“Young Master Xue, the sedan chair has arrived,” Eunuch Tai’an called from outside.
Supported by Qingya and Qingzhu, Mu Xueshi climbed into the sedan chair with great pomp and ceremony. The Emperor’s attendants, together with the servants from Mu Xueshi’s residence, followed behind as they escorted him toward Taihe Hall.
Sitting alone inside the sedan chair felt extremely awkward to Mu Xueshi. The whole scene reminded him of a young bride being carried to her wedding in a bridal sedan. Why can’t I ride a horse? Mu Xueshi grumbled to himself. If I were riding a tall horse with a red silk sash across my chest, like the top scholar of the military examinations parading through the streets, how impressive would that be?
He let out another sigh. Why does everything feel unsatisfactory lately? Nothing has gone smoothly these past few days. No wonder Qingzhu kept saying that before he had even become an official, he was already sighing all day long.
Resting his chin on one hand inside the sedan chair, Mu Xueshi found his cheeks flushed from the excessive layers of clothing he was wearing. The journey was filled with noise and commotion, but he had no interest in listening and even less courage to lift the curtain and look outside.
The closer they drew to Taihe Hall, the more people there were. Hundreds of officials, along with scattered members of the imperial clan, stood outside the hall in small groups waiting. Some exchanged pleasantries with one another. Others stood alone while surrounded by admirers offering flattering compliments.
The moment Mu Xueshi’s sedan chair appeared, every gaze turned toward it, as though some priceless treasure was hidden inside and even a blink of an eye might diminish its value.
The sedan chair was carried directly into Taihe Hall itself, separated from the hundreds gathered outside. Although Mu Xueshi could not see their expressions, he still felt an immense pressure during the brief moment he passed by them.
Eunuch Tai’an lifted the curtain and helped Mu Xueshi out of the sedan chair before escorting him to a side chamber to wait. The Third Prince and several important princes were already there. The instant Mu Xueshi entered, the room fell silent.
Standing at the doorway, Mu Xueshi felt completely at a loss. Eunuch Tai’an found him a seat, and once Mu Xueshi sat down, he felt every gaze in the room land on him. The hairs on his body immediately stood on end. Who are all these people?
The moment he spotted the Third Prince, he breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the Third Prince was here, he feared nothing. Relaxing a little, he examined the others. There were only five people in total besides himself, and apart from the Third Prince, he actually recognized two of them.
Those two were the Second Prince and Su Ying.
Su Ying sat on the Second Prince’s lap, nibbling on nuts that the Second Prince fed him. His little mouth moved busily, completely oblivious to Mu Xueshi’s presence.
When the Second Prince met Mu Xueshi’s gaze, he smiled lightly. His attitude was fairly friendly, considering that Mu Xueshi had once saved Su Ying’s life.
Out of courtesy, Mu Xueshi smiled back. He also smiled politely at the remaining two princes.
Those princes appeared somewhat flattered, though they awkwardly returned the greeting.
Only the Third Prince was different. When their eyes met, Mu Xueshi felt a force pierce straight through to the depths of his heart. There was not the slightest trace of friendliness or warmth. He could clearly sense the warning and intimidation hidden within that gaze. Though the Third Prince said nothing and revealed no expression, that single look was enough to thoroughly frighten Mu Xueshi.
Su Ying seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere in the room. While continuing to eat the treats offered by the Second Prince, his eyes darted around curiously. Once his attention wandered, he ended up biting the Second Prince’s fingers more often than the nuts.
Before leaving home, the Second Prince had repeatedly warned Su Ying not to cause trouble at Taihe Hall like he had before. Otherwise, his bottom would be thoroughly spanked once they returned. Su Ying had nearly cried from the scolding. Tears had lingered in his eyes until the Second Prince reluctantly softened his tone and coaxed him.
As a result, Su Ying behaved much better today. Partly because of the Second Prince’s warnings, and partly because the Third Prince was present. Whenever Su Ying saw the Third Prince, he became as obedient as a little kitten. He did not even dare look around casually.
Carefully turning his head, Su Ying suddenly spotted Mu Xueshi sitting nearby.
Of course, Mu Xueshi remembered the little troublemaker. Back then, Su Ying had nearly gouged out his eyes, and the memory still made him shudder. However, Mu Xueshi had also gone to considerable lengths to cure the poison in Su Ying’s body afterward. They had developed a certain bond because of that. Seeing Su Ying’s adorable appearance now, Mu Xueshi felt an urge to hug him.
Su Ying’s eyes widened dramatically. He tugged at the Second Prince’s sleeve and pointed toward Mu Xueshi.
Seeing that Su Ying still remembered him, Mu Xueshi was delighted. Instantly forgetting why he was there in the first place, he enthusiastically beckoned the child over.
Su Ying tried to climb off the Second Prince’s lap, but the Second Prince refused to let him go. Struggling to pry away the arm wrapped around him, Su Ying became red-faced with frustration. When the Second Prince still would not release him, he simply burst into loud tears.
The crying exploded through the silent room like a thunderclap, leaving everyone’s ears ringing.
Mu Xueshi glanced at the Third Prince. Seeing no reaction, he cautiously approached the Second Prince.
The moment Su Ying saw Mu Xueshi walking over himself, his crying stopped immediately.
Mu Xueshi was astonished. His affection for the child multiplied several times over. This little fellow is actually so attached to me.
Su Ying stretched out both arms toward Mu Xueshi, clearly intending to go with him. Mu Xueshi crouched down and opened his own arms with a grin. “Little Su Ying, come play with Uncle.”
Su Ying was more than willing. Unfortunately, the Second Prince was not. The gloomy expression and warning look he gave were every bit as intimidating as the Third Prince’s usual treatment of Mu Xueshi.
The Second Prince was still traumatized by the previous incident. It was one thing to offend anyone else, but not the person before him. Who knew how much suffering Su Ying would endure if even a single hair on Mu Xueshi’s head were harmed?
“A… Ma… magic beads…”
Su Ying pointed at Mu Xueshi’s eyes and looked pleadingly at the Second Prince.
The Second Prince shot Mu Xueshi a meaningful look, clearly urging him to leave before any misunderstandings arose.
Mu Xueshi froze in embarrassment. I genuinely thought he remembered me because he liked me. In the end, he still only remembered my eyes…
“A… Ma… magic beads…”
Su Ying repeated himself while secretly glancing at the Third Prince. His little face was filled with caution.
Though helpless, Mu Xueshi still found him unbearably cute. Completely ignoring the Second Prince’s warning gaze, he opened his arms wider and welcomed Su Ying’s embrace.
The standoff between father and son continued for some time. Eventually Su Ying unleashed his ultimate weapon, causing the Second Prince to waver. After observing that the Third Prince had remained silent the entire time, and reasoning that Mu Xueshi probably would not cause trouble at his own investiture ceremony, the Second Prince finally surrendered to his beloved son.
As he watched Mu Xueshi carry Su Ying out of the room, the Second Prince’s expression remained somewhat unpleasant. The Third Prince’s mood was no better. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince, who had been completely ignored the entire time, looked thoroughly disappointed. They had expected Mu Xueshi to be breathtakingly beautiful. Instead, he seemed rather ordinary.
After consulting Eunuch Tai’an at the entrance, Mu Xueshi learned that he was free to wander around inside Taihe Hall as long as he did not leave the building. Immediately relieved, he carried Su Ying around the enormous hall, exploring every corner.
Su Ying was naturally lively and energetic. As for Mu Xueshi, sitting still simply went against his nature. When two people with such similar temperaments came together, it was only natural that they would quickly become close.
Su Ying seemed especially fond of Mu Xueshi’s scent and clung to him stubbornly. By the time Mu Xueshi’s arms grew sore and he tried setting him down, Su Ying immediately began shouting and protesting.
The commotion attracted plenty of attention. The servants inside Taihe Hall noticed, as did many of the officials outside who heard the noise.
Being stared at by everyone inside already made Mu Xueshi’s scalp tingle. Then he caught sight of the massive crowd gathered outside. “Oh my God!”
The startled exclamation nearly caused him to drop Su Ying.
Hearing Mu Xueshi’s cry, Su Ying immediately copied him. Even his expression was imitated perfectly. Mu Xueshi widened his eyes in mock intimidation, but Su Ying only grabbed his face and giggled.
Fortunately, most people failed to recognize him. After a few curious glances, they concluded that this person was hardly the peerless beauty described in the rumors and soon looked elsewhere. Otherwise, Mu Xueshi could not guarantee he would remain there instead of finding an excuse to flee before the ceremony even began.
About a quarter of an hour later, Mu Xueshi was summoned to another empty room to have his appearance adjusted one final time. They intended to return Su Ying to the Second Prince. Unfortunately, the little boy refused. Simply prying him off Mu Xueshi took considerable effort.
As attendants fussed over Mu Xueshi’s clothing and appearance, Su Ying stood nearby blinking quietly, looking exceptionally obedient. The maids dared not tire the Emperor’s precious little grandson, so they brought over a soft stool and had him sit while he waited.
Futile Devices Scans 
Leave a comment