Chapter 242
Plot (5)
If Jiang Mingwei had not remembered it wrong, the fire burning accident was supposed to happen during the Lantern festival. That was a heaven-sent opportunity for Xie Xuanji.
Recently the relation between the two of them had become strained and they were still in the cold war. However, if this continued for a long time, then it would break the trust and bond between them. If that were to happen, then after becoming the emperor, Xie Xuanji would definitely make her suffer and maybe her position of the empress might be given to someone else.
What if she showed extraordinary resilience and the poise of someone reliable when the fire broke out? Wouldn’t it change the impression everyone had about her? The upcoming Lantern Festival wasn’t only the opportunity for Xie Xuanji, but as the Princess Jin, she must also show her ability to match her status.
If possible, she would like to be a little more prominent than Xie Xuanji. On her way back to the Jin palace, Jiang Mingwei kept pondering over the upcoming Lantern Festival.
…
Mu Mingtang and Xie Xuanchen were leisurely enjoying their time in the mansion when they suddenly received a message from the emperor.
“The emperor is going to Xuande Gate to enjoy lanterns during the Lantern Festival?”
“Yes.” The eunuch bowed respectfully in response, “His majesty cares deeply about his subjects so they want to enjoy the beautiful view of the brightly lit lanterns with his subjects and close family members. The whole royal family, as well as important ministers and n.o.ble relatives, will all be going up to the tower to gaze at lanterns together.”
Mu Mingtang nodded in response, while sneakily giving Xie Xuanchen a questioning glance. Xie Xuanchen didn’t seem surprised by the invitation, and casually replied, “It’s rare that the emperor has shown so much interest in something. How can we not go, please inform his majesty that we will be present when the time comes.”
After getting Xie Xuanchen’s positive reply, the eunuch was about to leave, but Mu Mingtang signalled the maid standing nearby: “The eunuch has worked hard. Go and get some tea money to moisten his throat.”
The eunuch initially tried to refuse, but when the maid gave him a pouch filled to the brim, his complete rejection soon turned into half heartedly pushing and holding the pouch. After feigning some reluctance, he took it and thanked Mu Mingtang and Xie Xuanchen for their generosity before leaving.
Seeing that the eunuch was gone, Mu Mingtang finally asked, “There are going to be so many people, will you be able to stand it?”
As the maids were still present, Mu Mingtang couldn’t ask directly, but without her saying it, Xie Xuanchen immediately understood the meaning behind her words.
Actually, Mu Mingtang was worried that the emperor would take this opportunity to harm Xie Xuanchen. However, Xie Xuanchen didn’t care much about it as he wasn’t afraid of the emperor’s shady tricks. Even if the emperor wanted to do something, he would not choose a place and time where so many eyes were present.
After all, which one would benefit the emperor more? Him dying silently in this palace or a violent death in front of so many important figures?
What’s more, Xie Xuanchen had more or less figured out the cause behind his loss of sanity. Anyway with his inhumane strength, he was not afraid of the emperor using force against him. If the emperor really wanted to force his hands, then the emperor better be prepared to have an unexpected accident.
The emperor should have already thought about this, so he definitely would want to avoid unnecessary troubles. Since that was the case, the invitation to watch lanterns together might be sincere one and the emperor just wanted to enjoy the festival with everyone. As he was too embarra.s.sed to invite Xie Xuanchen directly, the emperor could only send someone to pa.s.s his words.
“It’s a normal occurance to watch lanterns during the Lantern Festival, and it’s rare to see the emperor show so much pa.s.sion. Don’t worry too much, let’s just go and have a look.” Xie Xuanchen tried to coax Mu Mingtang. “Now that I think about it, have you ever seen the Lantern Festival in the capital?”
Xie Xuanchen was really curious if this girl had ever gone to watch lanterns after coming to the capital.
When Mu Mingtang heard Xie Xuanchen say that they could go out and enjoy the festival with a peace of mind, Mu Mingtang felt relieved, but hearing Xie Xuanchen’s question, she felt embarra.s.sed and could only shake her head.
Xie Xuanchen understood and smiled: “Since this is the case, it’s even more important to enjoy lanterns. We must take a good look at how the Lantern Festival in the capital looks like. The emperor and his empress are going to Xuande Gate in person. So this year’s Lantern Festival is definitely going to be livelier than previous years, you’ll be able to have more fun this way.”
It was true that she had not seen the capital’s Lantern Festival. Moreover, the Lantern Festival from the capital had always been a talk of the town. The seed of expectations had already been given birth in Mu Mingtang’s heart.