Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 151: Peacock Displaying Its Feathers
The Old Emperor’s intentional probing further deepened Su Juan’s suspicion. If the Old Emperor could really hear, then following his words down the line, she might reveal just a few points that could make him wary of Song Qianfan.
She lowered her gaze, "Your Majesty, court affairs are not for a humble official like me to recklessly comment on."
If the Old Emperor could really hear, then it would not be wise to reveal too much, lest he suspect her and the fire turns back on her, questioning if she has already discovered it.
[Terrifying, why would the Old Emperor suddenly ask a mere Sixth Rank Vice Director about such an important matter concerning the imperial lineage?]
The Old Emperor laughed, "Minister Mo and the Duke both say you’re remarkably intelligent, with clever ideas unlike others. I’m just asking casually; you can say a few words, I won’t blame you."
Su Juan furrowed her brows, [This doesn’t quite sound like something Minister Mo and the Lord Duke would say.]
The Old Emperor with a stern face said, "If I say they did, they did; who dares to refute?"
[Minister Mo just called me a ’useless log’ this morning.]
That statement is absolutely correct, you are indeed a useless log!
"Replying to Your Majesty, Prince Han has battled for the country for many years, earning the people’s love. Prince Jing is charitable and known for his kindness. I believe both princes are meritorious for the country and the people."
Su Juan dodged the critical points, even though the Old Emperor allowed her to speak, some things should not be said too much.
The person in front is the ruler of a nation, and accompanying the monarch is akin to accompanying a tiger; one’s words and actions must be cautious and appropriate to ensure safety.
Yet little did Su Juan know, before the Old Emperor, her actions had long ceased to be appropriate, let alone cautious.
She surreptitiously observed the Old Emperor from the corner of her eye, seeing no displeasure in his expression, she slightly eased her mind.
[Could the Old Emperor be tired of listening to advice from those old counselors and wish to hear a young person’s opinion?]
[Even if so, why cloak it under Minister Mo and the Duke’s names?]
The Old Emperor glanced at Su Juan, saying, "Alright, off you go."
At this moment, Su Juan was already famished, having only had half a bowl of porridge before court. Hearing the Old Emperor’s words, she was relieved, and if not for being in the Imperial City, she would have dashed away.
She respectfully withdrew, [Ah, what nonsense have I been thinking? The Old Emperor couldn’t possibly be lying casually, he is the reigning Emperor, a national ruler, how could he be so shameless?]
The Old Emperor remained silent.
Exiting the palace hall, Su Juan cursed under her breath, [Isn’t he just trying to test my opinion of the two princes, using the names of Old Man Mo and the Duke? The Old Emperor is truly shameless.]
The Old Emperor’s face turned black with anger, I might be thick-skinned, but you, a little girl, constantly staring at Minister Yu’s posterior, are truly shameless for your age!
The more he pondered, the angrier the Old Emperor became. Even after two sips of tea, he felt no relief, he spat towards the palace gates, shameless!
...
In September, during the palace chrysanthemum banquet, court officials and nobles’ families were invited to the palace.
Xie Xun dressed extravagantly as usual, delivering a set of light purple clothes and jewelry to Su Juan. He leaned by the door, watching Su Juan, who wore a green dress she’d donned several times last year, "Old Man prepared this for you, change into it, considering we’re attending a palace banquet."
Today, many women would enter the palace, and traditionally, this time of year was the best opportunity for noble sons and daughters to view each other, all dressed exquisitely, hoping for a good marriage.
As part of the Xie Family, even if Su Juan isn’t looking for a husband, she cannot lose her presence.
Su Juan brushed her fingers across the fabric; it was premium material from the palace, only usable by those holding the rank of Concubine or above. The jewelry was also the latest popular style in the capital.
She furrowed her brows; Duke Ping wouldn’t have such fine attention to detail, and if it were Xie Xun, it likely wouldn’t be in such a soft, elegant color.
Therefore, it could only be...
Su Juan gathered her thoughts, returned to the room, and changed into the smoky purple gown, selected two purple floral hairpins from the jewelry, and upon emerging, found Xie Xun staring at her.
"What’s wrong?"
Xie Xun twirled his paper fan, touched the red jade-encrusted tiara, "Indeed, clothes make the person; a bit of dressing up... I believe Su is going to outshine everyone today."
His eyes narrowed slightly, his admiring gaze on Su Juan unapologetically apparent, with a hint of pride between his brows.
Yet, Xie Xun’s words to Su Juan sounded more like self-praise.
Xie Xun: Indeed, the Xie Family’s looks are exceptionally pleasing.
Su Juan was accustomed to his whimsical remarks, "Save your sweet-talking for your romantic affairs outside."
[Xie Xun’s attire today...]
Xie Xun’s eyes curved as he awaited praise.
This new outfit was made with the most popular fabric in the capital lately, and the style was unique.
Su Juan shook her head, stepping outside, [Best stay distant, I’ve heard the palace chrysanthemum banquet is a prime time for noble children to view prospective partners, best not delay his showing off.]
Xie Xun’s smile froze on his face, forcing a laugh, hehe.
That mouth certainly isn’t from the Xie Family.
...
The carriage stopped at the palace gates, and the nobles and their families were led inside by eunuchs and maids.
Xie Xun always attracted attention; wearing a form-fitting robe, wherever he went, people noticed him, and even more so today, as he was dressed with care, his waist adorned with no less than five decorative items, his silken sleeves billowing slightly as he walked.
Arriving at the banquet, he found a spot with the best view of the breeze, fanning himself, drinking alone, letting his sleeves and garment edges flutter, full of youthful spirit.
Su Juan quietly distanced herself, until she met Liu Miaoying and Lin Xizhi.
Lin Xizhi: "Ah Juan, I saw you arrive with Heir Xie earlier, why aren’t you walking together?"
Heir Xie is so charming; his attire always outdoes even the noblewomen of the capital, walking alongside Heir Xie was a feast for the eyes.
Liu Miaoying scanned her surroundings, noticing that almost all eyes, whether noble sons or daughters, were on Xie Xun.
Su Juan touched her chin, "He’s showing off, no interruptions."
Lin Xizhi: "?"
Liu Miaoying smiled quietly.
Su Juan shook her head; he even suggested she would outshine everyone, yet his display offered no room for others.
It’s said choosing a husband shouldn’t be based on looks, but rather character, yet when Xie Xun appeared, character seemed a trivial concern, overshadowed by the sight of his handsome appearance.
Character remains unknown, but this appealing look is right before their eyes!
Xie Xun stole the spotlight, causing many noble sons to grind their teeth in frustration.
However, this situation persisted only briefly; once Liu Xuan appeared, everyone’s gaze shifted from Xie Xun to Liu Xuan. The youth in red was dazzling like glass, yet too striking as to make a gentleman with both character and charm preferable.
Seeing Liu Xuan, Su Juan’s eyes lit up.
She saw Liu Xuan standing at the outskirts of the bustling crowd, seeming to be bathed in light, with a white robe as snowy as his demeanor, cultured and elegant, as picturesque as poetry.
