"Edward Clark was ambushed and poisoned by villains at the Wei River last year. His martial skills are now less than a tenth of what they were, and he can only drown his pain with alcohol to suppress the agony of a thousand ants gnawing at his heart. After such a drastic change, any ordinary martial artist would have gone mad by now, so it's normal for him to have a bad temper. So what if he hit you a few times? It's not like he wanted your life. By seniority, you're still his uncle—why bother taking it to heart?"

David Smith looked a bit puzzled upon hearing this. "Aunt, I heard that once someone is poisoned by the 'Dragon Lock Gu,' even the greatest masters become cripples. Yet just a few days ago, Edward Clark killed the Imperial Guards—his skills were said to be extraordinary..."

The Empress Dowager gave a faint snort. "In the vast lands of Dayue, heroes are bound to emerge. Edward Clark's peerless martial prowess has long been acknowledged. He once boasted, 'I could slay the moon in the ninth heaven, or capture dragons in the four seas.' For him to fight with a few street thugs is beneath his status. Do you really expect him to be beaten up by a few small fry?"

David Smith frowned. "If he's this formidable with only a tenth of his skills left, who in the world could restrain him if his poison were cured?"

A hint of disappointment appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes. "So what if a common man's rage spills blood for a hundred paces? Since ancient times, has anyone who achieved great things relied solely on brute courage? Without strategy, one can't even lead troops. Even if he could fight a thousand alone, he'd still be just a stronger pawn."

David Smith nodded. "That's true. Edward Clark is reckless and impulsive, never even reads a book, let alone understands poetry or music. With only courage and strength, it's indeed hard to accomplish great things."

"Good that you understand. I'll have a word with Helen Brooks and ask her to discipline Edward Clark a bit. You may go now."

David Smith rubbed his pig-like face. Though he felt resentful, since the Empress Dowager wouldn't punish Edward Clark, there was nothing he could do and he left in dejection...

Chapter Seven: The Heir Apparent's Daily Life

Seven days later.

Edward Clark walked out of the Imperial Academy, whistled, and a snow-hoofed black horse, shoulder-high, trotted out from the stables and stopped in front of the dismounting stone on the bluestone avenue.

The horse was a 'Wind-Chasing Snow Hoof' from the northern deserts. Under Prince Su's command, the Xiliang cavalry numbered a hundred thousand, all their horses sourced from the northern deserts. Out of a hundred fine steeds, only one would be a snow hoof; out of a hundred snow hoofs, only one would be a wind-chaser. Their price rivaled gold of equal weight, and even with money, they were hard to buy. There were only two in all of Chang'an; the other belonged to the Emperor.

Edward Clark mounted the horse and sped toward Prince Su's residence on Kuishou Street in Changle Ward. Around the imperial city lived only nobles and high officials, with strict guards outside every mansion and few pedestrians.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he passed through the three octagonal archways of Kuishou Street and saw from afar a small sedan chair parked outside Prince Su's residence. A dignified maid stood at the door holding an umbrella, waiting respectfully.

It was Lady Lu's personal maid.

Edward Clark felt a headache coming on, reined in his horse, and was about to turn back to the Imperial Academy to spend the night when a crisp voice called from behind:

"Young Prince!"

Edward Clark sighed and could only gently squeeze the horse's belly, riding through the snow-covered street to the maid, feigning ignorance:

"Luna, what brings you here?"

Luna curtsied gracefully, her voice gentle and soft:

"Your Highness, Lady has been waiting for you at home for three days. Not seeing you, she feared something had happened and sent me to check on you."

Edward Clark nodded slightly and turned his horse toward Lady Lu's residence.

Kuishou Street was home to all the nobles and high officials, and the three octagonal archways at the street's entrance were bestowed upon the 'Xiao, Lu, and Xu' families.

The Xiao clan of Huainan was one of Dayue's great aristocratic families, having survived three dynastic changes in the Central Plains and always holding high office. The Lu family of Jinling was also a noble house, their mansion in the capital directly across from the Xiao's. The Xu family had only been ennobled a cycle ago, so in terms of heritage, there was still quite a gap between them and the other two.

Lady Lu was betrothed as a child to a young talent of the Xiao family, but unfortunately, her husband died soon after their marriage, leaving her a widow.

In noble families, propriety and virtue were paramount. As a descendant of the Lu clan, Lady Lu naturally upheld her chastity and would never remarry. Over the years, her reputation had been excellent. Having grown accustomed to life in the capital, she didn't wish to return to Huainan and continued living in Jinghua Garden near the Xiao residence.

Edward Clark dismounted outside Jinghua Garden, told the guards to wait outside, straightened his clothes, and entered the garden with practiced ease, heading to the lakeside villa.

The cold wind rustled, and the exotic flowers and rare trees in the garden had long since withered, covered by a thin layer of snow.

The elegant courtyard was not large, built by the lake as a summer retreat. Lady Lu liked peace and quiet, so she had always lived here, attended by only a few maids.

The blue tiles on the white walls were dusted with snow, and red lanterns hung outside the gate, swaying in the wind.

Edward Clark walked slowly to the villa. The gate was open, and maids bustled about, carrying basins of water that steamed in the winter chill.

Splash, splash—

The faint sound of water could be heard.

Edward Clark hesitated for a moment and turned to walk toward the stone pavilion outside the villa, but a maid inside had already spotted him and hurried over, respectfully saying:

"Young Prince, Lady is bathing. Please wait a moment."

"Alright."

Edward Clark tightened the snow-white fox fur around him and quietly waited outside the courtyard.

But soon, after the maid went in to report, a slightly annoyed and stern voice came from the small villa:

"Buleng, come in."

"...?"

Edward Clark tucked his hands into his sleeves, gazing at the snow-covered, splendid garden as if he hadn't heard.

Step, step—