Chapter 100: He Still Made His Move

The next day, many people within the Muyuan Kingdom's capital received a piece of news.

Last night, a major incident occurred at the Second Prince's Residence.

The Second Prince's five-year-old legitimate son had died young.

The Second Prince was overcome with grief, and even the National Lord of Muyuan, upon hearing the tragic news, was both anxious and furious. Struck by a sudden surge of rage, he failed to hold on and fainted.

The Imperial Palace descended into chaos; the National Lord's sleeping hall was ablaze with lights, and every physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau rushed over.

But the National Lord of Muyuan failed to wake for a long time, and even the Early Court was cancelled.

The court immediately buzzed with discussion. On the surface, the ministers expressed concern and worry for the old National Lord, but in their hearts, they were all secretly scheming.

Should they throw in their lot with the Second Prince?

Or would it be more advantageous to enter the Fifth Prince's service?

In a certain room of the Guest Courtyard at the Fifth Prince's Residence.

Chu Yuan handed the paper slip in his hand to Cheng Chengxuan beside him, then casually propped one foot on a chair and lounged lazily against the backrest.

"Tsk tsk, this Fifth Prince is truly ruthless."

The child was already showing signs of his fever breaking, yet in the dead of winter, he actually sent people to open the windows and switched out the medicine.

Cheng Chengxuan looked at the paper slip, his lips pressed tightly together, his brows knit, his expression grave.

He still made his move.

Chu Yuan rose, walked over, and patted his shoulder.

"Fortunately, the one we chose wasn't him. Otherwise, given how ruthless he is in his methods, if he truly became Emperor, the Cheng Family would be the first one he'd take a blade to."

"Hmph!"

Cheng Chengxuan gave a cold snort, casually tossed the slip, and it fluttered lightly into the brazier, instantly catching fire.

"That depends on whether he has the ability!"

Then he picked up the teapot, poured a cup of hot tea, picked it up, and looked at Chu Yuan.

"Has that thing been delivered?"

"Don't worry…"

Chu Yuan, thinking the tea was poured for him, reached out to take it, his hand already extending, but unexpectedly Cheng Chengxuan brought the teacup directly to his own lips.

Chu Yuan: "…"

Fine, I'll do it myself.

He secretly rolled his eyes, pursed his lips, smoothly redirected his hand, and nonchalantly picked up the teapot to pour himself a cup.

"You can trust me with handling matters. It's already been delivered into that person's hands."

"He also arranged to meet you on the day of the winter hunt."

Cheng Chengxuan slowly exhaled a breath, the furrow between his brows easing slightly.

"That's good then."

……

This day was the Winter Hunt.

Despite the loss of his legitimate son, the Second Prince had to pull himself together and focus on preparing all the necessary matters.

"Second Brother, regarding Ah Xu's passing, Second Brother must accept my condolences."

Shang Xiaomin, his face heavy with grief, patted the Second Prince's shoulder.

"If Second Brother needs any help with the various matters of this winter hunt, feel free to tell me, your younger brother."

"Hmph!"

Shang Xiao Hui slapped his hand away, gritting his teeth and glaring at him.

"I don't need your false kindness here!"

Shang Xiaomin looked at him with an innocent expression.

"Second Brother, Ah Xu's early passing—I saw you were too grief-stricken, afraid you might lack the energy for a time. The winter hunt is a major event after all, so I merely wished to help."

"Since Second Brother doesn't need it, then your younger brother will take his leave."

And just then, the National Lord of Muyuan, supported by a young and beautiful Consort, stepped down from the Horse Carriage and happened to witness this scene.

"Second son!"

The two brothers and the surrounding crowd hurriedly knelt to pay their respects.

"Greetings, Father Emperor!"

"Your ministers pay respects to Your Majesty, and to Imperial Consort Xue."

The National Lord of Muyuan covered his mouth with a black silk-gold-embroidered handkerchief and coughed lightly twice.

"Cough, cough!"

Then he raised his hand.

"All of you, rise."

He looked toward the Second Prince.

"Second son, regarding Ah Xu's passing, I know the grief in your heart, but as the elder brother, you cannot vent your anger on the Fifth without cause."

Shang Xiao Hui lowered his head, a cold glint barely concealed in the depths of his eyes.

The Fifth is still so fond of playing these petty tricks.

But this time the Fifth has miscalculated. He will no longer argue with him in public as he did before.

"Father Emperor's rebuke is correct; it is my fault."

He turned his head to look at Shang Xiaomin.

"Fifth Brother, Second Brother was in a foul mood today and spoke too harshly. You have always been understanding—surely you'll be considerate toward Second Brother, won't you?"

Hearing him say that, Shang Xiaomin was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered and smiled at him.

"Of course, how could I blame Second Brother?"

Truly unexpected—Second Brother has actually improved!

"Ha ha!"

The Second Prince laughed and patted his shoulder.

"Fifth Brother!"

Shang Xiaomin gripped his hand.

"Second Brother!"

The two of them putting on this display of 'brotherly harmony' greatly pleased the old National Lord.

"Good, seeing you brothers so harmonious, I can rest at ease."

Hearing this, the two brothers forced a smile and continued their silent clash of gazes.

The surrounding Imperial Officials and attending palace servants all lowered their heads.

In this freezing weather, they were drenched in sweat.

The National Lord really has grown old—not only is his memory failing, but his eyesight too.

The way those two Princes are acting, where does even half a trace of harmony appear?

Sensing the atmosphere around them was off, Consort Xue to the side turned her beautiful eyes, then covered her lips and let out a coquettish laugh.

"Oh my, Your Majesty, it's so cold here, my legs are going numb from the chill—let's hurry into the Tent."

Hearing this voice, the old National Lord looked toward Consort Xue, his aged, clouded eyes still carrying a trace of heat.

He reached out and pulled Consort Xue into his embrace, walking toward the Tent while leaning close to her ear to whisper.

"Numb from the cold?"

"Then later just rest inside the Tent and don't come out."

Consort Xue lightly punched the old National Lord's chest with her small fist.

"Oh, how embarrassing—so many people here, whatever are you saying?"

As she spoke, she glanced behind her, her gaze lingering on someone for a moment, then casually turned back.

After the old National Lord entered the Tent with Consort Xue, the rest of the Imperial Officials also paired off in twos and threes and hurried away from this troublesome place.

"Then this little brother will go prepare as well—wishing Second Brother another first place this year!"

Having said that, Shang Xiaomin cupped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute and left with a smile.

The moment he turned, the corners of his mouth instantly flattened.

Meanwhile, Shang Xiao Hui stood in place, glaring fiercely at Shang Xiaomin's retreating back, his eyes seemingly holding two raging balls of fire, wishing he could burn two holes through Shang Xiaomin.

The matter of Xu'er was too suspicious—the guards on night watch that night were all drugged unconscious, and the attending Servants all later took their own lives out of fear of punishment.

As if it truly were just those few Servants harboring resentment and seizing the chance for revenge.

Clean and decisive, not a single clue left behind.

But the absence of suspicious points is itself the greatest clue.

Now in this entire Muyuan, besides the Fifth Brother who has always been openly and covertly struggling against him, he could think of no second person!

Shang Xiao Hui clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles cracked.

Shang Xiaomin—the blood feud of killing my son makes us irreconcilable enemies—just you wait!

Meanwhile, on the other side, after Shang Xiaomin returned to the Tent, his expression completely darkened.

"How are things?"

Qingye bowed his head respectfully.

"The other group of people has already been arranged. Among the guards by the National Lord's side, there are also our people. We're just waiting for the scene to turn chaotic, then we'll make our move."

Shang Xiaomin nodded.

"Good."

A hint of hesitation crossed Qingye's face.

"Imperial Prince, even if we want to use the chaos to cut ourselves out of this, isn't this a bit too risky?"

"This Subordinate is worried…"

"No need to say more!"

Shang Xiaomin raised his hand and sharply cut him off.

"To accomplish great things, one naturally must pay some price!"

"By the way, where is Cheng Chengxuan?"

Qingye replied.

"He is currently deploying according to the original plan. Imperial Prince, the plan has changed—are we truly not going to tell him?"

Shang Xiaomin didn't even think about it.

"No need!"