Zhao Buwei and Zhang Bolai were both inwardly startled. They bowed to Prince Qi. "Congratulations, Your Highness! Our congratulations!"
Prince Qi was beaming as well. He waved a hand and said, "Rise, both of you."
Although his main purpose had been to let the two eavesdrop, he naturally would not say so openly. He had them follow him to the reception hall and casually asked about a few matters. Then he restrained his smile, coughed, and instructed them, "I summoned you both to polish my memorial confessing my offenses. Remember, the tone must be humble and sincere. Even plain wording will do."
"Yes!" Both hastened to answer, their hearts stirring. Prince Qi really had changed.
They had actually remonstrated with Prince Qi before. At a time like this, he absolutely must not defy the emperor head-on; he needed to appeal to the affection between father and son.
But Prince Qi had been filled with savage fury that he could not bear to leave unvented, and he had flatly refused to listen. Both men had lost heart. They had never expected him to change so suddenly now.
Still, if Prince Qi's anger before had stemmed from his private ailment, and his virility had now truly been restored, such a change was only natural.
"What are you so surprised about? I am Father's son, after all. So long as I do not smash an already cracked pot and abandon myself to ruin, so long as I am willing to swallow my pride and plead with him, I doubt Father will truly wash his hands of me." Prince Qi smiled faintly, then added, "Also, what do you know about the Dragon Lord?"
"The Dragon Lord?" Though Zhang Bolai did not know why his prince was asking, he considered briefly and cupped his hands.