Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 1310: Final - Ending One

Chapter 1310: Final Chapter Ending One

Mo Yan returned safely, and the joy and excitement within the Mo Family were beyond words. After the mountain road was destroyed, Leituo and Weiya relaxed their vigilance as they reached the end of the path, but before they could celebrate, they were ambushed by the thousands of troops previously stationed by Xiao Ruiyuan.

The two sides engaged in fierce combat at the entrance of the mountain path. After the Uto People exhausted their last dozen or so pieces of gunpowder, resulting in heavy casualties, they were outnumbered and subsequently captured by Xiao Ruiyuan’s forces. They were escorted back to Jing City that very night and confined in the Ministry of Justice’s Prison. After a casualty count was conducted, it was confirmed that not a single person had escaped.

The next morning at the Imperial court, Emperor Huian rewarded Xiao Ruiyuan in front of all the civil and military officials. The array of treasures bestowed was enough to make even treasure-accustomed Ministers green with envy. Especially the genuine and earnest encouragement from Emperor Huian to Xiao Ruiyuan made it clear to everyone that General Xiao’s imperial favor was still strong and his trust from the monarch had not waned.

Many realized retrospectively that Xiao Ruiyuan’s earlier reprimand by Emperor Huian might just have been a ruse for the Uto spectators. Considering this possibility, some were instantly sweating with fear, reflecting on whether they might have kicked Xiao Ruiyuan when he was down.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s loyalty to the country remained unshaken by the Uto spies’ machinations, and he managed to entrap all Uto operatives in one fell swoop. His contributions were no less significant than winning a great battle, hence the substantial reward.

In doing so, Emperor Huian not only rewarded the meritorious official but also secured the loyalty of his people. Many were now rubbing their hands in eagerness to perform noteworthy deeds to be promoted and provide for their wives.

Walking out from the court with a smile, Emperor Huian’s expression turned exceedingly grim once he returned to the Imperial study. Amid the trembling eunuchs, he ordered a visit to the former Mansion of Prince Heng, where Chu Ye, once Prince but now dethroned and confined, was brought to the Imperial study.

Meanwhile, in the Prince’s Mansion, Xiao Ruiyuan and Chu Heng, the cousins, were merrily toasting each other.

"Hanzhang, capturing all the Uto People in one move and uncovering the person behind the scenes, your achievements are immense. Cousin, I toast to you," said Chu Heng, raising his glass filled with wine, his tone sincere in gratitude.

"Without the Emperor and cousin’s cooperation, Hanzhang wouldn’t have been able to capture these people or save Yanyan. I should be toasting to you," replied Xiao Ruiyuan, lifting his glass in return before downing the contents in one gulp.

Seeing this, Chu Heng shook his head helplessly and drained his glass, "Father and I simply played along with your plan; you and Hejia are the real contributors. Especially Hejia, her contributions are the greatest. If not for concerns over her reputation, the Emperor would surely have rewarded her handsomely."

Concerned for Mo Yan’s reputation, at the request of Xiao Ruiyuan and Chu Heng, Emperor Huian did not disclose that Mo Yan was kidnapped by the Uto People to threaten Xiao Ruiyuan, merely stating that the Uto People harbored treacherous intentions, aiming to corrupt Xiao Ruiyuan, with their vile ambitions glaringly obvious.

"No, the Emperor considering Yanyan’s reputation is more valuable than any reward. On her behalf, Hanzhang also thanks cousin for your plea," said Xiao Ruiyuan as he poured another round of drinks, offering another toast to Chu Heng.

Chu Heng, half-amused and half-frustrated, joked, "When I arranged this banquet to thank you, it was intended for my gratitude towards you. Now it seems you are thanking me instead! If you truly wish to thank me, don’t just reoffer my own gifts; that’s insincere. How about this, someday visit the Mo Family and have Hejia personally prepare a feast to formally express your thanks, how about that?"

The food from the Mo Family was extraordinary; despite not having as many varieties as the royal chefs, their ability to create the tastiest dishes from the most common ingredients warranted admiration. After enjoying it twice, Chu Heng craved more, but as the Crown Prince, it was inappropriate to constantly freeload off someone else’s table. Moreover, with the demands of public duties, he rarely had a justifiable excuse to visit.

Xiao Ruiyuan glanced at his cousin, who was full of anticipation, and decisively steered the conversation away, "I wonder, this time, how the Emperor plans to handle him?"

The previously harmonious and cheerful atmosphere was completely shattered by those words. Chu Heng set down his wine glass, his smile fading, "There are only two possible outcomes: either overlook the incident or offer a cup of poisoned wine. Regardless of which one, the final result will remain the same."

Chu Heng believed he had been tolerant enough towards Chu Ye, although he had long hoped for his demise, he had never acted on it. This time, Chu Ye had dug his own grave once again, and Chu Heng was no longer inclined to let him off. If Emperor Huian chose to overlook the matter, he would have to take matters into his own hands to avoid future troubles.

Xiao Ruiyuan undeniably understood Chu Heng. Hearing the murderous intent in his tone, he shook his head and said, "He has crossed the line with his actions. This time, the Emperor is unlikely to spare him. Cousin, there is no need to be hasty."

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