Chapter 660: Chapter 659: Father and Son
The green brocade-clad Geng Shuang couldn’t wait to get on stage; judging by the order of his appearance, he signed up quite early.
Geng Shuang showcased his swordsmanship.
Although he was dressed like a scholar, he held a sword in his hand, creating a rather jarring contrast. Yet, he felt no discomfort, standing with the sword, his gaze arrogant, almost exuding the aura of a master.
Unfortunately, as he performed his swordsmanship, his strikes lacked strength and precision, and his wrist was shaky. However, the sword flowers he twirled were beautiful, clearly showing that he had devoted all his energy to learning how to play with flashy moves.
Those who understood found it laughable, but those who did not, seeing the dazzling sword flowers, kept cheering and even a few ladies were starry-eyed.
This greatly satisfied Geng Shuang’s vanity. He sheathed his sword, haughtily declaring, "This young master has honed both literary and martial skills since childhood, nothing worth mentioning, just a little show!"
He claimed it was nothing, yet his expression suggested he thought he was the best in the world.
As for being kicked away by Xia Wenjin earlier, only Xu Manluo knew about it, and their words at that time clearly indicated they wouldn’t reveal it, so he wasn’t worried about anyone exposing him.
Xia Wenjin averted her gaze, glancing around. There were pavilions and corridors everywhere by the waterside, some paths winding and meandering, others straight and direct, but remarkably, from all these points one could directly see a high platform across the waterside.
Thus, choosing that platform to perform was indeed a strategic spot visible from all angles.
The lively scene continued on stage, while Xia Wenjin’s thoughts wandered.
Earlier in Youlan Hall, she met many noble ladies; although some were sarcastic and sharp-tongued, with just a few words, she turned the situation around. They didn’t yet know her true identity, but no one dared to belittle her.
After establishing initial connections and becoming a familiar face, she could later send invitations to visit and build good relationships.
Remarkably, the breakthrough came from an anti-freckle cream, which she found quite magical.
She understood those noble ladies valued their beauty highly, which was precisely why she considered this aspect beforehand.
The cosmetics shop she owned would soon open.
The situation in the Capital City seemed calm for now, but after the Emperor’s birthday, this peace would be disrupted.
Though she walked the path of commerce, the turbulence of court politics wouldn’t affect her immediately.
But Huangfu Jingchen was in the whirlpool of the Capital City, and thinking of his fate, Xia Wenjin couldn’t help but worry.
She wondered if Huangfu Jingchen, as the Imperial Grandson, would attend today’s gathering?
Compared to the lively celebration with Seventeenth Princess, the atmosphere in the Imperial Palace was rather somber.
Prince Li subtly advised the Emperor that binding the princely heirs of all Elder Brothers in the Capital was Third Brother’s overthinking.
Now, the princely heirs have stayed in the Capital City for over a year, and continuing this might cause the Elder Brothers to overthink.
Originally, the Elder Brothers, who had no ulterior motives, worrying about their sons’ safety and circumstances, would surely send people to protect them. Those princely heirs concerned for their own safety would certainly cultivate their own power. All these forces would inevitably engage in secret confrontations, which is not a good phenomenon!
Furthermore, Third Brother is no longer the Crown Prince, so there’s no need to continue with his suggestion.
Therefore, Prince Li suggested it might be better to let these princely heirs return to their Vassal Lands.
This way, the Elder Brothers would surely appreciate the Emperor’s kindness, and since the princely heirs had not stayed in the Capital City long enough to establish their power, this would resolve a major hidden threat.
The Emperor’s clouded old eyes fell upon Prince Li as he asked calmly, "Why the sudden thought to send your nephews out of the Capital?"
Prince Li’s heart skipped a beat; he couldn’t forget the words his adviser cautioned him with, although they were somewhat alarmist, what if they were right?
Of course, all potential threats must be nipped in the bud.
But at this moment, he couldn’t say that. He sincerely replied, "With the Emperor’s grace, I am able to accompany you and fulfill my filial duties. I think such familial joy is the greatest beauty in life, and am sure my brothers feel the same."
The Emperor sized him up, deliberating if his words were sincere or not.
Prince Li immediately assumed an even more sincere expression.
The Emperor smiled enigmatically but spoke calmly, "Old Nine, I remember when your eldest brother was Crown Prince, you ignored state affairs entirely, indulging in music, chess, calligraphy, poetry, alcohol, and flowers. But when your third brother became Crown Prince, you suddenly transformed from being idle to vigorous and diligent."
Prince Li’s pupils tightened; what was the Emperor implying? Was he suggesting that he had ambitions?
His back was instantly soaked with sweat.
However, the Emperor’s next words eased his tension; speaking earnestly, the Emperor said, "I am very gratified!"
Prince Li’s heart felt like it had plunged into hell one moment and ascended to heaven the next.
Did the Emperor say he was gratified?
It seemed the Emperor wasn’t displeased with his recent attachment to power?
The Emperor continued, "You talk about familial joy, so are you thinking of bringing your wife and children to the Capital City as well?"
Prince Li broke into a sweat once more, forced to contemplate the Emperor’s words carefully before responding.
Being close to the Emperor was akin to being close to a tiger—an apt analogy. Despite being the most favored prince, he dared not put a foot wrong.
Was the Emperor testing him? It must be!
He was a Vassal King with a fief, and logically, he should have moved to his fief long ago, but he had spent less than half as much time in the Vassal Land compared to the Capital City over the years.
The Emperor indulged him, keeping him nearby even when there was a Crown Prince.
But for now, all he had was his presence in the Capital City.
His princess and his sons were all in the Vassal Land.
Prince Zhuang advised the Emperor that all Vassal Kings had sent their sons to the Capital City, except him, because he was already in the Capital City, and the Vassal Land required the Princely Heir for governance.
A Vassal King bringing his entire family to the Capital City was almost impossible, unless he became Crown Prince.
Just like Prince Zhuang, who, after becoming Crown Prince, brought his princess and children over as well.
Did the Emperor intend to make him Crown Prince?
Was it really that simple? His mind spun swiftly, and he immediately responded, "The Emperor’s grace in allowing me to stay by your side to fulfill my filial duties is more than generous. Bringing my wife and children to the Capital City would be inappropriate. The Imperial Censors and Officials would surely criticize, affecting your majesty’s prestige; it must not be done!"
The Emperor squinted his eyes slightly, saying, "Didn’t you say that your Elder Brothers would surely wish for familial joy as well? So, you do not wish for it?"
Prince Li: "..."
How could he not wish for it? But did he dare to wish? The result of wishing was either going to his fief or bringing his wife and children to the Capital.
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