Chapter 364: What Does “Hmmm” Mean?

Chapter 364: What Does "Hmmm" Mean?

The morning court session ended, and the ministers gradually left the Golden Pavilion Hall. It had to be said that Xiao Huai's actions today provided everyone with a sense of reassurance.

Xiao Huai, who had forcefully taken control of the palace and the capital city, had most of the court officials believing that he would attempt a palace coup. Whether he took the throne himself or pushed for Prince Kang's ascension, it was expected to lead to turmoil in the court. If things went awry, it could lead to bloodshed.

Today, as they attended the court session, they were all extremely cautious. However, to their surprise, Xiao Huai not only refrained from staging a palace coup but also showed no strong intentions of controlling the court. Even if he supported Prince Kang's ascension, he did so without being too forceful.

But this was also because Prince Kang was indeed far more capable than the third prince.

On the other side, Xiao Huai brought Li Jingyi to approach Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng, saying to Li Jingyi, "In the future, you should learn from these two gentlemen."

Li Jingyi promptly agreed and then respectfully bowed to Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng, saying, "In the future, I may trouble both of you, gentlemen."

Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng quickly reciprocated the courtesy, saying it was no trouble at all. Xiao Huai took his leave, leaving Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng looking helpless. Did he just abandon the future monarch like that? It was truly surprising!

Li Jingyi, however, remained composed. He understood that Xiao Huai wanted him to interact with these ministers early on, to let them know that he was stronger than the third prince and to learn about the nature of these ministers in advance. He felt the pressure but also a surge of determination.

Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng had originally planned to have tea together after the morning court, but now they had to change their plans. The three of them went to the Qi residence together. Today, they would lock themselves in the study and analyze court affairs with the future ruler.

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Xiang Tianhe had not anticipated that Xiao Huai would bring troops into the city with thunderous tactics, only to act with a gentle approach afterwards. Nonetheless, this was of little concern to him. After the court session, he walked briskly outside, his mind on purchasing some sweets for his lady.

However, he had only taken a few steps when the Emperor's confidant, Wu Zhengxin, halted him. "General Xiang."

Xiang Tianhe stopped and turned to look at him, remaining silent. Wu Zhengxin was accustomed to his temperament and took no offense, instead greeting him with a smile and a respectful bow, "May I have the honor of inviting General Xiang for a cup of tea?"

Although Xiang Tianhe was a man of few words and stubborn nature, he was no fool. Wu Zhengxin was a close confidant of the Emperor, and as there were seldom interactions between the two, an invitation to tea at this time was unlikely to bode well. He quickly surmised that this was not a casual overture.

"I have other matters to attend to and must decline your offer for tea, Lord Wu."

No sooner had he spoken than he moved to leave, but Wu Zhengxin was not about to let him walk away so easily, hurrying after him. "General Xiang, there is an urgent matter I need to discuss with you."

Xiang Tianhe halted once more. "Speak, then."

Wu Zhengxin: "..."

In broad daylight, with so many officials coming and going, how could he speak of such matters?

His face showed his dilemma, "General, some matters are not fit to be discussed here."

Xiang Tianhe frowned at him, and Wu Zhengxin, fearing a rejection, quickly stepped forward to close the distance between them, lowering his voice, "It's an imperial edict."

Xiang Tianhe narrowed his eyes and looked down at him with a stern face. Wu Zhengxin, unable to discern his thoughts, could only gesture invitingly, "Please, General."

Xiang Tianhe grunted in acknowledgment, walked out of the palace, mounted his horse, and headed for the teahouse. Wu Zhengxin followed hastily. In truth, he wished to find a secluded tea house to speak discreetly with Xiang Tianhe over tea and share the intended message.

Yet Xiang Tianhe chose the busiest street in the capital city and entered the most bustling tea house teeming with people. Moreover, he rode swiftly, arriving ahead. Wu Zhengxin, with no other choice, tried to make himself as inconspicuous as possible and hurried in.

They selected a quiet tea room and sat down. Wu Zhengxin intended to exchange pleasantries with Xiang Tianhe, but before he could speak, the latter beat him to it, "Speak plainly."

Wu Zhengxin: "...General Xiang, the Emperor has awoken."

Xiang Tianhe sipped his tea with a calm demeanor. Wu Zhengxin frowned slightly, then continued, "The Emperor said, if you eliminate Xiao Huai, you shall be appointed as a King."

Silence filled the room as Xiang Tianhe drained his cup and stood to leave. Wu Zhengxin was puzzled; what did this mean? Was it an acceptance or a rejection?

He quickly reached out to grasp Xiang Tianhe's arm. "General Xiang, please give me an answer."

Xiang Tianhe gave him a nonchalant hum of acknowledgment, then with a wave of his arm, Wu Zhengxin collapsed into a chair, and Xiang Tianhe strode out.

Wu Zhengxin sat there, utterly perplexed. What did that "hmm" mean? Had he accepted or declined? Had he completed the task or not?

Meanwhile, Tianhe exited the teahouse and walked a few steps to a pastry shop on the right. The owner greeted him with a smile, saying, "General Xiang, you're here again."

Tianhe made a faint sound of agreement, then gestured to select a few pastries. The owner clearly understood his temperament and cheerfully handed over the chosen pastries. Tianhe took the pastries, paid, and mounted his horse to head home.

Upstairs, Wu Zhengxin witnessed this scene, his mouth twitching. Did Tianhe come to this teahouse because there was a pastry shop nearby?

After spending a while longer in the teahouse, Wu Zhengxin returned home with a heavy heart. He knew that in the ongoing struggle between the Emperor and Xiao Huai, the Emperor had already lost. This was just his final resistance, but what was he to do now?

When Prince Kang ascended the throne, what would become of him?

The Palace

Inside the Emperor's sleeping chamber, Jiao Kangsheng stood by the bed, quietly reporting the events of the morning court. The Emperor sat cross-legged on the bed, listening with his head bowed. After Jiao Kangsheng finished, the Emperor remained silent.

Seeing his current state, Jiao Kangsheng asked with concern, "Your Majesty, is there anything else bothering you?"

The Emperor still didn't speak. After a long pause, he finally said, "So, you mean to say that the way Xiao Qi behaved before was all an act?"

Jiao Kangsheng remained silent, and the Emperor massaged his temples. Although he had awakened, his mind still felt foggy.

"Yes, I didn't investigate the matter thoroughly at first. He has suffered a lot over the years. But, I am his biological father. Could I really have wanted him dead? Why did he hide things from me when he was in my presence?"

His voice grew louder, and Jiao Kangsheng quickly whispered, "Your Majesty, please be discreet."

The Emperor felt like he was holding his breath, wanting to vent but finding no outlet. Lowering his voice, he continued, "If he had shown his excellence in front of me, would I have adopted him out? Why did he need Xiao Huai to push him onto the throne? I am his biological father, what does Xiao Huai amount to? What about the sixth prince?"

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