I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!

Chapter 433 - 322: Courtesy Name (3)

Rong Jing’s dark peach blossom eyes surged with emotions of unwillingness. He lowered his gaze, took out the ring from his bosom, gritted his teeth, and was about to walk inside.

"Your Highness, please stop."

A figure in a dark blue robe appeared before him, the voice deep and hoarse, characteristic of a eunuch. The hair at the temples was frosted with gray; it was Zhang Ruoshui, the Chief Eunuch most trusted by the Emperor.

"Can I, can I not go in either?"

Rong Jing inquired, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure. Yet, he didn’t know why he subconsciously lowered his voice along with Zhang Ruoshui.

He feared disturbing the three inside the hall.

Zhang Ruoshui shook his head helplessly. "The Emperor has decreed that no one is to disturb the Qianyuan Hall today. Perhaps Your Highness could come later... The Emperor might be dining with the Fifth Prince and Princess Consort Xiao."

Rong Jing understood. He opened his palm, revealing the white jade ring that was warm and exquisite. "I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t come in the evening. Please pass this ring to Wu, saying it is a gift from me—"

Before he finished speaking, the Emperor’s hearty and loud laughter echoed distinctly from within the Qianyuan Hall, every word reaching Rong Jing’s ears clearly:

"I have five sons, but only Heng resembles me the most. I want to give him a courtesy name, call it Zichan... the ’chan’ from Fengchan!"

"Your Majesty, you mustn’t..."

It was the voice of Princess Consort Xiao.

The Emperor laughed, "What’s the harm, it’s just a courtesy name... Does Heng like Zichan?"

Zichan,

The ’chan’ from Fengchan.

This was the courtesy name the Emperor gave to Wu.

Among the five brothers, Rong Qi passed away early, Rong Shuo’s courtesy name was Bo Cong, his was Zhongxu, Rong Jue’s was Shujin, almost all related to jade... the meaning behind ’chan’ was self-evident.

In that moment, all of Rong Jing’s blood seemed to freeze. He looked up blankly, only to see, through the door of the Qianyuan Hall a few yards away, the silhouette of the Emperor lifting a young child high above his head.

The child was smiling.

The Emperor was also smiling.

The woman beside them also smiled beautifully.

The shadows of the trees swayed, young birds chirped, the soft daytime breeze wrapped in transparent sunlight enveloped the world. The faces of the family of three were filled with happy smiles. Such a warm scene was as beautiful as a painting.

Yet, it was something he could never achieve, no matter how hard he tried.

At that moment, Su Xinyu’s words echoed in Rong Jing’s ears.

"Never forget, Rong Heng is the greatest enemy to our mother and son."

Rong Jing’s dark eyes gradually reddened.

His mother was right,

Rong Heng,

was the greatest threat to his position as Crown Prince.

Even if he was his own brother.

"Your Highness, Your Highness..."

Zhang Ruoshui’s voice pulled Rong Jing back to reality.

The old eunuch’s face was stern as water, his brows slightly furrowed, carefully observing Rong Jing’s expression, seemingly hesitating whether to report to the Emperor.

In an instant, Rong Jing had already concealed all his emotions. He smiled faintly, his peach blossom-like eyes deep and gentle, bowing deeply:

"Eunuch Zhang, I wasn’t at the Qianyuan Hall today. As a son, I dare not interfere in Father Emperor’s affairs, and I hope you can overlook this too."

Zhang Ruoshui sighed deeply and nodded.

"This servant understands, this servant also hasn’t seen Your Highness today."

He had heard everything just now. It wasn’t a big deal nor a small one; in Zhang Ruoshui’s eyes, it was just something the Emperor said casually to show affection for the Fifth Prince.

If it disturbed the Emperor, it would instead cause unnecessary misunderstandings. The Emperor’s suspicion would be a fatal disaster for the diligent Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was also a child he watched grow up, virtuous and wise, and had a good relationship with the Fifth Prince. Surely, he wouldn’t think too much about it.

Seeing Zhang Ruoshui nod, Rong Jing nodded slightly. "Thank you, Eunuch Zhang."

As he turned around, he stumbled slightly, and the ring in his hand fell to the ground, shattering into two pieces.

"Pa—"

Rong Jing opened his eyes, his fingertips brushing past the corner of his eyes.

There was nothing.

No "if,"

Even if he hadn’t heard the words "Zichan" that day, he would still not let the Xiao Family go. He aimed to do better than Rong Huan; the Xiao Family had to be eradicated.

Gu Lan awoke from sleep but still hadn’t heard any instructions from Rong Jing.

She could no longer smell the Heart-devouring Incense. The effects of the Disorientation Fragrance likely wore off as well.

Was he planning to let her sleep on the floor for the night?

Just as Gu Lan hesitated about whether to open her eyes, she heard Rong Jing’s footsteps rising, followed by a rustling sound, likely the retreat of the three shadows.

Gu Lan kept her eyes tightly closed, breathing evenly and steadily, still appearing as if she were unconscious.

The door of the hall opened with a rumbling sound, and Rong Jing walked out.

Whatever Rong Jing said, a moment later, Gu Lan found herself being lifted by the arms and legs by someone or something unknown.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an entirely unfamiliar place.