CHAPTER 593: CHAPTER 495: THE TRUE QILIN

On the carriage back to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, Gongsun Yanming rested with his eyes closed, flashes of the contest between Lu Qi and Lu Yuan in the Jinluan Palace flitting through his mind.

What Lu Yuan displayed exceeded his expectations. He suspected that the rumors of him being an utter good-for-nothing were untrue, but even so, he hadn’t anticipated such capabilities.

"Prime Minister Xun, I need your help investigating someone."

"Who could warrant a personal visit to the West City by Pavilion Master Gongsun?"

"The bloodline of Prince Qin’s Mansion in the Southwest."

"Oh? Wasn’t Prince Qin’s line said to be cursed to end? Has there been a revival?"

"It’s a long story. Here’s a portrait of his father. If he is truly his son, the resemblance should be striking."

"Since Pavilion Master Gongsun has asked, how could this minister possibly stand idly by? Please return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion and await word."

Two months later, he received a message delivered by carrier pigeon from Prime Minister Xun, stating that they had found no young man who matched both the age and bore resemblance to Lu Zhaoyan.

Not long after, his Earth Evil Compass emitted another disturbance.

Following the anomaly, he left Lingshan and happened to encounter Dou Qingyi and Lu Qi in the street.

Lu Zhaoyan and Lu Qi did bear some resemblance. Coupled with the Earth Evil Compass’ reaction, he became firmly convinced that Lu Qi was indeed of the bloodline of Prince Qin, the Guardian Qilin destined to bear the weight of the nation’s fortune.

A thought crossed his mind, and Gongsun Yanming opened his eyes.

The Qilin could be anyone — anyone but Lu Yuan.

Lu Qi must retain his status as the Qilin.

-

When Lu Zhaoyan returned to the Crown Prince Mansion, he immediately went to Liu Qingyun’s courtyard — which, in fact, was also his main courtyard.

Liu Qingyun had asked to switch courtyards but was persuaded by Lu Zhaoyan, who used the excuse that Lu Yuan favored staying here.

Liu Qingyun, of course, didn’t want to be separated from her son.

Well... staying was fine too.

"Xiao Bai."

Lu Zhaoyan entered the room with a tender gaze.

Liu Qingyun had just finished gnawing on a large chicken drumstick. Upon hearing his voice, she choked violently: "You’re here! Why do you walk so quietly?"

Did I look very rude while eating the drumstick just now?

She was a refined lady; she couldn’t lose her composure!

Lu Zhaoyan couldn’t help but chuckle: "My mistake. I forgot to knock."

The door was clearly open... Liu Qingyun asked, "Nothing happened today in the palace, did it?"

Lu Zhaoyan sat in front of her: "Our son performed fantastically, winning both rounds."

Liu Qingyun was unsurprised: "Of course, look at whose child he is!"

Lu Zhaoyan smiled faintly: "There is another round tomorrow. Would Xiao Bai like to accompany me to observe in the palace?"

Liu Qingyun’s eyes lit up: "Can I?"

Lu Zhaoyan was momentarily stunned. That rebellious son was right — Xiao Bai really didn’t mind at all...

He said, "Father Emperor has permitted me to bring you."

Liu Qingyun earnestly promised, "Rest assured, I absolutely won’t cause a commotion in the Imperial Palace."

Lu Zhaoyan froze: "Hm?"

"Ahem." Liu Qingyun’s expression didn’t change. "I mean, do we need to rise early?"

Lu Zhaoyan: "...No."

Leaving the main courtyard, Cui Hu gave his prince a look of exasperation: "Your Highness, how do you plan to delay the hour tomorrow?"

Not needing to wake early — one dares to claim it, and the other to believe it.

While the official reason for entering the palace was to observe the contest, wasn’t it customary to pay respects to the Empress?

Not doing so would surely invite criticism.

Lu Zhaoyan had his own considerations.

He didn’t care about how the Empress had treated him in the past.

However, since the Empress had chosen to side with the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, it was clear she had drawn a line between herself and the Crown Prince Mansion. No matter how well Xiao Bai abided by protocols, he wouldn’t earn even a shred of the Empress’ approval.

Sending Xiao Bai to pay respects to the Empress would only provide her with an opportunity to exert control over him.

He couldn’t allow Xiao Bai to be humiliated.

Instead, they would enter the palace just after the morning assembly and before the contest began.

This way, Xiao Bai could enjoy a beauty sleep and also avoid paying respects to the Empress.

If questioned, the reason would be that he, Lu Zhaoyan, was unwell and needed Xiao Bai’s care.

It was entirely his decision to delay Xiao Bai’s entry into the palace.

"This is bad."

Cui Hu looked away, unwilling to witness any more, and shook his head in disbelief as he went to find Ji Feng, who was patrolling nearby. "Tell me, how did His Majesty manage to raise a lovesick fool?"

Ji Feng remained silent, continuing his vigil over the mansion’s surroundings.

Cui Hu muttered to himself, "At least the Imperial Grandson isn’t one."

Inside the house.

Lu Yuan had just finished writing his eighteenth love letter of the evening to Meng Qianqian and handed it to the Hunting Eagle to deliver.

The Hunting Eagle glared at the hopeless romantic who had sent eighteen love letters in one night, its face showing utter disdain.

Its wings were about to burst into flames. Would it never end?!

The next morning, all civil and military officials were already gathered early for court.

Perhaps due to the anticipation of the contest, officials who usually appeared somewhat sluggish were particularly energized today.

Lu Qi had also arrived early at the Jinluan Palace, following Prince Jin.

Having lost two rounds the day before, many expected the Commandery Prince to appear dispirited, but to everyone’s surprise, he remained calm, poised, and dignified, showing no sign of defeat.

"Big Brother, Qi’er."

Prince Rui approached with King Qi in tow.

Prince Rui patted Lu Qi on the shoulder: "How did you rest last night?"

Lu Qi replied gently, "Very well."

Prince Rui nodded in approval: "Good. Compete well today; your Third Uncle believes in you!"

King Qi chimed in: "Indeed. Yesterday, you underestimated your opponent and didn’t give it your all. Today, make sure to utterly disgrace him!"

"His Majesty arrives—"

At Eunuch Yu’s announcement, everyone quickly took their places, respectfully holding their ceremonial tablets until Emperor Liang took his seat on the dragon throne. Only then did they bow in unison.

"Rise."

Emperor Liang spoke, scanning the assembly. "Where are the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson?"

All eyes turned toward Prince Fu’s side. Before him, where Lu Zhaoyan, Lu Yuan, and Mr. Zi Wu should have been standing, not one of them was present.

Zhang Qufeng chuckled mockingly: "Could it be that they’re afraid and dare not show up?"

The Minister of Agriculture interjected, "Lord Zhang, one mustn’t make baseless accusations."

Zhang Qufeng responded, "Then why are they so conspicuously absent?"

The Minister of Agriculture replied, "Perhaps something has delayed them."

Zhang Qufeng sneered: "If you ask me, after yesterday’s narrow victory, he knows he’s no match today and is feigning illness to save face by not coming."

As the words left his mouth, a Palace Attendant indeed arrived to report: "The Crown Prince is unwell and receiving treatment."

Zhang Qufeng laughed: "What did I just say?"

The Minister of Agriculture furrowed his brows. "Cabinet Elder."

Cabinet Elder Meng stroked his beard. "Let’s not rush to conclusions."

King Qi addressed Emperor Liang: "Father Emperor, it’s the second brother who is ill, not Lu Linyuan. Why has Lu Linyuan also failed to appear? I propose that his failure to attend without valid reason be deemed forfeiture!"

Zhang Qufeng immediately echoed, presenting his ceremonial tablet: "This minister seconds the motion!"

Another official stepped forward: "This minister supports the motion!"

"This minister supports the motion!"

"This minister supports the motion!"

"Those who fear battle are as deserters. Your Majesty, please decide."

The court was overwhelmed with an uproar, one official after another aligning with King Qi.

Prince Fu sighed. "Looks like there was quite the commotion last night."

"Your eldest brother certainly made the rounds with many officials overnight."

Out of nowhere, Duke Jiang appeared, startling Prince Fu.

Duke Jiang strategically placed his nephew between himself and the ruler.

Today’s archery contest greatly intrigued him; he was determined not to be sent away!

"Duke Jiang."

Emperor Liang called out.

Duke Jiang froze, sensing that he had been spotted far too quickly.

"What is your opinion?"

Emperor Liang asked nonchalantly.

Duke Jiang had a strong feeling that any misstep in his response would lead to expulsion.

His eyes shifted. "How about we proceed with court first?"

Emperor Liang nodded. "Approved."

Duke Jiang: ...Living over half a century, it’s the first time one of my suggestions was actually accepted! What an achievement!!!