Chapter 521

Gu Jiu Ling never expected that at this critical moment, the Crown Prince would actually come to Rui Wangfu in person.

Gu Jiu Ling instinctively lifted her head to look at Prince Rui sitting opposite; Prince Rui's hand tightly pressed the hilt of his waist sword, his expression wavering, yet he seemed more composed.

Gu Jiu Ling, who knew Prince Rui well, understood that in such a situation, his state became all the more dangerous.

If the Crown Prince were to walk in shortly, Prince Rui would likely really run him through.

Gu Jiu Ling raised her hand and grabbed Prince Rui's, gently shaking her head at him; it was not yet time to turn against the Crown Prince.

After all, the Crown Prince is now the Crown Prince; attacking him at this time would be treasonous even if Prince Rui later occupied that position.

Prince Rui's hand, held by Gu Jiu Ling, eased a little.

At the same time, the Crown Prince had already strode into the Zheng Ting.

Gu Jiu Ling was about to rise when Prince Rui grabbed her and told her to stay seated.

Although the Crown Prince is now the Regent Prince, they are still his elders; why should they give him face?

The Crown Prince glanced lightly at Prince Rui seated in the place of honor, then his gaze fell on Gu Jiu Ling, and he paused.

Seeing the Crown Prince's gaze darting back and forth over his own Princess Consort, Prince Rui's fingers whitened on the sword hilt.

The Crown Prince came to Rui Wangfu with a mind to ease tensions.

Earlier, after meeting officials in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart and handling some routine affairs, he summoned Lin Jingyuan and Li Hechen.

The two knelt before him, earnestly advising him, making the Crown Prince realize that his actions in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart today were still somewhat excessive, likely inviting trouble.

Now that he is Regent Prince, he naturally must consider his reputation; he cannot have it spread on the first day of his regency that he imprisoned the Southern Qi war god and disrespected his own imperial elders.

Therefore these conflicts still need to be hidden, not brought into the open.

Under the persuasion of Lin Jingyuan and Li Hechen, the Crown Prince humbled himself to come personally to Rui Wangfu to visit the Ninth Imperial Uncle.

He stepped forward, bowed to Prince Rui, and said with a gentle smile: "I have heard that Imperial Uncle has been unwell these days; the palace has gathered some blood ginseng and cordyceps, and I hope Imperial Uncle will not disdain them."

The Crown Prince straightened his waist and signaled to the guards; a few guards carried in boxes wrapped in red silk, for fear that others would not know that the Crown Prince had come to Rui Wangfu bearing gifts.

Gu Jiu Ling silently sneered; indeed, this heir apparent, propped up by the Li and Lin civil officials, loved doing such superficial things.

But no matter how fine the facade, if the substance is flawed, people will still despise it.

Prince Rui frowned slightly, not expecting that this brat had come to apologize, bringing so many tonics; he smiled faintly: "Your Highness, you are thoughtful."

Prince Rui said that and then said nothing more.

Logically, when the Crown Prince graces Rui Wangfu with his presence, at the very least he should be invited to sit and speak.

Unexpectedly, Prince Rui waved his hand lightly, ordering the gifts brought by the Crown Prince to be moved to the rear courtyard, without offering the Crown Prince even a seat or tea.

He himself held a cup of tea, eyes slightly lowered, sipping small mouthfuls, his demeanor calm and self-satisfied.

In contrast, the Crown Prince stood beside him, feeling like a junior who had made a mistake.

Although the Crown Prince could endure, Prince Rui's utter disregard still changed his countenance somewhat.

Prince Rui's silent contempt finally made the Crown Prince unable to contain his anger; recalling how Prince Rui had previously dealt with him, he couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

He sat down slowly in the chair, looking at Gu Jiu Ling seated opposite.

"Will Aunt also go with Uncle to the manor?"

As soon as the Crown Prince finished speaking, Gu Jiu Ling nearly spat out her tea, coughed, then quickly looked at him and smiled: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness; as the saying goes, marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog—wherever my Prince resides, I will follow."

The Crown Prince's gaze lingered slightly, his expression so grim he himself didn't notice.

After a long while, the Crown Prince drew a breath and said: "Aunt and Uncle are indeed a devoted couple, a pity that Aunt's clinic in Shang Jing has no one to look after it, and her medical skills are of no use in the countryside."

Prince Rui slammed his teacup down on the table.

He rose slowly, looking at the Crown Prince before him: "Your Highness, as Regent Prince with countless affairs of state, you surely have much to attend to; I, the Prince, will not keep you for idle chat."

"Jiu Ling, let's go; we'll head to the rear courtyard to pack up our things, and—"

"Prince Rui turned slowly, fixing his gaze on the Crown Prince: 'You and your Aunt are both used to comfort; that little manor of your Tai Zi Fu is too small and shabby to house us both.'"

"We will reside at the manor of Rui Wangfu; no need for you, Your Highness, to prepare those for us."

The Crown Prince's expression shifted at once; he had originally wanted to place them in the manor he arranged, to facilitate surveillance.

"Imperial Uncle!" The Crown Prince's face lost all earlier amiability, he stared coldly at Prince Rui: "If… this is the Emperor's wish…"

Prince Rui's foot twitched slightly; suddenly, with a swish, his sword flashed out of its sheath and thrust toward the Crown Prince.

Gu Jiu Ling jumped in fright, unable to stop him in time.

One must know that killing the Crown Prince in Rui Wangfu would leave them only the path of rebellion.

If Prince Rui did that, he would likely be cursed to death, his reputation would suffer, and public opinion would put great pressure on him.

He did not expect Prince Rui's draw to be so fast; Ye Feng had already closed in on the Crown Prince's neck, and the Crown Prince, startled, kept stepping back, trying with his other hand to shove Prince Rui away.

Unexpectedly, the icy blade of the Dragon Spring Sword pressed against his throat, driving him back repeatedly until he was flush against the cold wall. A shocking red mark was left on his neck; the Crown Prince gasped desperately, his head almost rolling off.

"Prince Rui! You… you have gall!"

"Are you trying to kill me?" the Crown Prince shouted, his voice breaking, trembling, his face ashen.

Prince Rui held his sword against the Crown Prince's neck without changing expression, each word deliberate: "To kill a chicken, why use an ox-cleaver? What are you, that you deserve for me, the Prince, to act personally?"

"Show some respect to your Aunt; she is no longer the little girl who used to follow you around—she is my woman, remember that."

"What Emperor? Only a coward would drag his father out at every turn; even if your Emperor came, what then? Get out!"