The Husband I Snatched Is Not Right!-Chapter 274 - 271: Entering the Capital

On the journey back to Shangjing, they first took a carriage, then switched to a boat.

Yu Tingwan was seasick and felt better after vomiting a few times but had no appetite.

After three days of travel, they switched back to a carriage upon reaching the dock.

As they hurried along, day and night alternated, and the surrounding scenery gradually transformed from desolate to bustling.

It was a level of prosperity Yu Tingwan had never seen before.

She had little experience and understood only a few principles of life, so everything she saw from the carriage was novel to her.

The further south they traveled, the warmer the air felt.

The withered yellow leaves were replaced by fresh green. The vibrant colors of spring softly and subtly scattered over the girl’s delicate brows and eyes.

The people of Wuyang City often said the madwoman frequently screamed and went crazy.

But on this journey, she was very quiet, only occasionally whispering to herself and calling out to her child.

Nothing else happened along the way.

Until...

The night before they were about to enter Shangjing.

Shunzi delivered a box of unknown origin into Wei Zhao’s hands.

Inside the box was a bright red pill.

Yu Tingwan was puzzled. "What is this?"

Wei Zhao replied calmly, without concealment, "It’s medicine that makes a person look weak."

Yu Tingwan: ?

Wei Zhao added, "It won’t harm the body; it just makes one appear weak."

Just as capable of killing and burning.

Yu Tingwan understood.

It was to show the Imperial Palace and those wary of Wei Zhao.

Indeed, Wei Zhao had "died," his coffin had been buried, and if he suddenly returned alive and well, it would create a huge sensation. If someone with intentions used it against him, then...

But if he appeared unwell.

Then he could justify any actions.

Yu Tingwan said nothing, pouring a glass of water for Wei Zhao.

Wei Zhao swallowed the pill with warm water.

————

During this period, the people of Shangjing were in a state of anxiety.

The Crown Prince was sickly, and the Fifth Prince, Ying Yin, couldn’t stand the Crown Prince doing well. He obstructed the Emperor’s summons for Elder Ge to save him, which delayed things for several days until Mr. Tu went personally to Ze County in vain.

Ying Yin protested his innocence, denying it was his doing.

No one believed him.

The Emperor was furious and put him under house arrest.

"The Crown Prince vomited three mouthfuls of blood again yesterday."

Inside the Drunken Pavilion.

This was the most famous restaurant in Shangjing, known for its high prices and extensive menu. Nobles and dignitaries often came here to dine.

Xiao Huaian, dressed in luxurious attire, held a wine jug, taking occasional sips, listening to a group of young dandies, caught up in the effects of alcohol, speaking arrogantly and forgetting themselves.

"As long as the Crown Prince lives, the Fifth Prince can only remain a prince. Don’t be fooled by his humility in front of the Crown Prince; his heart is dark."

"Now that Elder Ge is nowhere to be found, and the Imperial Physician is helpless. What does it all mean if not regicide? The Emperor only put the Fifth Prince under house arrest, showing he cannot bear to punish him."

Someone laughed out loud.

"What can be done? If something happens to the Crown Prince and also to him, the princes vary in quality; who is capable of being the next Crown Prince?"

"That’s right, unless the Emperor makes an effort to have another one."

The crowd roared with laughter, while Xiao Huaian remained expressionless.

At this moment, someone approached, hiccuping with the smell of wine.

"Heir Xiao, why aren’t you saying anything?"

He said, staggering as he gave Xiao Huaian a grand gesture of respect.

"Heir Xiao truly honors me, knowing my birthday and specially coming to accompany me..."

He hadn’t even sent out invitations.

What an honor!

Xiao Huaian sneered sideways, "What honor do you have?"

He only showed up because it was the end of the month, he ran out of money, and his father’s accountant, following orders, refused to give him any.

Knowing the group of dandies were having a feast with fine wine, he came to join in.

Xiao Huaian stood up, "Speak what? Talk about how recklessly discussing the Royal Family could lead to a quick death if it spreads?"

His words were like a bucket of cold water.

Those who had been speaking boldly were suddenly silent.

"It’s... our mistake."

Xiao Huaian needn’t argue with these people.

After all, whether the Crown Prince died or not, he truly didn’t care.

The only connection was the possibility of attending a mourning feast in the palace.

Which didn’t taste very good.

The Imperial Palace’s banquets emphasized elegance, every dish meticulous in appearance and presentation, served slowly, and by the end, everything was cold.

Could a mourning feast turn the evening meal into art?

Most likely, it would be unsightly and inedible!

Yet the Emperor and Empress staying until the end meant they must sit obediently, unable to leave midway.

Oh, not everyone was unable to leave.

For example, Wei Zhao.

He always arrived last and left first.

No one found it strange.

He was late... because he came with Emperor Ying.

Left early because officials approached to toast, and Wei Zhao "couldn’t handle much alcohol."

What nonsense couldn’t handle alcohol.

Xiao Huaian knew that scoundrel could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk!!

But Wei Zhao could pretend.

He never refused anyone who came to toast.

Then... pressed his fingers to his forehead.

Speaking warmly.

——"Gui Zhi seldom drinks but doesn’t want to spoil everyone’s fun. Since you come over, I must drink as the younger generation."

Xiao Huaian almost laughed out of spite.

Yet everyone believed him.

Xiao Huaian’s father, Duke Zhongyong, also felt sympathetic.

Without waiting for Emperor Ying to speak, he stepped forward.

["Holy Emperor, the night is getting late. You should let the Wei Family kid go home to rest."]

["This kid can’t handle socializing but is sincere, drinking everyone’s toasts. We don’t want him waking up with a headache tomorrow."]

["Indeed, I’m concerned! I’ve been close friends with his father, watched him grow up; calling him half a son is not an exaggeration."]

["What? Xiao Huaian? That kid is my own but don’t worry about him. Could he drink himself to death?"]

Seeing Xiao Huaian not angry but annoyed at their noise, lifting two jugs of wine and leaving the private room, the others breathed a sigh of relief.

They began to speak unrestrainedly again.

Avoiding discussion of the Royal Family.

But...

"Since General Wei’s death, the skies over Shangjing have changed."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Considering the timing, the Huachao Festival should be held. Can you see any movement from any household?"

That person revealed.

"I heard long ago, the Empress Dowager intended to host, inviting some unmarried gentlemen and ladies for festivity."

"To matchmake the Gu Family’s Daughter with General Wei. But after what happened to General Wei, it was called off."

"No household in Shangjing will host?"

"The Zhou Family intended to. They sent many invitations, but the noble ladies all found excuses, saying they couldn’t attend."

The man in purple also remarked, "I respect General Wei, but I also..."

"Before, half of Shangjing’s women wanted to marry General Wei. Looking down on me was acceptable then, but now that General Wei is buried, they still look down on me."

Xiao Huaian left the private room, thinking the next room empty, intending to sit for a while.

But someone was there.

By the window stood a young boy, bruised and battered, prideful yet defiant. Seeing Xiao Huaian, he scowled fiercely.

Xiao Huaian had intended to leave directly but halted his steps and walked in.

"Got beaten up?"

"None of your business!"

"Get lost!"

"Seeing you makes me angry." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Xiao Huaian: "Did Wei Zhao teach you to be so rude?"

Ning Yunling: ...

Xiao Huaian: "Can’t you learn from me?"

"Since his incident, no one handled my troubles privately, have I caused any trouble?"

Ning Yunling glared at him fiercely: "Do you dare mention him? Cousin is dead, and you’re still profiting from his name!"