Green Mountain

The ochre document in the Crown Prince's hand was dazzling, as if it contained a world of secrets.

Chen Ji subconsciously glanced at Si Caogui with the corner of his eye, only to see the latter pretending to soothe the horse, seemingly reluctant to leave: Si Caogui was waiting for him to ask questions.

Chen Ji is a spy for the Jing Dynasty Military Intelligence Department, and this report is likely related to Korean reinforcements. His eagerness to know the truth is logical; not asking would imply he has a guilty conscience.

The victory in Korea may not prove he leaked the information, but his failure to ask questions would certainly make Si Caogui suspicious.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Ji smiled and asked, "Why does His Highness insist on keeping it a mystery? Such great news should be shared with us immediately. It's better to enjoy together than alone."

The Crown Prince smiled and patted his shoulder, "Chen Ji, don't be anxious. Such good news should be announced publicly; it cannot be revealed so hastily. Our Ning Dynasty has shaken the four seas and intimidated the barbarians. Father Emperor is also delighted, and has given extra rewards for the spring hunt."

Intimidating the barbarians? Most likely, it's the victory in Korea!

Chen Ji was about to continue asking when Zhang Xia scrutinized Chen Ji's expression and suddenly spoke, "Since His Highness wants to keep it a mystery, let's not ask for now; we'll find out tonight anyway."

The Crown Prince laughed loudly, "Second Miss Zhang is right. Let's go in and have some drinks first."

He handed the ochre document to the attendant by his side, instructed in a low voice, "Keep it safe."

With that, he pulled Chen Ji towards the Red Leaf Villa.

Si Caogui gave the attendant a deep look, then picked up the reins again and headed to the stable.

In the blue-brick alleys of the Red Leaf Villa, the Crown Prince spoke warmly to Chen Ji, "Chen Ji, today elite troops from the Three Major Camps have come. It's a good time to introduce you; you'll definitely have interactions with them in the future."

Chen Ji replied steadily, "Thank you, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince suddenly changed the topic, lamenting, "It's a pity that the spring hunt this year is less lively than in the past. Not only are there fewer elites from the Three Major Camps, but even the officials in the capital are avoiding coming. Last year the Red Leaf Villa was full. This year, because of taboos, fewer people are willing to come, and the Red Leaf Villa is quite deserted."

Chen Ji did not wish to respond to this topic, nor pay attention to the Crown Prince's lamentation; it wasn't his place to get involved.

Seeing Chen Ji not responding, the Crown Prince smiled, "I promised you the Right Guard position in Guyuan earlier, but I went back on my word. But this turned out better, as you could avoid being implicated by me."

At this point, Chen Ji should have replied with something like "I am willing to risk everything for Your Highness", but he still remained silent.

In the delicate atmosphere, Zhang Xia spoke again, changing the subject, "Your Highness, is there a special prize for this year's spring hunt?"

The Crown Prince smiled, "Of course, and this year's prize is better than any previous year..."

Before he finished speaking, the sound of hooves echoed closer from outside the Red Leaf Villa.

Everyone turned to look, seeing a young man in a black official robe dismounting, leading twelve men aggressively towards the Red Leaf Villa.

Prince Fu.

The official robe of Prince Fu was embroidered with patterns of mountains, dragons, insects, sacrificial vessels, algae, fire, powder rice, emblems, and badges, with a pure gold crown on his head, exuding nobility.

The twelve men behind Prince Fu glared fiercely, each carrying a hard bow. The foremost one Chen Ji had seen in Li Shamao Alley, carrying an Iron Bow rarely seen in battle.

The visitors were not friendly.

The Crown Prince seemed somewhat surprised to see Prince Fu but was the first to greet him, "I didn't expect you to come, my apologies for the lack of reception."

Prince Fu laughed loudly, not returning the greeting, "I came uninvited, hope His Highness won't blame me."

Chen Ji and the others subtly stepped back, leaving the two alone in the alley.

The Crown Prince spoke gently, "I heard that you've been punished by Father Emperor and confined in the Imperial Capital, have you informed him about today's visit to Fragrant Mountain?"

Prince Fu dismissed it, "No matter, such an exciting event can't miss me. I've been idle in the capital for too long this month, it's just right to join the fun. Punishment afterward? Father Emperor is used to it, and so am I."

The Crown Prince was silent for a moment, "You're quite carefree, I'm truly envious. Please, the banquet is about to begin."

Prince Fu laughed heartily, "No rush. Have you heard the palace's recent gossip? It's about the Dongliu Palace."

The Crown Prince impassively asked, "What is the matter that you're referring to?"

Prince Fu said meaningfully, "It's naturally about the incident in Jingyang Palace where someone died. Misery brewed by the oppressed in the Cold Palace, nearly implicating the Empress... You didn't know?"

The Crown Prince replied, "I've been here at the Red Leaf Villa preparing for the spring hunt these past days and was unaware."

Prince Fu clicked his tongue twice, "I heard the chief of Jingyang Palace, Xuanzhen, died miserably. Hanging three feet of white silk, tears of blood streaming down. The forensic doctor said he took poison before hanging himself. Poor fellow. And Princess Bai Li almost got wrongfully killed."

Prince Fu abruptly changed tack, suddenly looking at Zhang Xia, "And this must be the 'Rouge Tiger', Second Miss Zhang?"

Zhang Xia frowned, unsure why she became involved.

Prince Fu laughed, "A fine lady shouldn't marry into deep palaces filled with sorrowful people. Better to marry a loving man, wander snowy paths in winter, collect greens in spring, explore mountains in summer, and boat on the lake in autumn, living freely."

Chen Ji understood.

On the day of the Ancestor Silkworm Altar ceremony, the Crown Prince's birth mother, Concubine Xue, attacked His Highness's mother, the Empress, almost branding her with disgrace. That night, Concubine Xue manipulated events causing the disastrous witchcraft incident at Jingyang Palace.