The city is in a festive frenzy for the Prince’s grand wedding.
On such a night of revelry, soone quietly slipped into the Pri Minister’s Mansion, shadows flickering.
Song Zhiyuan received the news, put down his wine cup, and hurried back ho. The mont he stepped within the mansion, he felt the air bristle with a chilling presence that made his skin crawl.
He paused slightly, collected his thoughts, and headed toward the study.
Upon entering the study, he indeed saw Emperor Chu standing with his back to him under the emperor-gifted character for loyalty.
"Your humble servant greets the Emperor." Song Zhiyuan knelt and bowed.
"Rise, there’s no need for formalities in private." Emperor Chu turned around and gestured with his hand.
Song Zhiyuan stood up, looking at him, and said, "Why has Your Majesty left the palace? Even if you wished to drink at the princes’ residences, it’s not..."
"I’m not here to drink. If I went, to whose place would I go? How would they enjoy their wedding night peacefully then? Such a visit would only stir up suspicion." Emperor Chu chuckled lightly, "Oh, don’t mutter to yourself; I just took advantage of this day to wander out. Before I knew it, I wandered right into your mansion."
Hehe, a likely story. I almost believed it.
Song Zhiyuan turned to take the small red stove and a jar of snow water offered by Jiang Fula and personally prepared the water to brew tea.
"Your Majesty, a gentleman does not stand beneath a precarious wall. You shouldn’t risk yourself like this." As Song Zhiyuan prepared the water, he took out tea leaves and said, "There are rumors of remnants from the previous dynasty showing up near the East Sea. Their rebellious hearts are unyielding, what if..."
"What ’if’? If they dare co, this excursion from the palace wouldn’t be in vain. I’m just afraid they’ll be too cowardly to attempt an assassination, making it harder to flush them out." Emperor Chu picked up a small clay monk tea pet from the tray and played with it. "These remnants have the ambition but not the courage, I’m growing impatient with them."
Song Zhiyuan was at a loss; he couldn’t decide if this rush-to-death arrogance was bravery or far-reaching ambition. Regardless, he found it frustrating.
"Do you think I’m being quite reckless?"
Song Zhiyuan handed over a cup of tea with both hands: "Your nature is roguish."
"Yunzhi understands well." Emperor Chu set down the tea pet, took the tea, and looked at him with a aningful smile.
If Song Ci were here, seeing this eye contact, she would probably say four words:
Full of bromance.
"Regardless, I don’t approve of Your Majesty taking such risks. Though the Shadow Guards follow, there’s always a chance sothing may slip through." Song Zhiyuan said, holding a cup of tea.
Emperor Chu: "It was a spontaneous decision."
Song Zhiyuan talked about the celebratory atmosphere of the princes’ grand wedding and the attendees.
In truth, there was no need to elaborate; upon returning to the palace, soone would report the details to the Emperor. Song Zhiyuan was rely sharing his personal perspective, subtly hinting that people had started taking sides.
For a mont, Emperor Chu’s face clouded over.
"I know, the princes’ marriage marks the formal start of the fight for the succession, especially after they receive their titles." Emperor Chu chuckled softly.
Song Zhiyuan remained silent.
He knew, and so did the Emperor; it was the most ordinary of truths.
Emperor Chu glanced at him, lips moving slightly, and said, "Let’s not talk about these troubleso princes. This trip, firstly, is to get so fresh air. Secondly, it’s mainly to see the greenhouse my aunt has put together."
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow and instantly guessed his intention but wisely chose not to ntion it, only saying, "Shall we go see it after we finish this tea? My mother should be returning to the mansion soon."
Wedding banquets usually don’t last too long.
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