Chapter 1444: Chapter 1444: Fortunate to Survive

Prince Xiao and the others watched as the fifth prince and his companions entered the hall, the smiles on their faces nearly faltered, their eyes flickering.

In the blink of an eye, the fifth prince and the others have grown up. How old is he this year, eleven or twelve? By tradition, he’d be considered thirteen or fourteen, wouldn’t he?

At this age, he has grown into a fine young man, the legitimate son of the Emperor, praised by the scholars in the study room. If cultivated for a few years and holding the position of the legitimate heir, wouldn’t he...

Prince Xiao pinched his fingertips, feeling a kind of itch in his heart. He turned his head and saw Prince Zhou looking at him. The two exchanged a glance, understanding unspoken, and then each looked away.

In Yangxin Hall, Emperor Chu looked at the two princes reciting their lessons with great delight. He asked each of them a few questions. Since he had not fully recovered, and the children were young, he didn’t dare let them stay long, and had them escorted back.

Eunuch Zhou presented a cup of tea, saying, "The fifth prince is articulate, intelligent, and perceptive. I hear he is much praised by the scholars."

Emperor Chu took the tea and sipped it, saying, "This child is indeed clever. The Empress teaches him strictly. This is the only legitimate son among many sons, which is somewhat regrettable."

"You have always been fair, Your Majesty. Though you have only one legitimate son, he is well-educated, which shows quality over quantity. You also have a legitimate princess. Ah, this winter, the legitimate princess is to be married. You must arrange the procession well."

Emperor Chu smiled and sighed, "In the blink of an eye, I have grown old."

"Your Majesty, you are blessed with long life and must not speak of age," Eunuch Zhou replied, "Someday, you will have great-grandchildren."

Emperor Chu was indeed cheered by this, took another sip of tea, and asked, "How is Xia Houzhe doing?"

"With that thing, he cannot withstand much. His health is worse than before. The other day, he underwent another interrogation, and he fell ill," Eunuch Zhou said softly.

What is that thing?

Of course, it’s that stone.

Xia Houzhe’s hope for a quiet, peaceful life is impossible, as Emperor Chu would not be so magnanimous.

Emperor Chu rubbed the large ring on his finger and asked, "And what about Chu Ze?"

"The Commandery Prince has pulled through, but at the cost of much of his life. It is said that during the detoxification, he nearly replaced all his blood and is now still bedridden," Eunuch Zhou said. "According to Imperial Physician Liang, Prince Xiao’s body can only be nurtured slowly, and by his tone, he lives from day to day."

"It must be due to the protection of his father that he has such great fortune," Emperor Chu sneered, "Send my decree: reward him with some medicinal materials for his recovery at the Prince Manor."

"Yes."

Prince Manor.

Reclining on the bed, still pale, Chu Ze received the decree, not lifting his eyes from the book, his fingers turning the pages distinctly, as if he had no flesh at all.

"Prince, it is time for your medicine," a palace attendant brought in a bowl of medicine.

"Leave it."

The attendant gave him a glance and cautiously said, "My Lord, Miss Shang is kneeling outside wanting to see you."

"Tell her to go back. Her service is not needed here."

The attendant hesitated, "But..."

Chu Ze raised his head and looked at her coldly. Her pupils shrank slightly, and she acknowledged with a bow and retreated.

Chu Ze returned his attention to the book, but soon faint cries reached him, disrupting his focus, and not a single word could be absorbed. Only when the cries faded did he heave a long sigh, set his gaze upon the medicine bowl, and drank it down.

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