Chapter 822 - 753: Creating Something from Nothing

Chapter 822: Chapter 753: Creating Something from Nothing

The originally harmonious atmosphere of mutual joy between the monarch and his ministers was shattered by Huangfu Yuxuan’s loud outburst.

All eyes turned to Huangfu Yuxuan.

Huangfu Jinxuan turned his head, looking at the stern and righteously indignant Huangfu Yuxuan, and said, "Princely Heir, what crime have I committed?"

Huangfu Yuxuan sneered, "It’s Grandfather’s birthday, a celebration for all under heaven, even Uncle Wang sent auspicious gifts, yet you present Grandfather with a bow. What is your intent?"

Prince Cheng said calmly, "Does the Heir of King Liang have much discontent with this prince? What do you mean by ’even I sent auspicious gifts’? Are you implying that my previous gifts were not auspicious?"

Though Huangfu Yuxuan looked down on Prince Cheng in his heart, he did not wish to complicate matters at this moment. He cupped his hands to Prince Cheng and said, "Forgive me, Uncle Wang, that’s not what I meant. What you sent, Uncle, is the foundation of the people, the bedrock of the nation. I have only respect, no intent to belittle."

Prince Cheng snorted coldly; he did not care who was Crown Prince or who was Princely Heir.

Moreover, being an elder, Huangfu Yuxuan was a generation younger than him. It was beneath him to argue with a junior regardless.

Seeing Prince Cheng silent, Huangfu Yuxuan’s gaze towards Huangfu Jinxuan turned even colder.

Huangfu Jinxuan also frowned. Huangfu Yuxuan’s sudden targeting was beyond his expectations. After all, he had no real dealings with Huangfu Yuxuan. Nonetheless, he was not afraid and spoke with dignity, "I have mentioned before that this is a bow used by General Huaihua from the previous dynasty. General Huaihua is well-known, revered for his bravery and integrity, lauded as a War God of his time. I present this bow to the Emperor, as a token of my loyalty. What crime is there?"

Huangfu Yuxuan sneered again and said, "Indeed, the General Huaihua of the former dynasty has the title of War God, but he later fell out of favor with the reigning Emperor, was stripped of military power, and died in dejection! How dare you commit such a grave disrespect and still argue?"

Huangfu Jinxuan was stunned; he had no such intention with his gift. He merely recalled how the Emperor, in his youth, was fond of riding and archery, hence thoughtfully prepared this birthday gift.

He hurriedly bowed and said, "Emperor, Jinxuan had no such intent. Jinxuan merely saw this as a rare treasure bow and hoped that there would be more War Gods in Nanxia to deter foreign insults and spread the Emperor’s prestige throughout the world!"

"Is that so?" Huangfu Yuxuan pressed fiercely, "You present the bow of a general from a former dynasty for Grandfather’s collection. On the surface, it seems harmless. But recently, due to Uncle Kang’s mishandling of affairs, Grandfather has docked his salary. You bringing such a gift today—is it to covertly mock Grandfather that the bird is gone and the bow is put away?"

It was clear that Huangfu Yuxuan was targeting Huangfu Jinxuan, or rather the entire Prince Kang Mansion. By placing the label of grave disrespect, no one dared to speak lightly.

Mocking the Emperor? Such an offense! The Emperor’s path beheads millions, inevitable catastrophe!

Prince Kang and Prince Kang’s son both turned pale, hurriedly leaving their seats to kneel and plead for leniency. Prince Kang fearfully said, "Emperor, I mishandled affairs and ought to be punished, but I bear no resentment! The Emperor’s wisdom is unmatched; may the Emperor discern the truth!"

Upon hearing Huangfu Yuxuan, the Emperor’s face also darkened.

Huangfu Jinxuan anxiously said, "Emperor, Jinxuan had no such intent. I merely thought this was a fine gift to present!"

Huangfu Jingchen recalled Xia Wenjin’s words from last night. Though surprised at Xia Wenjin’s apparent foresight, it wasn’t truly foresight. She only told him that during today’s birthday celebration, Huangfu Jinxuan would present a bow, and Huangfu Yuxuan would seize upon this to challenge Huangfu Jinxuan.

Yet upon reflection, it seemed normal. Xia Wenjin, no longer a novice to Jianghu, now had resources and people at her disposal. Finding out this much was not surprising.

Huangfu Jingchen somewhat understood why Huangfu Yuxuan targeted Huangfu Jinxuan.

Huangfu Yuxuan seemed noble and magnanimous outwardly, charismatic, with the demeanor of a gentleman, indifferent to fame and fortune. But would a person who acts against his cousin based on unverified allegations, who knew at twelve to cultivate his power, train death warriors, and win over courtiers, truly be indifferent to fame and fortune?

When discovering these, Huangfu Jingchen was surprised too. He initially believed those pursuing him were sent by Prince Zhuang. But upon reaching the Capital City and starting to thoroughly investigate, he learned that even a figure like Prince Zhuang, capable of maneuvering the Crown Prince position into his hands, had become merely a pawn for Huangfu Yuxuan.