Chapter 299: Chapter 299: Your Uncontainable Beauty
"As the Crown Prince, it is my duty to oversee the nation, even if it means offending the Imperial Uncle, certain things must be said. It’s not that I think poorly of Ji Huo, but what has he done over the years other than causing troubles? Sending him would only lead others astray."
Ji Huo already grew weary due to Cui Yun’s schemes. Yet Ji Zhui still boasted about himself incessantly, annoying like a buzzing fly.
Ji Huo simply didn’t understand.
The only reason Ji Zhui stands here is that he was born into a fortunate circumstance.
Among the Princes, if each had not had incidents, all receiving the same education. In that, he was not outstanding!
So, on what basis did Ji Zhui look down upon him?
Ji Huo found himself in a deadlock, suddenly becoming more determined. His eyes shifted, flashing with a cunning light.
"I admit, it was wrong not to cede the newly taken concubine to my cousin the Crown Prince. But she’s just a girl, why would my cousin hold such a grudge?"
He expressed helplessness: "Yet this concubine found me attractive and could be affectionate. She insisted on being with me, a mutual agreement like this, even you, Your Highness, can’t force."
Such a forceful demand, one must ponder deeply upon it.
The information revealed in these few words was so significant, it made everyone present gasp.
Ji Zhui was dumbfounded.
The Empress felt even more humiliated, almost losing her composure.
Prince Gong slammed the table, the teacup on it shaking violently and spilling water: "Scoundrel! Do not slander!"
Ji Huo, fearless. He stood up and knelt straight down in front of many eyes, in front of Emperor He.
"Uncle, I dare not play tricks or slander anyone before you. If you don’t believe me, you can surely check when you return."
He even pretentiously pleaded for Ji Zhui: "However, you can’t blame the Crown Prince, my concubine is tender and can sing Jiangnan tunes that melt people’s bones. Indeed, she is a rare beauty."
Emperor He’s gaze sharply turned towards Ji Zhui.
Ji Zhui, previously filled with righteous words, immediately turned pale and knelt down as well.
"Father—"
Taking a concubine is truly not a significant issue.
But Ji Zhui is the Crown Prince.
First there was the incident with the Xuan Family girl, already causing public outrage, then the issue with Princess Le Jia, just when it was painstakingly concealed.
And now, another unknown concubine has appeared.
The officials at the Imperial Censorate were utterly disappointed in Ji Zhui.
Soon, Imperial Censor Shu’s hands trembled: "Your Highness..."
How can you be so lustful!
Being lustful is one thing, but to then palpably catch Ji Huo in an error, truly lacks integrity
To maintain the dignity of the Imperial Family, Imperial Censor Shu refrained from saying it aloud. Instead, he closed his eyes to calm his emotions and then gave a deep bow towards Emperor He.
"This official feels unwell, I hope your Majesty allows me to leave early."
The officials from the Imperial Censorate also stood up.
"We hope your Majesty allows us to leave early."
Emperor He’s vision darkened. Yet he could only wave his hand in agreement. At this moment, the soldiers timidly brought the roasted meat.
Shen Hua finally let out a joyful cheer.
The girl was already hungry.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Cui Rong was taken aback by how heartily Shen Hua was eating: "You can still eat?"
The girl’s mouth was stuffed full, making talking difficult. She mumbled unclearly: "But I... am hungry."
The affairs of the Imperial College are matters for the officials.
Ji Zhui’s matters are also irrelevant to her.
The bonfire feast was meant for enjoying roasted meats, otherwise, Shen Hua would not have bothered coming.
Her plate was taken away.
The girl stopped chewing the meat and slowly looked up at the hand’s owner.
Cui Yun slowly cut the meat, his actions were deliberate but pleasing to the eye, finally passing the plate back.
Just making it convenient for Shen Hua to eat one bite at a time.
Shen Hua: "You—"
Cui Yun glanced softly: "Thinking over and over, what a servant does, I probably can do too."
Shen Hua’s eyes trembled slightly.
She quickly took a sip of wine to calm her nerves, just about to speak when Cui Rong inopportunely interjected.
"Sister Shen, why is the Fourth Prince looking at you again! I’ve been watching him for a long time!"
Cui Rong was very unhappy: "Is he after your beauty or your wealth? Have I agreed? Has uncle agreed?"
Shen Hua was about to say something when she heard Cui Yun coldly and dangerously chuckle.
Shen Hua swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue. Turned into a sentence.
"I thought about it, maybe he also wants to enjoy the flesh."
"Really? I thought Miss Shen would speak up."
He paused, his tone cool and seemingly amused.
"Not surprising, after all, you have that uncontainable beauty."
Shen Hua: ... These are indeed the words she wanted to say.
But coming emotionlessly from Cui Yun’s mouth, wrapped in a chilly breeze, it felt somewhat eerie.
"Why isn’t Miss Shen speaking?"
Shen Hua hesitated: "Well said, should I praise you?"
Somehow, Shen Hua felt the roast meat tasted better than before.
After satisfying her taste buds, the girl felt comfortable, and upon looking up, she was startled.
She stared intently.
Princess Le Jia noticed the intense yet benign gaze on her.
She met the girl’s eyes.
Shen Hua elegantly raised her teacup towards Princess Le Jia in salute.
Princess Le Jia was apprehensive. Since her arrival in Da Qi, most of what she received was disdain and scorn. She quickly picked up her wine cup in response.
Shen Hua quickly looked away. She continued eating the meat, her expression deep, yet unknowable in thought.
Soon, she looked again.
The girl offered another toast.
Princess Le Jia continued to reciprocate.
Shen Hua smiled and continued to eat the meat.
Then she looked again.
Before Shen Hua could raise her cup, Princess Le Jia with a smile eagerly reciprocated.
Cui Yun: ...
Xie Xun: ...
Their experience made them feel uneasy.
Meanwhile, Ji Huo was making assurances.
"Uncle, in supervising this matter, I must do it flawlessly, to make you proud."
"The Imperial Grandson under my cousin’s care once angered Mr. Mo to sickness, I will certainly discipline him thoroughly."
Emperor He also completely lost his appetite.
"Old Four, what do you think about this?"
Being called upon, Ji Wang stepped forward: "Your son thinks it is worth a try."
"Ah Huo is the blood of the Imperial Uncle. He needs to uphold the dignity of the Prince Gong Mansion in the future, how can he succeed without learning?"
"However, brother’s words are also correct. Why not try for a month and see, if it indeed does not work, Father can remove him from the position."
With each word he said, Ji Zhui’s expression grew a bit more sullen.
"Hmm, as you say."
Emperor He, always conscious of face, didn’t glance at Ji Zhui on the ground as he left the seat.
Ji Huo annoyingly bowed respectfully toward the departing back of Emperor He.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Emperor He returned to his tent and flew into a great rage.
He smashed the teacup, his anger burning.
"A mere supervisory position, and yet he clings onto it!"
Over the years, he had cleaned up many messes for Ji Zhui.
Eunuch Ying hurriedly consoled: "Your Highness is simply too responsible. Afraid that something might go wrong at the Imperial College."
Emperor He was all too aware of Ji Zhui’s intentions, merely trying to prove himself and recover his dignity after repeatedly facing obstacles these days.