Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 612 - 610

Chapter 612: Chapter 610

Xiao Fuzi was a eunuch serving the Sixth Prince, a fact known by all who circulated within the Imperial Court.

Thus, when Xiao Fuzi went to buy walnuts, anyone with a rational mind would guess that he was acting on orders from the Sixth Prince.

To seize walnuts from Xiao Fuzi? Wasn’t that deliberately challenging the Sixth Prince?

The Third Prince’s face darkened upon hearing these words. He hadn’t consulted the calendar before visiting his father today, how could he have coincidentally run into Shangguan Xuanyi! He had just told his father that he had spent two days exploring Wenwan Street and finally found this pair of Walnut Kings.

Now that Shangguan Xuanyi had revealed the truth, wasn’t he exposed! Not only had he bought a pair of worm-eaten walnuts, but he had also deceived the emperor. His father was likely to despise him even more! The Third Prince glanced at the emperor, indeed, the emperor had lowered his gaze, which meant he was unhappy.

The emperor’s expression hadn’t changed much. But as a neglected son, his years-long habit was to watch and observe. He could easily detect his father’s pleasure and displeasure through his actions and eyes.

"You brothers should help each other and stop competing, just as it is said: when the clam and the swan fight, the fisherman wins! I don’t want to see such an incident happen again! Also, pay more attention to the matter of welcoming the prince from the Eastern Jin Dynasty. I’m too weak at the moment! I’m a little tired. Third Prince, you may retire. Sixth Prince, what did you come to see me for?" The emperor waved his hand, signaling the Third Prince to leave.

The Third Prince respectfully bowed his head and withdrew.

Once the footsteps of the Third Prince faded away, the emperor immediately got up from the dragon bed and sat back down at his desk, instructing the eunuch to bring out the half-peeled green-skinned walnut, continuing his task of peeling the skin.

"Yi’er, what’s the matter?"

Shangguan Xuanyi told the emperor about his discovery at the blacksmith’s shop.

The emperor nodded his head: "I know, investigate this slowly, I’m in no hurry."

These days, when he didn’t have to attend early court sessions and could sleep till he naturally woke up, were exceptionally comfortable.

Shangguan Xuanyi really wanted to roll his eyes: Of course someone who doesn’t have anything to do every day isn’t in a hurry!

And he had so many things he wanted to do himself, how could he not be anxious?

"Why did you suddenly go to the blacksmith’s shop?"

"The blacksmith’s shop receives part of its funds from Marquis Shengping Mansion. The Lady of Rui’an County went to the blacksmith’s shop to get farming tools, and I went with her."

"Why did the Lady of Rui’an County go to the blacksmith’s shop to get farming tools?" The emperor peeled the green-skinned walnut as he casually chatted with his son.

"Marquis Shengping plans to take his young daughter to harvest rice, to let her know that food doesn’t come easy."

On hearing this, the emperor’s eyes brightened. He had been idle lately, why not take Yao’er and go experience the joy of farming together!

"Inform Marquis Shengping, I will also take my son with me to experience the joy of farming!"

"Father, aren’t you supposed to be recovering from your illness? It’s inappropriate to leave the palace!"

His own father going to Marquis Shengping’s house to harvest rice, wasn’t that a trouble for the Marquis? Most importantly, it was trouble for that girl! He could already picture her bustling around, personally cooking to entertain him.

"I’m not going to your home, so why do you look so displeased?" The emperor looked up at Shangguan Xuanyi and saw his headache-stricken face.

"My son thinks it’s best for you to stay in the palace, to avoid any unexpected problems and to waste all previous efforts," Shangguan Xuanyi responded.

"At worst, I won’t pretend anymore and will continue attending morning court." The emperor said carelessly upon hearing this.

Shangguan Xuanyi: Is it good to have such a capricious father?

"Father, if you want to experience the joy of farming, it’s not necessary to go to the villa of Marquis Shengping. That way, there’s a high chance you’ll be discovered." Shangguan Xuanyi tried hard to find excuses to dissuade his father.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I’m almost mouldy from being in this bedroom all day. If I don’t go out for some fresh air, even if I’m not ill now, I’d probably get sick from boredom! That’s it, the matter is settled! If you object any more, I’ll recuperate at Marquis Shengping’s house!"

Humph, don’t think I can’t see through his little thoughts! They say girls are extroverted! If I hadn’t seen him taking a bath when he was a child, I would have thought he was cross-dressing!

At these words, Shangguan Xuanyi promptly shut his mouth.

"What else did you come to see me about?" Seeing his son’s constipated expression, the emperor felt unreasonably more cheerful.

"Nothing more." Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t want to talk.

"You came just for these trifling matters? Next time don’t bother me, I’m busy! Don’t obstruct me! Especially when I’m at Marquis Shengping’s place! Now leave at once, I need to peel walnuts! Remember to bring back the memorials on the case table in the imperial study to review!"

Shangguan Xuanyi: ...

Who does this kingdom really belong to? He works his heart and soul for what, he doesn’t want to be the emperor!

Shangguan Xuanyi stood up expressionlessly and left.

As he exited the palace gates, the Third Prince was waiting there. Seeing Shangguan Xuanyi coming out, he approached him: "Shangguan Xuanyi, you did it on purpose!"

"Yes." Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t even open his mouth wide. He made a sound from his throat, then walked past him and continued on his way.

Third Prince: ...

Shouldn’t he say "I don’t know what you’re talking about"?

Before he could say anything, what was he agreeing to?

Fresh out of Zichen Palace, as he walked and thought, he felt extremely unsatisfied. Finally, he couldn’t hold back:

"You deliberately had Xiao Fuzi drive up the price of the Walnut King and intentionally revealed to our father about our dispute over the walnuts, right?" The Third Prince stepped forward, blocking his path.

"Yes." Shangguan Xuanyi sidestepped his outstretched hand and moved towards his carriage.

"Hold on, I’m not done." The Third Prince rushed up and grabbed Shangguan Xuanyi, who was about to mount his horse.

Not until now did Shangguan Xuanyi really look at him: "Yes, I did it on purpose. I even purposely made the walnut worm-eaten, how about it? Do you have any other questions? Our father asked me to go back and review the memorials. I don’t have time to chat here."

Even the worm-eaten walnut was his plot? The Third Prince was shocked at first upon hearing this, then disbelieving.

That walnut was perfectly green. How could he possibly know there were worms inside! Moreover, the inside of that walnut was hollow, proving it had been worm-eaten for more than a day or two. How could Shangguan Xuanyi possibly have clairvoyant abilities, knowing he would arrange someone to spy on Marquis Shengping’s mansion, and then premeditate a worm-infested walnut to harm him.

Was he implying that he was creating a fuss over nothing?

Shangguan Xuanyi had no inclination to entertain the Third Prince’s thoughts. Seizing the moment of his distraction, he swiftly left.

Recently, he’s been nearly overwhelmed with work. He only wants to quickly resolve the matters at hand, then the emperor can hopefully recover soon, so he can finally have time to prepare for his wedding.

Otherwise, at this rate, he wondered whether he’d still be able to get married next year.

With each passing day, the paddies turned more and more yellow. On a night of pouring rain, an inconspicuous carriage quietly left the palace gate and headed towards Marquis Shengping’s mansion.