Chapter 335: Chapter 335: You’re Even Wilder Than Me
His lapses in composure throughout his life could be counted on one’s fingers.
Cui Yun’s hand, as if scorched, recoiled. He stood in silence, the color in his eyes growing ever fainter.
The talking inside continued. Yet he couldn’t catch a single word any longer.
Cui Yun clenched his eyes shut, trembling. Upon opening them again, he strode away swiftly, his movements betraying a panic-stricken flight and complete disarray.
Over the years, he had clawed his way up, living a life that didn’t seem human nor ghostlike, only to find in the end—he was not himself.
But he still remembered, the teachings and example of Old Master Cui, the iron-faced strictness of Cui Yang, and his brotherly respect and affection with Cui Bai.
He also remembered.
Last year’s birthday, it was Cui Xuan herself who cooked.
"You’ve been looking thinner these days, how can this be acceptable?"
Cui Xuan chided.
"You must deal with the affairs of the Ministry of Justice, and the officials allow you to handle other matters too. Outside, they all say you’re a rising star in court, favored by the Emperor, but I think the officials are inconsiderate. You have hundreds of ministers underneath you, how can they be so lacking as to only need you? So busy that you worry day and night, taxing your mind and spirit?"
The most considerate and proper Xuan Shuyu said.
"I no longer want to concern myself with these grand principles, Mama. I just hope for your well-being. I don’t understand the court affairs, but you can’t let public duties wear you down."
The weather changes abruptly. The once bright light somehow turns dark, oppressively so, making it hard to breathe, and vendors hasten to pack up their stalls, sensing trouble.
The wind whirls into a frenzy. It thrashes the branches, inflating the wide sleeves of the men’s robes.
With a ’boom,’ it seems a hole was torn in the sky, and in an instant, torrential rain pours down.
People on the street all start running, each seeking refuge from the rain.
Cui Yun’s eyes tremble.
Soon, he too is soaked through.
————
This rain seemed to last for ages, as if wanting to wash away all concealed identities and bring them back to the surface.
Leaving no room for refusal.
Similarly, the rumors did not dissipate because of it. Instead, they were purposefully spread by some into the palace.
Ji Huo, wiping off the rain from his body, muttered about his bad luck while sauntering towards the imperial study.
After Eunuch Ying announced him, he hastily invited Ji Huo inside.
Unexpectedly, as he entered, he heard a familiar voice.
——Father, Miss Wei has been unwell these days, and I wish to leave the palace to see her myself.
Ji Huo: !!!
This relentlessly scheming Ji Shimin!
Taking advantage of the Princess’s title, really starting to believe she is so important?
"Uncle Emperor!"
He called out, striding in and bowed with due respect.
Afterwards, his gaze fell upon Ji Shimin.
"You’re not an Imperial Physician, could a visit from you really cure her ailment? She has always been timid, having seldom stepped out from her chamber over the years. The Duke has but this one precious jewel. Should your capricious nature frighten her and cause harm, I’m afraid it would be difficult for Uncle Emperor to explain to the most concerned and loving father, the Duke."
Upon seeing him, Ji Shimin’s expression darkened on the spot.
She prided herself on her decorum, maintaining a strained smile she said, "Why has Brother Huo come here?"
Ji Huo, with his beguilingly feminine features, lifted his eyes slightly—resembling a rascal from the pleasure quarters.
"Specially for you, believe it or not?"
Ji Shimin certainly did not believe him.
In the next moment, Ji Huo’s eyes smiled. Taking a few steps forward, he ingratiatingly addressed Emperor He, clad in his Dragon Robe: "Uncle Emperor, I have a favor to ask of you."
Seeing him like this, Emperor He inevitably narrowed his eyes, speaking with the weight and concern of an elder.
"You are currently assigned to the Imperial College; I thought you would have shown some improvement. Yet it seems you are still of the same disposition as before. Tell me, what is it this time? Are you short of silver, or have you caused some trouble again? Afraid of your father’s punishment, you take refuge in the palace, but how many times do you expect me to protect you?"
"Uncle Emperor, I’m not pleased to hear such words. It’s as if I’m some kind of troublemaker."
Ji Huo generously expressed, "I’ve also reached an age not so young anymore. Crown Prince cousin and other cousins were married years ago, and now Ji Ge is settled down as well. Even Ji Teng has an engagement with a girl from the Wei Family. Among all these cousins, I alone remain single."
His words piqued Emperor He’s interest.
"Which family’s girl have you taken a fancy to? Tell me."
But Ji Shimin merely smiled.
"Brother Huo, your words are inappropriate."
"Aren’t you just making things difficult for Father Emperor?"
Ji Shimin and Ji Huo have not gotten along since childhood and seized the chance to belittle him.
"Brother, please don’t blame me for speaking frankly. Who in Shengjing City doesn’t know of your reputation? Not to mention the concubines you keep at home, your hands wouldn’t be enough to count them all. Which family of similar status would be willing to marry their daughter into Prince Gong’s Mansion?"
Her words led Emperor He to ponder deeply.
He first rebuked Ji Shimin.
"Even if your cousin has his faults, it’s not your place to speak out of turn."
After finishing, he turned to Ji Huo and said.
"However, there is some truth in what she says. You should disperse those songbirds and swallows you keep in your house. Then, I might be able to arrange a marriage for you."
"If those old ministers are unwilling, do you think I can force them to marry their daughters to you?"
A marriage arrangement?
What he used to indulge in were imperial decrees for marriage.
He wrecked numerous lives because of it.
Ji Huo, on the other hand, chuckled: "The one I want to marry is not someone else."
He winked suggestively at Ji Shimin: "It’s precisely you, Cousin Minmin."
He began to persuade Emperor He of the benefits: "We are all family here, Minmin will surely get along with the concubines in my house."
"If those old ministers look down on me, does the Princely Heir really care? But you, Uncle Emperor, you are different. You treasure me the most, how could you look down on me!"
"My father has also always taken great care of Minmin. If she were to enter Prince Gong’s Mansion, she would live better than anyone else."
Ji Shimin: !!! This appellation is so disgusting!
"Father Emperor!" She was so angry that her face turned from green to purple.
Emperor He’s face was dark.
Soon, he could not tolerate it anymore and grabbed a brush, throwing it at Ji Huo.
"Nonsense!"
He raised his voice and scolded: "How can cousins marry each other?"
A perfectly good princess, marrying such a thing?
He, the mighty Emperor, must be mad.
Ji Huo quickly dodged. He wasn’t afraid at all and even retorted with a stiff neck.
"I meant well! Why are you angry with me, Uncle Emperor?"
"There are plenty of girls prettier than Cousin Minmin in Shengjing City; even my concubines are more charming and alluring than her. I’m just stating the truth, Cousin Minmin’s looks are indeed a bit lacking. On second thought, I am the one at a disadvantage!"
"Are you not yet aware of the rumors circulating outside, Uncle Emperor?"
Emperor He said coldly: "The Yan and Wei families—"
"Who says it’s about their matters? What have those families got to do with me?"
Ji Huo’s eyes darted around: "There’s another rumor going around outside."
He pointed at Ji Shimin and suddenly smiled.
"It’s said that the day before Wei Xiheng went hunting, he met privately with Cousin Minmin, and Cousin Minmin, having taken a liking to someone else, wanted to break off their relationship, which led to his distraction and eventual fall into a trap, resulting in his tragic state."
As he spoke, he snickered and applauded Ji Shimin.
"Your game, it’s even wilder than mine."