The eunuch had just entered, and before long, the Empress came out. Beside her was a boy of about seventeen or eighteen, his face pale, his broad robes hanging on his thin frame, moving like wild grass in a strong wind.
The Crown Prince bowed and greeted her, "Mother," while the boy took a step back, bowed, and called out, "Your Highness."
The Crown Prince laughed, "Third Brother, you truly have a stubborn nature. We are brothers from the same womb; no one is closer behind closed doors than us. I've told you countless times, don't call me 'Your Highness,' call me 'Brother,' but you still haven't changed. I'm afraid Mother will scold me again later."
The Empress glanced back at the Third Prince without commenting, and simply asked the Crown Prince, "Did you just return from Prince Rong's Mansion?"
"Indeed."
"I heard from the Chamberlain's Office that you postponed today's affairs. I thought you intended to stay longer with your Uncle and cousin. Why did you return so quickly?"
