After learning from Uncle Zhao what had prompted the Crown Prince's unusual behavior, Sun Shaozong casually hauled Xing Zhong up from the floor and ordered him to bring Jiang Yuhan upstairs to pay his respects to the Crown Prince.
Jiang Yuhan had actually been waiting by the entrance just now, but given his status, he naturally could not stand alongside Shui Rong and Sun Shaozong. He could only linger at a distance on the outer edge, waiting for a chance to make his appearance.
But after the Crown Prince got out of the carriage, he seized Sun Shaozong and charged inside without a word, leaving Jiang Yuhan no chance to step forward.
Xing Zhong still had not recovered from the shock. Trembling, he acknowledged the order, then braced both hands against the wall and inched forward like some boneless creature, spinning in place for quite some time.
In the end, Sun Shaozong could not bear to watch any longer. He signaled for two guards from the Crown Prince's Residence to support Xing Zhong from either side, and only then did they get him downstairs.
After that delay, Sun Shaozong naturally fell behind. When he finally reached the private room, he found the atmosphere inside unusually tense.
The Crown Prince was seated imperiously in the place of honor, and Uncle Zhao had already taken his seat. Only Prince of Beijing Shui Rong stood awkwardly off to the side, explaining himself with an embarrassed smile.
"...There must be some misunderstanding. I beg Your Highness to calm your thunderous wrath for now. Once I have spoken with Censor Zhao, I shall explain everything clearly to Your Highness."
But the Crown Prince still wore a dark expression. With a cold snort, he said, "You had better be able to explain it clearly. Otherwise... hmph!"