Morning had just passed.
Prince Zhongshun, wrapped in a Python Robe and Jade Belt, sat upright in the center of the Front Hall, a rare sight. His eyes were tightly shut, his hands rolling a string of agate beads as his lips moved soundlessly.
Just then, Li Tong, the newly appointed chief steward of the Prince's Residence, hurried inside. He rushed up close, about to make a report, when Prince Zhongshun beat him to the question. "Where has Wang Zhe reached?"
"Grand Secretary Wang crossed Dragon Beard Bridge a quarter of an hour ago."
Li Tong answered casually, then leaned closer and lowered his voice. "News has just come in that Grand Secretary He, Xu, the Heavenly Official of Personnel, Zhao Hong, Minister of Revenue, Lu Yanbin, Grand Commander of the Army, and other important court ministers are also on their way to the Crown Prince's Residence."
"Hmm?"
Prince Zhongshun was taken aback. Two days earlier, he had heard that the Crown Prince intended to hold a banquet on the twenty-seventh day of the Twelfth Lunar Month to discuss with court officials the arrangements for offering sacrifices to Heaven in the coming spring. He had considered paying a visit himself to ease the strained relationship between uncle and nephew.
Yet he had not expected that, besides Grand Secretary Wang Zhe and Tu Yan, Minister of Rites, who were to preside over the rites, the Crown Prince had also invited so many senior ministers and elders.
What was he planning?
The Emperor was presently ill and unable to govern the court. Could it be...
No!
The Crown Prince could not possibly have that much nerve. Besides, He Tiren, Wang Zhe, and the others were all seasoned, prudent ministers. They would never risk their families and lives to join him in madness...