Chapter 979: Primus’ Popularity
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Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“You’re absolutely right, we are like a family. No need to be modest!” Emperor Xuan grew increasingly satisfied as he looked at Shao Yunduan. He laughed and continued praising him, thoroughly pleased with his performance.
“Oh, yes.” Suddenly, an idea crossed Emperor Xuan’s mind. He glanced at Officer Tian and smiled mischievously. “Old Tian, didn’t your daughter mention that she fancies one of my Advanced Scholars? Who has caught her interest? Bring her forth, and let me see how she compares to the Primus!”
Upon hearing this, the crown prince furrowed his brow.
His father had a habit of doing as he pleased, but this was a banquet at the Qionglin Forest, and such remarks were undignified.
He seemed to be deliberately setting up enemies for the Primus!
If the crown prince hadn’t known his father’s nature, he might have suspected that his father had orchestrated this situation intentionally.
First, he praised the Primus for his ordinary poem, and now he was provoking a public confrontation with Officer Tian’s daughter.
But the crown prince understood his father well. He lavished praise on the Primus and then turned to Officer Tian precisely because he had this plan in mind.
However, it was inappropriate for him to bring it up.
His father was too preoccupied with cultivating alongside Daoist Shangzhen and the other Daoist masters to pay much attention to external matters. He had no knowledge of the situation between the Primus and the Tian Family.
The crown prince had intended to address the issue between Officer Tian and the Primus after the banquet, to calm their tempers. But now his father had raised the matter once again.
The crown prince felt as if he were about to faint.
As expected, after Emperor Xuan finished speaking, a strange silence descended upon the surroundings.
Some people lowered their heads, fearing that the Emperor would become angry and create a scene. Others couldn’t help but suppress a secret smile, eagerly antic.i.p.ating the unfolding drama.
Some felt profound embarra.s.sment on behalf of Shao Yunduan.
Emperor Xuan sensed the tension in the air.
“What?” He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Old Tian, does your daughter really have a crush on my Primus? Hahaha, she certainly has good taste!”
“Your Majesty,” Shao Yunduan interjected, bowing respectfully. “I already have a wife, and I highly doubt that Elder Miss Tian would be interested in me. If such a rumor exists, it must have been spread mistakenly. Please, Your Majesty, allow me to clarify.”
Officer Tian snorted and cast a disdainful glance at Shao Yunduan.
The Crown Prince joined in, trying to defuse the awkward situation. “The Primus is correct. He is already married, and this rumor seems to be a result of misinformation. Father, you may not be aware of the details…”
The Crown Prince proceeded to provide a brief explanation to Emperor Xuan, carefully choosing his words to steer the narrative away from the rumor. “It’s all baseless gossip! This is utterly absurd, and I don’t even know where to begin.”
Finally, he added, “Father, I implore you to help the Primus and Elder Miss Tian clear their names!”
“Your Majesty,” Officer Tian stood up and bowed respectfully. “I apologize for saying this, but my daughter lacks good judgment. She didn’t make it as an Advanced Scholar, which greatly disappointed me. I forbade her from discussing such matters further, yet somehow these ludicrous rumors have surfaced. It’s truly ridiculous.”
“I am confident that the rumor will fade away soon. Primus, please disregard it!”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuan’s eyes gleamed with understanding. He exchanged a knowing glance with the Crown Prince and Officer Tian, comprehending the situation clearly.