Xia Houzhe returned to Prince Min Mansion filled with stifled frustration and irritability. Unable to relieve his pent-up emotions, he went to Consort Ji's room, spent more than an hour there, and then returned to his study and residence.
This episode, when heard by other concubines, caused several of them to sigh plaintively, finding it hard to sleep alone.
Xia Houzhe ordered some wine to be brought, and as he listened to the report from his confidant, he let out a series of cold laughs: "In the end, it's just lying low, always lying low—a bunch of cowardly rats content to be small mice."
He threw a night-lights cup onto the ground in frustration.
The person kneeling on the ground dared not make a sound.
Xia Houzhe said, "Send another group to intercept Cui Changxiao; don't let him return to the capital easily."
"Yes." The subordinate responded, then added, "Master, Old Quan sent a message saying that the Bai family seems disobedient. Should we...?"
