Chapter 703 - 702: Seeking Death
Huangfu Yuxuan saw Prince Zhuang appear in public, his expression unchanged, but he scoffed coldly in his heart.
Why did Prince Zhuang not show up for so long on his own birthday?
Others might not know, but Huangfu Yuxuan knew very well.
Let’s say that when he sent Pu Yangji to abduct Xia Wenjin, he had everything calculated. With Gongyang Puyu around, Prince Zhuang’s desire to kill Huangfu Jingchen would not die.
Originally, Huangfu Jingchen thought that Prince Cheng would not be an obstacle to him ascending the throne, but with the development of the situation, it brought him no advantages. Huangfu Jingchen was outstanding, so what? He was not inferior either.
At this time, taking action against Huangfu Jingchen didn’t benefit him at all. Letting Huangfu Jingchen live didn’t matter, as after the Emperor’s birthday, he would be sent back to Yunzhou anyway!
But Huangfu Jingchen was seeking his own death!
The woman he fancied, Huangfu Jingchen wanted to snatch from him!
If it weren’t for Huangfu Jingchen, how could Xia Wenjin have become increasingly hostile to him with the recognition and admiration from the people of Haotian Village under his careful management?
At the flower viewing event, watching Xia Wenjin exchange glances with Huangfu Jingchen while ignoring him completely, he showed nothing on the surface but was burning with anger inside. He then wanted to use the situation to claim they had a marriage agreement, trapping Xia Wenjin with reputational constraints.
But Xia Wenjin responded to him so decisively.
Thinking back, Huangfu Jingchen was present at that time, so Xia Wenjin’s decisiveness was surely for Huangfu Jingchen to see, right?
For this, she was even willing to offend him.
Since Xia Wenjin’s heart had already inclined toward Huangfu Jingchen, then Huangfu Jingchen could not remain.
Would he stay and compete with him for a woman?
But he would not do it himself.
With Prince Zhuang available as this ready-made knife, why bother getting himself into trouble? The highest level of killing wasn’t doing it oneself, but borrowing a knife, leaving oneself unscathed!
Hence Gongyang Puyu’s actions today.
However, Prince Zhuang would not know!
He would think Gongyang Puyu came because of celestial anomalies.
Huangfu Yuxuan’s lips slightly curled, pursing them, lowering his eyes, suppressing the smile in his eyes.
At that moment, the sunlight warmly shone on everyone, and Prince Zhuang hurriedly approached, with a smile on his face, brimming with joy, quickly coming from the corridor, saying with a smile: "Sorry to keep you all waiting, it’s my fault!"
Everyone knew Prince Zhuang had been released from house arrest, the Holy Decree had already reached Prince Zhuang Mansion, and maybe this was Prince Zhuang’s chance for a comeback, something they definitely couldn’t risk offending.
Even if Prince Zhuang couldn’t make a comeback, forming a good relationship was better than making enemies. After all, Prince Zhuang had many capable people under him; he could even commit such acts as assassinating an Imperial Grandson in broad daylight. What did other people’s lives matter to him?
Each of those present had their own thoughts, but they all made friendly small talk with Prince Zhuang, not lacking in some formal platitudes.
Indeed, Prince Zhuang was in high spirits.
Being released from house arrest was a major event, he had immediately submitted a letter to the palace to thank Father Emperor for his grace. If Father Emperor permitted, he could enter the palace tomorrow.
Once he could enter the palace, he could gradually plan further!
This birthday of Prince Zhuang passed quickly, with Prince Liang and Princess Liang, as the elder brother and sister-in-law, having long been ushered inside; Princess Liang being led into the inner courtyard by Princess Consort Zhuang, and Prince Li, Prince Liang, and Prince Zhuang talking warmly together.
As for Huangfu Yuxuan, Prince Lu’s son, Prince Xin’s son, and Huangfu Jingchen, these juniors were received by Zhuang’s illegitimate second son Huangfu Chi.
There was no other way, as Prince Zhuang’s legitimate son was still too young to comprehend matters.
These heirs were not only legitimate but also heirs apparent. Huangfu Yuxuan was the second son, also legitimate, so although Huangfu Chi was representative of Prince Zhuang to welcome and entertain, it was as if he was a step below, especially with Prince Xin’s son, who was frankly and impolitely cold towards him.
Prince Lu’s son was the oldest, and although on the surface he observed propriety, Huangfu Chi could still feel the coldness emanating from him.
He also expected Prince Xin’s son’s provocation; a year ago, when Prince Xin’s son first arrived in the Capital City, he took a liking to a young entertainer, who Huangfu Chi had first noticed. This caused unpleasantness. At that time, Prince Zhuang was still the Crown Prince; although Huangfu Chi was illegitimate, he was the Crown Prince’s son, so Prince Xin’s son not only failed to gain any advantage but also suffered a hidden loss, which he kept in mind, so it was no wonder there wasn’t a good face to be shown now.
Huangfu Yuxuan would love for Prince Zhuang’s sons and the sons of the various Vassal Kings to have conflicts.
If the conflict was minor, he only needed to watch from the sidelines and add fuel to the fire later; if it was major, he could step in to mediate, playing the role of a peacemaker to win favor from both sides.
He was known for his gentle and humble demeanor, sensible to the greater good. Even in the Capital, he had a reputation for wisdom, except for being a bit radical when overturning the case for Prince Liang’s past; usually, he appeared warm and modest, the kind of person who would not warrant targeted attention.
Prince Xin’s son shook his head and sighed in a tone loud enough for several people to hear: "Third Imperial Uncle had difficulty having children back in the day, and Third Imperial Aunt, understanding righteousness, allowed the Concubine to bear children first. As a result, Third Imperial Grandson’s legitimate son is more than ten years younger than the illegitimate son. I reckon, Third Imperial Uncle has not designated an heir for so long, surely waiting for Cousin Wei to grow up!"
Prince Lu’s son laughed and chided: "Yanlong, have you had too much to drink today? You dare gossip about Third Imperial Uncle’s matters!"
"This is not a fabrication by this heir!" Prince Xin’s son said slyly: "I am simply being kind, reminding some people to recognize their own birth status, and not eye positions that don’t belong to them with bloodshot eyes every day."
These words could not be more obvious, and Huangfu Chi, with his violent temper, almost couldn’t contain his anger.
However, recalling Prince Zhuang’s earlier instructions, he forcibly suppressed his rage, maintaining a modest demeanor, turning a blind eye to Prince Xin’s son’s arrogance and impudence. He said to Prince Lu’s son: "I heard that Cousin Han likes good horses. I recently acquired one, and was planning to send it to Cousin’s mansion in the next few days. Since you’re all here today, why don’t you come with me to the stable to have a look?"
Prince Lu’s son’s eyes lit up at the mention of good horses, saying: "That couldn’t be better! Let’s all go have a look together!"
With just a few words, Huangfu Chi defused Prince Xin’s malicious intent. Huangfu Yuxuan’s eyes deepened; this Uncle Zhuang’s greatest ability was procreation, having many concubines besides the Concubine, and many among his sons reached adulthood, besides the deceased legitimate son Huangfu Jing, there were seven adult sons, and including juveniles like Huangfu Wei, five more.
These sons were raised to be his support, each capable in their own right. Until Prince Zhuang was completely brought down, Huangfu Yuxuan couldn’t rest easy!
Thinking this, Huangfu Yuxuan cast another sidelong glance at Huangfu Jingchen; standing aside, Huangfu Jingchen neither joined in Prince Xin’s cold mockery nor showed any unwillingness toward Prince Lu’s enthusiasm for horse viewing, low-key to the point of not wanting attention.
He squinted, having made several contacts with Huangfu Jingchen; Huangfu Jingchen seemed soft but was actually prickly, a person he could not see through!