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Chapter 494: The True Qilin
Chapter 494: The True Qilin
In the carriage returning to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, Gongsun Yanming closed his eyes to rest, his mind replaying the scenes of Lu Yuan and Lu Qi's competition in the Jinluan Pavilion.
Lu Yuan's displayed abilities far exceeded his imagination. He had suspected that Lu Yuan wasn't as incompetent as the rumors suggested, but he never expected him to be so capable.
"Xun Prime Minister, I need you to investigate someone for me."
"Who could make the Master of the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion come to the West City in person?"
"The bloodline of the Southwest Qin Wang Mansion."
"Oh? Isn't the Qin Wang Mansion cursed to have no descendants? How is there a bloodline now?"
"It's a long story. This is a portrait of his father. If he's the son, he should look very similar."
"Since the Master of the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion has spoken, I have no reason to stand idly by. Please return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion and wait for my news."
Two months later, he received a message by carrier pigeon from Xun Prime Minister, stating that they couldn't find any young men matching the age and appearance of Lu Zhaoyan.
Not long after, his Di Sha Luo Pan reacted again.
Following the reaction, he left the spiritual mountain and coincidentally met Dou Qingyi and Lu Qi on the street.
There was indeed a resemblance between Lu Zhaoyan and Lu Qi, and with the reaction of the Di Sha Luo Pan, he was convinced that Lu Qi was the bloodline of the Qin Wang Mansion and the Qilin who shouldered the fate of the nation.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Gongsun Yanming opened his eyes.
The Qilin could be anyone, but it couldn't be Lu Yuan.
Lu Qi must retain the position of the Qilin.
---
After returning to the Crown Prince's Mansion, Lu Zhaoyan immediately went to Liu Qingyun's courtyard, which was also his main courtyard.
Liu Qingyun suggested changing to another courtyard, but Lu Zhaoyan insisted on staying because Lu Yuan loved living there.
Of course, Liu Qingyun didn't want to be separated from her son.
Well... staying there was fine too.
"Xiaobai."
Lu Zhaoyan entered the room with gentle eyes.
Liu Qingyun had just finished gnawing on a large chicken leg and coughed harshly at the sound of his voice, "You're here. Why didn't you make any noise while walking?"
Did she look too uncivilized gnawing on a chicken leg? She was a lady, and she couldn't ruin her image!
Lu Zhaoyan couldn't help but smile, "It's my fault. I forgot to knock."
The door was clearly open... Liu Qingyun asked, "Did anything happen in the palace today?"
Lu Zhaoyan sat down in front of her, "Our son is very capable. He won both rounds."
Liu Qingyun was not surprised at all, "Of course, just look at who his father is!"
Lu Zhaoyan smiled, "There's another competition tomorrow. Does Xiaobai want to go to the palace to observe?"
Liu Qingyun's eyes lit up, "Really?"
Lu Zhaoyan was stunned. The rebellious son had guessed right; Xiaobai didn't mind at all...
He said, "Father Emperor asked me to take you."
Liu Qingyun solemnly assured him, "Rest assured, I will definitely not cause a scene in the imperial palace."
Lu Zhaoyan was taken aback, "Hmm?"
"Ahem." Liu Qingyun's face remained unchanged, "I mean, do we need to wake up early?"
Lu Zhaoyan: "...No need."
His servant, Dou Qingyi, couldn't help but glance at his master, "Your Highness, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
Not waking up early, they were indeed bold, one in saying and the other in believing.
Although it was to observe the competition in the palace, according to the rules, shouldn't they go and pay respects to the Empress first?
If they didn't, it would give others a chance to talk.
Lu Zhaoyan had his own considerations.
He didn't care about how the Empress had treated him in the past.
But since the Empress had chosen the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, she had drawn a clear line between the Crown Prince's Mansion. No matter how well-behaved Xiaobai was, she wouldn't win the Empress's favor.
Letting Xiaobai go and pay respects to the Empress would be like sending her to be manipulated by the Empress.
He didn't want Xiaobai to suffer any grievances.
Might as well wait until after the morning court, when the competition was about to start, before entering the palace.
This way, they could avoid going to pay respects to the Empress.
If asked, he would say that his body was unwell and needed Xiaobai to take care of him.
It was his decision to not let Xiaobai enter the palace early.
"It's over.
(End of Chapter 494)
"Cui Hu couldn't bear to watch, his skin crawling with goosebumps. He found Jifeng who was patrolling nearby and said, "How did His Majesty end up with such a sentimental son?"
Jifeng remained silent, only keeping a vigilant eye on the movements within the mansion.
Cui Hu continued, "At least it's not Huang Changsun."
Inside the room, Lu Yuan had just finished writing the eighteenth note to Meng Qianqian for the night and handed it to the hunting hawk to deliver.
The hunting hawk glared at the dog man who had sent eighteen love letters in one night, its face dark with disdain.
Its wings were flapping so hard they were about to smoke; when would this ever end?!
The next day, the civil and military officials arrived early for the morning court.
Perhaps due to the anticipation of the competition, the usually weary officials seemed especially energetic today.
Lu Qi also arrived early, following Prince Jin to the Jinluan Pavilion.
After losing two rounds yesterday, everyone expected the Prince of the Commandery to be somewhat demoralized. However, surprisingly, he remained calm and composed, exuding an air of nobility without a hint of dejection.
"Big Brother, Qi'er."
Prince Rui walked over with Prince Qi.
Prince Rui patted Lu Qi's shoulder and asked, "How did you rest last night?"
The latest little secret is out! The first issue is out at Book Bar 69!
Lu Qi replied in a gentle voice, "I slept very well."
Prince Rui nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad. Do your best today. Your third uncle believes in you!"
Prince Qi said, "Yes, yesterday we underestimated him and didn't use all our abilities. Today, we must make that guy lose face!"
"His Majesty has arrived—"
As Yu Gonggong's voice echoed, the officials hurried to their respective positions, respectfully holding their court tablets until Emperor Liang took his seat on the Dragon Throne, and then they all bowed together.
"You may stand at ease."
After Emperor Liang finished speaking, he glanced at the crowd, "Where are the Crown Prince and Huang Changsun?"
Everyone looked towards Prince Fu's side, where Lu Zhaoyan, Lu Yuan, and Zi Wu Xian Sheng were supposed to stand.
However, at this moment, none of the three were present.
Zhang Qufeng laughed mockingly, "Could it be that they're afraid and didn't dare to come?"
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner said, "Elder Zhang, you can't speak recklessly."
Zhang Qufeng said, "Then why haven't they shown up yet?"
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner replied, "Perhaps they're delayed by some matter."
Zhang Qufeng chuckled, "Then they should have sent someone to inform us in advance. In my opinion, he barely won yesterday, and today, knowing he's no match, it's better to feign illness and not come."
As soon as he finished speaking, a palace attendant indeed came to report, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is unwell and is currently seeking medical treatment."
Zhang Qufeng laughed, "I said so, didn't I?"
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner frowned, "Elder Meng."
Elder Meng stroked his beard, "No rush."
Prince Qi said to Emperor Liang, "Father, it's my second brother who's ill, not Lu Lin Yuan. Why isn't Lu Lin Yuan here? I propose that since he's absent without reason, he should be considered to have forfeited!"
Zhang Qufeng quickly held up his court tablet and said, "I second that!"
Another official stepped forward, "I second that!"
"I second that!"
"I second that!"
"Those who are afraid to fight should be treated as deserters. Please, Your Majesty, make a decision!"
The entire court, filled with officials, unanimously supported Prince Qi.
Prince Fu sighed, "It seems the disturbance last night wasn't small."
"Your older brother must have visited many officials last night."
Suddenly, Jiang Guogong seemed to grow out of the ground, startling Prince Fu.
Jiang Guogong hid behind his nephew.
Today's horseback archery contest greatly interested him, and he was determined not to be kicked out!
"Jiang Guogong."
Emperor Liang spoke.
Jiang Guogong's body stiffened; how did he find out so quickly?
"What do you think?"
Emperor Liang asked indifferently.
Jiang Guogong had a strong premonition that if he said the wrong thing, he would be kicked out.
His eyes shifted, "Should we start the morning court first?"
Emperor Liang: "Approved."
Jiang Guogong: ... After living for so long, this was the first time his proposal was accepted. He's finally accomplished something!
Hahaha, please give a thumbs up!
Chapter end
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