Jealous rivalry

Chen Xianzhi picked up the teacup and poured tea for Shi Xu, placing it to her right.

Ji Yun, unwilling to be outdone, slid a pastry over to Shi Xu’s left.

The atmosphere between the two was tense, as if blades were drawn, yet Shi Xu remained completely oblivious, which only caused You An’s gaze to flicker repeatedly between them.

You An took the pastry pushed by her imperial elder brother and popped it into her mouth, nodding and shaking her head from time to time.

Perhaps she ate too hastily, for the pastry caught in her throat, and seeing this, Shi Xu quickly brought the teacup to You An’s lips, which helped somewhat.

Seeing this, both Chen Xianzhi and Ji Yun found it difficult to say anything further.

“Third Prince, may I ask the purpose of your visit to our residence?”

Chen Xianzhi’s tone carried a dismissive edge that only Ji Yun could detect.

Ji Yun smiled and replied, “There are matters today to discuss with the Marquis, but You An insisted on seeing Miss Shi, so I came to find her first.”

Chen Xianzhi responded with a strained smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“In that case, Third Prince, we shall not trouble you further. I will take good care of Her Highness the Princess.”

Ji Yun nodded with a smile and rose to leave.

Once Ji Yun had departed, Shi Xu’s eyes reflected a hint of puzzlement.

Chen Xianzhi noticed and explained, “The Third Prince had matters to discuss with my father and left earlier.”

Shi Xu nodded in understanding and resumed playing with You An in her arms.

Chen Xianzhi, seeing Shi Xu’s indifference, grew somewhat anxious. Coupled with the rumors he overheard yesterday, his heart felt like it had been clawed by a wildcat—deeply unsettled.

Therefore, he proposed, “Why don’t we go to the training grounds for some fun?”

At these words, Shi Xu’s interest was piqued, and You An eagerly nodded as well.

The three of them soon arrived at the training grounds, where numerous weapons were lined up, their cold steel gleaming sharply, incredibly formidable.

Chen Xianzhi stepped forward and first selected a spear, moving with fluid grace; each thrust was powerful, his posture agile and commanding.

He then wielded several other weapons with equal prowess, each display radiating a noble and resolute spirit reminiscent of the loyal Marquis Chen Yi.

Finally, he took up a particularly sharp sword, its blade light, pure white, and razor-sharp.

The sword seemed to merge with Chen Xianzhi’s very being, flowing with seamless, unhesitating movements.

Shi Xu watched in awe, having never seen this side of Chen Xianzhi before—so sharp and radiant, yet all the more magnetic.

After finishing the sword practice, Chen Xianzhi flourished the blade in a final twirl before sheathing it.

He admitted to himself that his display contained a dose of showmanship, but it was merely a small trick of his own.

Looking toward Shi Xu, he caught her gaze fixed on him, and a warm sweetness blossomed within his heart.

As Chen Xianzhi approached them, Shi Xu said, “Chen Xianzhi, you danced beautifully just now.”

A smile involuntarily curved Chen Xianzhi’s lips, though he feigned nonchalance.

“It was alright. I can do better next time.”

You An’s eyes sparkled as she spoke in her innocent voice, “So amazing, even better than Elder Brother.”

Hearing this, Chen Xianzhi’s pride nearly overflowed. He knelt down, gently patted You An’s head, and whispered with a smile, “Thank you for the compliment, Princess.”

Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and a faint flush colored his face, adding to his spirited demeanor.

Meanwhile, in the study, the atmosphere between the Third Prince and Chen Yi was tense.

“Marquis, it seems the Chaoyi has recently mobilized troops near our border. What is your counsel?”

Ji Yun’s expression was obscured by the lingering incense smoke.

“I dare not speak presumptuously,” Chen Yi replied.

“Then whom do you think would be most suitable to dispatch?” Ji Yun’s voice remained as gentle as ever.

But Chen Yi knew that beneath the Third Prince’s seemingly mild demeanor lay ruthless methods.

“I believe such decisions rest with His Majesty,” Chen Yi answered evasively.

Ji Yun regarded the flawless response before him and suddenly smiled.

“Marquis, what began as idle talk has turned to matters of war. I have heard you admire the paintings of Wang Zhe. Today, I have brought his ‘Spring Scenery’ for you.”

He then signaled an attendant behind him to place the scroll on the table.

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes as he regarded the painting.

He then rose and clasped his hands, saying, “I cannot accept gifts without merit. Please forgive me for declining.”

In the carriage departing the Marquis’s mansion, Han Wen spoke softly.

“Sir, since Chen Yi cannot be of use to us, what shall we do?”

Ji Yun leisurely sipped hot tea in the smoothly moving carriage.

“He is too accomplished, overshadowing the sovereign, yet blindly loyal. We need only give him a gentle shove,” Ji Yun’s voice was like a venomous serpent—beautiful but deadly, as if discussing the life or death of an insignificant ant.

Han Wen felt a chill. Despite the Third Prince’s mother being kind and of distinguished lineage, and his brothers mostly mediocre, how could he be so ruthless?

Ji Yun’s features were blurred in the steam rising from the teacup. He lowered his gaze, recalling how Shi Xu had gently played with You An today—tender yet imbued with a certain divine grace.

In his eyes, victory was certain. As for Chen Xianzhi, he would soon cease to be a problem.