Chapter 734: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 734: A Perfect Counterattack at the Trial (3)
What seemed like words of concern were laced with hidden traps. As the crowd, who had been lamenting the disfigured Prince Heng, heard these remarks, their expressions grew subtle and complex.
The position of the Crown Prince's residence was far superior to that of the royal residences. It was unthinkable that a mere steward from the Crown Prince's residence would be mistreated by a gatekeeper from the royal residence. Even if there was a dispute, it would usually be the royal steward who would back down. How could a mere gatekeeper have the audacity to refuse entry to someone representing the Crown Prince? If there were no backing or orders, how could the gatekeeper be so bold?
Prince Heng's pretense of humility faltered as he listened. His gesture of bowing grew rigid, and he felt an overwhelming urge to strike out at Chu Heng's hypocrisy. However, he could not afford to act on his anger.
Taking a deep breath, Prince Heng's facade of humility was replaced by shock. His voice suddenly rose in pitch, "Such things can happen? Those wretched servants must have neglected their duties because of my injury. Once I return, I will personally punish that insolent servant and send him to your residence to apologize."
This statement was a skillful maneuver, shifting all blame onto the gatekeeper under the pretense of his injury causing him to neglect household matters. Prince Heng was attempting to gain sympathy for his wounds while implying that Chu Heng was being unreasonable by demanding an apology from the gatekeeper.
Chu Heng, unaffected, responded with a smile, "It was merely a minor conflict between servants of our two houses. Third Royal Brother is being overly serious; I seem to have been petty and overly particular."
In just a few sentences, Chu Heng downplayed the dispute between their households, framing it as a trivial matter between servants. His tone was light-hearted, making it seem like Prince Heng was the one being petty.
The exchange was a complex game of mutual undermining. Despite their deep-seated animosity, they maintained an outward show of brotherly affection, leaving Mo Yan in awe of their acting skills. If these two were actors in the modern world, they might well win an Oscar, representing their country with distinction!
The seasoned officials, skilled in reading between the lines, easily saw through the subtext of the interaction between the two most esteemed brothers.
As everyone speculated on how the verbal duel would conclude, the eunuch outside called out sharply, "The Emperor has arrived!"
The over thousand people in the hall quickly took their places and, upon Emperor Huian’s entrance, knelt in unison, loudly proclaiming, "Long live the Emperor, long live, long, long live!"
Emperor Huian ascended the steps with a commanding presence and took his seat on the Dragon Throne. With a solemn tone, he ordered, "Please rise!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The crowd responded in unison, slowly standing up.
Seated high on the Dragon Throne, Emperor Huian scanned the hall and his gaze fell upon Mo Yan. He showed a hint of surprise before instructing, "Give the Crown Prince and county princess a seats!"
The eunuch Liang, momentarily taken aback, quickly directed a couple of young attendants to bring over two chairs from a side hall.
Mo Yan almost thought she had heard wrong. It wasn’t until the two large chairs were brought to her that she realized the truth and hurriedly knelt to express her gratitude.
Not only was Mo Yan astonished, but the others present were equally shocked and speechless.
Chu Heng, being the Crown Prince, was expected to receive a seat due to his incomplete recovery, and thus, it was understandable. However, for the daughter of a suspect in the examination fraud case, even if she was a county princess, it was unusual for her to be given a seat. Did Emperor Huian not only believe in the Crown Prince’s innocence but also in the innocence of the county princess’s father?
(End of Chapter)
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