The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Agree to His Terms

Huangfu Yuxuan overturned the table, and he almost wanted to bring up the assassination plot against the Crown Prince that had been planned but not completed. This father of his, how could he have such a foolish father?

This kind of foolishness and ignorance had cost the Crown Prince his position.

Although the Holy Decree had been issued, the inauguration of the Crown Prince was no small affair and required the selection of an auspicious day.

At that time, the Crown Prince would don ceremonial attire, receive the seal, and accept the homage of many ministers, only then would the ceremony be considered complete. Afterwards, he would move into the Eastern Palace and become the Crown Prince.

The auspicious day was three days away, and the current Crown Prince was merely the Crown Prince-to-be!

The next evening, Huangfu Yuxuan received news from the Hidden Guard.

He changed into a different set of clothes, and under the cover of night, went once more to the villa where he had previously met Gongyang Puyu.

Gongyang Puyu was still dressed in the same attire, but at this moment, he sat in front of a table, leisurely making tea.

The water on the stove was boiling and steaming hot. Gongyang Puyu’s fingers, like bamboo joints, methodically washed the tea leaves and poured the water.

Huangfu Yuxuan stood at the door, without immediately entering. He wore dark clothes, his back to the light, casting a faint shadow that elongated, making his expression appear obscure and unclear.

Gongyang Puyu smiled slightly, exuding the aura of a man of virtue, his voice clear and composed, and said, ”Second Young Master, you have arrived just in time, the tea is just ready, please sit!”

Huangfu Yuxuan walked over, lifted his robe, and sat down.

Gongyang Puyu poured two cups of tea from the pot, the tea in the White Jade cup was clear green with a rich fragrance. Huangfu Yuxuan brought the cup to his nose and sniffed lightly, the white jade was smooth and exceptionally beautiful. He said leisurely, ”Mister sent someone to meet me, is there any new discovery?”

Gongyang Puyu glanced at him once. The man in front of him had a face like a jade crown and the good lineage of the Imperial Family, inherently noble, appearing gentle and courteous. But he knew very clearly just how big the ambition of the person in front of him was, how ruthless the means, and how harsh his actions.

He smiled and said, ”The situation in the court has changed again, which is very unfavorable for you. Yet you remain as calm as a refreshing breeze and a bright moon, which truly makes this poor Taoist admire you!”

Huangfu Yuxuan slightly furrowed his brows, his eyes deepened, but his expression remained calm, saying, ”So, that Uncle Zhuang of mine, the emerging noble of the court, the prospective Crown Prince, has already approached you?”

The hand that was tasting tea paused for a moment, Gongyang Puyu looked up in surprise and said, ”Second Young Master already knows?”

Huangfu Yuxuan’s smile was icy: ”Then congratulations, sir, for being valued by the rising stars, your future is limitless!”

He was merely speculating based on Gongyang Puyu’s attitude.

Gongyang Puyu froze, hurriedly put down the cup, stood up, and performed a Taoist salute towards Huangfu Yuxuan, solemnly saying: ”Second Young Master misunderstands, although I am a man of the outside world, I hold the position of Director of the Astronomical Bureau, which makes me part of the world. A loyal minister does not serve two masters; a chaste woman does not serve two husbands. This principle, this poor Taoist understands. If I had the intention of seeking allegiance elsewhere, why would I candidly tell you, Second Young Master? Since I have recognized you as my master, we will share in honor and disgrace. Please, Second Young Master, see clearly!”

Huangfu Yuxuan said nothing, sipping his tea slowly.

The fragrance of the tea was extraordinarily pure as it entered his mouth.

The less he spoke, the less Gongyang Puyu could discern his thoughts. His expression became increasingly respectful.

Gongyang Puyu had great confidence in his Stargazing Method. Since his stargazing determined that Huangfu Yuxuan was the true dragon master, who was the Crown Prince now didn’t matter at all.

Even though Prince Zhuang had become the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t be swayed. The Crown Prince was not the Emperor! Prince Liang remained the Crown Prince for forty years and was still deposed, wasn’t he? The current Prince Zhuang hadn’t even completed the Prince’s ceremony yet.

He had just been testing Huangfu Yuxuan’s attitude earlier.

He hadn’t expected that, despite his young age, Huangfu Yuxuan had such deep scheming, and his attempt at testing had been swiftly noticed, now serving as a subtle warning!

Having recognized his master, Gongyang Puyu adjusted his position, remaining in the ceremonial posture until Huangfu Yuxuan gave word.

Once Huangfu Yuxuan finished his tea, he set down the cup, looked up with a smile, and said: ”Mister, it was just a joke, you took it too seriously. Since you recognize me as your master, I won’t treat you unfairly in the future! Sit, sit! What does my good Imperial Uncle want from you? Feel free to speak!”

Gongyang Puyu breathed a sigh of relief, his back slightly sweaty. This Second Young Master, though yet to sit on the Dragon Court, already possessed the dragon’s might. His choice was not wrong, neither was his stargazing prediction!

He sat back down, diligently refilling the tea for Huangfu Yuxuan, saying: ”The day after tomorrow is the grand ceremony for the new Crown Prince’s inauguration. He inquired if that auspicious date was calculated by this poor Taoist!”

Huangfu Yuxuan replied: ”Very good!”

The meaning of these words was unclear, leaving Gongyang Puyu unsure of his thoughts. He said: ”The Astronomical Bureau’s date selection, there is no need for inquiry. This was merely a pretext.”

Huangfu Yuxuan replied: ”Very good!”

With the same response, Gongyang Puyu spoke about the second matter: ”He made gestures of goodwill towards me and subtly hinted; since I didn’t know your arrangements, Second Young Master, I neither accepted nor rejected!”

Huangfu Yuxuan sipped his tea lightly, saying: ”Very good!”

Those same two words again.

Gongyang Puyu cautiously asked: ”What does the Second Young Master mean?”

”Agree to him!”

”Second Young Master?”

Huangfu Yuxuan glanced at him: ”Naturally, feign agreement. Prince Zhuang is cunning and shrewd, more difficult to fathom than Prince Li. He doesn’t spend much time in the Capital City, and I also can’t plant my people by his side. Now, it’s good that he approached you; if he makes any moves, I’ll have an additional informant!”

Gongyang Puyu took the opportunity to flatter: ”Young Master is wise, this poor Taoist understands! Next time Prince Zhuang comes, I shall agree to him!”

Huangfu Yuxuan shook his head, with a faint smile: ”You haven’t understood. Your capabilities are known only to me currently. Uncle Zhuang’s approach is at best half skeptical. Even if you agree next time, he won’t value you much. Thus, you need something!”

”What thing?”

”A pledge of allegiance!”

Gongyang Puyu understood what that meant—just like when he had given a pledge to Huangfu Yuxuan. He had obtained the remnants of the Stargazing Method and through deduction and calculation, guessed that Huangfu Yuxuan was the future master of Nanxia. Hence, his pledge was to candidly share his observations.

But since it was a feigned allegiance to Prince Zhuang, naturally these things couldn’t be disclosed to him.

Gongyang Puyu’s eyes rolled, capturing the hint, and he said: ”Please enlighten me, Second Young Master, what kind of pledge should I prepare to make it weighty and beneficial to you?”

Huangfu Yuxuan set down his cup, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, saying indifferently: ”How Prince Zhuang managed to best Prince Li to become the Crown Prince, I’m not sure yet, but I’ll find out eventually. So, tell me, what is Prince Zhuang most worried about now?”