Royal Gold Magistrate

“So, this rebellious son spends his days in leisure, completely ignoring his responsibilities!?”

Emperor Jing was so angry he felt like grabbing a golden melon and smashing it on his wayward son’s head.

Li Yansong responded, “Well, not entirely. He’s been to the military camp these past few days, claiming he’s inspecting discipline and training the troops.”

“That’s all he’s done?”

“Yes, that’s about it.”

“Excellent! Where is this rebellious son now?” Emperor Jing was seething with anger at this point!

Upon his return to the palace, his first task was to find out where the Crown Prince was.

Instead, he found a pile of official documents that had accumulated over the past few days, now waiting for him in his study!

Although the anger helped to lighten Emperor Jing’s dark mood a bit, he was still able to keep his rage in check.

Hearing the grievances from the three cabinet ministers only added fuel to his anger.

“He’s probably in the newly finished Tiger and Leopard Garden at the Eastern Palace!” Zhang Dongxiang confessed, unable to keep it in any longer.

He hoped Emperor Jing would swiftly discipline the Crown Prince.

With the Crown Prince indulging in so much pleasure, he hardly seemed fit for kingship!

“Alright, my dear ministers, that will be all for now.”

“We’ll deal with the rest tomorrow. Guo, get ready to accompany me to the Eastern Palace!”

……………………….

Eastern Palace, Tiger and Leopard Garden.

Inside the garden, a tiger was chasing two old horses.

The Crown Prince watched eagerly from his chair.

Liu Jin stood behind the Crown Prince Li Yuanzhao, looking worried.

Acting as regent should have been a good opportunity for the Crown Prince to show his capabilities.

However, his first act was to construct the Tiger and Leopard Garden, followed by days of missing court.

As his close servant, Liu Jin felt he couldn’t avoid some of the blame!

The young master had always been headstrong, showing little interest in state affairs but plenty in physical pursuits and various diversions.

He regretted ever mentioning tigers and leopards to the Crown Prince!

If the Emperor found out, he might very well skin him alive!

The more Liu Jin thought about it, the more anxious he became, his face turning pale.

Below, the tiger drama was peaking: one horse was bitten to death, another was ripped open, its guts spilling out.

The tiger greedily tore into the horse’s flesh.

Li Yuanzhao looked somewhat bored. “Liu, watching these weak horses is so dull. How about we get another tiger? A fight between two tigers might be more entertaining.”

Liu Jin wiped the sweat from his brow. “Your Highness, you haven’t been to court for days. The courtiers are complaining about your frequent visits here. It won’t reflect well on you when His Majesty hears of this.”

Li Yuanzhao seemed unconcerned. “What does it matter if they complain? The kingdom is at peace. What else is there for me to do? The cabinet can handle it!”

“I just wish I was born a few years earlier!”

“Then it would be the perfect time for me to go into battle! Sigh~”

After his wistful sigh, Li Yuanzhao looked somewhat sad.

Liu Jin was about to speak when he suddenly spotted Emperor Jing approaching and froze in terror!

He quickly moved back against the wall.

Li Yuanzhao continued, feeling melancholic, “Is sitting around writing and painting all a man should do? A real man like me should be on the battlefield!”

“If I weren’t the Crown Prince, I’d surely be a great general!”

“And yet, Father Emperor has taken all the credit for my deeds! It’s infuriating!”

“If only I weren’t his son~”

As he spoke, a tear rolled down Li Yuanzhao’s cheek, showing his frustration.

Liu Jin, seeing Emperor Jing close by, felt like his head was about to explode.

The Crown Prince’s bold words left him pale.

It’s over, he thought, his life was about to end like that horse below…

Emperor Jing listened intently, a mix of surprise and disappointment in his gaze.

He had watched his son grow up but hadn’t expected such unruliness!

The disrespect in the words “If only I weren’t his son” was shocking!

This could ruin the royal family’s reputation if it got out.

Yet, Emperor Jing managed a slight smile, gently placing his hand on Li Yuanzhao’s shoulder.

“If you enjoy combat so much, why not join in below? That tiger looks like a worthy opponent.”

Realizing who was behind him, Li Yuanzhao’s eyes widened.

He turned awkwardly, attempting to muster a smile.

“Fa… Father Emperor? You’re back, I’ve been waiting for you…”

Emperor Jing scoffed, “Oh, I heard my son has been unwell for many days. Out of concern, I decided to visit quietly. But from what I see, you seem quite energetic!”

“This so… This son..” Li Yuanzhao stammered, beads of sweat dripping down his face like beads.

Emperor Jing kept smiling, “Come now, son, let’s go somewhere more suitable. I can’t really show my strength here. Follow me to the Imperial Garden, and… that little eunuch beside you, come along too.”

With that, Emperor Jing began to walk away from the Tiger and Leopard Garden.

Watching Emperor Jing’s retreating figure, Liu Jin approached hesitantly, his voice filled with dread. “Your Highness, this servant… this servant fears the end is near… my only wish now is that you help keep my body intact…”

Li Yuanzhao was furious. “You fool! Why didn’t you tell me when Father Emperor arrived!”

Liu Jin was still shaking uncontrollably. “It… it was too late. His Majesty arrived too suddenly, I was too scared… I can’t take it anymore, Your Highness, I can’t even stand.”

Li Yuanzhao turned pale.

It’s over! His brief period of freedom was coming to an end.

Just like the short-lived horse.

Thinking of the looming trouble, Li Yuanzhao shivered and kicked the collapsed Liu Jin.

“Get up! Quickly! Prepare some warm clothes for me, and knee pads too!”

……………………….

Imperial Garden.

Emperor Jing sat in the pavilion with no expression, gripping a thick, sturdy stick in his left hand and a long whip in his right.

He had selected these from the arsenal, opting for the largest sizes to ensure they made an impact.

He swung a few times, smashing a stone railing and snapping off a tree branch. Pleased with the power, he felt his strength was as good as in his younger years!

A proper son is disciplined under strict guidance! There was no other way now!

Despite providing the Crown Prince with top-notch tutors and an ideal environment, he had still turned out wayward!

Emperor Jing had seen some warning signs. Although his son’s behavior was often lively and unrefined, he believed that under the guidance of the Imperial Clan Court and the seasoned ministers in the cabinet, the boy would mature. But the Crown Prince had worsened far more than expected!

At fifteen! At that age, he himself had been in battle, defeating enemies and earning military honors.

Yet, his son only seemed interested in frivolous pursuits, just like a child playing with pets!

Does he think I’m weak if I don’t demonstrate my authority?

Suddenly, Emperor Jing’s eyes flashed with intense anger!