Chapter 681 - 674 - _1
Jiang Ziqi knew in his heart that the moment Huangfu Jing ascended the throne, their so-called friendship could no longer be maintained as before. If he were a commoner, perhaps it might be possible, with no desires or demands from the Emperor, to never stand on the opposite side of the Emperor, only to be a pure friend. However, as the sole heir of the Jiang Family, it was impossible. His relationship with the Emperor could not be so simple. If he did not maintain it properly and abide by his duty, the affection grown from childhood would sooner or later dissipate.
"Ziqi, you are always like this," Huangfu Jing said, setting down the vermilion brush in his hand with a casual and relaxed expression. "I’ve already said, we grew up together and our bond is different from others’. On informal occasions, there’s no need for such ceremony. Just treat me as you would a friend, as before. Otherwise, it’s just too estranged."
"Since it’s a bond formed from childhood, it shouldn’t be based on these formalities, Emperor," Jiang Ziqi stood up gracefully and casually, as if truly returning to their old ways of interacting.
"Yes, yes, you’re right, Ziqi, it is I who is being overconcerned," Huangfu Jing looked at Jiang Ziqi with genuine curiosity, wondering what the fellow was scheming in his head.
"This humble official simply thought that it has been a long time since I entered the palace, and recalling our past friendship, I specially came to the palace to reminisce with the Emperor, so as to prevent the Emperor from always missing this humble official and thinking that I’m too indifferent," Jiang Ziqi replied very formally, without mentioning a word about the Zhenlong Chess Manuscript, even though he was well aware that the Emperor already knew, since he had brazenly brought it into the palace, waiting for the Emperor to inquire first.
Indeed, Huangfu Jing liked to show his true feelings in front of Jiang Ziqi. Given his curiosity, he asked straightforwardly, without the need for patience: "I heard that you brought that treasured Zhenlong Chess Manuscript you’ve recently acquired into the palace, why don’t I see it? Could it be that my information is wrong?"
"The Emperor’s information is naturally accurate. This subject indeed brought the Zhenlong Chess Manuscript into the palace, wishing to play a few games with the Emperor to see if my chess skills have improved?" Jiang Ziqi remained very formal, showing no clear motive.
"Is that so?" Not only did Jiang Ziqi understand Huangfu Jing, but Huangfu Jing also knew Jiang Ziqi well and would hardly believe what Jiang Ziqi said.