Arc 2: Part 20
The autumn wind intoxicates like wine better than spring mornings, the music of stringed and wind instruments encapsulates all worldliness.
In the palace hosting Prince He Lian, the young emperor sat high upon his throne, watching the dancing girls move gracefully underneath.
The beauties clad in revealing attire flirted with their enticing eyes, the court officials seated by their side looked bewitched, entranced by the beautiful wine and women, voices fill the air painting a portrait of a prosperous era.
"Where is the Taifu? Where has he gone?" the young emperor asked resentfully.
The eunuch by his side bowed, cautiously saying, "Master Taifu must have gone for some fresh air, your Majesty needs not worry."
Though referred to as the 'young emperor', he had already turned seventeen.
The late emperor passed away early. The young emperor had already been on the throne for nine years since his ascension, his reign era was known as Xuanyi.
The Empress Dowager and others have urged the Taifu many times to return his power, but the Taifu resolutely refused, saying the emperor was still young and needed to learn, repeatedly denting their pride.
Someone has mockingly called him 'young Emperor'. The Xuanyi emperor did not express it openly, but he was grinding his teeth with hatred secretly.
"Hmph, I'm not worried. It's better when he isn't here. If he was here, he'd be reprimanding me!"
Emperor Xuanyi had just spoken arrogantly, his face suddenly changed, and he lowered his head with a guilty expression.
Xiao Lingchen's figure returned to the hall.
With a frigid demeanor, a flash of his eyes felt like a cold wind sweeping over, the seductive sounds momentarily died down, the officials embarrassingly took a step back, no longer daring to revel in the beauty in front of him.
The dancers were alarmed and quickly restrained their charm, dancing with discipline.
"It's getting late, your Majesty should go back and rest early. Even though the Prince is visiting the capital, your Majesty cannot neglect your studies. These lavish pleasures aren't the foundation of a strong nation. Instead of watching these dances, your Majesty would do well to read more reports, think about how to deal with the snow disaster in Yan Yun."
"You!"
Emperor Xuanyi's face was a picture of utter loss. He turned on his heels and stormed off, the veins on his forehead popping in anger, cursing furiously all the way.
"I am the emperor, and I'll do whatever I want! Who does he think he is to reprimand me! Just watching a dance, and he dares to stop me? Those refugees, let them die! Just send people to suppress any unrest, isn't that enough? Annoying!"
The eunuch beside him looked frightened and pale, "Your Majesty, watch your words!"
The welcoming banquet ended abruptly. The official in charge of the banquet came to apologize. Prince He Lian was nonchalant and waved his hand, "It's nothing serious. The Taifu is right. I should focus on my studies and not waste my time."
He giggled and returned to the post house. As soon as the door was closed, his guard stepped up, vigilantly securing the surroundings. The frivolously lazy smile on his face was immediately gone.
His wild and unrestrained persona was still evident, his eyes cold, scheming away.
"Prince, how do you feel about this journey?"
"I observed that the young emperor indeed possesses average talent and he finds it hard to shoulder great responsibilities. He can't be relied upon. But this Xiao Lingchen... Could the rumors about his anorexia be true? Otherwise, why would he protect the cook so much?"
His guard was puzzled, "Cook?"
Prince He Lian shook his head and did not respond.
His trip to the capital this time, on the surface, was to extend birthday greetings to the young emperor. Actually, he carried a heavy burden.
The current conflict between the Xiao family and the royal family is becoming increasingly severe. Their vassals could not just stand by and watch, or someday someone in power would inevitably propose to cut their wings.
The Prince of Zhenbei could not isolate itself. Since they chose to ally with one side, they had to understand that side thoroughly, regardless of who it was.
"Winter hunting will start soon. I can stir up the emperor to decree that Xiao Lingchen should go as well... He can't not eat or drink for half a month. The cook must go with him!"
Prince He Lian curved his lips, and a strange smile spread over his beautiful face.
"I heard that there is a beautiful and skillful miss in the Taifu's mansion? There's no better way to cooperate than marriage. The young emperor's harem is vacant. Also, the position of the Prince of Zhenbei's consort is empty. I'm very curious. If there's only one daughter, will he choose to stabilize the young emperor or ally with Zhenbei?"
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