Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Etched in the Heart

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the clouds, bathing the palace in a golden glow.

Dew sparkled on the eaves like crystals, and a few magpies hopped along the palace walls, chirping cheerfully.

The air in the Imperial Medical Institute still carried a faint scent of herbs. Zhu Xiongying was being gently supported by Xiaocui as he slowly made his way toward the Palace of Kunning.

Since the autumn hunt, he had often taken time to visit Empress Dowager Ma.

Partly to repay her kindness, and partly to reassure the Grand Empress Dowager.

A few days ago, he had overheard the chief imperial physician mention that Empress Dowager Ma’s condition had greatly improved since changing her prescription, and her spirit had revived considerably.

Upon entering the Palace of Kunning, Zhu Xiongying immediately sensed an atmosphere that was both serene and warm.

The palace attendants, upon seeing the crown prince’s heir arrive, immediately bowed and withdrew.

Inside the inner chamber, Empress Dowager Ma reclined on a soft couch, draped in a pale golden cloak, a scroll of scriptures held gently in her hands.

Sunlight filtered through the latticed windows, casting a soft glow over her face, making her features appear especially gentle.

“Grandmother,” Zhu Xiongying approached slowly, bowing slightly, concern evident in his eyes.

“I came specially to see you. I heard your health has greatly improved, which makes me truly glad.”

Empress Dowager Ma set down her scroll and looked up at him.

Seeing her grandson’s clear, healthy complexion, a trace of relief flickered in her eyes. “Xiongying, how are your injuries? The imperial physicians said you’re much better, but I still worry. Why aren’t you resting properly at the Medical Institute and instead coming here?”

Zhu Xiongying sat beside her, smiling softly. “I am fine these days, but it was you, Grandmother, who wore yourself out and worsened your condition.”

“Now that you’re recovering, my heart feels at ease. If you feel unwell again, I will come see you every day.”

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Ma gently patted the back of his hand, her tone tender. “Foolish child, you still have injuries yourself—how can you keep tiring yourself out?”

“Your health is old and frail, sustained only by rest.”

“But you are the future of the Zhu family. If anything happens to you, how could your grandfather and I not be filled with worry?”

Zhu Xiongying sensed the deeper meaning behind her words, and his smile faded as he lowered his voice. “Grandmother, I will remember your teachings. This time, I was indeed careless.”

“If not for the protection of you and Grandfather, I might have...”

“Enough,” Empress Dowager Ma interrupted, her gaze growing resolute. “Xiongying, what happened this time was dangerous, but you kept calm and turned the crisis around. That shows you are more capable than many.”

“I believe you will be able to stand on your own one day. But—”

Her tone shifted to seriousness.

“Never leave the capital lightly again, especially for hunting or inspection trips. Do you understand?”

Zhu Xiongying lifted his eyes to meet hers, a complex expression flickering across his face.

He nodded slightly, replying solemnly, “I understand. This has been a lesson. I will be more cautious in the future.”

Empress Dowager Ma stared at him with deep care, though worry also clouded her face. “Xiongying, the waters inside the palace are deeper and more treacherous than outside, even more dangerous than the wolves in the hunting grounds.”

“Remember, protecting yourself is the most important thing.”

“Your Grandfather and I least want to see your name caught up in any trouble.”

Hearing this, Zhu Xiongying was slightly shaken but quickly nodded, “I will remember.”

Empress Dowager Ma looked at him with loving eyes, yet concealed endless concern beneath her gentle expression.

She sighed softly before suddenly saying, “Sometimes, I envy Yunwen. Though he is also from the Eastern Palace, his status is lower.”

“He escapes much of the scrutiny and many of the conflicts.”

“But you—are destined to bear more burdens and endure more hardships.”

Zhu Xiongying pressed his lips into a slight smile, his voice carrying newfound maturity. “Grandmother, rest assured. Though young, I will not disappoint your hopes.”

“No matter how many storms come, I will endure them.”

Hearing this, Empress Dowager Ma paused briefly, then smiled and nodded gently. “Good child. That is enough for me.”

She then turned to a palace maid. “Bring some refreshments. Xiongying rarely visits; let him stay a while longer.”

Seeing this, Zhu Xiongying rose and cupped his hands. “Grandmother, please rest more. I will stay and talk with you.”

Later, Zhu Xiongying reclined on the bed in the Medical Institute. Sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.

His complexion was rosier than before, and his strength was gradually returning, yet his gaze remained thoughtful.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince is here,” a palace attendant announced, interrupting his thoughts.

Zhu Xiongying looked up, his eyes flickering before a smile spread across his face. “Please bring Father in.”

Moments later, Zhu Biao entered the room.

He wore a light golden robe, his garments neat and his expression dignified but tinged with weariness.

His eyes fell on Zhu Xiongying, noting the improved color in his son’s face, and the worry etched between his brows eased somewhat.

“Xiongying,” Zhu Biao approached the bedside and sat down slowly, his voice full of concern. “Are your injuries better?”

Zhu Xiongying smiled and bowed slightly. “Father, rest assured. The imperial physicians say I’ve recovered well. With a little more rest, I will be fully restored.”

“What about you? You’ve been busy with court affairs day after day and still came to see me. You must be exhausted.”

At these words, Zhu Biao smiled faintly.

His gaze softened as he looked at Zhu Xiongying. “You are my son and the heir of the Zhu family. How could I not care?”

“The incident at the hunting grounds was frightening, though you escaped unharmed. Thinking back on it still unsettles me.”

“If you hadn’t been so fortunate, I wouldn’t know how to face your grandfather today.”

Zhu Xiongying’s eyes darkened slightly as he lowered his voice. “Father, do not blame yourself. This was my negligence.”

“If I had been more vigilant, perhaps the crisis could have been avoided. Luckily, I survived. Otherwise...”

He stopped for a moment, then looked up at Zhu Biao with a hint of guilt. “In the future, I will be more careful, so you and Grandfather won’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Zhu Biao looked deeply into his son’s eyes, then sighed softly after a moment of silence. “Xiongying, this matter is behind us, but it has taught me something—”

“With your current status, you will always be the center of attention. Whether from those who support you or those who covet your position, no one will miss an opportunity to watch or challenge you.”

“Remember, protecting yourself at all times is the most important thing.”

Zhu Xiongying lowered his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips, but his tone was solemn. “Father’s teachings, I will keep them close to my heart.”