The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 768 - 768 357 Arrogant Protection (One More Update)_2

Chapter 768: 357 Arrogant Protection (One More Update)_2 Chapter 768: 357 Arrogant Protection (One More Update)_2 However, it was the Minister of Finance who had just moved the chair for the Duke of Xuanping that spoke, “A few months ago, there was a rumor in the Capital City that the new top scholar resembled the late young lord of Zhaodu. In response, the Duke of Xuanping once went to…”

Halfway through, the Minister of Finance realized he had almost misspoke. Being an official, he should not criticize the emperor in front of his colleagues and the Hanlin Academy Officials.

He coughed slightly and changed his wording to: “He specifically went to see him.”

He was referring to the incident when the Duke of Xuanping got up early to show his support for Xiao Liulang during the Palace Examination day.

This incident had once been heatedly discussed, causing many to believe that Xiao Liulang attained the title of top scholar through inappropriate means, attributing his success to the relationship with the Duke of Xuanping.

“So, it’s because Mr. Xiao looks like his own deceased son…” murmured one finance official.

Everyone present was taken aback, roughly understanding why the Duke of Xuanping came to visit Xiao Liulang.

“How could it be such a coincidence that Xiao Liulang, not injured earlier or later, gets hurt as soon as the Duke of Xuanping arrives? And then he had to be carried all the way back…” mumbled another.

These words implied that Xiao Liulang was being manipulative, intentionally trying to gain the Duke Xuanping’s sympathy.

“I really didn’t see that coming. He’s actually that kind of person.”

“How did you not see it? Have you all forgotten how he’s been winning over the villagers these days? His cunningness, even a horse couldn’t catch up!”

“Shh, keep your voice down, don’t let the Duke of Xuanping hear you, or we’ll be in trouble!”

“Break it up!”

The Prince of An did not join their discussion. He knew that Xiao Liulang had gone to the mountains to gather herbs, but as for why he was injured and how he ran into the Duke of Xuanping, he had no idea.

He went to join Wuyang. He would likely have to squeeze into a bed with Wuyang tonight.

Inside the shed, the Duke of Xuanping quickly took off Xiao Liulang’s shirt. When he tried to remove Xiao Liulang’s pants, Xiao Liulang tensed up, insisting that he wouldn’t let him do it.

The Duke of Xuanping frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“You should go out. I’ll do it myself,” Xiao Liulang said.

The Duke of Xuanping examined him up and down, laughing, “In this state, do you still have the energy?”

If Xiao Liulang had the energy, his shirt wouldn’t have been taken off. His grip on his belt now was more of a sign of refusal in his eyes rather than physical resistance.

The Duke of Xuanping said, “You’re my son, what haven’t I seen? When you were little, you used to run around the yard with your bare bottom…” He glanced at Xiao Liulang’s pants, “I’m telling you, I’ve not only seen it, but I’ve also spanked it!”

Xiao Liulang, who wished thunder would strike the duke, exclaimed, “…!!”

The tub and hot water were ready. The Duke of Xuanping didn’t call anyone in, but brought in the big wooden tub and hot water himself.

Xiao Liulang was struggling with his belt, lacking the energy to undo it. Annoyed, the Duke of Xuanping simply threw him directly into the hot water.

It seemed the rain had dispelled all the heat of recent days, bringing a touch of early autumn chill. Xiao Liulang’s body was ice cold until he steeped in the hot water and gradually warmed up.

While Xiao Liulang was bathing in the shed, the Duke of Xuanping went to fetch water, planning on taking a cold shower and then changing his clothes in the carriage.

He wasn’t familiar with this place, only vaguely remembering that a big group of people had come out from the largest shed. Perhaps, that’s where water could be fetched.

He went to the shed that served as the main room and the office.

Everyone was there, including Lord Gu. The large pile of food that Lord Gu had brought from the capital city was also there, filling the room with an alluring aroma of meat and pastries.

Everyone looked astonished at the Duke of Xuanping, with a look of helplessness on their faces.

The Duke of Xuanping soon realized after a quick glance. He had thought the gathered crowd was discussing important matters, but it turned out that they were feasting instead.

The Minister of Finance asked, “Would Lord Xiao care for something to eat? These are all brought by Lord Gu from the Capital City.”

The Duke of Xuanping looked at Lord Gu inside and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Everyone was here, except for his son-in-law, Xiao Liulang.

Fine, very good.

Lord Gu was unaware of the connection between Duke of Xuanping and Xiao Liulang. He was puzzled as to how the Duke of Xuanping ended up with that poor lad, and then he met the intimidating gaze of the Duke of Xuanping.

His heart involuntarily skipped a beat.

The rain stopped in the second half of the night, and the next day was a sunny one. As dawn approached, the sky was clear as a wash, and the air was filled with the scent of damp soil and flowers refreshed by the rain.

With the flood relief and farming tasks successfully completed, everyone packed their belongings, planned to eat something casually, and then set off to return to the capital.

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