Chapter 176 - 134_3
Could it be that the Crown Prince and the Second Prince were merely targets?
Targets — The Crown Prince’s lips tightened into a straight line, his hand clenched within his sleeves. He had long known Lu Ziyuan’s true identity, yet today still caught him off guard.
With his future father-in-law imprisoned and the ’brother’ who he always saw as a thorn in his side regaining his identity and openly returning to court, the Crown Prince felt a twisted mix of hate and jealousy towards the Emperor’s favoritism.
On the surface, however, he had to feign shock and joy, performing a show of brotherly affection before the Emperor and the courtiers.
He closely followed three ministers and congratulated Lu Ziyuan.
However, Lu Ziyuan had no regard for this ’brother’ who harbored the hatred of a wife killer, who in a past life trampled him underfoot. Not even bothering with superficial pleasantries, he didn’t give him a direct look. He simply responded lightly, as if he had heard nothing.
This time, the Crown Prince, who was renowned for his composure, couldn’t hold it anymore, his complexion faintly turning green.
Even the Emperor, seated high upon the dragon throne, couldn’t help but hold his forehead, not to mention the other ministers.
The court meeting was exceptionally stimulating, and even after court was dismissed, many ministers hadn’t come back to their senses.
When Lu Ziyuan walked out of the golden hall, he happened to meet the gaze of his previous life’s brother-in-law.
In an instant, as their eyes met, the atmosphere froze a bit. Only then did many around them remember... wasn’t Miss Xie this man’s former fiancée?
Back then, the Xie family insisted on annulling the engagement, and several of this God of Killing’s attempts at reconciliation were rejected, while the Xie Family’s eldest daughter had already married into a prestigious family.
...This is a classic example of a failed marriage turning into enmity.
It’s unknown whether the Xie family now regrets not leaving any leeway, as what they might have abandoned could have been the future Empress’s position.
In this strange atmosphere, Xie YanYu averted his gaze, gave a slight nod to his colleagues, and was the first to leave.
Lu Ziyuan watched his departing figure, his eternally cold expression unchanged, as if he didn’t keep the previous discord in mind.
The ministers appointed to oversee Mr. Chen’s case stayed in the back hall to discuss matters.
Besides the elderly ministers from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Imperial Censorate, Pei Yuqing and Ji Chengfeng, along with Lu Ziyuan, were all part of the younger generation selected by the Emperor to assist in the investigation.
At that moment, the three of them were walking side by side. Though wrapped in thick cloaks, their straight backs were still visible, each possessing extraordinary grace, dignified in appearance.
Walking on the majestic palace path covered in white snow, they appeared even more uniquely aloof, drawing all eyes.
The old Emperor’s eyes brightened slightly upon seeing the three enter, and he stroked his beard, praising, "The Great Khan’s realm, with successors in place."
With the retirement of the loyal ministers who had assisted him in his youth, the younger generation of ministers was gradually taking control.
These would be the talents he left for the next Emperor.
The Emperor turned his gaze to his only legitimate son, only to see him absentmindedly staring at...
Following his gaze,
There, Pei Yuqing was untying his cloak and handing it to a eunuch. Underneath, he wore a blue official robe, his waist adorned with a black jade belt. His stature was tall and straight, shoulders broad and waist narrow, truly an elegant and striking figure.
...But despite being remarkably handsome, he was still a man. Was there a need to stare so intently?
Lu Ziyuan was beyond absentminded; his pupils were faintly trembling, his face shockingly pale, his demeanor utterly out of composure, unlike his arrogant demeanor in the golden hall.
Standing nearby, Ji Chengfeng noticed something was amiss and followed the gaze as well. Being closer, he could see the neat bite mark on Pei Yuqing’s neck side... stunned for a moment.
Understanding what it was, his face reddened slightly, and he awkwardly turned his face away.
Pei Yuqing, the subject of their attention, frowned and touched his neck.
Finally recalling that a little girl seemed to have bitten him there last night...
His hand paused for a moment as he lowered his head, revealing a slightly embarrassed look.
Ji Chengfeng, as an unmarried gentleman, couldn’t tease him, but the other senior ministers weren’t as restrained.
The Minister of the Ministry of Justice was an elder over fifty. Seeing the commotion, he shook his head with a smile and said, "Youngsters indeed."
The other two elders also smiled and chimed in briefly.
"..." Pei Yuqing remained silent, refraining from responding, instead raising his collar to barely cover the mark.
After a few exchanges, the Emperor granted seats, and eunuchs came in to serve tea, marking the start of their discussion.
Lu Ziyuan, the newly appointed Prince and the renowned Prince Zhenbei, remained throughout the session in a daze, not speaking, eating, or even moving at all.