Mutual Invitation

The Eastern Palace refers to the residence of the Crown Prince located in the eastern part of the imperial palace. It is not only the Crown Prince’s dwelling but also a symbol of political power. The Crown Prince holds a lofty status as the heir apparent. From Zhang Ling’s observations, the Eastern Palace can be characterized by its high prestige, nobility, and concentration of power. The number of attendants and servants is countless. It is said that, to prevent internal strife within the royal family, the Crown Prince has been educated from a young age in the arts of rulership and political balance. As Zhang Ling witnessed firsthand, the Crown Prince possesses a grand vision and meticulous manners in dealing with others. When the Crown Prince began forming factions, the Emperor did not interfere, clearly recognizing him as the undisputed successor to the throne. The eldest prince, Chen Yinhao, was sent to the border at the age of seven and personally taught military strategy and martial arts by the Grand General Zhang Mingze. Chen Yinhao has long admired the Grand General and, having spent years guarding the frontier, has no ambition for the throne. Over time, those in court who had previously supported the eldest prince quietly shifted their allegiance, easing tensions between the two princes. The Crown Prince often left the palace to visit and occasionally summoned the eldest prince during important festivals. Even if only for appearances, this reduced much suspicion between them. As for the fourth prince, Chen Zuliang, he was left to his own devices, living a carefree life as a notorious playboy in the capital.

They arrived at a leisurely pavilion where the Crown Prince invited the two to sit. Song Linjie was still looking around and remarked with admiration, “This is truly extravagant beyond measure. If you were to tear down a palace at random and sell it, it would probably be worth as much as the residence of Commander Yu.”

Zhang Ling cleared his throat twice, urging him to restrain himself, then sat down quietly.

The Crown Prince could not hide a smile and said, “As I said before, Brother Song, if you are willing to join my service, everything within the Eastern Palace is yours to take.”

Zhang Ling felt somewhat displeased—so openly poaching a friend. If trouble came later, who would he have to turn to for support?

Before Zhang Ling could make an excuse, Song Linjie arrogantly retorted, “I already told you, you’re not worthy.”

The Crown Prince had just taken a cup of tea and was about to drink when he spat it out awkwardly. “Brother Song is indeed straightforward. But even if you refuse to pledge loyalty, can we not at least be friends?”

Song Linjie, adopting an unexpectedly sweet demeanor, tapped his finger and said, “The Crown Prince’s friends are so cheap? Surely some gesture is in order?”

At that moment, Zhang Ling could no longer hold back and lifted his leg to kick him, but Song Linjie’s agility easily evaded the blow. However, he made no attempt to avoid the next kick, which struck his calf like hitting an iron plate. Realizing he was outmatched, Zhang Ling ceased his attack, wondering what madness had taken hold of this fellow today.

Trying to ease the tension, Zhang Ling asked, “May I inquire the reason Your Highness summoned us? Surely it is not merely for tea?”

Chen Jinyu savored a sip of the tea—a light green brew from Jinluo Prefecture known as Jintao tea, fresh and brisk in flavor. He gestured for the two to drink as well. Just as Zhang Ling raised the cup to his lips, Song Linjie was about to speak insolently again, but the Crown Prince pushed the tea into his mouth and smilingly asked, “How is the tea?”

The Crown Prince, fearing Song Linjie would spoil the atmosphere, laughed heartily, “You two are truly entertaining! I have entertained other academy disciples before—some didn’t come, others just freeloaded a meal and left. Everyone has their own character.”

Zhang Ling suddenly became serious. “Your Highness, please be straightforward about your purpose.”

Chen Jinyu’s smile softened into a calm expression. “Among all the academy disciples, I actually think Brother Zhang is the most remarkable. Outwardly, you seem as unruly and indifferent to factions as the others, but in truth, you keep your emotions guarded. I cannot tell when you are sincere or feigning. You are as calculating as any court official, and most importantly, you have a far-sighted vision—not like most officials who only care about immediate gains.”

Zhang Ling sneered, “You think you know me well?”

Chen Jinyu replied, “Precisely because I don’t know you well, I only say this. It’s because of that ignorance I wish to understand you better.”

Zhang Ling shrugged, “I have no desire to get close to imperial scions like you. Who knows? One day I might die mysteriously.”

Chen Jinyu stood and cupped his hands in salute. “If not close friends, then let us be ordinary acquaintances.”

Zhang Ling also rose but waved his hand. “Let’s just be drinking buddies—attend banquets when invited, but no serious talks.”

As Zhang Ling turned to leave, a weary-faced eunuch with a slightly effeminate air approached and stopped beneath the pavilion, bowing his head. “His Majesty wishes to see Master Zhang.”

The four exchanged glances. Zhang Ling was not surprised the Emperor wanted to see him—after all, he had been in Jinyu City for months without an audience, so it was only natural some matter had arisen. The Crown Prince, however, was quite surprised. After the academy selection ended, he had heard that the Emperor had privately met Zhang Ling, but had not thought much of it. Now, it seemed no trivial matter. The prodigious heirs—descendant of the King of Blades and the master of intricate Mo family skills—were both unwelcome, yet this obscure disciple was summoned. It was puzzling. Apart from ties with the Medicine King Valley, what else made him special?

Chen Jinyu stepped forward and asked, “Eunuch Zhao, may I inquire the reason His Majesty wishes to see Zhang Ling?”

Zhao Weizhong shook his head. “I do not know either, and it’s best Your Highness does not inquire. When the Emperor arrived, he instructed me to tell you: whoever you are, just do your duty well. Do not make mistakes, and do not think that ability grants you the right to overstep.”

Chen Jinyu bowed. “Please convey my understanding to His Majesty.”

After Zhao Weizhong led the two away, Chen Jinyu could no longer contain his curiosity and said to those nearby, “Dispatch someone to investigate Zhang Ling’s background thoroughly.”

Throughout the journey, Zhang Ling continually showed concern for the old eunuch without mentioning anything else. His care seemed endless: “Eunuch, how have you been lately? It’s been a long time. I have been thinking of you. With all the daily affairs, it must be very taxing.”

Zhang Ling’s concern was not genuine but a practiced art of officialdom—one must not neglect those close to the Emperor. Otherwise, whispers at one’s bedside could disrupt one’s sleep. The old eunuch knew Zhang Ling’s flattery was similar to that of court officials—not sincere, but still heartily welcomed. It was necessary to support a promising youth who pleased the eye. As long as the youth fulfilled expectations, the true feelings mattered little.

Zhao Weizhong smiled faintly. “These are just duties, no hardship to speak of. But Master Zhang must study diligently at the academy to be worthy of great use.”

Zhang Ling smiled knowingly. “Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch. I will choose wisely whom to follow.”

They stopped thirty paces from the Emperor’s study, where a burly man clad in armor, sword at his waist, stood guard. His brows were furrowed, and he exuded a forbidding aura. Seeing the old eunuch escort the visitors, he shifted slightly but maintained his stern demeanor.