Chapter 532: Eloquent and Persuasive

After a bout of sparring, Xiao Ting gained no advantage; instead he realized his father truly liked this child he had just recognized.

What surprised Xiao Ting was that this prince, whom his father had just recognized, possessed both the grace of a high-ranking official and the earthy manners of someone who mixes in the martial world.

Bai Xiaosheng originally made a living selling information; those secret rumors of the martial world, the sort of amusing anecdotes that high officials and nobles wouldn't dare display in polite company.

Moreover, he is quite eloquent, like a storyteller, delivering one tale after another to Emperor Longqing.

These days Emperor Longqing has been ill and cooped up in the palace; where could he come into contact with the outside world?

Originally, keeping Bai Xiaosheng in the palace was to use his blood to treat his own illness, but now he has taken a liking to this child.

Xiao Ting suddenly felt a sense of crisis, and even his facial expression began to falter.

Bai Xiaosheng, standing to the side, laughed softly: "Did the Crown Prince come to see his father? Why do you seem so unhappy?"

Emperor Longqing was still immersed in the story Bai Xiaosheng had just told.

This time, prompted by Bai Xiaosheng's reminder, he lifted his gaze to Xiao Ting sitting opposite, and only then did he realize that the Crown Prince, whom he had entrusted with an important duty, looked dreadful—so bad he could barely maintain a normal state.

Emperor Longqing's heart also sank gradually; he hasn't died yet!

What kind of act is this kid putting on? He came to check on his condition, yet he doesn't even ask whether his father's health has improved.

It seems this kid, having just been exposed to the highest core of power a few days ago, is already losing sight of who he is.

Emperor Longqing's face darkened as he slowly said, "Crown Prince, have you been physically tired these past few days? Feeling unwell?"

As soon as those words left his mouth, Xiao Ting finally realized his facial expression was off; he had been completely led by Bai Xiaosheng sitting opposite.

Thinking of this, a cold sweat seeped out, trickling down his spine; he jumped in shock and hurriedly knelt before Emperor Longqing.

"Father, I can share your worries; I am not tired at all. Seeing you in good health today makes me immensely happy."

"Happy?" Emperor Longqing gave a faint smile: "I fear you may be tired. In that case, let your newly recognized brother lend you a hand, so you won't have to wear a cold, sullen face before me out of gloom."

"Your subject… your subject dares not…" Xiao Ting clenched his teeth and finally fell silent.

By now he realizes that if he says anything more, not only will the outcome be bad—he fears even his head might have to move.

Bai Xiaosheng's words and deeds are surprisingly treacherous; a few short sentences of sowing discord have made the father emperor feel wary of him.

At this moment Xiao Ting's hatred for Bai Xiaosheng runs deep into his bones.

But he suddenly realized that he himself had indeed been somewhat reckless and unstable before, which provoked Prince Rui to take revenge against him; yet he never imagined that his father, outside, actually had a son.

He had thought the situation was a sure win, but suddenly such a thing appeared out of nowhere—how could Xiao Ting's expression remain steady?

This time, after being provoked by the father emperor, he instantly broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly knelt before Emperor Longqing.

Emperor Longqing himself had just been angry and spoken those words; now, upon reflection, wanting to take them back is impossible.

He saw that Bai Xiaosheng is merely a profit-chasing scoundrel, and in fact has no real talent capable of overturning his court.

But this child does make him quite happy; that alone is enough.

"Alright, starting tomorrow you will also go to the Council of State to assist the Crown Prince."

Bai Xiaosheng hurriedly knelt before Emperor Longqing.

Both princes knelt to express thanks; after all this commotion, Emperor Longqing grew a bit weary, waved his hand to let his sons leave, and said he needed to rest awhile.

Xiao Ting and Bai Xiaosheng left the sleeping palace one after another; meanwhile, the news of Bai Xiaosheng's investiture has already spread.

For this purpose a mansion was specially granted to Bai Xiaosheng, but Empress Dowager Ning'an demanded he reside in the palace, continuing to serve as Emperor Longqing's blood bag.

Even so, this newly invested prince from the common folk has already spread among the people of Shang Jing, becoming the talk of the town after tea and meals.

Bai Xiaosheng entertained guests in the mansion newly bestowed by the emperor—just a show—but many people who didn't expect to come drink and celebrate actually showed up, surpassing his and Xiao Yin's expectations.

Even Li Hechen and Lin Jingyuan arrived together, bearing gifts.

Xiao Yin brought a crowd of military officers to show support.

The reputation of this commoner prince is surprisingly high, yet the Li and Lin families came merely to sound out the truth.

Gu Jiu Ling came together with Xiao Yin to face Bai Xiaosheng.

Bai Xiaosheng personally greeted them at the door; the three exchanged smiles, each harboring their own calculations.

Since it was a private banquet, there weren't so many formalities, and some people brought their families along.

Though called a show of support, it was really the noble young ladies of Shang Jing who secretly wanted to see what this commoner-born prince was really like.

But upon seeing him, their hearts fluttered; he was an extraordinarily handsome man, merely somewhat effeminate in appearance.

In Gu Jiu Ling's eyes, Bai Xiaosheng was the epitome of smoothness—saying what people wanted to hear, and what ghosts wanted to hear; for a moment cups and chopsticks clinked, and the atmosphere grew heated to the extreme.

Bai Xiaosheng's greatest asset is his mouth; his speech is very likable, especially to those noble young ladies, who after a banquet find their gazes fixed on him with an uncontainable fervor.

Yet Bai Xiaosheng's warm, gentle smile never reaches his eyes—except when he meets the gaze of Yun Duo behind Gu Jiu Ling, at which point the corner of his mouth twitches into a faint smile.

Among these ladies was also Lin Rushi, married to Cheng Ming, whose unborn child is now four months along.

Lin Rushi has just begun to show her pregnancy, making her look somewhat clumsy, yet this cannot erase the heroic spirit emanating from her.

Because she is pregnant, Lin Rushi's face looks somewhat wan; she pulled Gu Jiu Ling aside into an unused room.

A few dark guards wanted to follow Gu Jiu Ling inside, but she gestured for them to wait outside.

Lin Rushi pulled her in so hastily, presumably she had something to say.

"Please sit and have some tea," Gu Jiu Ling helped Lin Rushi sit in a chair and personally poured her a cup of hot tea.

Lin Rushi held the cup, but could she drink? She anxiously looked at Gu Jiu Ling.

"Princess Consort, the affection between us needs no explanation, right?"

Gu Jiu Ling smiled: "Of course; back then, the Prince risked his life nine times over, and you, miss, rallied troops to lend me a hand—I will never forget your kindness."

Lin Rushi seized Gu Jiu Ling's hand: "Are you preparing to deal with the Crown Prince?"

As soon as Lin Rushi's words fell, Gu Jiu Ling froze in place.

Seeing Gu Jiu Ling like that, Lin Rushi grew even more anxious.

Although she is a daughter who married out of the Lin family, she also understands that the Lin family is currently in dire straits, likely facing great calamity.