Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 98 - 97: These Hands Are Meant to Guide the Realm!
That evening, as everyone came out of the woods, well-fed and amused, who would have thought that a hunting trip would also offer them a good show.
This Vice Director’s mouth truly never lost.
The hunted prey were laid on the ground, and the Eunuch counted them. Surprisingly, the one who took the top spot was none other than Prince Jing, who spent most of his time in the woods arguing with Su Juan.
The Emperor awarded today’s prize, a fine bow he used when he was still the Crown Prince, to Song Qianfan.
Prince Han’s eyes were fixed on that bow. It wasn’t just a bow; it symbolized the Emperor’s heart, leaning towards Prince Jing.
Everyone laughed and congratulated Song Qianfan, "Congratulations, Princely Heir, for taking the top spot!"
"I’ve long heard of the Princely Heir’s unparalleled skills in riding and archery, and today I’ve truly witnessed it."
As Song Qianfan listened to these compliments, his gaze turned towards Song Qianhang and Liu Xuan, who had only a few scattered prey nearby. The markings on the arrows in the prey were identical to the ones that had knocked down the arrows he shot at Su Juan earlier in the woods.
But who shot that hidden weapon?
Everyone admired the bow in Song Qianfan’s hand with envy. Those who had just watched the show knew the truth well in their hearts and were indignant. How could Song Qianfan have had the time to hunt so much prey? Yet no one dared to point it out.
After all, he was Prince Jing, a royal relative; only a fool would provoke him.
Yet, there was just such a person...
[Wow! Song Qianfan has so much!]
Everyone perked up their ears, hearts excited at this moment.
The Vice Director with her eloquent mouth was coming!
Song Qianfan instinctively glanced at the Emperor, lips pressed tightly together. He knew that not killing Su Juan in the woods earlier was bound to bring trouble.
[It’s so funny; he’s really something. Following me around and still managing to catch so much prey and take the top spot.]
The crowd laughed in their hearts, indeed!
What a talent.
[Indeed, money can make ghosts turn the mill!]
After all, with his status, who needs money to make ghosts turn the mill?
The Old Emperor chuckled without speaking. How could he not know about these tricks? It’s just a bow; once given, it’s given.
However, he was curious about who was helping Prince Jing falsify.
[It’s those few who helped him...]
As these words were spoken, someone in the crowd trembled, clenching their fists tightly.
Prince Jing’s face turned livid, eyes fixed on his eldest son. This scoundrel, he thought he’d reformed, yet now he’s still engaging in such trickery!
Song Qianfan sneered, realizing now that he might as well let Su Juan say what she wanted; he simply wouldn’t take her nonsense seriously.
How could the Emperor possibly believe every word of a woman like her?
The courtiers were all quite curious, wondering who was helping Prince Jing falsify. They pretended to chat and laugh but were actually listening more intently than anyone else.
Frustrated by Su Juan’s delay in speaking, they were anxious. What was going on with the Vice Director? She always paused at critical moments.
Su Juan clicked her tongue twice, [I bet even Prince Han doesn’t know that, although Minister of War seems to be helping him wholeheartedly, he’s secretly letting his son frequently visit Prince Jing Mansion. His son, having been exposed to this since young, is outstanding in riding and archery!]
The Minister of War broke into a cold sweat, meeting Prince Han’s gaze, urgently trying to prove his innocence with his expression.
By the conscience of heaven and earth, he only let his son associate with Prince Jing; interactions between kids should be harmless!
He, Nie Yunguang, was wholeheartedly assisting Prince Han!
Prince Han looked at him coldly, thinking what a good job Nie Yunguang was doing! Excellent indeed!
[I suspect Song Qianfan owes half of his success to him, right?]
At this point, the son of the Minister of War had already buried his head in the crowd. Many young noblemen and women were amazed at Su Juan’s ability to even know this!
They had just noticed Young Master Nie chasing prey tirelessly, yet now only two or three heads were in plain view, a clear self-exposure.
Su Juan sighed, [Minister Nie truly is impressive.]
Minister Nie, at this point, felt a strong urge to kill Su Juan, his temple throbbing, hoping she’d stop talking!
[For all his Minister of War skills, his talent for balancing water is something else!]
The crowd sighed, indeed, Minister Nie was something—others feared betting wrong would cost their whole family’s lives, while he wasn’t afraid at all, balancing both sides with great stability.
The Old Emperor squinted slightly, reflecting on Minister Nie’s abilities: managing to stand with Prince Han while not forgetting to let his son curry favor with Prince Jing.
Xie Xun looked at Su Juan, who was still meticulously counting the number of prey, unable to comprehend how his usually serene aunt was related to this straightforward Su Juan.
How could she not be the exemplary capital’s noble lady?
And yet, nothing in Su Juan’s demeanor matched those four characters of a noble lady.
Attempting to place Su Juan in a position of power in their Duke Mansion seemed like trying to climb to the heavens.
Seeing the atmosphere grow increasingly awkward, the Old Emperor lightly coughed twice, "It’s getting late, everyone should disperse."
The implication was clear: go eat, go drink— no need to linger here without purpose.
Su Juan was the first to want to run upon hearing this, but the Old Emperor called her back, hands behind his back, as he approached, "Minister Su, hold on."
Su Juan was forced to stop, [What?]
The Old Emperor’s face bore a ’kind and approachable’ smile, "Your roast yesterday was truly delicious."
The crowd, having just begun to disperse, stopped to watch again.
Never mind the Emperor’s praise; they all wanted to give her a thumbs up too.
Su Juan responded modestly, "Your Majesty flatters me. It was just a casual roast; receiving Your Majesty’s praise is my blessing."
[What a blessing for me, becoming a barbecue chef.]
[Please don’t make me roast again today; I can’t do it!]
The crowd listened, thinking it unlikely to avoid— with the Emperor’s intent clear, how could she not roast?
The Old Emperor coughed once, "I haven’t eaten much due to a poor appetite yesterday; today I wanted to taste it more carefully."
Su Juan: "..." [Nonsense!]
[You devoured that huge plate yesterday without leaving a morsel, yet you claim a poor appetite!?]
The crowd was amazed— the Emperor was clearly lying with open eyes.
The Old Emperor had no red face or racing heart— I am the Emperor; whatever I say goes.
Su Juan feigned ignorance, "The Imperial Chef has always been excellent; I’m sure I’ll also enjoy blessings today, thank you, Your Majesty."
She had guessed the Old Emperor’s little schemes by now, [Help me, this Old Emperor with hands and feet and Imperial Chefs— why not show some compassion for his ministers!?]
The Old Emperor chuckled, I’ve shown compassion to the chef; why doesn’t this count?
[I am a Sixth Rank, even if Junior Sixth Rank, a legitimate Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, my hands are meant for guiding the kingdom!]
The crowd: "..."
Forget guiding the kingdom— your hands are better suited for roasting meat.
