1560
Noble Consort Xue still found it difficult to accept that the Emperor's affections lay with other women, but she rationally refrained from asking her brother to investigate further, saying with a hint of regret, "If only the Second Prince were in the Capital City."
Sister Lu could somewhat guess what her mistress was thinking: "Your Majesty, even if the Second Prince were in the Capital City, with his temperament, he wouldn't involve himself in this matter."
The Emperor increasingly valued the Second Prince, and now the Second Prince had military authority, making her mistress's apprehension towards him no less than towards the Crown Prince.
Miao Ruoyi soon received news that Xue Heng and the Crown Prince sent people to investigate the Emperor's activities that day. He slightly lowered his gaze, picked up his teacup from the side, and gently skimmed the foam on the tea with the lid, holding the cup but not bringing it to his lips for a long time.
