Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 153: All Washed-Up

Mei Ying volunteered herself, and her conversation was interrupted, but Liu Xuan didn’t get upset, "Is Miss Mei also proficient in this?"

Mei Ying raised an eyebrow, looking at Su Juan with a proud expression, "How can I say this, my father is a current Chief of Staff, and naturally has taught me a lot about this on regular days, so I know quite a bit about it too."

As she spoke, she explained some past matters of organizing banquets at the Mei Mansion and her mother’s teachings.

Liu Xuan slightly furrowed his brows but didn’t interrupt, listening to her until she finished without adding any comments.

Su Juan smiled silently, realizing that Mei Ying liked Liu Xuan.

Since she wanted to show off in front of her beloved, why should I be the bad guy and cut off someone’s romantic prospects?

However, Xie Xun couldn’t hold back anymore, opening his mouth and bursting out, "Your Mei Family’s banquets are like stacking mountains of gold and silver, given the current flood in Xu State, if they follow your approach, wouldn’t the scholars of the world ridicule us to no end?"

Even though Xie Xun didn’t understand the matter of floods, he knew that in times of natural disasters and human suffering, it was improper for those at court to indulge in drinking and merriment.

Su Juan glanced at Xie Xun, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes, then she recalled the time when he was confined indoors to reflect because of an article by Cai Yi.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, [He even knows that the scholars of the world will ridicule us to no end. It seems Xie Xun has learned his lesson.]

Xie Xun snorted lightly, flipping open his fan and shaking it, "What lesson? I’m just cautious of the lessons taught to me by petty people."

Minister Mei was someone who valued face greatly, hosting several banquets a year at the Mei Mansion, stacking mountains of gold and silver, fearing disdain from others.

Prominent families in the capital didn’t like going to the Mei Mansion much, and those who did attend the banquets mostly had favors to ask of Minister Mei.

Now, with the flood in Xu State, the Mid-Autumn Festival feast must continue; it can’t be held on a grand scale, yet it mustn’t make the foreign envoys feel slighted.

If they follow the Mei Family way, the scholars of the world would truly ridicule us to no end, making the common people lose heart.

Mei Ying’s expression stiffened slightly, looking at Liu Xuan with grievance, "Mr. Liu, do you think the same?"

Liu Xuan didn’t want to hurt anyone, but he never spoke against his conscience, "Miss Mei’s suggestion is indeed not suitable."

His voice was as gentle as the wind, yet it chilled Mei Ying’s heart.

Mei Ying chuckled dryly twice, "In that case, I won’t disturb you from discussing serious matters anymore."

With that, she quickly left, feeling utterly embarrassed, clenching her teeth in anger, "Can Xie Xun even speak? He is truly annoying!"

Su Juan glanced at the departing Mei Ying, but thought of something else, remembering that the Mei Family has no other source of income outside. Just relying on Minister Mei’s salary alone wouldn’t be enough to support such a large family and host so many banquets...

Then where does the money come from?

Seeing Su Juan lost in thought, not interested in discussing serious matters anymore, Liu Xuan refrained from bringing it up.

Xie Xun pulled her aside, "Let me tell you, even though we are close on regular days, you should stay away from Liu Xuan privately. This guy is just a rigid fool; what good is it to be with him?"

Su Juan, however, gave him a look that said she saw through him, "I think he’s quite good, actually. He knows a lot, has no ulterior motives, and speaks directly and simply."

[Having your limelight stolen, are you here to sow discord with me now?]

Xie Xun, however, raised his finger, counting from childhood all the way, listing every grievance he had suffered from Liu Xuan, proving that Liu Xuan was cunning and not as gentlemanly as he appeared.

People who are supposed to be overly upright often turn out to be the most frightening. Can you imagine what it would be like if someone as steady as him went crazy?

Su Juan looked at him with confusion in her eyes, "Xie Xun, do you want to be my dad?"

This earnest, heartfelt persuasion looked exactly like the old fathers worrying about their rebellious children in ethical family dramas from the past.

As soon as those words were spoken, most people turned in unison to look at Su Juan.

What?

Xie Xun wants to be Su Juan’s dad?

What, Xie Xun wants to be Su Juan’s dad?

No way, Xie Xun wants to be a dad?

Oh my god! Xie Xun wants to be a dad!

"Pfft!" Duke Ping spat out a mouthful of wine, splattering it onto the opposite Minister of War.

"Sorry, sorry!"

The Minister of War’s face darkened, yet he still had to force a smile, "Haha, it’s no problem, I’m grateful to Duke Xie for sharing his wine."

People around didn’t know whether to laugh or not, fearing to offend the Minister of War.

Seeing Duke Ping so frightened, it’s not like having this son wanting to be a dad is a bad thing, let’s not mention whether it’s true or not; if this news reached Your Majesty, he might be so pleased that he won’t sleep at night.

The old Emperor, who had been discussing state affairs, didn’t believe it, "Alright, let’s end today’s discussion here, all my ministers follow me to the Imperial Garden and see."

See where the rumor about Heir Xie wanting to be a dad came from.

...

When the Emperor arrived with his ministers, the Empress was already there.

Knowing what the Mei Family girl had said at the banquet just now, the Empress’s eyes darkened slightly, and she quietly gave commands to the palace attendants nearby.

Soon, the palace attendants brought pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, said to be prepared under the Empress’s orders, inviting the noble ladies to compose poems and paintings with the theme of chrysanthemums. The winner would receive a prize from the Empress herself - a golden hairpin with inlaid jade and double pearl pattern that was a tribute from a foreign court last year.

The Emperor was amazed, surprised that the Empress was organizing the chrysanthemum-viewing feast and now even setting a topic for the noble ladies to enjoy.

What was going on?

In an instant, many noble ladies rushed to participate, not just for the prize, but to earn the Empress’s praise and achieve fame.

This was a matter of bringing honor to their families.

The Mei Family, always concerned about face, naturally wouldn’t let Mei Ying miss such a good opportunity.

Su Juan had no intention of participating, watching from the side, [This golden hairpin is indeed quite beautiful.]

Liu Miaoying originally had no interest in participating, after all, being in the court now, competing with the ladies of noble families wasn’t necessary.

But hearing Su Juan say the hairpin was pretty, she decided to join.

Su Juan’s eyes lit up, [When Miaoying takes action, you just know, don’t you?]

Some noble ladies had only stepped in after observing that Liu Miaoying wasn’t participating, their expressions changed immediately upon seeing her participation. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

With the capital’s top talent in attendance, why did they come out to make a fool of themselves?

Mei Ying, however, was full of confidence, seeing this as an opportunity to outshine Liu Miaoying.

Under the guise of observing the contestants, the Empress let her gaze fall on Su Juan, her eyes soft, a barely noticeable upward curve on her lips.

This scene, caught by the keen-eyed Liu Xuan, served as the best evidence of Su Juan’s identity.

The paintings were completed swiftly, and a dozen or so pieces were laid out for the Empress to judge.

Su Juan, curious, sat closer to get a glimpse.

The Empress smiled, looking at the Emperor beside her, "Your Majesty, will you accompany your humble wife down to take a look?"

The Emperor was momentarily stunned, almost doubting his own ears, overjoyed, "Absolutely!"

He then personally helped the Empress down together.

Watching his reaction, Su Juan clicked her tongue twice, [Look at the old Emperor, acting like some innocent young boy in love, old and weathered yet spineless.]

The ministers: "Indeed, indeed, as the ruler of a nation, far too spineless."

The old Emperor, however, was basking in the joy, "What do you all know, I am blessed! Happy!"