NABC Chapter 307 Recognition of relatives
Chapter 307 Recognition of relatives
Everyone was stunned when Prince Chun said this.
They looked not only at Emperor Qi Xiao, but also at Liu Yuechu.
Isn't Liu Yuechu's husband that Yuan Cuo? Yuan Cuo is actually the son of the wife of Prince Chun! How is this possible?!
Qin Mushuo and Qin Muyan exchanged a rare glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes!
The Left and Right Chancellors also knew about this Yuan Cuo. No one expected that a son-in-law would have such a high status. If Prince Chun really recognized him, he would become a cousin of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince in the blink of an eye.
Moreover, Prince Chun's title of prince is hereditary and does not require a reduction in rank, while the Third Prince is only a county prince... People can't help but sigh when they think of this!
Qin Muyan's face was extremely embarrassed.
He had studied Yuancuo on his own!
After Yuan Cuo's parents passed away, he started making a living at the age of twelve by setting up a stall in the market, writing letters to people, diagnosing their pulses, and prescribing medicine. He even became a son-in-law in the Liu family, only to find out that he was actually his own cousin!
This news was hard for him to accept; he even found it absurd!
The Empress was also frightened, as she had overheard the conversation between Emperor Qi Xiao and the Empress Dowager!
Shouldn't Yuan Cuo be His Majesty's child? How did he become Prince Chun's son?! A thought popped into her mind, but she dared not think about it.
The Empress's lips trembled slightly, and she quickly looked at Emperor Qi Xiao.
Emperor Qi Xiao remained expressionless, but his heart was in turmoil. Although he had considered that Prince Chun's return would bring both advantages and disadvantages, he had not expected that Prince Chun would publicly acknowledge Yuan Cuo as his father!
That's his own son! What would it be like if Prince Chun really accepted him as his own?!
Sensing the shock and curiosity of the crowd, and even their anticipation of his response, Emperor Qi Xiao took a deep breath and simply smiled faintly, "You haven't been in the capital these past few years. Who spread this rumor and made such a ridiculous story that you heard about? Yuan Cuo's parents were once in charge of the Ministry of Works. How could they be from the Prince Chun's mansion? Besides, if he were truly related to the royal family, I should have known long ago."
He spoke with great emphasis.
Even with the Empress by his side, he felt oppressed.
Prince Chun looked at Liu Yuechu, whose eyes were wide open, and said indifferently, "What? Does Your Majesty not want me to have a family?"
"If this is true, I will certainly be happy," Emperor Qi Xiao said, forcing a smile. "But these two children have had a hard life too. Don't make a hasty decision and hurt them again..."
"Your Majesty, I thought that you valued Yuan Cuo so highly because you knew he was my son. It seems he is indeed a man of great talent, which is why he has achieved such glory today." Prince Chun's smile was full of provocation and sarcasm, making it all the more intriguing.
Liu Yuechu whimpered from the side, "My husband earned his title of top scholar through his own efforts, and the government affairs he handled for His Majesty were also recognized by the officials. It wasn't because he climbed the social ladder..."
Brothers arguing is one thing, but using Yuancuo as a raft is another! Won't outsiders talk about this?!
The Empress quickly tried to lighten the mood, saying, "Look, the daughter-in-law is the first to get upset; she's really protecting her husband."
Liu Yuechu stuck out her tongue, then pulled it back in. All she had to do was make a statement; at least Emperor Qi Xiao wouldn't suspect that they had conspired with Prince Chun!
Prince Chun was caught off guard by the fact that his beloved cat had bitten someone first, and his attention shifted to Liu Yuechu. "Could it be that you don't want him to acknowledge me?"
Emperor Qi Xiao also looked at Liu Yuechu, eager to know what she would say.
Liu Yuechu pursed her lips. "If my husband recognizes Prince Chun, it would be like a silver phoenix flying out of a chicken coop, a meteoric rise to the heavens. But I fear that someone is secretly plotting against my husband, deliberately causing trouble and framing him. I hope Your Majesty and His Highness will investigate thoroughly, as this involves the royal offspring and cannot be taken lightly. I swear to Heaven that this matter has nothing to do with my husband, nor with me. I beg Your Majesty to clear our names."
She directly shifted the focus to rumors, thus absolving herself and Yuan Cuo of any responsibility.
Emperor Qi Xiao was very satisfied with this explanation. "Rest assured, I know your character and Yuan Cuo's character. If you were truly my family, I would not leave you alone outside. I would help you reunite with the imperial ancestral hall and fulfill Prince Chun's wish." He said this not only to Prince Chun, but also to the group of ministers who had pricked up their ears.
The Crown Prince nodded repeatedly, his heart pounding with fear, while Qin Muyan remained silent, completely at a loss for words.
The Empress then gave Emperor Qi Xiao a way out, saying, "This is indeed a joyous occasion. Regardless of whether they are imperial heirs or not, I have taken a great liking to Yuechu the moment I saw him. Even if there is a misunderstanding regarding this kinship, I will still recognize them as my adopted relatives."
Emperor Qi Xiao nodded, "The Empress is right." This could be considered as giving them a decent status.
Liu Yuechu immediately stood up, kowtowed, and expressed her gratitude, once again bursting into tears.
Prince Chun also rose and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Then why don't we entrust this matter to your younger brother to investigate carefully? I wonder if Your Majesty would find that convenient?"
Emperor Qi Xiao slowly walked down from the high platform and went directly to Prince Chun.
The two brothers looked into each other's eyes, their gazes seemingly filled with the warmth of family, but the sharp thorns in their eyes were visible only to each other.
Emperor Qi Xiao pulled Prince Chun up, "Why do you need to handle this personally? You haven't returned to the capital for over twenty years. You should give me a proper talk about the situation in the west. I truly envy you; you can leave whenever you want, while I have to shoulder the responsibility for the entire Qi dynasty, and I can't leave even if I wanted to..."
"Is Your Majesty resenting your younger brother?" Prince Chun asked.
"There is indeed resentment, so you must make amends." Emperor Qi Xiao smiled coldly.
Prince Chun clicked his tongue, "I wonder how Your Majesty wishes for me to make amends?"
"At least tonight you must drink to your heart's content with me, until we're all drunk!" Emperor Qi Xiao suddenly changed the subject and burst into laughter.
He suddenly turned to his ministers and said, "Today I will also enjoy half a day of peace and quiet. No matter what happens, do not disturb my peace. You can handle it yourselves. I only wish to be with my brothers, Prince Chun!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on the reunion of your brothers!"
"May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings, and may His Highness Prince Chun live in eternal peace!"
"..."
The officials, filled with shock, immediately rose to offer their congratulations.
Even though Prince Chun was unwilling, Emperor Qi Xiao dragged him directly to the Imperial Study.
Cheng Hai was the only one to serve him, and no one else was allowed to follow him!
Only the Empress remained in the front hall, while the court officials were still debating whether the palace banquet should end just like that.
Liu Yuechu also glared with wide eyes, eager to leave immediately. However, the Empress did not intend to let this opportunity pass. She summoned the Crown Prince, changed the subject, and began drinking with the officials.
Liu Yuechu found an opportunity to go to the bathroom, where she sat in a corner, patting her chest to calm herself down.
Granny Fang and Huajiao were also so shocked they couldn't close their mouths. They wanted to ask what had happened, but Liu Yuechu kept waving her hands, "Don't talk to me right now, I'm confused too!"