Xiao Jing and his son could hardly believe it. Not only had they not yet obtained the key to the Treasure Pavilion, but they had also gained another formidable enemy!
If I had known this would happen, I should have killed her earlier to prevent future troubles.
But who could have predicted that a seemingly weak woman would one day grow into a threat?
On the high platform, Grandpa Xu announced the official start of the 100-day celebration.
On the platform, which was slightly higher than the two sides, sat the Emperor and Empress Dowager in the center. To their left were the Crown Prince, Chu Yuan, Dugu Yue, and Dugu Ran, while to their right were the Empress, Consort Chen, and two other concubines.
Below the high platform, the first person on the left, according to the principle of respect, was naturally Prince Xiaoyao and his wife. Originally, Princess Xiaoyao was not qualified to attend the banquet, but since many envoys from other countries had come today, in order to prevent Prince Xiaoyao from being talked about, the Empress Dowager allowed Princess Xiaoyao to attend.
As for Xiao Jing and his son, like most officials, they were at the bottom of the ranks on both sides.
In the vast and powerful nation of Huaxu, there are numerous high-ranking officials, and the most prestigious positions are always reserved for first- and second-rank dukes and marquises…
Therefore, Dugu Pingting, dressed as a maid, stood beside Xiao Chengyao, deliberately keeping her head down. She could see Chu Yuan, but Chu Yuan might not see her. This discrepancy made her feel even more uncomfortable.
Dugu Xuancheng, however, had ulterior motives. He took a special look and, upon recognizing Dugu Pingting, couldn't help but secretly raise the corners of his mouth.
With this connection, today's actions have an even greater chance of success!
Similar to the old fox Dugu Xuancheng, Xiao Jing's mind raced in a short time. His gaze swept over the spacious, brightly colored, and magnificent imperial garden, as well as the red, undulating palaces, his greed becoming uncontrollable.
No matter how good Ji Yun was, she could never compare to the prosperity and wealth of Hua Xu.
If he could truly fulfill that person's promise, and help that person seize the throne, then Ji Yun would belong to him, and he and Hua Xu would exchange goods and help each other. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
For a time, everyone at the banquet had their own calculations.
Of course, the emperor and empress dowager genuinely wished their child well.
Their most respected elders presented the 100-day gift first, followed by other relatives, friends, and officials who also brought out their prepared gifts.
I don't care about making a good impression on others; I'd be grateful if I didn't make any mistakes.
Unfortunately, Dugu Xuancheng gifted him a dagger tied with a ribbon. It was made of black iron, small in size but heavy in weight. Even a two- or three-year-old child might not be able to hold it, let alone a baby who was only three months old.
Several maids and servants protecting the young prince hurriedly stepped forward to take it, but Dugu Xuancheng suddenly withdrew them.
He laughed and said, “Brother, this dagger of mine is a fine piece of equipment. It is small and exquisite, and can cut through iron like mud. If our child grows up to be a martial artist, it will be the best weapon to take someone’s head. If he chooses to pursue a literary career, that’s fine too. Keeping it with you for self-defense is also very good.”
At a time when everyone is putting on a smiling face, his insistence on shouting for war and killing is truly unpleasant.
However, to be fair, the gift I gave wasn't considered outrageous.
So, after Dugu Tianxiong and the Empress Dowager exchanged glances, Dugu Tianxiong smiled and said, "What my brother says is quite right. Crown Prince and Crown Princess, why don't you thank your uncle?"
Dugu Xuancheng turned around to face Dugu Ling and Chu Yuan, his smiling eyes as kind and gentle as ever.
But Chu Yuan inexplicably felt that he had deliberately implied something in his words.
Therefore, he wasn't too impressed. After thanking Dugu Ling perfunctorily, he instructed the servants, "You guys, quickly and carefully put it away. When Chang'er grows up, you must tell him that this was a gift from his great-uncle."
Perhaps it's a precious treasure that even the Imperial Uncle himself is reluctant to use?
As soon as Chu Yuan said this, everyone present turned their gaze to Dugu Xuancheng.
The latter coughed helplessly, "No, no, I just felt that everyone was giving gold and jade as gifts, which is too common, so I thought of giving this protective item."
After all, saving your life is paramount at any time, don't you all agree?
"That's right, that's right." Everyone blindly echoed, who could possibly refute a prince's words on the spot?
The more Chu Yuan listened, the more annoyed she became. She lowered her voice and asked Dugu Ling, "Is your royal uncle acting a little strange today?"
Dugu Ling paused in her act of picking up food. "Yuan'er, what do you want to say?"
Chu Yuan: "It's nothing, just a gut feeling."
If I remember correctly, he's not usually a talkative person; he's always just focused on eating at palace banquets. Don't you find it strange that he's been saying such ambiguous things today?"
Dugu Ling pursed her lips and glanced in the direction of Dugu Xuancheng upon hearing this.
I didn't notice anything particularly unusual.
However, his eyes shifted, and he suddenly leaned closer to Chu Yuan's head, "How about we let Dugu Jue come out?"
He wasn't good at these kinds of brain-teasing things, and with the 100-day celebration already halfway through, it was time to hand it over to Dugu Jue...
Chu Yuan, "..."
Seeing that she did not object, Dugu Ling put down her chopsticks, sat up straight, and after a moment, Chu Yuan felt that the temperature around her seemed to drop a little!
July and August are the hottest months.
Even with a banana leaf fan overhead, it still felt stuffy, but now it immediately cooled down a bit.
Without needing to be told, Chu Yuan knew what had happened, and slowly looked at the person beside her...
Dugu Jue turned his head to the side and curled his lips. "Dugu Ling asked me to come out. He said he was too lazy to use his brain."
Chu Yuan, "..."
Aside from saying you two are amazing, I have nothing more to say!
After Dugu Jue came out, he didn't immediately judge Dugu Xuancheng. Instead, his deep gaze fell further back, lazily landing on Xiao Jing and his son. "Do you know those two?"
He asked Chu Yuan.
Chu Yuan didn't recognize him, but the original owner did, so she nodded, "Xiao Jing, one of my father's trusted subordinates in the past."
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