novelraw Chapter 431 - 322: Courtesy Name
Chapter 431 - 322: Courtesy Name
Rong Jing paid no attention to Gu Lan, who had fallen to the ground. He sat back on the White Jade Dragon Chair, clutching his head, and let out a painful, suppressed howl.
The three shadows beside him made no reaction, as if they were long accustomed to their master’s occasional madness.
Rong Jing trembled as he raised his head. In his blurred vision, he saw himself from over a decade ago.
He also saw the young Rong Heng from that time.
That day was Wu’s birthday.
Inside the Yongming Palace, the lights were blazing brightly. The familiar dark-golden Taotie Incense Tripod was placed in the center of the grand hall. The opulent and luxurious decorations around, the phoenix robe, the gold hairpins, all highlighted the noble status of the Queen.
As the Crown Prince, Rong Jing respectfully kneeled before Su Xinyu, who was still the Empress, his head lowered, hiding the dark emotions in his eyes.
Beside him and Su Xinyu stood Prime Minister Su Wenzhong.
"Ningzhou recorder Chen Xiaqiu was originally a trusted aide of Shouli. Since Your Highness was ordered to investigate his embezzlement as the Crown Prince, you should either eradicate the Chen Family in Ningzhou with decisive force or shift all blame to Chen Xiaqiu, letting him resolve it himself... But what did Your Highness do? You were too reckless."
In Su Wenzhong’s hand was the latest intelligence report.
Though his words were respectful, his tone carried a touch of mentor-like admonishment.
"You had not gathered concrete evidence of Chen Xiaqiu’s embezzlement before killing him directly. Now, his son has come to file a complaint, accusing you of dereliction as the Crown Prince. Your Highness, your actions were imprudent."
Rong Jing raised his head, a sense of urgency different from usual in his eyes, and forcefully explained:
"Chen Xiaqiu was exploiting and oppressing the common people in Ningzhou. When I arrived at his mansion, he was harassing a young girl barely in her teens. Such a villain, could it be that I was wrong in killing him?"
Su Wenzhong’s expression stiffened, seemingly not expecting Rong Jing to speak so bluntly. He considered his words as he replied:
"I dare not question Your Highness’s decisions, but Your Highness, everything must be considered from the broader perspective. Did you investigate the girl? I did; she was a servant from the Chen Mansion, and Chen Xiaqiu was also her benefactor. It is possible she was willing... Alas, Your Highness is benevolent; it’s my fault for speaking out of turn. I merely hope that, in future actions, Your Highness will plan thoroughly before acting."
Rong Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of murderous intent flickering within them.
Who did Su Wenzhong think he was? Just because he was the Empress’s brother, he assumed he could act as the Imperial Tutor of Dayan, daring to point fingers at him.
He couldn’t help but glance at the time scale on the side of the grand hall, inadvertently revealing his impatience:
"Thank you for the guidance, Prime Minister. I understand. I will handle Chen Xiaqiu’s complaining son appropriately, ensuring he doesn’t implicate Su Shouli or jeopardize the Prime Minister’s affairs... Mother, may I leave now?"
As soon as Rong Jing finished speaking, he realized he had made a mistake.
He was too eager—
His mother despised any display of emotions that were unbefitting of a perfect Crown Prince.
Her most frequent criticism was that he should be as composed as his father was when he was young, showing neither joy nor anger.
Rong Jing closed his eyes. As expected, the next moment, Su Xinyu fiercely grabbed his collar, pulling him towards her.
Her crimson-stained fingers were pale and slender, brushing over Rong Jing’s gaunt jaw, exuding a chilling aura.
She spoke indifferently, "Brother, withdraw. I have matters to discuss with the Crown Prince."
Su Wenzhong gave Rong Jing a glance, then clasped his hands and retreated, "This old minister takes his leave."
As soon as he left, Su Xinyu impatiently raised her hand.
"Mother!" Rong Jing’s eyes showed coldness; his voice was sharp, carrying the authority of a Crown Prince, "I am the Crown Prince; I must attend court tomorrow!"
Su Xinyu’s raised hand hung in the air without falling on Rong Jing’s face.
Her chest heaved with anger. She threw him to the ground and swept a vase from the table, shattering it, then picked up a nearby pair of gold incense picking tongs:
"Do you think I don’t know you’re in such a hurry to return to the palace to celebrate that brat’s birthday? Zhongxu, you truly disappoint me! You will kneel here, kneel until nightfall, kneel until you understand."
Rong Jing kneeled on the ground, fingers clenching tightly, nails digging into his flesh.
Zhongxu, he once hoped his mother would call him by his courtesy name to signify closeness, but not under such circumstances.
Rong Jing looked at Su Xinyu’s back, his voice filled with pleading: