Amidst the spreading rumors of this chaos, how could the people of the royal court not be anxious?
But little did they know, even more nerve-wracking days were yet to come!
On the eighth day of December, during the Laba-Fest of the Great Zhou, while the common folks were blissfully unaware of any major event occurring, they were happily preparing Laba porridge. Those with close relationships would even gift a bowl to each other.
However, at Prince Anâs Mansion, Yang Chuxia had little mind to make porridge.
She couldnât shake the feeling that something was about to happen.
"Mother, whatâs wrong with you? Why do you seem so absent-minded?" Yangyang asked.
"Mother, are you feeling unwell?" Lele also pulled on her and said, "Now that Auntieâs engagement has been postponed, you donât have as much to worry about, so just take a good rest."
Indeed, Yang Xiayunâs marriage was originally set for the tenth of December, but due to the recent turmoil everywhere, it was postponed until after the new year. Luo Linhao was even busier, spending all his time at the palace.
"Mother is fine." Facing her childrenâs concern, Yang Chuxia felt a warmth in her heart.
But she couldnât ignore the uneasiness stirring within her.
Thinking it over, she took Lele and several children to the main courtyard of Prince Anâs Mansion, explained many things to Lele, which shocked the children, but Yang Chuxia couldnât explain much to them.
She couldnât deny that her intuition was correct.
At that moment, the Golden Throne Hall of the Great Zhou was in an uproar!
"Father Emperor, long time no see! I heard youâve been looking for me everywhere? It must have been hard work finding me, right?"
"Speaking of which, among all your sons, Iâm still the most filial. To spare you the hard work, Iâve come out on my own."
This arrogant voice, such boastful and bold words, no one would have ever imagined that it came from the timid and cowardly Prince Le in the past.
Yet these words indeed came from his mouth! Yes, the person who suddenly appeared in the Golden Throne Hall was the Prince Le that everyone had been searching for!
With a face full of arrogance and wanton audacity!
"You say, with such little capability, how can you be the Emperor?" Prince Le laughed again, "Iâve been loitering in your palace for so long, yet you still couldnât find me. This game of hide and seek is really not fun at all, and your subordinates are all fools. Donât they know the most dangerous place is the safest place?"
Faced with his shameless sarcasm and reprimands, the people in the court looked at each other, all turning pale.
Yet internally, they couldnât help but marvel, who would have thought he would hide so boldly within the palace?
"You ungrateful wretch!" The Emperor was both furious and shocked. This sonâs skill at appearing and disappearing was truly remarkable.
If not for what happened to his mother consort back then, the Emperor had to admit this child was indeed the best candidate for the throne, full of wisdom and deep scheming.
However, the Emperor also understood, if it werenât for that incident, he wouldnât have become the deep and far-sighted person he is now. As the saying goes, blessings and misfortunes are interdependent.
"Yes, indeed I am an ungrateful wretch." Prince Le didnât care about his scolding, "Iâm the young wretch, and youâre the old wretch. Are there any in the Baili family who arenât wretches?"
"Take Eldest, Prince Ning, who fathered thirteen children with Noble Lady Hai from the palace. Did you know?"
"Not to mention Prince Ning, letâs talk about Prince Fu. Back in the day of the Funan girl trafficking case, did you honestly think he wasnât involved at all?"
"As for Prince Zhuang!" Prince Le snorted coldly, "A hypocrite through and through! Back then, he got me drunk and sent me into the palace just to have you get rid of me with your own hands. And he told that fool from the Mu Family it was so I could get what I wished for? What a damn joke!" He referred to when Mu Shaoling had him enter the palace to clarify his feelings for that daughter of a minor official.