Volume One, Chapter Four: Brothers of the Same Family

Li Tianqing frowned slightly, halted his steps, and turned to look at the person following behind him.

Focusing his gaze, he recognized the figure before him—it was none other than the Ninth Prince.

The Ninth Prince looked at Li Tianqing with a complicated expression. He parted his lips, as if wanting to speak, but in the end, no words came out.

“Ninth Brother,” Li Tianqing was the first to break the silence.

“Why?” The Ninth Prince finally asked.

Li Tianqing smiled, offering no answer, but instead responded with a question of his own, “What do you think, Ninth Brother?”

The Ninth Prince was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, “I do not know.”

“Ninth Brother, I am your younger brother, am I not? Why should blood brothers trouble themselves over such things?” Li Tianqing smiled faintly.

The Ninth Prince was taken aback; he had never imagined Li Tianqing would say such words.

“Blood brothers…” he murmured.

After a long pause, he finally looked up at Li Tianqing, as if searching for something in his brother’s face, but finding nothing.

Li Tianqing met his gaze, still wearing that gentle, tranquil smile.

“The northern lands of Yan are harsh and cold. You should not go in my stead,” the Ninth Prince said at last.

Born into the imperial family, who could dare to hope for genuine brotherhood?

Because they were brothers? Could such a reason—almost laughable—actually be enough?

A strange feeling welled up in the Ninth Prince’s heart, one with which he was unfamiliar.

“There’s no need to dwell on it, Ninth Brother. I simply do not wish to see you ensnared,” Li Tianqing said, patting the Ninth Prince’s shoulder.

For the first time, the Ninth Prince found himself unable to see through this younger brother.

Li Tianqing’s smile was sincere, but the Ninth Prince suddenly felt as though they were separated by a lifetime.

In the end, the Ninth Prince was only a youth of seventeen or eighteen.

What young man does not yearn for kinship?

But in the imperial household, who dares to long for such warmth?

Suddenly, the Ninth Prince felt a pang of grievance.

He had grown up deep within the palace, accustomed to schemes and deception…

“Ninth Brother, I have my own reasons for this. But rest assured, I will return unharmed,” Li Tianqing said with a light laugh.

“To return unharmed…”

The Ninth Prince repeated the words, his eyes reddening.

“No matter your reasons, I owe you a debt of gratitude,” he said.

Li Tianqing’s smile remained genuine. “Your little brother understands.”

The two exchanged a glance, everything understood without need for words.

“It’s getting late, Ninth Brother. I will take my leave.”

Li Tianqing turned and walked away, leaving behind a slender, solitary figure.

The Ninth Prince watched him go, silent for a long time.

The next morning, Li Tianqing received the imperial decree.

After accepting the decree and expressing his gratitude, he began to pack his belongings in preparation to leave the palace for his own residence.

Though Li Tianqing had lived in the princes’ quarters for years, he had few possessions.

He packed quickly and, accompanied by two guards, departed.

Outside the palace walls, Li Tianqing looked up at the sky, breathed deeply, and felt an unparalleled sense of freedom.

News of the Tenth Prince being granted the title of Prince Jing and being sent to Northern Yan as a hostage spread rapidly throughout the capital.

Within no time, the name of Prince Jing, Li Tianqing, was on everyone’s lips, a topic for idle chatter over every meal.

“Ah, this Prince Jing is a pitiful soul, isn’t he? Barely sixteen, I hear. Such a shame.”

“Who isn’t saying the same? They say he volunteered himself! A perfectly good prince, giving up a life of luxury to suffer in the north!”

“Goodness, what a disaster! The Ninth Prince refused to go to Northern Yan, so the Tenth Prince was pushed forward instead.”

“Well, the Ninth Prince is the Emperor’s favorite. The Tenth Prince is just a scapegoat!”

“Ha! What’s so pitiful about him? He’s a prince—does he need your pity? You’d better worry about how many copper coins you can earn today!”

“To be born in the imperial family... that is his fate.”

...

“Your Highness, we have arrived.”

Li Tianqing lifted his gaze to see a grand and imposing mansion before him. Hanging above the doorway was a golden plaque inscribed with the words “Residence of Prince Jing.”

Perhaps Emperor Zhou felt a pang of guilt, for this mansion was far grander than any ordinary prince’s residence.

Prince Jing’s residence was vast, with pavilions and towers, bridges over flowing water, rockeries, and gardens—everything one could desire. Servants and guards were all in place.

Li Tianqing nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself that the imperial family was indeed generous—when they did something, they did it lavishly.

With a faint smile, he stepped inside.

No sooner had he entered than a group of people hurried forward to greet him, led by an elderly man.

The old man approached and bowed, saying, “This old servant pays his respects to Your Highness, Prince Jing.”

“There’s no need for such formality,” Li Tianqing quickly helped the old man up. “May I ask your name, sir?”

“Your Highness flatters me. This old servant’s surname is Lin, given name Fu. I am the steward of the residence.”

Steward Lin appeared deeply respectful and somewhat anxious.

“I’ll be relying on you to keep the household running smoothly,” Li Tianqing said, gently patting the steward’s shoulder.

Steward Lin was overwhelmed by the honor and quickly replied, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will serve with all my heart, easing your burdens as best I can.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Steward Lin.” Li Tianqing smiled, then looked around.

The household staff, male and female, all bowed in greeting.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Emperor Zhou was truly generous; the number of male and female servants alone exceeded one hundred.

Fifty imperial guards and fifty Yulin guards—one hundred in all, each highly skilled and elite.

Li Tianqing nodded, satisfied, and waved his hand. “At ease.”

With these guards, he at least had some means of self-preservation for now.

However...

Every one of these people belonged to Emperor Zhou.

The thought made Li Tianqing feel uneasy.

Before departing for Northern Yan, he would need to find a way to gather some men of his own.

This journey to the north was fraught with peril—he must be thoroughly prepared.

Steward Lin, noticing Li Tianqing deep in thought, ventured a question, “Is there anything you require, Your Highness?”

Li Tianqing returned to himself, pursed his lips, and pinched his thin arm with slight distaste.

In his previous life, Li Tianqing had been a Sanda coach and fitness trainer; this frail body was truly lacking.

He would have to start training—this feeble frame would not suffice!

He resolved to begin by strengthening himself; he had no wish to exhaust himself before the real hardships of Northern Yan even began.

Turning to Steward Lin, he asked, “Is there a training ground in the residence? I’d like to take a look.”

Steward Lin immediately nodded. “There is, Your Highness. Please allow me to lead the way.”

Li Tianqing followed Steward Lin to the training ground, where all manner of weapons were displayed—sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes, hooks, and forks—everything one could imagine.

He nodded in approval; the training ground was even better than he’d anticipated.

“Steward Lin, summon the commander of the Yulin guards. I wish to see their skills,” Li Tianqing instructed.

“As you command, Your Highness. I will fetch him at once,” replied Steward Lin, withdrawing promptly.