Prince Qi's Residence
The snow gradually thickened, blanketing everything in white. Yet a rare festive air filled the place. Palace lanterns hung every ten paces along the corridors, and farther off came the sound of opera. They were performing Peach Blossom Fan.
Prince Qi was in a good mood.
Ever since he had suffered grievous injuries, he had sensed certain subtle changes. Even the eunuchs sent from the Imperial Palace treated him somewhat differently than before.
All this displeased Prince Qi, but some things became unbearable only when compared.
His own situation was indeed poor, but was Prince Dai any better off?
"That brat has finally met his day. What a joy!" Ever since learning of the Daylight Manifestation affair, Prince Qi had been in high spirits, so pleased that he nearly wanted to dance along with the singing.
Though his body had only just recovered enough for him to move about freely, dancing would still tire him out. But what did that matter?
Before the Daylight Manifestation incident, it was not worth mentioning at all!
Still, though he had made the residence lively, he had no mood to listen to opera. After some thought, Prince Qi ordered, "Someone, summon Mister Zhao and Mister Zhang."
"Yes!" Someone immediately accepted the order and left.
Why can't I ever change this temper of mine? Prince Qi thought to himself, regretting his own disposition. Not long ago, he had flown into a rage. Now that his mood had improved, he ought to soothe them somewhat.
No sooner had he thought this than the two arrived. One was Zhao Buwei, the other Zhang Bolai. Both bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. What are your orders?"
"Nothing much. I merely lost my composure after drinking yesterday. Buwei, Bolai, you must forgive what I said while drunk."
"In