After spending some time conversing with his birth mother, Crown Prince Liu Jun departed from the Moon Rise Palace. However, while he was making his way through the winding garden paths, he unexpectedly crossed paths with the Second Prince, Liu Wang.
"Greetings, Brother Crown Prince." Second Prince Liu Wang said, offering a bow that seemed slightly too casual for the formal setting.
"What brings you here, Second Brother?" Crown Prince Liu Jun asked, his voice cooling instantly.
"Oh, I was merely taking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery, Brother Crown Prince." Liu Wang replied, a persistent, knowing grin playing on his lips.
Liu Jun narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized his younger brother. The relationship between them had always been strained. He was well aware that Liu Wang had long been eyeing the position of Crown Prince for himself.
His mother had frequently warned him to remain vigilant against the Second Prince. She often pointed out that Noble Consort Guifei Qian Shuyu, Liu Wang's mother constantly sought to compete with her. Despite being half-sisters from the same prestigious family, their rivalry was legendary within the palace walls. Since Noble Consort Furen Qian Yunyu had already secured the higher status, Qian Shuyu was now obsessed with ensuring her own son usurped the crown.
"I see. In that case, I shall take my leave first," Liu Jun stated curtly, having no desire to engage in a battle of wits with his brother today.
"Brother Crown Prince, stay a moment. I heard rumors that you went to visit your fiancée recently." Liu Wang said, his grin turning sly and predatory.
Liu Jun paused, his eyes narrowing further. "I did. What of it?"
"Did you truly go there to see your officially recognized fiancée... or was it to see the First Young Miss, Bai Chunhua?" Liu Wang's question was a deliberate, sharp provocation aimed directly at Liu Jun's heart.
"That is none of your concern. I see no reason to explain my personal affairs to you." Liu Jun snorted, his temper beginning to flare.
"It must be quite a burden, having your heart in one place while your duty is tied to another." Liu Wang sneered. He then nodded in mock sympathy. "But I can hardly blame you. First Young Miss Bai is a remarkably talented woman. Even I find myself quite fascinated by her many gifts."
"You...!" Liu Jun's hand tightened into a fist, his protective instincts flaring.
"Don't look so alarmed, Brother Crown Prince. I won't do anything... At least, not for now." Liu Wang laughed, his tone dripping with hidden meaning.
Gritting his teeth to keep from snapping, Liu Jun turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the mocking laughter of the Second Prince behind him.
"Your Highness, was it wise to provoke the Crown Prince so openly?" Su Jan Ying, Liu Wang's loyal aide, asked respectfully once they were out of earshot.
"I merely wanted to test his composure. I did not expect him to lose his cool so easily." Liu Wang chuckled, looking quite pleased with himself.
Su Jan Ying remained silent. He knew that Liu Wang was a deeply calculating and scheming individual. It was precisely this ruthless ambition that had convinced Su Jan Ying to follow him. He believed the Second Prince was far more likely to achieve greatness, and the throne, than the more straightforward Crown Prince.
Back in his private office, Crown Prince Liu Jun sat heavily at his desk. His two most trusted confidants, Lee Hang and Qin Xiao Di, stood at attention before him.
"Xiao Di, what is your assessment of my brother's words today?" Liu Jun asked, looking toward him.
Qin Xiao Di had been present throughout the encounter and had witnessed every subtle jab Liu Wang had thrown.
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