Chapter 261: Officials’ Protest
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation.
The Eldest Prince sat in the lower seat, his head bowed low.
He could not understand what he had done wrong. His father, the Emperor, had always cherished his mother, Consort Hui. Yet, without warning, she was cast out of the palace.
Now, she was to spend her days in a secluded temple, forbidden from any visitors.
Even the concubines who had been close to her were sent to the Cold Palace.
He had pleaded numerous times for his father’s mercy, but the Emperor, who had once doted on him, refused to even grant him an audience.
Instead, he was cast out of the palace, driven away.
To make matters worse, he was given a barren, remote city as his fief, with a decree forbidding him from ever returning to the capital.
A dark glint flashed in the Eldest Prince’s eyes, his expression turning stormy.
Xuan Yin gently tugged at his sleeve. “Your Highness, His Majesty is looking at you.”
He shot her a cold glare, making her shudder and lower her head, not daring to speak further.
The Empress Dowager sat at the highest seat, with Xie Yu Zhou beside her.
The palace was filled with laughter and merriment, cups clinking in celebration.
“Zhao Yang, come to Grandmother. Let me hold you,” the Empress Dowager beckoned after the birthday congratulations.
Lu Chao Chao placed her milk bottle on the ground and toddled over with tiny steps.
“Little one, you haven’t wished Grandmother a happy birthday yet,” the Empress Dowager teased.
“Mother, don’t make things difficult for her. She’s only been attending school for two months, and the Grand Tutor has already summoned the imperial physician multiple times.”
“The Grand Tutor speaks four languages fluently, yet was forced to resort to body language!” The Emperor rubbed his temples in exasperation.
The Empress Dowager chuckled. “Look at this little potato! Who would’ve thought she could drive the Grand Tutor to such a state?”
“She’s not a potato.”
“She’s a baby T-Rex.” Chief Minister Yuan added solemnly.
Now, every time he saw Lu Chao Chao, his eyelid twitched involuntarily.
The little girl clasped her hands behind her back, her large eyes filled with innocence, the small tuft of hair on her head swaying as she moved.
“Chao Chao is not a T-Rex. Chao Chao is good. Chao Chao is the best. Is there such an obedient T-Rex?” she protested indignantly.
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily. “Yes, yes, Chao Chao is the best. Grandmother loves Chao Chao the most.”
Xie Yu Zhou secretly pursed his lips.
[Grandmother, I am no longer your favorite, am I?]
“Imperial Grandmother, I love you too! You will surely live a long and prosperous life…” The little one fished out two Longevity Talismans from her pocket.
The Emperor’s eyes lit up.
“Chao Chao, your Emperor Daddy loves you too.” He gave her a meaningful look.
“Love, love, love. I love you too,” she said perfunctorily.
Though she spoke of love, not a single Longevity Talisman was offered.
The Emperor’s eyes darkened. [Does this child not understand my hint?]
“Why hasn’t Lord Lu entered the palace today?” Xie Yu Zhou had been looking forward to seeing Lu Jing Huai, but he had yet to appear.
Lu Chao Chao tilted her head. “He was so angry he fell ill and couldn’t get out of bed.”
“Speaking of which, today is truly a day of double blessings,” the Emperor smiled.
“Master Shi Kong’s eyes have been healed and he has fully recovered.”
The Empress Dowager was astonished. “Such a miraculous event? Amitabha. The abbot lost his sight inexplicably, and now he has regained it without warning.”
“This must be a blessing upon Northern Zhao.”
Lu Chao Chao stuck out her tongue at Xie Yu Zhou, making him turn away in frustration.
Suddenly, her nose twitched.
A rich, intoxicating fragrance of osmanthus filled the air.
“Emperor Daddy, what’s that?” Lu Chao Chao pointed at the wine jug on his table.
The sweet aroma made her mouth water.
“That’s osmanthus wine. Children can’t drink it, or they’ll turn into fools,” the Emperor refused with a smile.
“Oh, osmanthus wine. What does it taste like?” she asked eagerly.
The fragrance was so tempting…
Even more alluring than osmanthus cakes.
The Emperor hesitated. “It’s spicy yet refreshing, but it has a sweet aftertaste.”
The Sixth Prince crouched beside her, meeting her gaze.
[Sweet?]
[Like honey?]
The palace banquet was lively, with officials raising their cups, and the Emperor smiling warmly.
Xie Yu Zhou’s eyes gleamed. While no one was looking, he stealthily swiped a bottle of osmanthus wine from the table.
“It’s very sweet. Do you want to try?”
“Call me ‘Big Brother,’ and I’ll let you drink it.” Xie Yu Zhou had tasted fruit wine before—spicy, astringent, leaving one light-headed and drowsy.
Lu Chao Chao considered.
Xie Yu Zhou already looked too much like his father. How pitiful.
Since he was offering her fruit wine, she’d forgive him!
“Brother Yu Zhou~” she called sweetly, her voice soft, milky, and full of cuteness.
Xie Yu Zhou suddenly thought…
[She’s not as bad as Lu Jing Huai says she is.]
[She’s actually… quite adorable.]
[Someone this cute couldn’t possibly be bad.]
The three children crawled under the table. Above, the adults continued their revelry. Beneath, Xie Yu Zhou produced a wine cup.
Lu Chao Chao mimicked the adults, puffing out her cheeks. “Fill it up!”
The Sixth Prince nodded solemnly.
Xie Yu Zhou poured, but together, they could only gather a single cup’s worth.
“It smells so good. The adults are hoarding the best stuff,” Lu Chao Chao pouted.
She carefully picked up the cup, sniffing the golden liquid.
“Wait, I’ll dip a chopstick in for you to taste.”
“The deeper the bond, the bigger the gulp!” the Sixth Prince mimicked the adults.
“No, no, if we get caught drinking, we’ll be punished. Just a taste first…” Xie Yu Zhou hesitated.
With some restraint, he dipped a chopstick in and let Lu Chao Chao taste a drop.
The golden wine clung to the chopstick. Her eyes sparkled.
“Don’t spill it…”
She eagerly took the drop.
“Cough! Cough! Cough!” She had expected sweetness, but the moment it touched her tongue, it burned, turning her little face bright red.
It was too late to spit it out.
“Ssss… so spicy! So hot!” She fanned her tongue, sweat forming on her forehead, her face aflame.
“Not good! Not good! Brother Yu Zhou, you tricked us!” The Sixth Prince’s eyes watered from the spice.
“Brother Yu Zhou, why are you wobbling? Sit still, you’re making me dizzy…” Lu Chao Chao mumbled.
Seeing her flush red and tipsy from a single drop, Xie Yu Zhou paled.
“You collapsed after one drop…?” He was utterly dumbfounded.
He had no idea… disaster loomed ahead.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the banquet had turned tense.
The Emperor’s face was grim as Lu Yan Shu knelt before him.
“Lu Yan Shu achieved the Triple Crown at twenty and has been teaching the Crown Prince. What fault is there in that?” The Emperor had not expected such strong opposition from the officials.
Xie Cheng Xi stood with deference.
“Father, I have also learned much from Lord Lu. I see no issue,” the Crown Prince stated, scanning the room. The officials avoided his gaze.
Madam Xu clenched her fists, understanding immediately.
The reason was her.
Her eldest son was the top scholar, her second son had already earned military merit, her third son, Lu Yuan Xiao, though not as gifted, was diligent.
Her youngest daughter, Lu Chao Chao, was the treasure of Northern Zhao.
The Empress Dowager and Emperor doted on her, and she was the Chief Minister’s personal disciple.
She glanced at Rong Che, who also seemed to understand.
Rong Che, War God of Northern Zhao, held great power.
With ties to the Stabilizing Duke’s Manor and an elder sister as Empress…
If she married Rong Che, their power would be bound together, forming an unstoppable force.
If the Crown Prince ascended, neither the Duke’s Manor nor Lu Yan Shu could be controlled.
They would become invincible.
Tears welled in Madam Xu’s eyes.
She had hindered her son’s future.