Chapter 106 A Tactful Counterplot
Chapter 106 A Tactful Counterplot
In the imperial palace.
Emperor Mingyuan was furious all day and had chest pains.
The Chu family were arrogant far beyond his expectation. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Their power was threatening the imperial power. Master Chu used to be deferential, but what he had
said early this day made Emperor Mingyuan realize that the Chus had been a serious threat to the Yu
Wens’ empire.
Master Chu had rebuked with bitter hatred for Lord Huiding’s being instigated by the lowly folk to do
such villainous things, despite his high status and influence, and had accused Lord Huiding of
damaging the Chu family’s reputation.
‘The Chu family’s reputation? What about the royal family’s fame?’ Emperor Mingyuan thought.
He understood what his father-in-law blurted out was just out of impulsion because everything had
happened too fast for him to think all through. But it was consequently obvious that Master Chu
attached more importance to the reputation of the Chus than that of the Yuwens.
The middle-aged generation of the Chu family were all in key positions of the empire while the young
generation began to get training and experience in the army, making their way to marquesses.
Whereas the sons, heirs of Emperor Mingyuan, were intriguing against each other for the place of
crown prince.
Few of them were alerted to the threat except Yu Wenhao.
As Emperor Mingyuan saw it, Yu Wenhao was much sober. He was determined to take Lord Huiding
down even at the expense of his fame and Princess Chu’s.
He had refused to marry Chu Mingyang probably because he knew that once the marriage bound him
to the Chus’ interests, he might be either easily assimilated or restrained.
Common accusations could hardly bother Lord Huiding due to his brilliant achievements in war,
otherwise Emperor Mingyuan would have taught him a lesson. Now he brought about his own
destruction as he abducted Princess Chu in public unexpectedly.
Thinking of this, Emperor Mingyuan squinted. It occurred to him in a sudden that according to Princess
Chu’s status, she was not supposed to be alone, dressed in men’s clothing even when she was out
running errands.
He recalled what Jingyan had told him that Princess Chu was able to escape in time thanks to her
vigilance, or Yu Wenhao would have been trapped in the conspiracy of Lord Huiding.
Something crossed Emperor Mingyuan’s mind.
“Go to the Qiankun Palace!” he ordered.
Retired Emperor must have known it as he had so many scouts that nothing could be hidden from him
in the imperial palace.
And he was the one who knew Yu Wenhao best.
Retired Emperor felt great today. After walking around the yard, he lay on the chaise longue, basking in
the sun peacefully.
Seeing Emperor Mingyuan, he appeared to be not surprised. He raised his eyes and said, “There you
are.”
“Father.” Emperor Mingyuan stepped forward and bowed.
Servant Chang fetched him a chair, “Please have a seat, Your Majesty.”
As soon as Emperor Mingyuan sat down, he asked, “Father, have you heard of the things Lord Huiding
has done?”
“Yes.” Retired Emperor looked relaxed with his skinny long fingers rapping the knees. “Lord Huiding
used to look down on Yu Wenhao but has been beaten down this time. I shall say he’s as blind as a
bat. Yu Wenhao had his stunning victory.”
Emperor Mingyuan disagreed, “Not really. He’s got a lot to learn. His wife’s reputation has been nearly
blemished.”
“Princess Chu might not mind it very much.” Retired Emperor looked at him.
The emperor asked tentatively, “What do you think about this matter, Father?”
Retired Emperor smiled. “My son, do you want to ask whether it was just a coincidence or Yu
Wenhao’s scheme?”
Emperor Mingyuan was embarrassed as his attempt was seen through. “Well, I don’t believe Yu
Wenhao is capable of that shrewdness.”
“When a couple are one in heart, not iron bolts keep them apart.” Retired Emperor wagged his head
and hummed a tune.
Emperor Mingyuan was lost in thought.
Retired Emperor gave him a askance glare. “Why don’t you ask your son directly? Do you have to
come over here to do recon? You know what I know and you may also know what I don’t know. Yu
Wenhao is your son. You should be aware of his capabilities.”
Emperor Mingyuan admitted, “He is quite young and outstanding, reminding me of me.”
“You were way below him!” The old man disclosed unkindly.
“Father! Who would say about his son as you?” Emperor Mingyuan waved his hands and opposed.
“Then what did you say about your son? I used to perceive you and your brothers as not good enough
and always expected you to be better, even if you all were very competent. Now you can empathize
with me.”
Emperor Mingyuan gazed at Retired Emperor with cautiousness. “Do you still think so, Father?” He had
never thought about the question whether his father was satisfied with his performance as a successor.
Retired Emperor looked at him and suddenly laughed. His laughter made Emperor Mingyuan’s flesh
creep.
He got up slowly, patting on the emperor’s shoulder and said, “Now you can empathize with your sons.”
Emperor Mingyuan stood up as well. “Well, then. Father, how did the whole thing happen on earth?”
Retired Emperor turned around and went back. “Who knows? But I’ve heard that Lord Yuan planned to
marry his second daughter to Lord Huiding. Speaking of Lord Yuan, he is an interesting man.
Whenever the political situations confuse you, observe people like him. Whoever they wag tails at and
fawn on must be a great figure.”
Emperor Mingyuan disdained Lord Yuan from the heart and felt humiliated by intermarrying with his
family.
The emperor bowed and withdrew.
He kind of figured about the whole thing after this visit.
It seemed he had underestimated Yu Wenhao.
Lord Yuan wanted to marry his daughter to Lord Huiding but Princess Chu loved her sister very much
and defended her resolutely. Therefore Yu Wenhao took the chance to get the Chu family a hit.
Realizing this, Emperor Mingyuan was no longer angry and became pleased, regarding it as the most
delightful news lately.
He ordered to reward Princess Chu Yuan Qingling with plenty of delicacies and jewels to prove her
innocence, even though she had once been captured by Lord Huiding.
Form then on, Prince Yu’s residence had been bustling with visitors.
Waves of people came to convey their sympathy and respect, present gifts as well as to denounce the
conceit and malice of Lord Huiding.
Yuan Qingling kept her smile all the time and told everyone she was fine.
She felt her face become stiff and had to open her mouth breathing like Dooby. The only difference was
that she didn’t put out her tongue to gasp.
It was a hard day. Not until sunset could Yuan Qingling take a breath.
She sat on a chair and took a long gulp of tea.
When she was about to take a nap, Lu Ya rushed in and said, “Your Highness, Prince Sun is coming.”
Yuan Qingling sank into the chair and waved her hands feebly, asking distressingly, “May he be
dismissed?”
“He has come straight to the Phoenix Mansion.”
“He’s already here? Oh, No!” Yuan Qingling stood up. “Show him to the antechamber. Is Princess Sun
here too?”
“No, he’s alone.”
Yuan Qingling was a little surprised because Prince Sun would take his wife with him mostly when
paying a visit. Why did he come alone this time?
She didn’t think they were that acquainted personally.
She hurried to the antechamber and saw Prince Sun Yu Wendu come in with both hands folding. He
popped his head looking around like a little old man, and then centered his eyesight on the table,
frowning.
“How do you feel?” he asked naturally.
“Thanks for asking. I’m much better now.” Yuan Qingling curtsied and answered.
Prince Sun sat down and said, “Glad to hear that.”
Yuan Qingling found nothing to say but still tried to fill the embarrassing silence. “I didn’t see Princess
Sun. She’s not coming?”
“She doesn’t know I am here.”
“All right...”
Lu Ya took the tea up. “Here’s your tea, Your Highness.”
Prince Sun sighed, “It will hurt my stomach. I shall not drink it on an empty stomach. Do you have any
tea companions? ”
“Companions?” Lu Ya was puzzled.
“Refreshments or pastries.” Prince Sun appeared displeased.
“Right, yes!” Lu Ya bowed immediately and said, “The refreshments will be served in a minute.”
“Are they made by a royal cook?” Prince Sun stretched his arms out of gussets. His chubby hands
looked like two pudgy bananas shining with mature lustre.
“Well...yes, of course.” Lu Ya replied.
“Good. And by the way, you’d better serve some more dishes because I haven’t had breakfast yet. ”
“What’s wrong?” Yuan Qingling asked as it would be dinner time before long.
“I am on a diet and not supposed to eat too much.” Prince Sun explained vaguely.