A Forbidden Happiness

Chapter 46

Jiayi tried not to be bitter about the fact that The Emperor brought Sixth Prince out of his poor mood. It was logical, of course. For any child born from a concubine, attention from their father could be sparse. When that father was The Emperor, it was next to nothing. While His Majesty spent plenty of time with Xiang pin, Sixth Prince was rarely involved. He was either away studying or already asleep. Jiayi could see in Sixth Prince's glittering eyes how much this exclusive one-on-one time meant to him. He looked at The Emperor like he hung the stars and spat out the moon.

It was a shame that His Majesty couldn't even pretend to feel the same. He couldn't even remember Sixth Prince's age without Zhang Wei gonggong's help. Xiang pin made a good effort to chat with His Majesty about Sixth Prince, but somehow, he pivoted the conversation to talk about himself or her

Even now, as they walked to the training grounds, The Emperor was regaling Xiang pin with tales of the Summer Palace. When Sixth Prince asked if he could go, His Majesty brushed him off with a diplomatic 'We'll see'.

Jiayi would bet her life that Sixth Prince would be spending his summer here in the Forbidden City.

They entered the training grounds, and Jiayi helped Xiang pin climb the steps to the raised dias constructed in the center. There was a long table filled with plates of snacks and cold drinks along with a sturdy shade.

Sixth Prince tugged at Xiang pin's arm as he settled into his seat, "What are we doing here?"

"Just wait a moment," she whispered back.

A sharp whinny echoed through the stable before hooves could be heard on the other side of the arena. Prince Han burst into the stables, perched valiantly on top of a rich brown stallion. It looked nothing like the horses Jiayi had seen in the capital. Its sleek, muscular body gleamed under the sun, and its long, arched neck flowed gracefully into broad, powerful shoulders. It was as if the horse was made for Prince Han. His rich blue riding outfit barely creased as he brought the horse to a standstill. Hiking a long leg over the horse's flank, Prince Han dismounted before dropping to his knees to greet The Emperor.

"Rise," His Majesty replied.

"15th Uncle is here!" Said Sixth Prince.

The Emperor nodded, "Indeed, he is. And he's brought my gift for you."

"My gift?" Sixth Prince gasped.

Sixth Prince's eyes widened with excitement as he looked back at Prince Han, who had risen and was now holding the reins of the magnificent stallion. The boy's mouth fell open in awe as the horse was led forward, its mane and tail rippling like dark silk in the breeze.

"This horse," The Emperor announced, carrying across the training yard, "Was bred from the finest stock in the northern plains. A fitting companion for a prince."

"A horse? Not even 4th brother has a horse yet," Sixth Prince replied, staring up at The Emperor in awe.

"Yifu lacks the discipline for such a thing,"

Sixth Prince smiled at The Emperor wider than Jiayi had ever seen before he knelt down.

"Thank you, Royal Father!"

He jumped to his feet, not bothering to wait for The Emperor's response, and ran down to meet Prince Han.

"Slow down!" Xiang pin called after him, "Jiayi, make sure–"

"No," said The Emperor, stopping Jiayi before she could take a step,

"Yiqiang is a young man now. He doesn't need a maid running after him at all hours of the day. Send your eunuch,"