Chapter 168.2: Should Be Considered A Date
All say Jin Qinwang was lawless and out of control, even daring to talk back to his old man as he pleased, and Le Cheng Emperor was frequently angered into a storm by him. Jing Wan originally thought that this matter was definitely exaggerated. No matter how indulgent Le Cheng Emperor was to this son, he was still a ruler first, and a father second. How could he tolerate his son greatly disrespecting him like this? But, seeing Le Cheng Emperor’s heaving chest returning to normal again, as he continued on with his qi match, drinking his juice, and not calling to add ice anymore either, his anger disappearing that quickly……………….
So magical! Jing Wan can be considered to have expanded her sights for once, even her three views[1] were all slightly renewed.
However, what Jing Wan didn’t know was that this was actually the result of it having accumulated over a long period of time, the result of Li Hong Yuan sounding out Le Cheng Emperor’s bottom line step by step. At least, in the beginning, it was definitely impossible to reach this degree. This was nothing more than borrowing Le Cheng Emperor’s feeling of guilt and intention to compensate, moving forward step by step. And Le Cheng Emperor unknowingly and unwittingly retreated little by little, his level of tolerance becoming increasingly higher, to the extent that it formed into a habit, a kind of behavior pattern that if changed, one would instead feel strange. And others also became accustomed to it as well.
In fact, for Le Cheng Emperor, it was even a kind of hard to come by pleasure. That’s right, pleasure. In his eyes, this was a pure father and son relationship that didn’t have any concerns of benefits mixed in. Even if angry, it was also out of habit, his anger coming quickly, and going quickly too. For instance, just now, in his understanding, although this son spoke unpleasantly, but in reality, he was being concerned about his health. The times this bastard angered him was more than the times he cared for him. Once his anger subsided, he even felt very elated inside. Try switching with someone else and see what happens. Even if you are extra extra careful, and considered over and over again, perhaps he’ll even pin you with the crime of harboring sinister motives, privately prying into the emperor’s health condition[2]. To put it unpleasantly, Le Cheng Emperor was just a ‘masochist’.
To the extent that Le Cheng Emperor’s close attendants, this while, were still inwardly thanking Li Hong Yuan.
As for whether Li Hong Yuan was really concerned for Le Cheng Emperor or not? Hehe, perhaps there was that tiny bit. If not for worrying that if something were to happen to him, the Luo family will get implicated, then no matter how much he ate, Li Hong Yuan all won’t bat an eye.
However, Luo Old Madam slightly sighed in her heart. Jin Qinwang, on the surface, had favor, and in the dark, had power. His conduct appeared unbridled, but seemingly, for anything, he was all able to perfectly control at a limit. Even if he didn’t have a maternal clan, his resourcefulness, sophistication, and skill, not a single one lacking. And more importantly, he was able to, under everyone else’s eyelids, let that many people become devoted to him. Just thinking about it made one……….shudder in fear. Such a person, wholeheartedly ‘scheming against’ her granddaughter, that was just like laying out a divine net. Even if Wan Wan was smart, she ultimately was still just a young lady of the boudoir, with too many restrictions and constraints, how could she struggle free?
Luo Old Madam didn’t know whether Jin Qinwang, towards her granddaughter, held love more, or held attachment due to his dream more. She was just worried that is was the latter. That way, after obtaining, that attachment will fade, and when time comes, just neglecting Wan Wan was still okay, only fearing that he will feel everything he did previously wasn’t worth it, going through such great lengths for the sake of a woman, losing all face, and feeling humiliated, and afterwards, want to have this stain eliminated.
But, right now, there was no path of retreat, no, should say, from the moment he started scheming, there was already no way out.
Jing Wan rather wanted to go sit with Luo Old Madam, as well as her older brother and sister-in-law, but a certain someone, who has never considered the Confucian etiquettes of the secular world, will tell you, never mind the door, even the door crack didn’t exist[3]. As such, Jing Wan could only harden her head and sit across from Li Hong Yuan, the seat ‘farthest’ away from him.
Le Cheng Emperor shot a glance at Li Hong Yuan, “You bastard, settle down a little. It doesn’t matter if you’re shameless, don’t cause trouble for…………”
Luo Pei Shan suddenly coughed. Even if you’re the emperor, you shouldn’t go too overboard either. Everyone all just turned a blind eye, yet you still insist on making it known? My dear granddaughter right now is suffering, yet you still insist on having her face all ripped down?
Le Cheng Emperor was a bit embarrassed. His old face was all lost because of this bastard.
Jing Wan felt, this pair of father and son’s face actually were both not much different. And it was also fortunate that her face was thick enough, unlikely to become ashamed and unable to show her face because of a bunch of people’s attention on her. ——–How was this not necessarily Li Hong Yuan stepping on Jing Wan’s bottom line and taking advantage of the situation in various ways. He knew Jing Wan wasn’t an ordinary young lady of the boudoir, and won’t because of this bit of matter feel as if one suffered the greatest humiliation and throw a tantrum. And he already had an incomparably rotten reputation to begin with. As long as it wasn’t excessive, the dirty waters, no matter what, all won’t splash on Jing Wan. Perhaps, some will even sympathize with her instead.
(T/N: Everything is still referring back to the matter of LHY drinking from Jing Wan’s cup. It’s nothing from a modern perspective, but in ancient times, this was a huge deal.)
That’s why, Li Hong Yuan truly was just this scheming.
Fortunately, Li Hong Yuan didn’t do anything else, his gaze landing on the board.
Li Hong Yuan’s qi skills, to call it divine all wouldn’t be too much. Thus, after watching for a while, he just lost interest, his gaze landing on Jing Wan again. He rather want to have his wife pulled into his embrace to kiss and hug, but unfortunately, he at most could only think about it.
He swept a glance in all directions. The Head Minister of Revenue, who was situated behind the Luo family’s carriage fleet, brought along his eldest son to come join the Luo family. Of course, in actuality, it was just coming to promote his existence in front Le Cheng Emperor. And it was probably also because he saw that the Luo family at the moment didn’t have excess shaded space, else he most likely would’ve brought along all his sons and grandsons.
The Imperial Guards were scattered in the surrounding. Even if exposed under the scorching sun, their posture was still very upright. Although these people Li Hong Yuan didn’t take seriously, the current Commander of the Imperial Guards was indeed an impressive individual. The Imperial Guards, under his management, compared to his predecessor, was so much better. However, this person was single-handedly promoted up by his old man, and was rather loyal and devoted. But, majority of people all had a weakness that can be seized, and this one wasn’t an exception. However, Li Hong Yuan right now wasn’t in a hurry either. The time has yet to come.
The Luo family servants gave these guards and palace attendants all a bowl of iced mung bean soup. At this time, this relieved the heat the most. It wasn’t to bribe the heart, yet surpassed that of. On Wan Wan, there was always a hard to describe benevolence and kindness. For many things, if one were to let her handle, even without being deliberate, she would all be able to win the popular sentiment.
“Accompany this prince for a walk.” Li Hong Yuan suddenly opened his mouth.
Jing Wan looked to him. Wangye, can you not just act out whatever comes to mind?
“Going for a walk is also good. Also, since this is out in the wildness, take a few more people with you.” Just when Jing Wan was thinking of how to refuse, Le Cheng Emperor opened his mouth first instead.
This was clearly wanting to help his son, completely not giving one the chance to refuse. Since the emperor has opened his mouth, if you say no, then that was equal to defying the imperial decree. Moreover, with him opening his mouth, the rumors and slanders and whatnot completely won’t have the chance to appear. I know your son has trouble taking a wife, but is there a need to go this far? In such scorching hot weather, this walk will result in a body full of sweat. You think it’ll be like you sitting here, drinking juice, and even having someone fan the fan for you? Also, can you focus on the qi match? What’s this, playing qi on one hand, while erecting your ear to listen to other people’s conversation?
“The scenery here is pretty good, but remember to bring an umbrella.” Luo Old Madam said.
[1] Three views – In chinese refers to a person’s worldview, system of values, and outlook on life.
[2] This is a legitimate crime in imperial era; it’s illegal for the subjects, including the emperor’s sons, to ask about the emperor’s health. Obviously because the emperor doesn’t want others to be plotting for his death.
[3] This line is a pun that can’t be translated, so I shall explain. In chinese the word for ‘no way’ or ‘impossible’ is 没门儿 (lit. no door), so this line is a play on this phrase, saying that not only is there ‘no door’, there’s not even a crack of a door.
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