Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 5

The fourth's highness's mansion was located in the busiest part of the city. So the prince's servants were ready to offer them lunch by the time they finally reached their destination by carriage.

They entered the parlor room that was cast in shadows, with most of the curtains drawn and the windows shut tightly on this hot spring day. You Huo bowed towards the occupant of the room, followed by Qin Jiu.

"Ah, you two are here; how splendid!" The man stood up shakily to convey his welcome to his guests. "Come, sit! Don't stand on ceremony with me!"

You Huo was very surprised by his state; the prince was pallid, though his cheeks were feverishly red and his eyes bright and moist. Usually plump and lighthearted person looked now gaunt and pale. He coughed into the embroidered handkerchief but still smiled widely at them.

"I'm so glad to see you two. You look so perfect together! If I'd known, I'd have introduced you to each other much earlier! He very enthusiastically shook Qin Jiu's hand and said, "Congratulations on your union! Please accept those humble gifts from this old man if you don't find them too shabby."

"We could not possibly express enough gratitude for the gifts; Your Highness' blessing is all we could hope for. Please excuse my curiosity, but your highness seems a little under the weather; why did you feel the need to see us so urgently?" Asked Qin Jiu.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you just now—I'm moving out and leaving for the countryside." The fourth prince's always-smiling eyes dimmed for a second. "Anyway, don't mind me; I wanted to talk to you two while we had the chance. Now, Qin Jiu, tell me more about your affairs! How is that company of yours doing?"

You Huo took a moment to survey the area while Qin Jiu and the prince were conversing. Following the prince's remarks, he noticed some minor disarray—items missing from shelves, objects out of place. Why would a royal family member relocate so abruptly? And even move to the countryside?

The fourth prince was probably the most amiable and pleasant member of the royal household. He was the king's youngest child and lacked any innate talent or tenacity for politics. However, while the third prince was working with the ministry of finance to find a way for this bankrupt country to avoid going into default and the second prince was engaged in conflict on the continent, the fourth prince, who garnered a lot of sympathy in court due to his friendly and easygoing character, struck the paranoid Du Dengliu as being quite suspicious.

As a result, the crown prince always took care to stop his younger brother from forming any sensible alliances and to put an end to any of his loftier aspirations.

"Is it first highness's doing?" Quietly asked You Huo. The two other men in the room immediately fell silent and fixed their gazes on him.

The fourth prince exhaled shakily, his breathing aggravated by illness, and laughed joylessly.

"Captain, You Huo. I'm aware of my brother's misconduct and your unfair dismissal. If only I could have done something for you! I can only express how sorry and ashamed I am on my brother's behalf."

"I don't want you to repay me, Your Highness, for his deeds have nothing to do with you. But it is him, isn't it? Has he driven you out of the capital?"

"I wish I could repay you properly, my captain! But it is my own fault", finally answered the prince. "There was this ill-reputed person who invited me to invest in some things that eventually went bust. Thusly, it's only my own foolishness at fault. Right now, I don't have enough to pay for the house. Staying in the capital seems counterproductive, so moving away might be for the better."

The prince talked about moving to the small seaside town as a means to improve his worsening health, but it was clear that the real reason was that the parliament was not inclined to support yet more of the impoverished royalty, and his eldest brother was only happy to have him out of his sights. You Huo and Qin Jiu exchanged understanding glances. The crown prince's party was as strong as never before. For them, it was bad, but could they ask a sick man with no actual power in court to step up? He clearly already gave up.