Chapter 38: The Royal Court
Editor: Misty Cloud Translations
Lin Palace was steadily gaining pace to its recovery as their hope for the past decade had finally been unearthed in the hands of Lin Wang's granddaughter. On the other hand…
Mo Xuan Fei always had a good reputation in the Imperial City. With his handsome face, he had captivated many young girls heart. He was swooned over by many and when news of him and Jun Wu Xie were betrothed got out, many hearts were broken. Many had secretly cursed in their hearts as they sneered, how plain Jun Wu Xie was and how unmatched they were! She was so undeserving of their handsome prince!
Now when it was announced that their engagement had been dissolved, it was a dream come true for many.
After the session at the Royal Court, Jun Xian was about to leave the Royal Palace as per usual when several old men who were wearing the official long robes walked over to him with beaming smiles.
"Lin Wang, do you have any updates on the culprits that attacked Second Prince?" The roundest one out of them spoke out.
Jun Xian looked at the man who gave a greasy smile. This roundball was the King's Brother – Wu Wang.
Wu Wang was in his sixties and did not contribute much as he was not skilled in anything. He had been riding on his brother's influence and living the high life all these while. He always viewed himself as almighty and was unaware of his own incompetence. Due to his royal birth, all the ministers have always fawned over him and complimented him no matter what he did.
However Jun Xian was an exception. He had always been straightforward and always pointed out his shortcomings. Thus he and Wu Wang had been bickering for years and had never seen anything at eye level.
Back in the days when Lin Palace was at its prime, when both of Jun Xian's sons were healthy, Wu Wang never dared to show his discontent and had always maintained an amiable front. However after Lin Palace started its decline, he gave up all his regard for Lin Palace and had been behaving as he liked without holding anything back.
The reason why Mo Xuan Fei and Jun Wu Xie's broken engagement spread like wildfire was thanks to him as well.
All the ministers started crowding around them to watch the good show.
"This matter does not require Wu Wang to worry, although they are as slippery as eels, I will chase them to the ends of the earth and catch them to ensure the safety of Second Prince." He replied without any emotion.
"That must really be hard on you, Lin Wang is no longer young and still have to work so hard, how can we let you handle all that by yourself? You should simply pass it on to the next generation for them to handle…" Wu Wang laughed as he hit his own forehead with his palm. "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot about your two sons. One has died for the country and the other …."
Wu Wang did not finish what he was saying but looked mockingly at Jun Xian.
It was apparent that the news of Lin Palace's predicament had spread all around.
Lin Wang's little son's poison had acted up and all the royal doctors and almost every other doctor in the State had seen him and all came out with the same verdict – Jun Qing's life was hanging by a fine thread. He didn't have much time left.
"I'm sorry, I'm not good with words, hahhaha.. I'm really sorry." Wu Wang sniggered as he lashed his words out without any holding anything back.
Jun Xian's furrowed his brows. From all the killing on the battlefield and after countless wars, he had accumulated a lot of bloodlust. Usually he will keep it contained but now, he unleashed a little of it as he glanced at all the surrounding ministers. They couldn't help suck in a deep breath. The surrounding temperature seem to have dropped and the air was very heavy. His piercing gaze rested on Wu Wang.
Chapter 39: The Royal Court (2)
Editor: Misty Cloud Translations
Wu Wang felt all the hair on his back stand as the invisible pressure piled on him under Lin Wang's glare. This was the first time in his life he had felt so threatened. He's been around for over sixty years and during this period, Lin Wang's awe inspiring name have resounded far across the borders of Qi State and he certainly felt the reason why first hand.
He involuntarily let out a gulp in an attempt to calm his own nerves.
"Matters regarding my Lin Palace are of no concern to you. Do not trouble yourself to worry about it." Seeing the surrounding ministers all laughing nervously, he finally retracted all the bloodlust and the pressure released.
"Well, I was worried about the matters of our kingdom." After Jun Xian retracted all his bloodlust, Wu Wang concluded one thing – Jun Xian has become a toothless tiger. Now that he is old, he had lost his former courage and did not dare to act too brazenly.
"Oh, I've heard that the Little Miss hasn't stepped out of Lin Palace for quite some time? She's still young, even if she and our Xuan Fei are not meant to be, she doesn't need to be so sad. She should come out and get some fresh air, it's not good for a young girl like her to be cooped up at home all day!" Thinking that Jun Xian was no longer the fierce tiger of the past, Wu Wang carried on mocking Jun Wu Xie after talking about Jun Qing.
Jun Xian glared at Wu Wang.
Wu Wang smiled and said, "It's the Crown Prince's birthday next month and His Majesty has left the birthday celebrations for me to handle. Since your Wu Xie has not been out for so long, let her join this celebration to lift her spirits. His Majesty also said that he felt bad with regards to what happened with the engagement and has specially extended the invitation to your Wu Xie.
"Fine." Jun Xian did not want to waste anymore of his precious time with these geezers as he flicked his sleeves and walked away.
Wu Wang laughed gleefully as he watched Jun Xian's retreating back and 'defeated' demeanor.
"Still putting on such an arrogant front? Does he still think that he is the Lin Wang of the past?" Wu Wang scorned as he put on his trademark greasy smile as the other ministers laughed along.
"Lin Wang is unable to accept hard reality and his head is still living in the clouds. That Jun Qing is not able to live much longer and with him gone, Lin Palace is only left with that waste. Let's see how long the Rui Lin Army can last." Another minister sneered with a smile.
"Hmph, he still thinks himself as a Great General commanding an entire army but all he has accomplished is losing his two sons." Wu Wang and the other ministers continued on their banter.
None of them had noticed that once Jun Xian had turned his back on them, there was a glint in his eyes and as he walked away, his 'retreating back' lost its former vicissitudes and he strode on with vigor, no different from when he was commanding the entire army, reverting back to the very same hero which made the Kingdom of Qi today.
As he entered Jun Wu Xie's courtyard, he could smell the familiar scent of herbs.
Jun Wu Xie was holding two pots of herbal concoctions as she slowly stepped out of her pharmacy when she saw Jun Xian.
"Grandfather." She called out gently as he acknowledged her with a warm smile and nod.
"You are still fiddling around with these? Don't you feel bored staying at home all the time? Next month the CrownPrince will be having his birthday celebration, I'll bring you along." He gave her a loving smile.
"Alright." She didn't give it much thought in her reply.
Jun Xian smiled and patted her on the shoulder, without saying another word, he went back to his room.
Jun Wu Xie stood rooted to the spot as she watched his disappearing back. Only after his back view was no longer visible, she then continued on her way to Jun Qing's room.
"Meow"
The little black cat was playfully rubbing itself against Jun Wu Xie's calf while walking.
[Grandfather's expression was a little off.]
"Mmm." Jun Wu Xie had noticed that as well.
"Meow"
[Is it related to the Crown Prince's birthday?]
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
492 Power
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