With these thoughts in mind, Mu Houchu’s gaze darkened.
"The Minister of the Ministry of Works, Li Shaoqing and the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, Zhao Yan, can assist you if you encounter any challenging situations. I cannot provide guidance for everything as I am not in the capital. You should be able to bear this responsibility on your own," Mu Houchu said in a serious tone.
Chen Hanliang was a bit surprised. He never knew that these two were also Mu Houchu’s men. The extent of Mu Houchu’s covert influence in the Imperial Court is unsettlingly deep, to the point of being immeasurable.
Such a man is wasted as a Prime Minister, especially with this useless Emperor.
Chen Hanliang steadily bowed his fist in response: "Yes!"
"Go to the other table," Mu Houchu said, taking a sip of his wine.
Chen Hanliang was now a "person of the Emperor", and he obviously couldn’t appear too close to Mu Houchu in public.
"Mm." Chen Hanliang raised his wine cup and left.
As soon as Chen Hanliang left, countless officials immediately flocked to Mu Houchu.
If Mu Houchu was interested in an official, he would share a drink with him. If he wasn’t interested, a mere glance could frighten the official away.
The banquet soon became extremely lively.
"Today, so many officials have come to congratulate Prime Minister Mu on his wedding. It is impressive. It seems that the officials in the Imperial Court are really reluctant to see Prime Minister Mu resign," A hearty laugh echoed.
Mu Houchu raised his eyebrows slightly and turned to look. He saw Elder Duan coming over, and next to him was... Duan Lan?
Mu Houchu’s expression remained unchanged, but a chill flashed in his eyes. He didn’t have the energy to notice all the guests in his residence today, but he didn’t expect that Duan Lan would dare to come!
Duan Lan looked a bit dispirited. His once handsome face now had a touch of haggardness. But facing Mu Houchu’s icy gaze, he stood his ground without retreating.
Mu Houchu turned to Elder Duan, "Elder Duan, it’s an honor that you could make it today."
He didn’t fail to detect the sarcasm in Elder Duan’s tone. The officials revolving around him is a significant disadvantage to the Emperor’s centralization of power. The Duan Family had always been loyal to the Emperor, and that had never changed.
They avoided factional infighting, only harboring loyalty to the ruling Emperor. This has been the Duan Family’s motto. Even during the previous Leng Dynasty, the Duan Family remained loyal to Emperor Renzong. Because of this, the Duan family is seen as an upright faction within and outside of the Imperial Court. They are a unique and respected presence.
Mu Houchu understood what Elder Duan was defending. There wasn’t any direct conflict between them. In fact, he had taken advantage of Elder Duan’s integrity to have Chen Hanliang inducted into the Dali Temple.
Elder Duan snorted lightly, "Prime Minister Mu is rarely marrying. This major event has already caused a sensation throughout the capital and even the entire country. How could I not come? Today, I came to congratulate you."
Mu Houchu said, "Thank you."
Elder Duan looked at him, his eyes filled with inquiry and incomprehension, "I heard that Prime Minister Mu plans to leave the capital after the wedding banquet, is this true?"
"Of course, I personally requested it."
Elder Duan was somewhat puzzled. Given Mu Houchu’s ambition, it was impossible for him to give up the opportunity of being close to power. Instead, he chose to distance himself from the capital city and become a leisurely prince in a remote place.
This man had great ambitions and a strong sense of purpose. So, what was his real aim?
Was it really all for just one woman?
Elder Duan was skeptical, so he wanted to find out directly from him today. But to his surprise, Mu Houchu responded candidly. Was he really leaving?
Elder Duan said solemnly, "In that case, on the day of Prime Minister Mu’s departure, I will personally see you off."
"There is no need for Elder Duan to go to such trouble," Mu Houchu responded indifferently.
Elder Duan turned around and left, but Duan Lan was still standing in place.
Mu Houchu looked at him, his eyes cold, "Young Master Duan, how do you find the wedding banquet of Xin He and I today?"
Duan Lan’s eyes sank slightly, "It’s causing a stir throughout the city. The ceremony is as grand as an imperial princess’ wedding, so of course it’s very good."
The final "very good" words seemed to be grudgingly squeezed out through gritted teeth.
"Oh?" Mu Houchu’s tone held a hint of mockery, and seemed somewhat provocative.
Facing this man who had once coveted his woman, and still did, Mu Houchu truly had no patience for him. Especially since he dared to show up at his wedding?!
Everyone around couldn’t help but shiver, finding the chilly aura in the air heart-stopping. They were so scared that they didn’t dare to make a sound.
Initially, Young Master Duan had personally requested the Emperor to grant marriage with the eldest daughter of the Li Family. Their marriage was hailed as a match made in heaven.
But in the end, Prime Minister Mu stole the bride.
At that time, some officials had whispered: Young Master Duan daring to compete with Prime Minister Mu for a woman, isn’t that seeking death?
Now, on the day of Prime Minister Mu’s grand wedding with the eldest daughter of the Li Family, Young Master Duan dared to show up in person. If these two were to confront each other, what would happen...
But just as everyone’s hearts were hanging in their throats, Duan Lan gave Mu Houchu a cold glance, turned around, and left.
He did not have any intention of responding.
The crowd was completely baffled, looking dumbly at Mu Houchu. But, Mu Houchu remained calm, just sitting there and drinking his wine. However, his deep and enigmatic gaze were impenetrable.
It’s not possible for Mu Houchu to be completely unbothered. After all, regarding Xin He, he is a very petty man.
That man had accompanied her for over a month! 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
During that time, he didn’t know what had happened. Did she ever have feelings for Duan Lan? Did she want to give up on him because of Duan Lan?
When he rushed back from Lanshan City to the capital, the very first thing he saw was her smiling at him, a smile so radiant that he has never been able to forget it!
She was already married to him, and he made some mistakes in the past too. He naturally didn’t blame her, but that didn’t mean he could tolerate Duan Lan!
That clueless brat!
Mu Houchu’s expression became even colder. He raised his head and downed the wine in his cup. Slightly squeezing the cup, it shattered into pieces.
Mu Houchu threw the broken pieces out, growling, "Pour more wine!"
The atmosphere grew even more tense...
The officials present felt miserable. It was uncomfortable for them not to come, but it was also uncomfortable to be here. Sitting here and drinking, it was an experience of unease. Wasn’t this what they call being on pins and needles?!
—
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