In many instances, those in positions of power accepting gifts from their subordinates is a way to signal goodwill.
Regardless of whether the item was truly valuable or not, the sentiment behind it was enough to make Zhao Huan deeply grateful.
Zhao Huan understood clearly that his position as Crown Prince had only just stabilized. Therefore, his demands on the people around him were naturally not as strict.
After all, in these times, even in the eyes of the Emperor, corruption was not considered a significant offense.
Especially since he was still just a Crown Prince, one who was being eyed covetously by his own brothers and could be deposed at any moment.
Matters such as reforming the bureaucracy were issues he would only consider after ascending to the throne.
He understood the saying, "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish."
Thus, when Tang Ke presented him with the gift, he accepted it without even asking any questions.
After all, apart from Liang Shicheng, Tang Ke was arguably the highest-ranking official by his side.
"Lord Tang has been an official for so many years, yet his family is not wealthy. Perhaps Your Highness should return this item..."
Although Madam Zhu was just a woman, she herself hailed from an official family. She understood many of the underlying currents of such matters, often seeing them more clearly than Zhao Huan himself.
Especially the set of jewelry laid before them; its craftsmanship and materials were undoubtedly of the highest quality.
Such an item would not be considered out of place even on the head of an Empress, let alone for a mere Crown Princess.
"This is after all Lord Tang's sincere gesture. Would it not be inappropriate to simply return it..."
Returning a gift received from someone else was something that not only a Crown Prince but even an ordinary commoner would hesitate to do.
"Your Highness, this item is clearly of great value. Regardless of how Lord Tang acquired it, if someone were to investigate in the future, how would Your Highness account for yourself?"
As Madam Zhu spoke, she removed a hairpin from her own head.
However, as she was about to place it back into the box, she suddenly noticed that the Shu brocade cushioning the box seemed to have signs of being tampered with.
"What you say is not without merit. I shall return it to him personally later this evening..."
Hearing her words, Zhao Huan began to feel a flicker of unease.
But as he spoke, Madam Zhu reached out and directly peeled back the Shu brocade from the box.
"Your Highness, look here! There's a line of small characters and a seal!"
After removing the brocade, Madam Zhu immediately spotted the seal beneath.
A mere glance at the contents of the box left her utterly speechless.
"This, this, this..." she stammered.
"What is it? Is there something amiss with this item?"
It was not unusual for jewelry boxes to have inscriptions. Often, in the palace, many gifts bestowed by the Emperor upon his concubines, especially items like jewelry boxes, would bear inscriptions such as "On this date, the Emperor bestowed this upon Concubine So-and-so."
However, it was only when Zhao Huan clearly saw the seal that he, too, was rendered speechless.
"Your Highness, you cannot keep this! You must return it to him immediately!"
Upon seeing the seal and inscription, Madam Zhu understood clearly. This was a token of affection bestowed by the Emperor upon Li Shishi.
Who else but Li Shishi would dare to possess such an item without inviting certain death?
"But how could this item have ended up in Tang Ke's possession?"
Zhao Huan felt a chill run through his entire body. Even if he were obtuse, he should have realized by now that he could not keep this item.
"Please do not concern yourself with how he obtained it for now. If someone discovers this item in your possession, what do you think the Emperor will think..."
As Madam Zhu spoke, she quickly tidied the jewelry box.
While the Emperor was still on the throne, for the Crown Prince to seize a token of affection given by the Emperor to his paramour—such an act would be unbearable not only for a foolish ruler like Zhao Ji, but for any Emperor.
"You know as well as I do that the Eastern Palace is likely swarming with agents from the Imperial City Department right now. If I were to go out now, wouldn't this matter be exposed?"
"But what can be done then?"
Hearing his words, Madam Zhu became even more flustered.
This item was no treasure; if it were discovered, and mishandled, Zhao Huan's position as Crown Prince might be jeopardized.
After all, the Emperor had never been particularly fond of him, and if he were to commit such a grave error at this juncture, he would completely lose the Emperor's favor.
"Calm down, calm down. Not many people know about this matter. Let's wait a while longer. Tonight, I will find a way to return it!"
"But what if the Emperor discovers it?"
"He won't, he won't. How could it be so coincidental? Please stop frightening yourself!"
Zhao Huan spoke words of comfort to Madam Zhu, while also pondering internally how to resolve the situation.
However, before he could finish speaking, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the door.
"What is it?"
Zhao Huan, signaling Madam Zhu to quickly put the item away, called out loudly.
"Reporting to His Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty has issued a decree, requesting that you bring that item with you and proceed to the palace to retrieve your loyal minister!"
"You, what did you say?"
After a brief moment of stunned disbelief, a fine layer of sweat broke out on Zhao Huan's forehead.
"Reporting to His Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty said exactly that..."
After speaking, the young eunuch bowed once more to Zhao Huan, then lowered his head in silence.
This time, Zhao Huan's heart grew even more fearful. If Madam Zhu hadn't supported him from behind, he would have collapsed onto the ground at that moment.
"Did His Majesty mean Lord Tang, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue?"
After taking a deep breath, Madam Zhu immediately reached into her sleeve, produced a money pouch, and slipped it into the young eunuch's hand. She then asked in a low voice.
After accepting the pouch, the young eunuch, with seemingly great resolve, nodded silently.
At this point, Zhao Huan's last shred of hope completely vanished...
"It's over... it's all over..."
Zhao Huan's hands began to tremble uncontrollably, his eyes vacant as he slumped to the ground...
"Kindly wait outside the hall for a moment, Your Highness will change his attire and be here shortly!"
Seeing Zhao Huan in such a distraught state, Madam Zhu quickly saw the young eunuch out.
"Your Highness, please remain calm. After all, this item was not personally requested by Your Highness; you merely accepted it out of politeness. As long as you explain the situation clearly, His Majesty should not blame you! Furthermore, do you not have Grand Commandant Liang by your side?"
Although Madam Zhu dared not believe these words herself, she felt compelled to say them at this moment.
"Grand Commandant Liang? Yes! Yes, there's Grand Commandant Liang!"