Is That Old Thing Better-Looking Than This Prince?
Within the banquet hall, the atmosphere was tense as drawn blades.
A trace of impatience flickered through the Crown Prince’s eyes. Yet his expression remained gentle and refined as he spoke to mediate. “Enough. Third Brother’s temperament is forthright. Elder Brother, why must you lecture him each time you meet? Moreover, Prince Li’s Consort has done nothing wrong. Elder Brother’s words just now were indeed excessive.”
Prince Qi said angrily, “He was the one who disregarded rank first. This prince merely spoke the truth. Where lies the fault?”
The Crown Prince shook his head. He cupped his hands toward Chu Yuan. “I apologize to Prince Li’s Consort on my elder brother’s behalf. Elder Brother speaks bluntly, but he harbors no malice. I ask that Prince Li’s Consort not take it to heart.”
Lu Rongshen turned his head and secretly pursed his lips.
This Crown Prince brother of his was skilled at playing the good man. With a few words he could invert black and white. If Prince Qi bore no malice, then where in this world would true villains be found?
Chu Yuan was about to speak when Lu Ronghuai suddenly turned his head toward him.
His pupils were deep as dark inkstone, profound and distant. When silent, his features were sharp and severe, instilling unease without cause.
“Does my consort take it to heart?” He leaned slightly toward him, lowering his head to look at him. His voice seemed to fall right beside the ear, as mellow and captivating as aged fine wine.
Chu Yuan replied softly, “This subject do not—”
Lu Ronghuai straightened and nodded with solemn seriousness. “My consort says he very much minds it. This prince is protective of his own. Elder Brother, you may decide how to handle it.”
Chu Yuan: “…”
Prince Qi’s face twisted in fury. He made as if to rush forward and argue, but the Crown Prince restrained him and warned, “Elder Brother. Today is Young Lord Ning’s capping ceremony. If Father Emperor learns you caused trouble here, punishment will surely be severe.”
Prince Qi shook off the Crown Prince’s hand. The muscles in his face twitched as he pointed at Lu Ronghuai with mockery. “Lu Ronghuai, you truly treat a man as treasure? No wonder. You are now the greatest laughingstock in all Ye Jing. The two of you are a perfect match.”
Lu Ronghuai let out a soundless cold laugh. A thin curve formed at his lips, cool and merciless, carrying a dangerous hint that made one’s hair stand on end.
“Today, this prince shall teach you the rules of conduct on Father Emperor’s behalf.”
As he finished speaking, he raised his hand and flicked it outward. The empty wine cup in his grasp streaked through the air in a blurred arc.
Before anyone could react, Prince Qi let out a miserable cry.
With a heavy thud, the cup shattered. Prince Qi dropped to his knees. Pain drained the color from his face.
The Crown Prince saw blood seeping from Prince Qi’s knee and exclaimed in alarm, “Third Brother, your hand was too heavy!”
Lu Ronghuai looked at the Crown Prince’s false face. A trace of amusement flashed across his own as he deliberately replied, “I am out of practice and did not control my strength well. This prince shall pay attention next time.”
There is still going to be a f*cking next time?!
Prince Qi’s eyes bulged with hatred, as though he wished to tear flesh and drink blood.
“Lu Ronghuai, just you wait!”
“The Prime Minister arrives.”
The two voices rang out at once.
Nie Chouwen stepped inside with measured strides. Without so much as a glance at the kneeling Prince Qi, he bowed calmly toward the Crown Prince. “This old minister greets Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Prime Minister Nie need not be so formal. I did not expect you to attend Young Lord Ning’s capping ceremony today.” The Crown Prince moved forward as if to assist him, every gesture suffused with respect.
Nie Chouwen avoided the offered hand and pretended not to notice the probing beneath the Crown Prince’s words. He replied evenly, “This old minister was entrusted by the Headmaster of Cangyun Academy to attend and observe the ceremony.”
The Crown Prince’s expression showed understanding.
Cangyun Academy had been founded by Nie Chouwen himself, gathering talented scholars from across the realm. The present headmaster was his student. Ning Yuqiang, currently studying there, was among the most outstanding of this cohort.
It had originally been the headmaster’s duty to attend. Yet two days ago he had fallen and fractured his leg. With no alternative, he earnestly requested his teacher to come in his stead.
“With you present, Young Lord Ning’s ceremony will surely draw envy,” the Crown Prince said with a smile.
Everyone at court knew that Prime Minister Nie never formed factions nor cultivated private alliances. His greatest pleasure was hosting poetry gatherings, drinking with scholars, and discoursing on past and present.
Likewise, what he disliked most was flattery.
Upon hearing the Crown Prince’s words, Prime Minister Nie snorted without courtesy. “Your Highness flatters me. This old minister has passed fifty and long ago set aside thoughts of life, death, and fame. I share little connection with the Marquis of Xuanning’s manor. Today I came merely for a cup of wine and have no wish to invite idle talk.”
The Crown Prince’s smile deepened slightly. “Prime Minister speaks rightly. It was my slip of the tongue.”
Prince Qi, unable to stand upon his injured legs, could only kneel to offer greeting to Nie Chouwen.
Nie Chouwen glanced at him and waved a sleeve dismissively. “Prince Qi should return at once. The manor is filled with guests today. Do not damage the dignity of the imperial family.”
Prince Qi’s face twisted, but the speaker was Nie Chouwen. Even Father Emperor would grant him several measures of face.
He dared not offend him. With a vicious glare at Lu Ronghuai, he allowed attendants to carry him out, in utter humiliation.
Lu Ronghuai laughed.
All eyes turned to him again.
He said idly, “Have you all enjoyed the spectacle? Will you not take your seats?”
Prime Minister Nie had never favored the erratic Prince Li. His gaze swept past and he was about to step forward when he suddenly noticed Chu Yuan seated beside Lu Ronghuai.
His eyes halted and remained upon Chu Yuan’s face for a long while.
“Prime Minister Nie?” the Crown Prince called in surprise.
Nie Chouwen strode to stand before Chu Yuan. He examined him carefully, then suddenly spoke in a gentle tone. “This young gentleman, what is your surname and given name?”
Chu Yuan did not understand his intent, yet he sensed no ill will.
Lu Ronghuai sat beside him. Uncertain of the relation between Prince Li and the Prime Minister, he answered cautiously, “I am Chu Yuan.”
Nie Chouwen pondered slightly. The name sounded faintly familiar, though he could not immediately place it.
“How old are you this year?” he asked again.
Before Chu Yuan could speak, Lu Ronghuai interjected.
“Prime Minister’s concern for this Prince’s Consort seems somewhat improper.”
“…”
Nie Chouwen’s temple twitched. With that reminder, he finally recalled Chu Yuan’s identity.
The Seventh Prince of the Kingdom of Chu, also the Deposed Crown Prince named Chu Yuan.
“Forgive this old man’s impropriety. Prince Li’s Consort, do not take offense.” Nie Chouwen suppressed his thoughts and returned calmly to his seat.
Yet after the banquet commenced, he cast several deliberate glances toward Chu Yuan, his expression thoughtful.
Chu Yuan felt that this elderly Prime Minister, though previously unacquainted, likely had words he wished to say to him.
“Is that old thing better-looking than this Prince?” A highly oppressive voice sounded at his side.
Chu Yuan withdrew his gaze. His lashes lowered slightly as he shook his head. “Your Highness jests.”
Lu Ronghuai looked at his obedient, compliant demeanor and clicked his tongue. “Then why do you not look at this Prince?”
Chu Yuan: “?”
He felt this man exceedingly unreasonable. Pressing his lips together, he replied, “This subject do not dare.”
Lu Ronghuai regarded him with a half-smile. His gaze swept across that fair and pleasing face. “This Prince permits you to look.”
“…Many thanks, Your Highness.” In truth, he had no wish to look.
“You are welcome. After all, this Prince is kind-hearted.”
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Yuan Yuan: Let me see how thick your skin is.
Lu Ronghuai: You may even touch it.
Thank you for the support!
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