Chapter 772 - 736: War of Words
Prince Lu’s son laughed and said, "Didn’t you say it was your niece? How did she become a lady in your words?"
Prince Xin’s son said, "Yes, she is a niece, but I heard that Prime Minister Xia treats her just like a daughter. They even dedicated a most exquisite and beautiful courtyard for her at the Prime Minister’s Mansion!"
Prince Lu’s son shook his head and laughed, "Why have you become so interested in these rumors?"
Prince Xin’s son nodded and replied, "What’s wrong with rumors? Besides, we are in the Capital City, where poetry, wine, and a carefree lifestyle are our main pursuits. Aren’t these rumors adding color to such a lifestyle?"
Huangfu Yuxuan couldn’t help but glance at Prince Xin’s son.
This was quite an insightful comment.
It was a way to distance themselves from their little private plots, disguised as being mainly devoted to a carefree lifestyle. It made it seem as though they were all unambitious idlers, deceiving someone? I never expected that Prince Xin’s son, usually so reckless and seemingly simple-minded, could say something so clever.
Clearly, even that recklessness and simple-minded demeanor were a façade.
Indeed, in the Capital City, everyone is skilled at disguise, and members of the Royal Family are even more adept.
Prince Lu’s son looked at Huangfu Yuxuan and said, "Yuxuan, do you know about this matter?"
He asked Huangfu Yuxuan instead of Huangfu Jingchen, partly because he was closer to Huangfu Yuxuan and also because in the Capital City, Huangfu Yuxuan was more familiar and well-connected.
Huangfu Yuxuan smiled faintly and said slowly, "There are so many people of significant status in the Capital City, each with their family and relatives. I haven’t paid attention to these matters."
Implying that it was not worth paying attention to!
The Right Minister holds a decisive position in court, even the Emperor values him, and anything involving their family would certainly be noticed by those truly minded. Saying he hasn’t paid attention implies the same logic as Prince Xin’s earlier words.
Everyone pretends to be unaware, disguising their true intentions, only speaking three-tenths of what’s on their mind. How can they reveal their true thoughts?
Prince Xin’s son smiled mysteriously, lowered his voice, and said, "I heard she’s a beauty!"
Huangfu Yuxuan chuckled lightly and said, "The Capital City is hardly lacking beauties, is it?"
Prince Lu’s son also laughed and said, "Isn’t that true? There are so many beauties in the world, and the Capital City stands out. You’ve been in the Capital City for so long, and still say such things, are you joking deliberately?"
Prince Xin’s son was indifferent and continued mysteriously, "I heard she came today too!"
Prince Lu’s eyes twinkled, and he said with a smile, "Since Prime Minister Xia’s family values that niece so highly, of course, she would attend such a grand event. It’s nothing surprising!"
Prince Xin’s son looked around, appearing somewhat absent-minded.
Prince Lu’s son looked at him, "What are you looking for?"
Prince Xin’s son said, "Prime Minister Xia’s family not only has this niece, but don’t they also have two sons? I just want to see if Xia’s two sons are here, to ask them if their cousin is as beautiful as the rumors say?"
Prince Lu’s son shook his head and said with a smile, "Didn’t you just say she came today? You’ll see her eventually, why bother asking?"
"That’s different!" Prince Xin’s son continued to stretch his neck and looked around, saying, "A beauty suddenly appears, it’s not wrong to inquire first, who knows, maybe I can invite her for a spring outing to enjoy flowers and a boat ride!"
Huangfu Yuxuan pointed over there, "Look, aren’t those the Xia Brothers?"
This interrupted the conversation between Prince Lu’s son and Prince Xin’s son. They looked up and saw two young men walking over, led by a servant, one was gentle and elegant, the other sunny and smiling, both of them were strikingly attractive and graceful as jade.
Seeing the Xia Brothers, Prince Xin’s son and Prince Lu’s son fell silent.
Huangfu Yuxuan looked at Prince Xin’s son, half-smiling, and said, "Weren’t you going to ask? Now you can!"
Prince Xin’s son rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "I was going to ask, but Yuxuan is right, there are so many important ministers in the Capital City, all have families. Even if I enjoy hearing rumors, one’s energy is limited, and besides, being part of the Royal Family, we can’t let people think we’re libertines!"
He was the one who wanted to ask, but also the one retreating now that the people had arrived.
However, Huangfu Yuxuan was not at all surprised by his reaction.