Chapter 733: The Duke’s Perfect Counterattack in the Trial (2)_1
Those who had been sure that the Crown Prince was the mastermind behind the scenes and had decided that they would not show him a good face today were bewildered by Chu Heng’s mild demeanor, which didn’t seem at all like someone on the verge of a major event. They were at a loss, uncertain whether Chu Heng was feigning calm or truly had a clear conscience.
Chu Heng pretended not to see their speculative gazes; his expression became even more amiable as he walked step by step to his designated spot, coincidentally standing diagonally across from Mo Yan.
Xiao Ruiyuan stood below Chu Heng, staring intently at the woman opposite him until she sneaked a glance at him and gave him a faint smile. Only then did the forbidding aura that surrounded him soften somewhat.
It was only just past Si Shi, and many people of high status had not yet arrived, but Chu Heng, the Crown Prince, had come quite early. The scholars could not help but speculate in their hearts, yet they dared not discuss it openly like before, feeling stifled and only able to exchange glances with acquaintances nearby.
Chu Heng was no fool; how could he be oblivious to what these people were thinking? He turned to look at his cousin, about to complain about having followed his advice to come so early, but then he realized that his cousin’s dark eyes were fixed on the woman across from them, paying no heed to him. Suddenly, Chu Heng remembered why his cousin had earlier urged him to hurry here with an indifferent, silent face and instantly felt extremely vexed.
On the other side, the ministers were full of complaints, feeling the intimidating gaze of Xiao Ruiyuan on them without knowing who he was looking at. They feared they had somehow offended him, feeling as though they were being tortured under his scrutinizing gaze, and wished they could just hide.
Xiao Ruiyuan, absorbed in soothing his beloved, had no time to concern himself with his cousin’s wounded feelings, nor was he aware of the elderly gentlemen’s misunderstandings. Mo Yan, noticing the speechlessness on Chu Heng’s face, felt somewhat embarrassed and averted her gaze to avoid further drawing attention and truly losing face.