Fenglin right away.”

Normally, he wouldn’t even bother traveling to the imperial palace over such issues.

The people at the Silver Moon Pavilion had the means to capture Rong Sheng and her daughter—compelling them to bow was hardly a challenge.

Zuo Qingqing had argued such methods would lack legitimacy and tarnish his reputation, which was his sole reason for bringing them to the palace.

Now, if she were displeased, then reputation mattered little.

“As long as you’re happy, my reputation means nothing.” Chu Yifeng brushed stray locks from her cheek, his touch warm.

Zuo Qingqing felt the heat of his breath near, and her heart swelled with gratitude. Her gaze softened, “Your Highness’ reputation is priceless. This is just child’s play—since the Crown Prince has given his decree, we shall follow it. I have no dissatisfaction.”

Zuo Qingqing spoke, her smile shy and demure.

Chu Yifeng, enchanted by her smile, gazed lovingly. As he brushed past Rong Sheng, she distinctly heard him softly call Zuo Qingqing, “Senior Sister.”

Rong Sheng’s heart trembled violently.

Chu Xi was kept in the palace under Chu Heng’s arrangement. Descending the dragon throne, he took her hand, “Does this outcome satisfy you, Sister?”

Chu Xi looked up at Chu Heng. “Ah Heng, thank you.”

She had momentarily worried he might sacrifice her for political matters.

But he hadn’t—he was always her best younger brother.

Holding Chu Xi’s hand, Chu Heng led her toward the harem. “Sister, stay in the palace for a few days. Big Brother likely won’t have the time to trouble you. I’ll have someone prepare the racing path for your practice.”

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