Chapter 526: A Brilliant Play
Le Cheng Emperor smashed his cup in anger, but Jin Qinwang didn’t even spare him a glance.
Le Cheng Emperor successively scolded ‘unfilial bastard’ several times, and afterwards, his gaze coldly swept towards Jing Wan. It was obvious, in his eyes, his son certainly won’t have any problems. The one with problems was his daughter-in-law. Moreover, to actually even seduce his son to the point of disregarding his own dignity to defend her, that was just undoubtedly becoming a vixen. Regardless of how good his impression was towards her previously, at present, it was reaching a freezing point.
For any emperor that was still considered clear-headed, all would very much abstain from solely favoring a single person. Towards their sons, it was similarly like this, because in their eyes, once one got bewitched by a woman, then one will very easily make mistakes. Moreover, as a member of the imperial family, especially the emperor’s sons, that was just the most esteemed bunch under the heavens, so how can they just get tied down by a single woman.
Even Le Cheng Emperor in the past, despite wishing to have the Imperial Noble Consort tied at his waist, also never reached the point of only favoring her. And the Imperial Noble Consort also never blew wind by his ears before. That’s why, Le Cheng Emperor has never felt that he has done anything wrong before.
Jing Wan helplessly glanced at her husband. Say, never mind pulling in hate for yourself, don’t have her dragged in too! Clearly just perfunctorily responding a few words would’ve been enough. Although he got ruthlessly schemed against by you, this son, but for better or worse, he’s still the emperor, the one that had the most authority in Qi Yuan on the surface.
Just, seeing his unconcerned appearance, forget it, what he was like, wasn’t she long aware? Thus, Jing Wan also just remained calm, not saying anything. Le Cheng Emperor’s cold gaze, she also just ignored.
Seeing this couple competing with one another to not have him taken seriously, Le Cheng Emperor’s anger just rose, but he couldn’t really do anything to them either. His son, he couldn’t bear to punish, and as for his daughter-in-law, as the father-in-law, and even the emperor, to make a big fuss over this bit of matter was unbecoming of his status. Turning his eyes, his gaze landed on the court officials’ side, “Beloved Minister Luo.”
Luo Pei Shan appeared slightly terrified on the surface, but on the inside, he was actually just as calm as the couple. Just, when he was about to get up, he saw Yu Zhong Qing walk over from the side, stopping a few steps below the imperial seat——–The banquet was arranged in the imperial gardens.
“Reporting to your Majesty, Princess Heyang requests an audience.” Carrying a blade at his waist, his figure tall and upright, compared to Li Su Yan, Yu Zhong Qing can be said to have a righteous air, his bearing remarkable.
Yu Zhong Qing, to this day, was still unmarried. He was the ‘fatty meat’ that many drooled over. However, Yu Zhong Qing on the surface was someone who’s cut off from others, not interested in marriage, and Le Cheng Emperor, to a certain degree, also further wished for Yu Zhong Qing to wholeheartedly work for him. Once he marries, he will produce selfish desires and will also have a weakness. That’s why, after Le Cheng Emperor once insincerely inquired, and Yu Zhong Qing bluntly refused, the matter was just left unsettled. Many people wanted to matchmake for him, but unfortunately, this Commander of the Imperial Guards took in neither salt nor oil[1].
And in reality, Yu Zhong Qing originally had a fiancee, although she has died. And for him to refuse others, aside from his deep feelings towards his former fiancee, it was just right now, he only wanted to avenge his fiancee, as well as take revenge for the deep grudges of his family’s death, thus not having the intention to marry. Aside from this, how was it not necessarily knowing Le Cheng Emperor’s thoughts. Since that’s the case, why get married. As for the future, he’ll just think about it in the future.
Right now, Yu Zhong Qing wasn’t the focus. The main focus was his words.
Speaking of which, the great majority of people were aware of Princess Heyang. After all, Princess Heyang’s deeds back then truly were too impressive. But, the ones that knew she was still alive weren’t many, and right now, aside from the people that were clearly in the know, the rest were all still thinking, currently among the princesses, which one had the title ‘Heyang’. Seemingly, regardless whether it was the imperial daughters, or Le Cheng Emperor’s sisters, there all wasn’t this title. Therefore, who exactly was this?
The people in the know however were shocked inside. Princess Heyang on the surface didn’t have any dealings with the imperial family, else why would the great majority of the people all not know that the imperial family actually still had a princess that was even more esteemed than the Grand Elder Princess. The Grand Elder Princess’s honor came from being Le Cheng Emperor’s sister from the same mother, and her self-awareness, but Princess Heyang, even Le Cheng Emperor all needed to respect somewhat.
Princess Heyang very rarely looked for Le Cheng Emperor, but once she looked for him, then it certainly won’t be a small matter. Setting aside the distant past, just these last few years, there was once three years ago, for the sake of the western borders, because of the problem with the soldier’s pay, nearly forming into a military disaster. And last year, it was because of the several thousand stones of grains disappearing without a trace, nearly causing the entire Ministry of Revenue to get ‘torn down’.
And now, even directly having her princess status brought out, how could Le Cheng Emperor not raise giant waves in surprise inside, yet at the same time, he also somewhat complained, what matter can’t be said in private, finding another time? Must it be in public under numerous eyes, must it be during this important holiday? Can’t you just settle down a little?
Regardless of how Le Cheng Emperor thought inside, it was impossible for it to be voiced out, and it was further impossible to not meet her.
TN: All
Jing Wan’s heart jumped, glancing at Li Hong Yuan. She didn’t forget a certain someone’s main goal for entering the palace today.
Jing Wan right now can’t help but suspect that Rui Qinwang’s ‘son’ was actually related to Princess Heyang. Then, can only say, whenever the living Enma made a move, it was still quick, precise, and ruthless, not only digging a pit, but even filling it with spikes, burying draggers.
Li Hong Yuan seemingly sensed Jing Wan’s gaze, turning back and meeting with her eyes, smiling, seemingly confirming Jing Wan’s thoughts.
Jing Wan slightly narrowed her eyes, also smiling, not saying anything. When it comes to watching a play, she also knew how.
Princess Heyang donned a formal gown, appearing graceful and high-class, yet also very imperious. That imposing air made Jing Wan simply unable to conceal the shock on her face upon seeing her. However, this while, everyone’s attention was all on Princess Heyang, thus Jing Wan was able to quickly cover up, but the look in her eyes was unable to be erased no matter what.
The Princess Heyang right now, compared to the Yun Niang that Jing Wan knew of, aside from that face, really didn’t have a single trace of resemblance. Yun Niang, regardless of whether it was her attire, or her speech and conduct, all were like a promiscuous woman of the brothels, but the Princess Heyang right now, never mind being a princess, to say she was a female emperor all wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
If not for very clearly knowing Yun Niang’s identity, then Jing Wan afraid would even think that they were two different people that just looked alike.
Princess Heyang stood below the imperial seat with a cold expression, curtsying, “Greetings to your Majesty.” Just looking at it, one just knew it was half-hearted, that face just short of saying: ‘This princess is in a very bad mood.’
“Imperial aunt, quickly rise.” Le Cheng Emperor was a bit displeased because of Princess Heyang’s attitude, but on the surface, he nevertheless appeared very courteous.
Afterwards, everyone present all got up to greet her. Even the Grand Elder Princess all appeared exceptionally deferential, not daring to slight in the slightest.
“In the past, every time wishing to invite imperial aunt to a banquet, imperial aunt would all refuse. Today, for imperial aunt to be able to attend, this emperor is very happy. ———–Someone come, prepare a seat for imperial aunt.”
“No need.” Princess Heyang directly waved her hand and interrupted Le Cheng Emperor’s words, “I just have a bit of something to handle, and after handling, will just leave.”
Le Cheng Emperor’s smile for a moment froze on his face. However, in a blink of an eye, he just returned to normal. This imperial aunt’s contributions towards Qi Yuan weren’t few. That’s why, even if unhappy inside, he still could only endure, “Then, what did imperial aunt come for, do you need this emperor to do anything?”
Princess Heyang glanced at him, and shortly after, swept her gaze around, in the end, landing on Rui Qinwang’s table…….
Princess Heyang brushed her sleeves and directly walked over.
Rui Qinwang’s heart strangely jumped, standing up, “Don’t know what one can do for imperial great aunt?” His attitude was respectful and modest, his expression soft. For those that didn’t understand him, out of ten, at least nine would all produce a favorable impression.
Princess Heyang swept her gaze over him from head to toe, her expression still not having any changes. Shortly after, her gaze turned to the child in Rui Wangfei’s arms, “Let this princess have a look.”
Probably never thought that Princess Heyang was going for Rui Qinwang’s little heir.
Perhaps because of having a guilty conscience, Rui Qinwang just felt his heart beating even quicker, “Imperial great aunt, this child although is just a few months old, but he is full of strength and also likes moving about, so afraid will trouble imperial great aunt. That’s why………..”
Without waiting for him to finish, Princess Heyang just stooped down and picked up a cup on the table, instantly just crushing in her hand. Afterwards, she just casually threw on Rui Qinwang’s face. “This princess can’t even compared to your wife?”
The gentle expression on Rui Qinwang’s face couldn’t be maintained anymore, “Imperial great aunt, please forgive, I just……….”
While Rui Qinwang still wanted to say something, Rui Wangfei had already gotten up, having the child handed to Princess Heyang.
Because of this child of unknown origins, Rui Wangfei’s own daughter’s situation currently was still unknown. Becoming ill from worrying, Rui Wangfei’s complexion also appeared quite bad. If not applying a thick layer of powder, she practically didn’t dare to go out. And the reason why she would appear at this banquet, it was nothing more than her husband using her other two daughters as a threat, even needing her to pretend to be in a very good mood. After all, she finally has a son, ‘getting what she wanted’. But, holding this child, she further wanted to directly strangle him to death. That’s why, this while, regardless of what this highly esteemed princess of the imperial family’s goal was, she all unhesitantly handed out the child.
Rui Qinwang subconsciously wanted to snatch back, but Princess Heyang just turned her hand and swung over, smacking the back of Rui Qinwang’s hand.
In that moment, Rui Qinwang just felt his hand going numb. Pulling back his hand, he faintly hid into his sleeve, clenching his fist.
Princess Heyang held the child, not the least bit unfamiliar, but it clearly appeared somewhat careful.
Princess Heyang let the little guy lean on her shoulder, and afterwards, lifted open his little clothes, her eyes landing on the little guy’s lower back. There was a half-palm sized birthmark, the color appearing red, very much striking.
Princess Heyang’s movements were gentle, but her expression grew increasingly cold and sharp. When looking towards Rui Qinwang again, those eyes were like containing ice.
And Rui Qinwang, even if not very clear of the specifics, faintly heard a sound inside telling him, if the matter gets exposed, then his ending will be exceptionally miserable. His body uncontrollably began trembling slightly.
Rui Qinwang repeatedly told himself, need to remain calm, need to remain calm, no matter what, all need to………..
“Pah——” A loud and crisp sound. Rui Qinwang, a grown man, directly got slapped by Princess Heyang to the point of stumbling, nearly falling. Princess Heyang shook her hand, “Unable to produce a son yourself, even daring to put your ideas on this princess’s grandson, you sure are impressive.”
Rui Qinwang was extremely furious, originally even wanting to argue with Princess Heyang, but upon hearing this, his mind just blanked, like as if getting ruthlessly smashed in the head, thoroughly becoming dumbstruck.
[1] Salt and oil symbolize benefit and wealth.
T/N: The western borders were once mentioned back in chapter 161, and Princess Heyang’s involvement in the missing grains incident was brought up in chapter 496.
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