String Fragrance
"Thank you, Your Highness," Chen Buyu bowed and expressed his gratitude.
As they led Wei Ling out, the two of them encountered an old man with a simple smile at the door.
The man was dressed as a servant in green robes, holding a square box in his arms. When he saw them, he immediately leaned over in salute, showing great respect.
Chen Buyu and his companion did not recognize the visitor and dared not accept the gift. Instead, they hurriedly avoided him and continued walking out with the guards.
"Your Highness, the butler of Prince Liang's Mansion is here again."
A servant hurried in to report, only to be met with a cold stare from Mu Feng, who was lounging nearby. He clicked his tongue impatiently. "Didn't you see my elder brother discussing the relief efforts with Lord Lu? Does everyone expect him to drop everything just to receive guests? Is he not busy enough?"
The servant shrank back nervously. "I… I will send him away then—"
"Forget it. Let him in."
The butler of Prince Liang's Mansion was ever the picture of politeness. He bowed repeatedly to the servant before stepping inside with a smile. His voice was loud and clear. "Liang Quan greets Your Highness."
Since Mu Zhao's arrival in Weizhou City, Prince Liang's household had frequently sent gifts and invitations, requesting his presence at social gatherings in the palace.
However, everyone knew that Prince Liang harbored resentment toward the current emperor. No powerful family dared get too close to his faction.
And yet, Prince Liang was his uncle.
Years ago, Mu Zhao had been sent to Weizhou as part of the political struggle for power. His goal was to govern well, without unnecessary entanglements. Yet, Prince Liang's people persistently sought him out. Their true intentions remained unclear.
Mu Zhao studied Liang Quan with an unreadable expression. "Is His Highness in good health?"
"Thanks to Your Highness's concern, the old prince remains in excellent health." The butler smiled, his face radiating sincerity. He bowed again and continued, "His Highness was delighted to hear of your arrival in Weizhou. He has long wished to invite you to the palace for a gathering, but he understands how busy you are with official duties."
"I know my brother is occupied with important matters," Mu Feng interjected, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Your old prince may be in good health, but my brother is burdened with countless responsibilities. How would he possibly have time to meet you?"
"Xiaofeng." Mu Zhao's voice was calm but firm. "Mind your manners."
Mu Feng huffed and turned away, busying himself with the birdcage beside him.
Liang Quan chuckled indulgently. "The young master speaks his mind. I did not wish to intrude upon Your Highness's affairs, but my lord insisted that a gift be delivered regardless."
He presented the brocade box in his arms.
At Mu Zhao's silent signal, Changqing stepped forward to receive it.
Liang Quan beamed. "This brocade box contains spiritual incense—a rare treasure. If Your Highness is ever fatigued, simply lighting it will restore your energy in moments."
Mu Zhao accepted the explanation with a faint smile. His silver-white hair, shining like frost, contrasted with his elegant, jade-like features.
Liang Quan's heart twinged with regret.
Such an unparalleled young man—gifted, noble—yet plagued by fragile health.
"We have an exceptional physician at Prince Liang's Mansion," Liang Quan continued carefully. "He has tended to the old prince for years and is highly skilled in traditional medicine. If Your Highness wishes, I could arrange for him to take your pulse—"
"That will not be necessary." Mu Zhao's refusal was calm but absolute. "My condition is not one that ordinary doctors can treat."
"Ah, I see…" Liang Quan's smile didn't waver. "I have also heard that the Xuanping Marquisate has been searching for the whereabouts of the elusive Master Tianyin of the Xuanyin Sect."
Mu Zhao remained impassive.
He had no interest in discussing Master Tianyin.
"Our old prince holds Your Highness in the highest regard," Liang Quan added. "He hopes you take good care of yourself."
"Please convey my gratitude to His Highness," Mu Zhao said flatly. "If there is nothing else, you may take your leave."
"Yes, yes, I shall not disturb you any further."
Liang Quan departed.
---
Mu Feng scowled at his brother as soon as the butler was gone. "They must be up to something. Why is Prince Liang's Mansion so eager to cozy up to us? Do they think they can sway the Xuanping Marquisate?" He crossed his arms. "I don't trust that so-called gift either."
Before he could snatch the box open, Mu Zhao stopped him with a firm pat on the hand. "Enough, stop imagining conspiracies. Go outside and amuse yourself. I have matters to discuss with Brother Lu."
Mu Feng pouted as he was ushered out. "Fine! But don't use that incense until it's been properly checked! Who knows if it's some kind of trap?"
"Young Master, the prince is aware." Changqing sighed, pulling Mu Feng along.
As he was being dragged out, Mu Feng called back, "And don't forget to rest in the afternoon, Brother! If you don't, I'll write to Mother and tell on you!"
Lu Qian chuckled and turned to Mu Zhao. "The moment you set foot in this city, Prince Liang's people started circling you like hawks."
Mu Zhao's voice was cool. "It doesn't matter. We focus on our duties."
Just then, Changqing led a young physician into the room. The doctor silently moved the brocade box to a small table for inspection.
Mu Zhao cast a casual glance at it.
When the box was opened, inside lay several neatly arranged sticks of incense, each no thicker than a fingertip.
A faint fragrance drifted out immediately, light and refreshing. Even Lu Qian instinctively turned his head toward it.
Fang Mingli, a physician from the Xuanping Marquisate who had been attending to Mu Zhao for years, stepped forward to examine it.
After sniffing the incense deeply and testing its properties, he frowned. "It appears to be ordinary incense, but the scent is… unusual."
He turned to Mu Zhao, his expression serious. "I advise Your Highness not to use it."
Mu Zhao was never fond of such indulgences. Raised in the military, he governed with strict discipline and despised anything that could dull one's will or weaken morale.
He had only ordered Fang Mingli to check it as a precaution.
Hearing the physician's warning, he nodded dismissively. "Store it away in the warehouse."
Lu Qian tapped his chin. "Why would Prince Liang send incense of all things? If he truly wanted to be helpful, he should have sent a hundred stones of rice and grain instead."
"Unless…" He narrowed his eyes. "This incense is worth more than that."
Mu Zhao's brows furrowed slightly. He turned to Changqing. "Have Changzhi investigate the origins of this incense."
Lu Qian picked up an account book, giving him a reassuring smile. "Huazhi, rest this afternoon. I'll handle these for now."