Chapter 823 - 753: Creating Something Out of Nothing (2)

Chapter 823: Chapter 753: Creating Something Out of Nothing (2)

Though Huangfu Yuxuan is still young, he is already shrewd and cunning, with a deep sense of strategy. Not only in the Capital City, but he also has many followers in the outer states and counties.

Now that he has secured a betrothal with the daughter of Grand Tutor Zhao, a strong support, and knowing that the Emperor’s birthday is likely to determine the Crown Prince, he has finally decided to take the initiative.

But King Kang is a smart man.

Despite Huangfu Yuxuan’s several gestures of goodwill, King Kang has never aligned himself with him.

On the contrary, Huangfu Jinxuan, this dandy, originally a person without skills or highlights, has repeatedly thwarted his plans, intentionally or unintentionally.

Since he cannot be used, he must not be used by others.

Just in time, his people found out that Huangfu Jinxuan’s birthday gift this time is a bow, practically delivering leverage into his hands. Moreover, Huangfu Jinxuan specifically noted that this bow was used by the Great General Huaihua of the previous dynasty.

How could he not use such a great opportunity?

The son of Prince Kang Mansion was targeted, and the one targeting him was Huangfu Yuxuan. Other Princes and Imperial Grandsons, as well as members of the Imperial Family, either looked on like spectators or were wary, but no one spoke up.

Or rather, since it was a matter of great disrespect, people dared not speak for King Kang lightly.

Prince Cheng glanced this way; he rarely stays in the Capital and isn’t familiar with King Kang. While he’s considering whether to say something, Huangfu Jingchen suddenly lets out a chuckle.

The atmosphere in the hall was very tense, and Huangfu Jingchen’s soft laugh was like breaking down a barrier, instantly attracting everyone’s gaze toward him.

The Emperor remarked calmly, "Jingchen, what are you laughing at?"

Despite Huangfu Yuxuan’s aggressive behavior and Huangfu Jinxuan’s loud protest of innocence, the Emperor did not react. Huangfu Jingchen’s sudden interruption didn’t anger the Emperor either, which surprised those present.

Huangfu Jingchen stood up with a smile, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "Grandfather, are you happy today?"

The Emperor narrowed his eyes and replied indifferently, "Should I be happy?"

Huangfu Jingchen replied solemnly, "Now that Nanxia is prosperous and peaceful under Heaven’s favor, with no disasters, people live securely. This is thanks to Grandfather’s benevolent governance. Today is Grandfather’s sixty-second birthday, with children and grandchildren all around; naturally, Grandfather should be happy!"

The Emperor, finding his words pleasing, couldn’t help but smile slightly, asking, "So?"

Huangfu Jingchen said, "So I am a bit puzzled. Why is it, when Grandfather is happy, and everyone shares in the Emperor’s grace, someone would go through so much trouble to make Grandfather unhappy, even finding any excuse to disrupt such a harmonious atmosphere?"

The implication of these words was clear, just short of stating that the person disrupting the atmosphere had ulterior motives, unable to see the Emperor enjoy himself.

Huangfu Yuxuan’s eyes turned gloomy; seated opposite Huangfu Jingchen, his gaze met Huangfu Jingchen’s as soon as he looked up.

Huangfu Jingchen, with smiling eyes, met those cold eyes without avoidance, calmly and frankly. Indeed, his look seemed to have extra meaning, as if he had already seen through all Huangfu Yuxuan’s schemes, giving him a feeling of being exposed, of his heart laid bare.

His eyes grew even darker with displeasure, yet his voice remained steady: "Jingchen, what do you mean by this? Someone shows great disrespect to Grandfather, using gifts for satire and mockery, yet you stand on his side? Do you regard Grandfather at all?"

Seizing the advantage right off, slapping on a big label, and provoking with words, such tactics seemed ingrained, used effortlessly.

Huangfu Jingchen replied unhurriedly, "Precisely because I have Grandfather in my heart, I will not fabricate grievances to trouble Grandfather during his happy moments!"

"So what you mean is that those who dare to mock Grandfather can get away easily!"

Huangfu Jingchen chuckled and said, "In recent days, while I am in the Capital, though I do not have as wide a circle as Cousin Yuxuan, indeed I frequently stayed at home, I did hear some news. People in the Capital say the Heir of King Liang, Mr. Jun is dignified, of noble character and pure virtue! Congratulations to Cousin Xuan!"

Obviously discussing a matter of great disrespect, why suddenly start the praises?

Huangfu Yuxuan narrowed his eyes; although Huangfu Jingchen appeared candid and upright, he felt there was ill intent,

Huangfu Jingchen then looked at Huangfu Jinxuan and said, "People in the Capital also say Jinxuan is a dandy who loves to cause trouble, straightforward but uninformed, acting wildly and recklessly."

Huangfu Yuxuan laughed coldly in his heart. Indeed, isn’t that just the case? If he weren’t so wild and reckless, so uninformed, how would he have presented a bow used by General Huaihua as a birthday gift, providing an opportunity for himself?