Chapter 699 - 698: The Ingenious Hairpin
Xia Wenjin glanced over the faces of the three people in red, green sleeves, and purple sashes, and their eyes all avoided her gaze, except for the one in red who looked at her with a cold expression, no, a chilling gaze.
Xia Wenjin picked up the chopsticks and slowly prepared to eat a crystal dumpling from the plate served by the one in purple sashes. The one in red said mockingly, "Be careful not to poison yourself!"
Xia Wenjin said leisurely, "With a knife in your hand, you dare not kill me. Do you have the guts to poison me? Then I must respect you as someone worthy!"
"You..." Such obvious sarcasm and ridicule made the one in red grit her teeth.
Xia Wenjin glanced at her, undisturbed by the murderous intent in her eyes, and said calmly, "Even if you have the courage, I’m not afraid of your knife, let alone poison."
The one in red was so angry her eyes bulged.
Xia Wenjin ignored her and continued eating.
Despite looking like she is suffering and wronged, among the Four Beauties, she is the one who is the most ruthless and has killed the most people!
After breakfast, Xia Wenjin enjoyed her meal with peace of mind, while the subdued demeanor of the three in red truly made the meal more appetizing.
After breakfast, Xia Wenjin used the excuse of feeling tired and needing to rest to send everyone out.
The task of the three in red was to keep Xia Wenjin from escaping, whether inside or outside the room made no difference. Moreover, Xia Wenjin’s troublesome breakfast made them wish to be rid of her.
They appeared delicate and beautiful outwardly, but which among them wasn’t a killer who wouldn’t blink? Now being ordered around by a woman without any martial arts, they naturally were unhappy.
After closing the door, Xia Wenjin pulled out the hairpin from her hair, twisted it skillfully, and the hairpin opened.
It turns out this was an extremely exquisite piece, hollow inside, and when opened, it revealed a golden glow, which was a few Golden Needles.
After Xia Wenjin was brought here, she had already been searched, and not even broken silver was left for her, perhaps fearing that she could use something like it to escape. It’s considered very cautious.
However, the hairpin was crafted very intricately, and without knowing the mechanism inside, even upon inspection, it would appear ordinary, which is why it wasn’t confiscated.
Xia Wenjin took out the Golden Needles. She couldn’t use Inner Strength, but that didn’t prevent her from using the needles on herself.
Without an antidote, just using silver needles, it would take at least two days to recover.
In the Capital City, today is Prince Zhuang’s birthday.
Although Prince Zhuang and Prince Li secretly resorted to all kinds of ruthless measures for that supreme position, on the surface, they remained harmonious.
Prince Zhuang Mansion was also filled with joyous festivities. Although Prince Zhuang was still under house arrest, the imperial rewards had arrived, and among them, besides gold, silver, and jewels, was an edict lifting the house arrest.
How long has it been?
The Crown Prince, the nation’s Crown Prince, disregarded the law, colluded with Jianghu people, and openly attempted to assassinate the Imperial Grandson on the street. The nature of this incident was so vile. However, because Huangfu Jingchen miraculously survived, the Emperor chose to turn the page on the whole affair.
Prince Zhuang was overjoyed, and the sound of his kowtowing and thanking was especially loud.
Today’s his birthday, and his Father Emperor’s birthday gift was precisely what he wished for.
Prince Liang and Prince Li, the two brothers residing in the Capital, naturally arrived early with their Princesses.
Huangfu Yuxuan and his brother also came.
Seeing Huangfu Yuxuan and his brother, Prince Li nodded gently in greeting, though a hint of gloominess crossed his mind.
They were also Vassal Kings, and none were Crown Princes. But the whole family of Prince Liang was in the Capital City, as was the family of Prince Zhuang, yet even though he’d lived in the Capital for so long, his Princess and children remained in their Vassal Land. Is it just because they both had once been Crown Princes?
If the whole family were in the Capital City, perhaps his Jinglun wouldn’t have died?
Although Huangfu Yuxuan had been leaning towards him lately, scheming together to counter Prince Zhuang, their collaborative relationship ended once Prince Zhuang was dethroned as Crown Prince.
Prince Li was not foolish. The plans Huangfu Yuxuan proposed were very ingenious, and he was naturally delighted. But amidst his delight, he couldn’t help but think more.
All were descendants of the Royal Family, and which of them didn’t have ambitions?
For Huangfu Yuxuan to devise such strategies, make such decisive actions, and exhibit such understanding of human nature, how could such a person be an easygoing character?
Finally, the Eldest Prince became a deposed Crown Prince, becoming Prince Liang, and Prince Zhuang also became a deposed Crown Prince, becoming Prince Zhuang. With his Father’s affection and favor, he thought he would soon become the new Crown Prince.
Yet, there was no news from Father Emperor for a long time, and he even summoned all the Vassal Kings back for his birthday.
He felt he couldn’t quite understand his Father Emperor anymore.
Two years ago, for his birthday, Father Emperor summoned all the Imperial Grandsons.
This time, for his birthday, all the Princes were called back.
He had an uneasy feeling in his heart and had consulted his Advisers about this matter.
The Adviser remarked that the Emperor certainly has already decided on the Crown Prince position and that summoning all the Princes should be to make a formal announcement after his birthday.
The Adviser further analyzed: In the current situation in the Capital, Prince Liang and Prince Zhuang are already completely out. Other than him, there’s no other possibility.
As for the Vassal Kings outside?
If the Emperor truly valued them, would he leave them in the Vassal Land without a word?
Prince Li thought carefully and felt this made sense.
However, seeing Huangfu Yuxuan and his brother, he still felt a bit uneasy.
He had previously suggested to Father Emperor that all the Princely Heirs should no longer remain in the Capital. Once he became Crown Prince, not only those Princely Heirs but also Vassal Kings like Prince Liang and Prince Zhuang should head early to their Vassal Lands!
And he could bring his Princess and children to the Capital City.
This birthday of Prince Zhuang would be his last birthday celebration in the Capital City.
Therefore, he came, bearing generous gifts. As a victor facing a loser, he indeed possessed such magnanimity!
Huangfu Yuxuan bowed, his etiquette exceptionally attentive: "Ninth Imperial Uncle, you look splendid today. Is there something good happening?"
Prince Li thought, isn’t there something good? After Father Emperor’s birthday, for him, every day would be good.
He chuckled and said, "You look quite good as well. I suppose you must have good news too?"
Huangfu Yuxuan smiled warmly.
In the depths of his eyes was a hint of pride and satisfaction.
Kidnapped Xia Wenjin?
That doesn’t count!
But, of course, he wouldn’t tell Prince Li what truly made him happy.
He looked around, "We’re all here to celebrate Uncle Zhuang’s birthday, yet we haven’t seen the man of the moment?"
Prince Li gave him a slight glance, "Why are you in such a rush? Are you worried you won’t see him?"
Huangfu Yuxuan laughed, "Does it matter if I see him or not? I am but a junior. However, since Uncle Nine is here, and Uncle Three hasn’t come out to greet him, it seems Uncle Three holds some grievance against Uncle Nine!"
Prince Li squinted slightly, then laughed again, knowing this brat was up to no good. Even using such clumsy attempts to sow discord, did he think he would fall for it?
The steward of Prince Zhuang Mansion led everyone inside, yet Prince Zhuang did not show up for a long time, making Prince Li feel something wasn’t quite right.