The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 109: Chapter 109: He’s Nervous

From among the assembled officials, a middle-aged man quickly stepped forward, his expression a mixture of shock and unease.

”I am here!”

It was none other than the current Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Zhao Hanguang.

Shen Yanchuan’s expression was detached, a hint of coldness flickering in his eyes. ”Is this how you organize a polo match?”

A cold sweat broke out on Zhao Hanguang’s back. Though it was the height of summer, his limbs felt like ice.

”I... I don’t know how this—”

CRASH!

Xiao Chengxuan violently smashed the teacup in his hand, his face like ice. ”How do you people do your jobs?! If the Eldest Princess had been hurt, how many lives would you have to pay for it!”

Zhao Hanguang dropped to his knees with a THUD.

”Second Prince, I have failed in my duty!”

A wave of officials from the Guanglu Temple knelt behind him with a rustle of clothing.

With such a major incident occurring at an imperial banquet, they knew they were in for serious trouble.

Han Tong also knelt. He glanced quickly at Han Yao, and only after confirming he was unharmed did he let out a secret sigh of relief.

The atmosphere turned frigid and solemn.

The Eldest Princess held a transcendent status, and this was her first public appearance after a recent illness. Who could have expected such a disaster!

Beads of sweat dripped from Zhao Hanguang’s forehead, and his heart felt as if it were suspended high in the air.

He couldn’t understand it. The entire procedure for the polo match had gone through several checkpoints. The horses were all handpicked, and an accident like this had never happened before. Why today of all days—

Xiao Chengxuan reprimanded him coldly, ”I will give you three days to thoroughly investigate this matter! In three days, you must give the Eldest Princess and me an explanation!”

Zhao Hanguang felt a slight sense of relief, but Han Tong frowned.

These words meant the Second Prince was still willing to give Zhao Hanguang a chance. Three days was just enough time; even if he couldn’t find the truth, finding a scapegoat would be no problem.

’After such a huge mess, the Second Prince is still trying to protect Zhao Hanguang...?’

Countless thoughts flashed through Han Tong’s mind. He then straightened up. ”Second Prince, I have something to say, I wonder if—”

Hearing Han Tong’s voice, Zhao Hanguang immediately became alert and looked back suspiciously.

However, before Han Tong could finish, a herald’s voice rang out.

”The Emperor has arrived—!”

Ye Chutang finally lifted her gaze and looked ahead. A grand procession was approaching, led by a yellow silk umbrella embroidered with a nine-clawed golden dragon, followed by yellow and red fans. Palace attendants walked in rows; the procession was magnificent and of the highest imperial standard.

At the very front was the reigning sovereign, Emperor Muwu, Xiao Zhen.

Emperor Muwu was a former military general. Despite being over fifty, he was still tall and imposing, with a profound and weighty aura.

Following him was a woman in magnificent palace attire. She was slender and delicate, and her silhouette alone couldn’t hide her graceful charm.

’That must be the Consort Ru, Jiang Qingmei, whom Princess Qingyang mentioned earlier.’

Sure enough, Ye Chutang then heard a palace attendant announce loudly, ”Consort Ru has arrived—!”

Ye Chutang stood up and bowed along with the crowd.

”Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Imperial Concubine!”

...

Emperor Muwu walked forward to the Eldest Princess and helped her up.

”Sister, your health is what matters. Why bother with these empty formalities?”

The Eldest Princess smiled and patted his arm. ”Your Majesty worries too much. I am not that weak. Am I not perfectly fine?”

But Emperor Muwu insisted on helping her sit down, his tone resigned. ”Sister, please don’t joke with me.”

At their side, Consort Ru added in a gentle voice, ”You don’t know, His Majesty has been worried sick about you lately. He hasn’t been sleeping well at night, constantly concerned for you. Even if just for his sake, you must treasure your health.”

Her words were gentle and elegant, exceptionally comforting.

No wonder she has been so favored for many years.

Consort Ru’s beautiful, slender eyebrows furrowed slightly. She added, ”Just now, we heard you had a scare over here. His Majesty was overcome with worry and rushed over immediately.”

At the mention of this, Emperor Muwu’s expression quickly turned cold.

He turned to face Zhao Hanguang and demanded icily, ”Zhao Hanguang! I specifically instructed you to organize this polo match well. Is this what you spent months preparing to present to me?! It seems you no longer wish to hold your position as the Minister of the Ministry of Rites!”

The color drained from Zhao Hanguang’s lips. He kowtowed heavily.

”Your Majesty, please forgive me! I... I truly don’t know what happened!”

Seeing Emperor Muwu’s immense anger, Xiao Chengxuan’s eyes flickered. He stepped forward to persuade him, ”Father, this incident happened suddenly, and it’s impossible to determine whose fault it is right away. Zhao Hanguang was in charge of the entire polo match, so having him investigate would be the fastest way.”

Emperor Muwu’s brows were tightly furrowed; he did not relent.

”The Second Prince is right,” Shen Yanchuan suddenly spoke up from the side. ”Mr. Zhao has always been meticulous and rigorous. Given his nature, he would have personally overseen even the selection of the horses. Logically, a situation like this shouldn’t have occurred. Perhaps there’s a misunderstanding, or perhaps it was just an accident. I ask Your Majesty to reconsider.”

A flash of surprise crossed Xiao Chengxuan’s eyes. He never would have thought Shen Yanchuan would actually speak up for Zhao Hanguang.

On second thought, however, it seemed quite normal. Zhao Hanguang had a good reputation, and he also had some dealings with the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. It wasn’t entirely impossible for Shen Yanchuan to stand up at a time like this.

Indeed, after hearing Shen Yanchuan’s words, Emperor Muwu paused, seemingly in thought.

Unexpectedly, however, the next moment, Emperor Muwu called out, ”Feng Zhang!”

Feng Zhang, who had been trying to remain invisible since arriving, was startled to hear his name. But he reacted instantly and stepped forward. ”I am here!”

”Go and check the condition of that horse!” Emperor Muwu commanded, his face grim.

Feng Zhang was shocked. He immediately guessed the Emperor’s thoughts—’He thinks there’s something wrong with the horse!?’

Everyone else was stunned as well, not expecting Emperor Muwu to dispatch Feng Zhang to investigate on the spot.

Feng Zhang cupped his fist. ”Yes!”

After speaking, he turned and walked toward the edge of the field. Fortunately, the horse hadn’t been led away yet.

But Zhao Hanguang’s heart had already sunk.

’His Majesty isn’t letting me investigate. He clearly doesn’t trust me anymore!’

’This... this...’

Xiao Chengxuan’s expression also stiffened for a moment before quickly returning to normal.

’It’s fine if Father wants to investigate. A clear inspection on the spot could conveniently clear Zhao Hanguang of suspicion.’

’But even so, since the Eldest Princess was involved today, a harsh punishment is probably unavoidable...’

Feng Zhang quickly reached the horse, took the reins, and began his inspection.

The entire venue fell silent.

Ye Chutang watched, her eyes narrowing slightly.

She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows at Ye Yunfeng, who had just returned.

’Did you notice anything wrong with that horse earlier?’

Ye Yunfeng gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

’Does my sister also suspect something is wrong with the horse?’

Ye Chutang withdrew her gaze, her peripheral vision sweeping lightly over Han Tong.

He was looking down, his hands clenched into tight fists.

’He’s nervous.’