After Emperor Qi left in a huff, Empress Wang began to tremble violently. It was the pain of being beaten, the pain of longing for that child. But this was the fate that could not be changed.
"It was you who pushed Xiaochen to that position, it was you who killed him! How dare you come and ask me what I think!" Empress Wang whispered softly.
Outside the empress's bedroom, two boys around ten years old ran over. The eunuchs and palace maids outside gestured loudly to the empress inside.
"Mother, is it true? Is Sixth Brother really gone?" Seeing the anxious look on the children's faces, as a mother, she didn't know how to answer.
"Brother, you're so silly. The news has already spread. Can it be false? Sixth Brother wanted to force a palace maid, this is really rare! Even I don't believe it."Another boy said.
"Qizheng, whether you are really sad for Sixth Brother or not, at least in front of me, you should show some sadness. Sixth Brother treated us like real brothers for so many years. How can you be so unfeeling?"
"Sixth Brother! Sixth Brother! Why did you leave! I still remember how you taught me!" Qizheng was a strange young man. Apart from his own brother, Qishou, he wouldn't listen to anyone.
"Brother, are you okay with that? But I'm still curious about how stunning that female official must be! Mother, when she returns to the capital, remember to let me see her!" Two crisp sounds echoed in the grand palace.
"Mother, Brother. I was just joking. Why are you so angry! I was wrong, I'll continue crying then!" Then he really started crying, really sad, really grieving.
Ten days later, Qichen's body arrived in Qicheng. The empress also announced a new decree.
"I have two beloved sons under my knees, named Qishou and Qizheng. However, their characters and talents are quite similar, making it impossible for me to decide. I can only use the imperial method of talent selection to make the choice. The successor to the throne will be determined by the Grand Examination in five years. Whoever performs better in five years will be the winner of the throne.
Empire Year 981.
"When you get to Jiangnan, don't be unruly. Drink less, and don't use the reputation of our maternal family to bully others! If I find out, I will write to rebuke you!"
"I won't listen to you, even though you're my brother! But your slap shattered our brotherly love! I won't listen to you anymore, don't bother with me."
"Brother hitting you was not wrong, but as your elder brother, I also have a responsibility for your current situation. You need to study hard and practice martial arts seriously in Jiangnan for the next five years. If Father makes you the crown prince, you must not disappoint the people of the world."
"It's rare to see Lord Qishou apologizing to me. I thought you only treated those servants of wealth and auspiciousness well! And Father, making me the crown prince? The first thing I'd do as the crown prince is to give up that position to you. Dealing with government affairs every day, and dealing with those courtiers' intrigues. It's too tiring! I'd rather be a carefree prince, with no worries about food and clothing, and in my leisure time, I can flirt with the ladies of the Wang family!"
"You, boy, have really lost your conscience. It's true that I treat Fugui and Jixiang well, but I treat you the best! Stop talking nonsense. A carefree prince, you're dreaming! By then, you'll have no power or influence, and the ladies of the Wang family will probably ignore you!"
"If you hit me, I have no conscience, if you don't hit me, you're my good big brother! Even though you were born just a few seconds earlier than me. The bitter cold and military disasters in the Northern Frontier are well-known. Big brother, take care of yourself."
"Brother, see you in five years!" Qishou said, and the two brothers hugged tightly. This was the only time they would separate in their lives.
The historical records of these two are quite interesting.
Seventh Prince Qishou, heading to the North Frontier, to compete for the successor position in the imperial Grand Examination after five years.
Eighth Prince Qizheng, crossing the Tianhe River in the Grand Canal, into Jinling, eating, drinking, playing, indulging in all sorts of misdeeds, earning the notorious title of the Jinling Tyrant!
Because it was Qishou's first time leaving the capital, the accompanying Imperial Guards slowed down their pace. It took a full ten days to reach Beiguan, the gateway to the south of the Northern Frontier.
"Master, the vanguard reports. General Wang Qian, the defender of Beiguan, has learned that Your Highness will arrive at Beiguan today and has arranged the best restaurant to await your arrival. I don't know how I should respond." A young man of about fourteen or fifteen years old half-knelt in front of Qishou.
"Fugui, haven't I told you many times not to address me and yourself like that? Why are you so stubborn! Wait for me to figure out how to get rid of these bad habits of yours!" Qishou said, pondering the information about Beiguan and Wang Qian, as he addressed the young man.
Beiguan has a population of over 500,000, but its army numbers 400,000. It's mostly a training ground for the nobility of the capital. Wang Qian comes from his maternal family, and to become the military and political leader of Beiguan at such a young age indicates his extraordinary talent. Learn from talented people to learn from their strengths and make rapid progress.
"Fugui, let the soldiers report back to General Wang Qian. I will stay in Beiguan for a few more days. Tonight, I will definitely keep the appointment!"
When Wang Qian received the reply, it was already getting dark. He quickly issued military orders and decrees to the officials below. In just a quarter of an hour, notices were posted on the gates of Beiguan, and the minor officials were shouting the curfew order in the streets.
In the evening, Qishou's carriage entered Beiguan under the escort of a hundred Imperial Guards. Someone specially led the way for Qishou, heading straight to the restaurant where Wang Qian was located.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of a shop called Zui Xian Lou, and Fugui was the first to come out to roll up the carriage curtain for Qishou. As Qishou stepped out of the carriage, he saw a man standing in front of the Zui Xian Lou.
He was over eight feet tall, with a beardless, pale face. His features were not particularly handsome individually, but together they exuded a unique charm. He was dressed in an ink-blue robe with a jade pendant hanging from his waist, and he held a folding fan in his left hand. Anyone who didn't know his identity would probably mistake him for a handsome scholarly teacher, but little did they know he was a decisive military general.
As Qishou observed Wang Qian, Wang Qian was also observing Qishou. The young man had a face like a crown jade, eyes like stars, and a figure like a pine tree. He wore a black and gold embroidered robe, but unfortunately, his princely demeanor and features were too delicate, lacking the strong aura of a king. It was hard to say how he compared to the Eighth Prince. If the real dragon were present, competing with him might give Wang Qian a better chance of winning.
Their thoughts lasted only a moment, and Wang Qian had already knelt down on the ground.
"I, Wang Qian, humbly greet Your Highness!"
"Please rise, General Wang." Qishou gestured for Wang Qian to stand.
"Your Highness, may I dare to inquire about the well-being of the Princess Consort? Please forgive me for my boldness!" Wang Qian didn't rise but continued, "The bond between the members of the Wang family is indeed deep, and the Princess Consort is in good health. Please rest assured, General Wang."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Wang Qian bowed again in gratitude.