Chapter 750: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 750: Chen Ji's Escape and Yan Yan's Predicament (3)
Chu Heng's health was improving, and his position was becoming increasingly secure. No matter how much Emperor Huian tried to explain, he could not dethrone Chu Heng and make Prince Heng the Crown Prince. Prince Heng’s accusations were correct; it was his fault as a father. Since it was impossible to satisfy both, he decided to let Prince Heng give up all hope and let Chu Heng live his life in peace. This way, it was the best outcome for everyone.
With this in mind, Emperor Huian’s expression shifted back to the imposing demeanor of the ruler: “Since this is the case, stay in the Prince Heng’s residence and reflect on your actions. If you cannot think of yourself, at least consider your children!”
With that, Emperor Huian paid no heed to Prince Heng’s reaction. He turned and left the palace, ordering the guards to ensure Prince Heng was well-guarded, and quickly departed with Eunuch Liang.
As the moonlight cast long shadows, the lights in the Crown Prince’s study were still burning. Through the partially open window, the blooming winter plum trees in the courtyard could be faintly seen.
News of Grand Tutor Lin’s death had reached the Crown Prince’s residence before it reached the palace. Now that his vendetta was avenged and Prince Heng could no longer cause trouble, Chu Heng’s face showed little excitement.
The destruction of the Lin family was Chu Heng’s long-held wish. While he didn’t care about the fate of the Lin family members, he did feel some regret over Grand Tutor Lin’s death.
Xiao Ruiyuan, understanding his cousin’s feelings, was puzzled by Chu Heng’s decision to spare Prince Heng and voiced his confusion.
Having fought on the battlefield from a young age, Xiao Ruiyuan believed that showing mercy to enemies only jeopardizes one’s own life. He had previously sent Xiao Ruiqing, who had been ruthless towards him, back to his ancestral home to guard the family tomb, following his grandfather’s wishes. Otherwise, even if Xiao Ruiqing had ten lives, he would not have survived to this day.
Hearing Xiao Ruiyuan’s doubts, Chu Heng explained, “After Father dealt with Chu Ye, he consulted me, clearly not wanting me to completely eradicate Chu Ye. Since that’s the case, what else can I do but show the grace of the Crown Prince and demonstrate fraternal affection? After all, Chu Ye is finished, living like a trapped beast; who can say if living is better than death?”
Xiao Ruiyuan understood his cousin’s predicament but was at a loss for how to comfort him.
Chu Heng, noticing his cousin’s thoughts, couldn’t help but laugh, “In this game, we have won. We won’t have to worry about anyone plotting against us behind our backs! But what about you? When do you plan to confess to Master Mo? I worry that Master Mo might not agree to let Miss Mo marry you. You’ll need to plan this carefully.”
Although their interactions had been limited, Chu Heng could tell from Master Mo’s character that he was not someone who would seek power through connections. He might even reject Xiao Ruiyuan for being of too high a status, making such a refusal quite possible.
Suddenly changing the topic to discuss his own lifelong matters, Chu Heng caught Xiao Ruiyuan off guard. After a moment of surprise, Xiao Ruiyuan spoke with determination, “If one attempt doesn’t work, I’ll try twice. If two attempts don’t work, I’ll try three. As long as I don’t give up, Master Mo will eventually understand my feelings for Yan’er!”
Chu Heng, regretting bringing up the topic, rubbed his aching temple and said helplessly, “By the time that happens, Miss Mo might already be betrothed to someone else. Even if Master Mo understands your feelings, what difference would it make?”
Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression changed momentarily before returning to normal, and he said with certainty, “Yan’er won’t!”
Perhaps Master Mo might have plans to marry Yan’er to someone else, but Yan’er and I have a promise of growing old together. She won’t betray our feelings just because of her father’s wishes.
(End of Chapter)
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