Princes who were eager to the throne made moves to test the reaction of the Crown Prince one after another.
The outcome? No reaction at all.
The Crown Prince seemed to have truly relinquished his desire for power. He ignored their various tactics, instead choosing to sleep or read in his residence or join old friends from the battlefield for a drink.
He appeared completely detached from matters of state.
Even when the Emperor directed him to stay in the Ministry of War, he complied without any zeal, scarcely showing any attachment to power.
The princes believed he had been cowed by the Emperor, mocking him privately for his lack of courage. Gradually, they eased their vigilance against him.
"Why isn't the Crown Prince playing polo today?"
The Fourth Prince asked with a faint smile.
The Crown Prince lifted an eyelid indifferently. "What's it to you?"
The Fourth Prince stumbled, "I was just curious..."