Chapter 73: Saving the Aloof Crown Prince 24

Seeing Jin Chen's appearance, Xiao Zhuoxian's eyes flashed with a hint of astonishment and surprise.

He hadn't expected that this dark guard would be somewhat too outstanding, dignified and proper, standing shoulder to shoulder with the imperial younger brother, looking exceptionally well-matched.

In his heart, any grudge about this relationship was completely dispelled.

Yun Jianan saw the red mole at the corner of Jin Chen's right eye, slightly furrowed his brows, hid the surprise in his eyes, and suddenly clenched his cuff.

This Lord Jin Chen somewhat resembles his mother; could it be the one she has been searching for……

Not daring to confirm it rashly, Yun Jianan hid the matter in his heart, planning to first confirm with his mother after returning home.

If it truly is, it would also be a double blessing arriving at the door.

——

Three days later, the Tai Zi Fu held a moving-in banquet.

The emperor and empress personally attended, officials of rank four and above came to congratulate; the originally deserted Tai Zi Fu tonight had shimmering candlelights, intersecting wine cups, and string music filling the ears.

Jin Chen today dressed as a servant, stood behind Xiao Su, watching him raise a reluctant smile; although wearing brocade robes and a jade crown, his smile never reached his eyes.

Emperor Yong Shun and the Empress sat in the main seats, even more hypocritical.

Officials on both sides below busily chatted left and right, winning people's hearts.

The palace dancers' performance was actually cheerful.

In the main hall, not a single person was sincere—how ironic.

Jin Chen wearily withdrew his gaze, focusing intently on his own wife.

As if knowing he could overthrow the Eldest Prince tonight, Xiao Su, though not happy, had his spirits somewhat high, performing a false display of filial piety with Emperor Yong Shun.

After the dancers withdrew, it was time to sing the congratulatory verses.

Xiao Yunye suddenly stood up; thanks to the secret elixir of the Heaven Moon Pavilion, his complexion looked much better, but it was merely a strong exterior with a hollow interior—his body had long been drained by the heart-eating parasite and the toxin of the secret elixir.

He first bowed to the emperor and empress seated above, then raised a smile toward Xiao Su.

"Today the Third Prince's move-in celebration marks true adulthood. As the chief among princes, I naturally should first offer congratulations to the Third Prince!"

Xiao Yunye's voice rang out clear and bright, truly sounding like that.

"May the prince grow wings and transform into a great northern fish; I wish the Third Prince may develop full wings and thus have a grand future."

After he finished, civil officials below shouted praise, lauding the Eldest Prince for speaking in polished verses, his poetry being exceptional.

Emperor Yong Shun also satisfiedly exchanged glances with the Empress, greatly delighted with this precious prince.

Jin Chen: "……"

Bullying the fact that this era has no Li Bai, huh!

Stealing Li Bai's poems—is that a necessary skill for time travelers!

Jin Chen, while pouring wine for Xiao Su, whispered a few words in his ear; Xiao Su's phoenix eyes brimmed with a smile, and he slightly nodded.

"Eldest Prince has a poetic interest," Xiao Su raised his wine cup, his voice clear and cold, seeming also pleased, "In this night's melody hearing the plucked willow, surely the Eldest Prince also borrows wine to express feelings, to relieve his longing?"

Xiao Yunye's expression suddenly changed.

In this night's melody hearing the plucked willow, who does not feel longing for their homeland?

How could Xiao Su also know Li Bai's poem!

Or… or this is the poem expressing homesickness!

Is he subtly implying that his homeland should be China?

Could it be that Xiao Su is also a time traveler!

In the midst of thought, Xiao Yunye's mind raced a hundred turns, his face paling somewhat.

He forced a cheerful smile, "Third Prince overthinks; today is your banquet's great joy—where would any longing come from?"

Xiao Yunye sat down somewhat dazed, his heart pounding, he suddenly felt that tonight might not be peaceful.

Emperor Yong Shun wasn't unaware of their brothers' rivalry, but he didn't want to intervene, nor was it necessary to do so.

He merely gave a light order to the nearby eunuch to bring up the reward for the Crown Prince.

After another round of wine exchanges, the servant beside Xiao Yunye, while pouring wine, accidentally wetted his clothes.

Xiao Yunye angrily shouted, drawing the emperor's gaze.

He rose to make amends, "Really, the lowly servant below is clueless; Father Emperor, don't blame him."

"I don't know if the Third Prince has any spare clothes for me to change into?"

It began.

Xiao Su curled his lips, "Naturally there is; Defu, take the Eldest Prince to change clothes, the night is deep and the dew heavy—don't let him catch a chill."

"Yes."

Defu naturally also knew today's plan, respectfully escorting Xiao Yunye out.

0731 immediately opened spatial surveillance on the protagonist for Jin Chen.

Seeing Xiao Yunye enter the Qin Gong, Jin Chen looked toward Yun Jianan and nodded as a signal.

Yun Jianan covered the jade bracelet with his sleeve, poured a cup of tea for Yun Yihe sitting beside him.

"His Highness the Eldest Prince is merely going to change clothes; my sister can't wait any longer."

Yun Yihe bit his lip, "There's none; don't talk nonsense."

"Look at you, dressed so nicely today—perhaps when the Eldest Prince returns later, he'll ask His Majesty for an edict of marriage."

While speaking, Yun Jianan, under the pretense of adjusting her clothes, slipped the Jade Pendant into Yun Yihe's waistband, and also collected the Jade Pendant she was wearing today into his space.

Yun Yihe completely failed to notice her action.

Her heart and satisfaction were immersed in the joy of possibly being granted marriage today.

Not long after, a maid whispered a few words in her ear; Yun Yihe shyly rose and left with her.

Yun Jianan looked toward Jin Chen and lightly nodded again.

Xiao Su noticed the gaze, took a sip of wine, and then looked toward the attendant outside the hall's door.

That person was the shadow of Tianyue Pavilion, who had earlier killed the original attendant and taken his place.

The attendant understood, immediately walked in, and whispered to Liu Kang's ear.

"General, His Highness the Eldest Prince has a matter to discuss with you; he is waiting for you in the North Courtyard."

Liu Kang responded, rose, clasped his hands toward Emperor Yong Shun, feigning drunkenness, and said he needed to go out for a walk to sober up.

Emperor Yong Shun waved his hand and consented.

Another moment passed.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.

Xiao Su set down his wine cup, already prepared to face Xiao Yunye's baseless accusation.

"Father Emperor! Father Emperor!"

Xiao Yunye rushed in without choosing a path, about to speak, but then suddenly realized there were still many officials in the hall.

He then stopped his words for a moment.

Emperor Yong Shun said in a deep voice, "Go change your clothes; how can you still lose your composure?"

The Empress saw that her imperial child seemed to have something to say, and softly said, "Night'er, do you have something to report to your father emperor?"

Xiao Yunye nodded, his probing gaze occasionally flicking toward Xiao Su, yet seeming afraid to speak.

Emperor Yong Shun frowned, his voice already tinged with impatience.

"What on earth is the matter?"

Xiao Yunye knelt down, raising both hands above his head, and said, "Replying to Father Emperor, your subject merely went to the Third Prince's Qin Gong to change clothes."

"Who would have thought… who would have thought I would see such a grave matter."

Xiao Su rose slowly, then knelt as well, his face still calm.

"I don't know what object the Eldest Prince saw in the emperor's chambers that made him so flustered."

Emperor Yong Shun: "Speak quickly."

Xiao Yunye gritted his teeth, seeming unable to speak.

"Your subject, in the Third Prince's Qin Gong… discovered a five-clawed dragon robe!"

He flung himself down, kneeling prone.

Emperor Yong Shun's eyes widened, and he slammed the table hard.

"What did you say?!"

"Your subject dare not speak falsely… it's just that the bright yellow garment and its embroidery are simply too glaring."

Xiao Yunye's voice trembled slightly, but his face pressed against the floor showed a smile.

Upon hearing this, many officials hurriedly knelt down.

Inside the hall, immediately a scattering of people knelt, covering the floor.

Emperor Yong Shun threw the cup in his hand to the ground.

"Outrageous!"