The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 701: Chapter 700: Who Is the Master

Prince Zhuang laughed heartily: ”I was merely speaking in jest. Why take it so seriously? Mr. Gongyang, there’s no need to be so worried!”

He understood, of course, that Mr. Gongyang was telling him it’s normal for nobles in the Capital City to frequent places of renown. If no one visits, it’s not that he’s safer, but rather a sign of his incompetence, unable to draw people who come attracted by reputation.

However, if the visits of nobles cause suspicion of his loyalty, it will dishearten talented individuals.

In Mr. Gongyang’s heart, there will surely be estrangement, and then he won’t be able to wholeheartedly plan for him.

Prince Zhuang believed he was adept at manipulating human intentions. Except for rushing and exposing flaws in the assassination of Huangfu Jingchen, everything previous had been meticulous and thoroughly planned!

But the urgency in the assassination of Huangfu Jingchen was due to his desire to eliminate that person, who was dividing his destiny, from living on, and because Mr. Gongyang told him he had only three days, he acted hastily.

Now thinking back, acting in haste indeed left endless consequences!

Gongyang Puyu sincerely said: ”Your Highness is right; as I have pledged my allegiance, I should act more discreetly. Moreover, those seeking me are not here to discuss philosophy with me!”

In satisfaction, Prince Zhuang laughed more warmly, expressing his camaraderie: ”It’s good that both of us are sincere and understanding of each other’s intentions. If you were to suddenly close your doors to guests, it would only arouse suspicion. Continue as usual. Would I ever doubt you, Mr. Gongyang?”

Gongyang Puyu’s heart felt a chill, yet he maintained a respectful demeanor: ”Thank you, Your Highness, for your trust. With your reassurance, I am most fortunate!”

Prince Zhuang personally poured tea and handed it over: ”Please enjoy the tea, Mr. Gongyang!”

”Thank you, Your Highness!”

Prince Zhuang also picked up his cup to drink, and through his dark eyes, occasional flashes were visible. He couldn’t help but ask: ”Mr. Gongyang, I wonder what the Second Young Master from Prince Liang Mansion discussed when he came to chat with you?”

Gongyang Puyu leisurely took a sip of tea, with an expression that was serene and detached, exuding the air of a transcendent, neither haughty nor servile, neither sorrowful nor joyful.

This added more respect in Prince Zhuang’s heart!

A person like this, free from desires yet willing to pledge allegiance, can only be because he is that destined one!

Gongyang Puyu put down his teacup and finally looked at Prince Zhuang, saying: ”The Second Young Master from Prince Liang Mansion came to inquire about destiny!”

Prince Zhuang was taken aback, almost spilling his tea.

Typically unfazed in his emotions, this slight shake brought him back, staring at Gongyang Puyu: ”How did you respond, Mr. Gongyang?”

A murderous intent emerged within him, inquire about destiny?

Huangfu Yuxuan is indeed ambitious, daring to ask about destiny?

The purpose of asking about destiny is clear, isn’t it?

Gongyang Puyu slowly said: ”The Second Young Master from Prince Liang Mansion came to ask about the destiny for Prince Liang. What destiny is left for a dethroned Crown Prince? I had no desire to offer mere rhetoric. Yet, that Second Young Master showed intelligence; despite his disappointment, he maintained his composure and praised my profound insights and foresight!”

Prince Zhuang felt refreshed, as if drinking iced water on a hot summer day, invigorating to the core.

Furthermore, since Huangfu Yuxuan was asking on behalf of Prince Liang, not for himself, it made Prince Zhuang feel a bit better. Although Prince Liang is a dethroned Crown Prince, he is still the Eldest Prince!

Noble or lowly, depends on the father’s whim!

The dethroned can be restored; no matter how favored, one could turn into a fallen figure overnight.

Gongyang Puyu calmly continued: ”Prince Li also came to chat with me, but His Highness was more mature, asking about the same matters as the Second Young Master from Prince Liang Mansion, yet much more vaguely!”

Prince Zhuang laughed hearing this, feeling like a victor surveying the sordid plots of the petty individuals beneath him, filled with satisfaction and the joy of having everything under control.

Gongyang Puyu also mentioned the attempts of Prince Lu’s son and Prince Xin’s son to engage with him, which Prince Zhuang found not surprising.

He chuckled: ”It seems the Capital City is bustling with excitement!” Could the so-called conjunction of five stars be these individuals or those behind them?

Yet, Gongyang Puyu shook his head and smiled: ”Destiny is important, but they fail to realize that even if astrology gives indications, the person must match the position with virtue! If one is not like Your Highness, who is incredibly talented and ambitious, what would astrology signify for them? If predictions alone could grant success, why would anyone need strategy and planning?”

He even snorted lightly, saying: ”Prince Liang once had astrological and noble destiny, prosperity coming from the east, years as Crown Prince, yet lack of virtue led him to lose it all, drawing only ridicule.”

Prince Zhuang’s smile froze momentarily, his gaze deepening slightly.

He too had prosperity coming from the east, reigning in the Eastern Palace, now relocated back to Prince Zhuang Mansion, downgrading from Prince to Commandery Prince! Did Mr. Gongyang’s words have a barb for him?

Gongyang Puyu actually realized that his previous words had unintentionally struck Prince Zhuang’s sore spot, but as a transcendent sage, he couldn’t easily apologize. Besides, though he verbally recognized Prince Zhuang as his chosen lord, his heart favored another, so he didn’t feel inclined to apologize to Prince Zhuang.

Yet, he smoothly transitioned, saying: ”Prince Liang lacks wisdom and talent, whereas Your Highness harbors ambitions for the realm, albeit temporarily unlucky, but the day you soar dragon-like to great heights can be expected soon!”

This sentence instantly healed Prince Zhuang, though he still pondered the matter of the five stars aligned, asking: ”Regarding the five stars, does Mr. Gongyang have guidance for me?”

Gongyang Puyu slowly said: ”Five stars shine together, but the heavens have only one master, and the nation cannot have two rulers. So despite apparent astrological chaos, there’s no need for fear. Currently, as primary and secondary forces aren’t determined, remain cautiously inactive. I will monitor the astrological changes and inform Your Highness promptly! Once the primary and secondary are distinguished, Your Highness can take action accordingly!”

Prince Zhuang offered a formal salute, his demeanor extremely earnest: ”For Your efforts and meticulous strategy for me, I shall not disappoint you in the future!”

Gongyang Puyu quickly stood to return the salute, saying: ”For Your Highness to bestow such honor upon me, I hardly deserve it!”

He seemed to pause in contemplation and hesitation, adding: ”There is a discovery, uncertain if I should speak of it!”

In front of Prince Zhuang, Gongyang Puyu always held himself with aloofness and high-mindedness, like a person above worldly concerns, yet seeing him hesitant like this, Prince Zhuang couldn’t help but become curious: ”What matter troubles you, Mr. Gongyang?”

Gongyang Puyu slowly said: ”Your Highness asked about the Second Young Master from Prince Liang Mansion. What I am about to discuss is related to this young master. I heard he is infatuated with a woman from Jianghu, who is entangled with Prince Cheng’s Heir. The two have exhibited jealousy and rivalry. Yesterday, while I was outside the city collecting herbs, I happened to witness someone abducting that Jianghu woman and confining her to a manor!”ℴℴ𝘮