Chapter 183: Would You Please Judge This for Me?

Chapter 183: Would You Please Judge This for Me?

Qi Er and Yan Wu were eager to follow Xiao Yuming to see what the commotion was about, but their task was to keep an eye on Xiao Yiyuan and prevent him from wandering off, so they had to stay put.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuming was dragging Huang Wenyao along, loudly expressing his bewilderment as to how the Second Prince could just give away his family's noble title to someone else. He portrayed the image of a brash and fearless scion to the fullest.

As they reached the staircase, they ran into a few people going upstairs. Xiao Yuming looked up and recognized someone—Imperial Censor Li, Li Yuanyi.

He seemed to find a savior and, pulling Huang Wenyao forward a few steps, said, "Imperial Censor Li, would you please judge this matter for me?"

Li Yuanyi was taken aback upon seeing him and asked, "Aren't you the second son of the Yongning Marquis family?"

Xiao Yuming nodded, "Yes, that's me."

Then, he pushed Huang Wenyao forward and continued, "This man is an aide to the Second Prince. He just said that the Second Prince intends to give away our family’s noble title. I just don't understand. By what right can the Second Prince give away our title? Does he make all the decisions in this world? I want to take this man to see the Emperor to seek justice, yet he brazenly claims that I won't be able to see the Emperor and can't do anything to him."

"Second Master Xiao, please be cautious with your words!" Huang Wenyao exclaimed in shock, realizing he was far from confident now.

Xiao Yuming glared at him fiercely, "That's exactly what you said, and many people heard it. Imperial Censor Li, I might not be able to see the Emperor, but you can, right? Could you please take me to see the Emperor? I want to know if the Second Prince gets to decide everything from now on and if my family’s noble title really has to be given to someone else?"

He spoke with a mix of anger and petulance, like a child throwing a tantrum.

Li Yuanyi's expression was solemn, "Are you speaking the truth?"

Xiao Yuming nodded firmly, "I am. I heard it with my own ears."

"In that case, I shall report this matter to the Emperor," Li Yuanyi declared righteously.

At that moment, Huang Wenyao fully realized that the Second Prince had once again fallen into a trap set by the Yongning Marquis family. This second son had dropped from the sky, hearing everything he said clearly, and now they had fortuitously run into Imperial Censor Li, a well-known confidant of Duke Tang.

The Yongning Marquis family must have known Xiao Yiyuan's identity all along. They were just waiting for the Second Prince to make a move, ready to seize his missteps. He thought he had landed a good job, but it turned out to be a death sentence!

"Gentlemen, I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay for tea. I will invite you all for tea another time," Imperial Censor Li excused himself with a bow to the several gentlemen he was with.

They understood that Li Yuanyi had brought them as witnesses. However, as long as they stayed out of the affair, the Second Prince couldn't vent his anger on them.

They were speechless. Why was the Second Prince so obstinately fixated on clashing with the Yongning Marquis family? One incident after another, and he always seemed to fail due to his inadequate tactics. He was only spared because of his noble birth; any other noble family would have perished countless times over in his place.

However, when you think about it, it's precisely because of his noble birth that he acts so recklessly. The Marquis of Yongning's household must feel quite aggrieved, being targeted by the Second Prince. They probably want him dead but dare not act because he's the emperor's son.

The officials had myriad thoughts racing through their minds. Li Yuenzhong looked at Xiao Yuming and said, "I understand the situation. Let him go, I will write the memorial to the emperor immediately."

Xiao Yuming, upon hearing this, was visibly reluctant. After hesitating for a moment, he pushed Huang Wenyao harshly, "Get lost!"

Huang Wenyao was shoved to the ground, crawling and rolling downstairs to run away. He had to flee quickly, or death was certain. Li Yuenzhong also strode out of the tea house, and the others quickly left as well, boarding their carriages home. Another spectacle was in the making, though it was uncertain what the outcome for the Second Prince would be.

Those who had to leave had gone. Xiao Yuming turned and returned to the room he was in before. Qi Er and Yan Wu were still leaning against the doorframe chatting. Seeing him return, Qi Er asked, "Is it over?"

Xiao Yuming hummed a response and entered the room. Xiao Yiyuan stood up upon seeing him but was at a loss for words, managing only a bow, "Thank you."

Xiao Yuming said nothing, merely folding his arms and appraising him. His appearance was average, tall, and his clothes, though washed white, were decent. His manners were acceptable, and he wasn't tempted by the grand promises made by the Second Prince, indicating a commendable character.

At that moment, Yan Wu suddenly remarked, "You know, you two do look somewhat alike."

His words had barely left his lips when he was kicked by Qi Er. He gave Xiao Yuming a sheepish smile and then shut up. Xiao Yuming ignored him, glanced at Xiao Yiyuan, and said, "Let's go."

Turning around, he walked out. Qi Er and Yan Wu looked at Xiao Yiyuan, signaling him to follow. Xiao Yiyuan clenched his fists and followed suit. When he stepped out the door, Qi Er and Yan Wu followed closely, surrounding him with Xiao Yuming.

Seeing this, Xiao Yiyuan felt a bit more at ease. It seemed that the Marquis of Yongning bore him no malice.

They left the tea house, and the carriage outside was waiting. Xiao Yuming boarded first, and Xiao Yiyuan, understanding his place, followed suit, sitting opposite Xiao Yuming. Qi Er and Yan Wu rode their horses alongside.

The carriage rattled along in silence. Xiao Yuming, with his legs crossed, fiddled with a knife in his hand, while Xiao Yiyuan didn't know what to say, opting to remain silent. He wasn't sure what the Marquis of Yongning would do next, but the situation was already much better than before. He'd take it one step at a time.

Soon, the carriage stopped. Xiao Yuming lifted the curtain and hopped down, with Xiao Yiyuan following. Looking up, he saw the imposing gate of the Marquis of Yongning's estate, its grandeur and solemnity announced by the large plaque hanging overhead.

"Let's go," Xiao Yuming said, entering the estate through a side gate. Xiao Yiyuan followed quickly.

Inside, Steward Zhao was waiting at the entrance. He bowed to Xiao Yuming, "Young Master."

Xiao Yuming grunted in acknowledgment and walked ahead. Steward Zhao then turned to Xiao Yiyuan, bowing, "Master Xiao, this way, please."

Xiao Yiyuan quickly returned the bow, "Thank you for your trouble."

Steward Zhao smiled and led the way. Internally, however, he was closely observing Xiao Yiyuan's every move. He noticed Xiao Yiyuan's forward gaze and composed strides, but the clenched fists betrayed his nervousness.

It was quite commendable, Steward Zhao assessed internally. For someone who came from a remote and impoverished area, without the guidance of capable elders, and suddenly thrust into such a situation, maintaining a calm exterior was a sign of steadiness, especially for someone just over twenty.