Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 189: Fine Wine! (Third Update)

Duke Ping thought to himself, this girl surely wouldn’t truly want him to go to the palace to request things for her; once it was in the Emperor’s hands, getting it back would be nearly impossible.

Su Juan shook her head, "Your Majesty said it was an affectionate token between him and the Empress, and now it has returned to its rightful owner."

With the mention of an affectionate token, everything became clear.

"It seems you’ve already found out." Duke Ping released the teacup, placing it back on the table. He intended to pick a day to tell her, but he hadn’t anticipated Liu Ze would act even quicker.

Now, Su Juan had learned first.

Su Juan nodded slightly, "Yes, I know."

[You and Xie Xun were so obvious, coupled with the Empress’s changes, if I couldn’t guess it, I’d truly be a fool.]

Looking at each other, Duke Ping laughed, "In terms of generations, you ought to call me grand-uncle."

Su Juan set down the teacup, stood up, and walked toward Duke Ping, then kneeled before him and bowed, "Juan’er greets grand-uncle!"

This kneeling and bowing startled Duke Ping, but being called grand-uncle made his eyes brim with sourness, prompting him to rise and support her, "In one family, why perform such grand gestures?"

Su Juan shook her head, "Only now do I understand grand-uncle’s heart of protecting me; hence, I am grateful to grand-uncle."

Only recently did she think clearly why Duke Ping and his sons treated her so well in the past; they had certainly discovered her lineage.

Back then, Prince Han, Prince Heng, and Prince Jing were contending, and to protect his grandniece, he concealed this fact. In such chaotic circumstances, survival was more important than anything.

Later, when the Xie Family was exiled, he died on the way, never having divulged a word. Understanding then her difficult situation, he never asked her for help.

Su Juan had never imagined how many years she had longed in the orphanage for the love of kin. In reality, it was fulfilled the moment she arrived here; only she was unaware at the time.

Confronted with this scene, recalling how many times Duke Ping had protected her, her heart was sour, and tears streamed down her face.

Duke Ping also tears apart, lifting Su Juan, "You silly girl, your grand-uncle and grandmother don’t want to recognize you, but you know the court’s situation then; revealing your lineage would harm you."

Su Juan: "I understand grand-uncle’s earnestness, Juan’er appreciates it."

Duke Ping sighed, patting Su Juan’s hand back, "It’s a pity that Liu Ze discovered it. However, fortunately, today in the court, you have allies, and among the Six Ministries, people belong to us. Moving forward, stand strong; with grand-uncle here, Duke Mansion is your backing."

Prince Jing has connections in the court, and now his Duke Mansion also has, Prince Han holds military power, and his Duke Mansion has it.

Even if they wanted to act, they’d have to measure Duke Ping Mansion’s strength; Xie Yu’an is no pushover.

Su Juan’s heart was grateful, "Thank you, grand-uncle."

Duke Ping looked at Su Juan, gathering his thoughts, his face becoming more solemn, "Grand-uncle has something to ask you, think carefully before responding."

Su Juan nodded.

Duke Ping looked serious, "You are of imperial blood, the current Your Majesty and Empress’s offspring, of noble status. Your Majesty has no other issue; once your heritage is exposed, it will become the target of all. Grand-uncle asks you now, do you intend to seize the throne?"

If earlier, he dared not ask this, but after the journey to Xu State, he sensed his grandniece’s change.

Under Duke Ping’s gaze, Su Juan slowly nodded, "I dare not conceal from you, I do have such intent."

"I know Prince Han covets for long, Song Qianfan is ambitious, other Vassal Kings harbor ulterior motives, the Southern Country is even more covetous. This path won’t be easy, but seeing the people’s suffering, I can’t trust the world in anyone else’s hands."

Duke Ping felt relieved; thus, his plans for her over the past two years weren’t in vain.

"Rest assured, no matter how hard the journey is, grand-uncle will aid you. It’s yours, and no one else can take it."

Su Juan was grateful, "Juan’er thanks grand-uncle."

They sat down, discussing the current court situation, who could be used, and who to be wary of.

"After the New Year, grand-uncle will invite Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Marquis Ping to the mansion, and you should also come to meet them. These two already knew your identity earlier, so there’s no need to hide."

Su Juan was slightly startled, "Then Liu Xuan?"

[Could it be that Liu Xuan knows too?]

Duke Ping chuckled, "That child is clever, guessed it himself."

"Girl, do not doubt those you employ, and do not employ those you doubt. Be sincere with people, but do not lack methods, do you understand?"

Su Juan nodded, "I understand."

She always knew this point; Ruyi Building’s people are her confidants. Towards them, she’s always trusted and never treated harshly, and she’s cared for their families too. Meanwhile, their families ensure their loyalty.

Only by applying both kindness and authority can everything truly be controlled.

Seeing Su Juan capable of understanding, some matters being immediately clear, Duke Ping felt relieved. As expected, she is a descendant of the Xie Family, smart and promising indeed; not everyone can climb to the position of the Fourth Rank Vice Minister in just two years.

At this moment, a loud shout from outside the study came from Xie Xun, "Old man! The kitchen said those flowers aren’t enough, are you picking or not?!"

"If not, I’ll go to the brothel!"

Duke Ping: "..." Except this disobedient son.

He was confused, back then the midwife wasn’t wrong in delivering, yet why does this son resemble him so little?

...

After the New Year, it was the lantern festival.

Su Juan and Liu Miaoying planned to go, waiting for the palace banquet to end before exploring the lantern festival together.

The Old Emperor had instructed people, this banquet must be well-organized, with many minister’s daughters and wives attending the palace, more sweets were to be prepared, and also sobering soup was to be readied.

Due to the festival, Su Juan dressed brightly and walked alongside Xie Xun, attracting much attention.

Unexpectedly, female seats even had hand warmers, Su Juan, chilled all the way, immediately held the warmer tightly once given.

Just as everyone settled, the Old Emperor entered with the Empress, smiling, "Dear courtiers, there’s no need for formality, eat well and drink well, celebrate the festival together."

With those words, courtiers raised their glasses, Su Juan also poured herself a drink, raised it high, while muttering inwardly: [What’s good about it, the Old Emperor is so stingy, it’s either water or not true wine.]

[Regarding palace banquets, I’ve never tasted good wine.]

The Old Emperor’s temple twitched: "..." Nonsense!

When has it been stingy, letting you spout nonsense here! 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Courtiers were silent; ever since Su Juan’s trip to Xu State, they almost forgot about this.

They’re drinking wine, Su Juan, however, is drinking actual water.

Following other courtiers, Su Juan drank it in one shot, initially fiery, yet leaving a sweet taste on her tongue; her eyes instantly sparkled: [Whoa! Good wine!]

Courtiers were shocked: "!"

Your Majesty actually let her drink!?