Chapter 1544: The Regent Prince Dotes on Me Too Much, What Should I Do 13

Halfway through the banquet, Mu Zhongzheng, who had kept a low profile for several days, presented a gift to Jin Chen.

Jin Chen originally intended for the eunuch Gao Kun to accept it, but catching a hint in Mu Zhongzheng's eyes, he abruptly changed his tone: "Since it's a gift from the Prince, I'll take a look."

Gao Kun then presented the box; inside was a rare coral jade, unlike any variety found within Great Jin.

Beneath the cloth holding the coral jade, there was also a faint line of writing.

Mu Zhongzheng wanted to meet at the Long Moon Pavilion, saying he had an important matter to discuss.

Jin Chen discreetly put the coral jade back, his expression timely turning to novelty: "I like it very much; the Prince's thoughtfulness is appreciated."

Mu Zhongzheng inevitably received praise from the officials beside him, accepting it all with a faint glance that swept over several of the officials present.

Not long after, someone brought up the Empress's investiture ceremony.

Coincidentally, the Minister of Works happened to call in sick and was absent tonight; these officials, seasoned in the bureaucracy, seemed to outdo one another in their satisfaction with Empress Chu Qingqing.

Jin Chen listened while also noting the officials' positions.

Unexpectedly, Mu Zhongzheng's speed in winning over officials was quite fast; he specifically sought out those who usually didn't get along with Xie Zhiwei and feared him to bring them into his camp.

Leaving aside the officials' chatter, once the topic waned, the Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory actually came forward to the hall and spoke bluntly.

"Your Majesty, the Five Officers and Protector of Regulations of the Imperial Observatory predict that next month is the auspicious time for the Empress's investiture; if the ceremony is held on schedule, the dragon and phoenix bringing blessings will surely heaven-bless our Great Jin."

Jin Chen nearly choked on the wine, and in the midst of his coughing he exchanged a glance with Chu Qingqing; her eyes were full of shock and speechlessness, and Jin Chen signaled her to stay calm.

Even if he didn't refuse, someone else would refuse on his behalf.

Xie Zhiwei responded to the deputy's words with a cold snort; he never cared for etiquette: "What a heaven-blessed Great Jin."

He flung his wine cup, his ink-black pupils coldly reflecting a sharp glint, fixed on the deputy who was sweating profusely.

"What you imply, Deputy, could it be that the fate of Great Jin is tied to the Empress? These past years, His Majesty has been unwell, and I, the Prince, have never brought up appointing an Empress; it is my fault that Great Jin has lost six years of its fortune."

Those words frightened the deputy into kneeling, unable to rise; the banquet's formerly harmonious and lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, and the officials who had just mentioned the investiture wiped their sweat, daring not to utter another word.

Mu Zhongzheng silently cursed the deputy as useless, then rose and bowed to Jin Chen: "May I ask, Your Majesty, what is your intention?"

As soon as he spoke, the eyes of all the officials, including Xie Zhiwei, turned toward Jin Chen.

Jin Chen: "……"

Mu Zhongzheng, you bastard.

He slowly set down the half piece of pastry he had been pinching, and said calmly: "The matter of appointing an Empress is not urgent; we will discuss it after I have recovered my health."

Mu Zhongzheng furrowed his brows, ultimately saying nothing more in front of Xie Zhiwei, planning to bring up the topic later at the Long Moon Pavilion.

For now the topic ended thus; Jin Chen continued to eat pastries aimlessly, his gaze occasionally landing on Xie Zhiwei, giving rise to ever more puzzlement.

By rights, at this point Xie Zhiwei should have already noticed Mu Zhongzheng's efforts to win over officials, yet he has taken no action.

Or perhaps Xie Zhiwei is plotting something that even involves calculating him into the scheme.

Seeing Mu Zhongzheng cup after cup urging Jin Chen to drink, Xie Zhiwei's expression grew cold; he once again stepped to the side of the Dragon Throne and gripped Jin Chen's wrist.

"Your Majesty," he said in a helpless tone, like one coaxing a candy-loving child, "your constitution has just recovered; you should not drink too much."

Recalling his earlier gesture, Jin Chen lowered his hand and, in a reciprocal gesture, hooked Xie Zhiwei's finger, his fingertip lightly scraping the palm: "Good royal uncle, I have not drunk a drop while secluded in Azure Splendor Hall for over half a month."

"Just tonight, spare me."

A tingling, itchy sensation spread from his palm like millions of hooks boring into Xie Zhiwei's heart, his breathing growing ragged: "Then… I will order them to brew a sobering soup."

"Good." Jin Chen smiled at him, but the expression in his eyes and brows was no longer the former obedience; instead it was aloof and nonchalant.

——

When the banquet ended, Jin Chen declined the invitation to return to Azure Splendor Hall together with Xie Zhiwei, casually made up an excuse and hurried to the Long Moon Pavilion; fortunately, these past few days Xie Zhiwei had been especially obedient and did not take offense.

"Why did you, cousin, bring up appointing an Empress at the banquet?" Jin Chen, seeing the person, hurriedly asked: "Chu Qingqing is the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Works; she ought to…… also be someone under the Regent Prince's control."

The little emperor is indeed eager to get rid of Xie Zhiwei!

Mu Zhongzheng realized this, felt a bit of confidence in his heart, and spoke bluntly: "Your Majesty need not worry about this; perhaps in a few days the Minister of Works will be one of ours."

"Seeing that Your Majesty is soon to reach the age of manhood, it is still wise to make plans for yourself early."

Jin Chen listened to his words, and also heard several faint sounds so slight they could be ignored; even Han Zhou, guarding outside the Long Moon Pavilion, did not hear them.

The Heavenly Concealed Guards of the Dark Dragon Army—why would they come specially?

A hint of heaviness appeared in Jin Chen's pupils; he also glanced at Han Zhou's back, inwardly thinking it strange.

Could it be that Xie Zhiwei has already begun to guard against Han Zhou.

He has only been in seclusion for over half a month, yet it seems too many things have happened.

Jin Chen's expression suddenly became inscrutable, as if some inexpressible matter were lodged in his throat; seeing this, Mu Zhongzheng hurriedly asked: "Your Majesty, do you have something to say?"

"Cousin…… actually, actually I……"

Jin Chen's gaze gradually became resolute: "I do not like girls."

Mu Zhongzheng fell silent for a moment.

As a fellow lover of men, he was not overly surprised, merely weighing the matter.

If the little emperor feels no affection for women, he will surely have no heirs; after killing Xie Zhiwei…… if this little emperor were willing to abdicate and become a commoner, it would not be impossible to spare his life.

This would also be repaying the late emperor's kindness in instruction.

"I understand." Mu Zhongzheng's face showed no change, "But Your Majesty, no matter how much you dislike women, Chu Qingqing must be the Empress; otherwise we cannot silence the endless gossip."

Jin Chen nodded: "I understand, but I hope cousin, you will not tell anyone about this."