Chapter 241

C241 – The Crown Princess

The news of Crown Princess’s artistic talent spread rapidly throughout Ye City, injecting some intrigue into the tense wartime atmosphere.

“It’s no surprise that Crown Princess possesses drawing skills. He’s a literary luminary among mortals. Is there anything beyond his expertise?” Conversation flowed in a restaurant as someone discussed Kai Kai.

“You haven’t seen the masterpiece Crown Princess carved. It’s astonishingly lifelike, down to the intricate details of a bird’s wings and feathers. That’s true mastery! When it comes to versatility, who in South Jin can rival Crown Princess?”

“I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed Crown Princess’s wood carving prowess. His dexterity rivals even the most skilled embroiderer.”

“What comparison is there to an embroiderer? Crown Princess’s skills might surpass even the finest needleworker.”

“Nonsense! Despite Crown Princess’s virtues, he’s still a man. How could he excel in women’s tasks?”

“You doubt it? You’ve never seen Crown Princess tend to a wounded person. I witnessed it once myself. A hunter suffered a deep gash from a wild bear. Crown Princess expertly sutured the wound with needle and thread. His proficiency was remarkable, indicating years of practice.”

“Come to think of it, there might be some truth to it... Do you think there’s anything Crown Princess can’t do?”

“Certainly there is!”

“Such as?”

“Give birth! Haha... no matter how skilled Crown Princess is, he’s still a man. How could he bear children?”

Everyone:... “”

“What’s the matter? Don’t you agree with me?” The speaker glanced around, puzzled by the strange looks.

Suddenly, a voice interjected, “Have you ever noticed how tenderly Crown Princess treats Little Wang’s grandson? It’s as if she’s not treating a bastard child.”

“Indeed. I personally witnessed Crown Princess embrace and shower Little Wang’s grandson with affection, even calling him ‘baby’...”

“Ha... Isn’t this amusing? I’ve seen even little Wang Sun riding on Crown Princess’s back before.”

“Do you guys suppose... it’s feasible? That... the youngest grandson might be Crown Princess’s biological child?”

“Rubbish! Crown Princess is male!” Someone instinctively objected.

Nonetheless, many individuals wore pensive expressions, seemingly inclined to gather evidence to support their conjecture.

Over the years, he had permitted the Crown Prince to enact reforms and edicts—all in pursuit of this goal.

After much contemplation, the King opted to suppress those scant documents. Whether Tang Yue was divine or diabolic, if he could enrich South Jin, what harm lay in retaining him?

“Brother Tang... Brother Tang...” Zhang Chun burst into Tang Yue’s study, visibly agitated and short of breath.

“What’s amiss? Has South Jin suffered a defeat in battle?” Tang Yue inquired, lifting his gaze.

“Why would news of South Jin’s victory or defeat matter? Such outcomes are commonplace. But guess what I overheard while traversing the streets just now?” Zhang Chun exclaimed.

“What kind of tale is that? Zhang Chun had reiterated it numerous times. ‘Just listen for entertainment, no need to take it seriously,’ he’d say.” Tang Yue recalled an incident from the previous year when Zhang Chun had caught wind of rumors about the deceased emperor. Allegedly, the emperor’s true affection was for a male pet. Upon his passing, he supposedly arranged for the pet to be interred alongside him, leaving behind a poignant and captivating love story.

Subsequently, Crown Prince Zhao verified that the late emperor was indeed compassionate. While it was true he had a male pet, the notion of being buried together was deemed absurd. Despite any agreement by the late emperor, such an act would never be approved by the ministers.

“No, this time it’s about you. It’s wildly exaggerated!”

Tang Yue teased with laughter. “Could there be people speculating that I can’t withstand loneliness and am secretly fostering relationships?”

Zhang Chun scrutinized Tang Yue from head to toe, shook his head, and remarked, “That’s preposterous. No man would dare to encroach upon someone associated with the crown prince. Furthermore, your appearance hardly warrants such attention!”

Tang Yue was at a loss for words. Was he truly that unattractive?

“Had I known, I wouldn’t have sent a portrait to Crown Prince Zhao. What if he became accustomed to my ordinary countenance and then suddenly encountered a handsome suitor?”

Lost in his own musings, Tang Yue missed Zhang Chun’s commentary about him. Regaining his senses, he heard Zhang Chun remark, “If this is factual, I might need to take lessons from you on the art of managing relationships with men!”

“How are men managed? What traits do men possess?” Tang Yue inquired earnestly. “Egg?”

“Haha... I can’t speak for other men, but you...” Zhang Chun stifled his laughter behind his hand. “They... they claim Little Luoyuan is your offspring.”

“Certainly, Little Luoyuan is my biological child!” Tang Yue had always regarded Little Luoyuan as his own.

With a mysterious air, Zhang Chun gestured towards his abdomen and chuckled, “No, they insist Little Luoyuan emerged from your belly.”

Tang Yue was dumbfounded, as if struck by lightning. Where on earth did such a ludicrous rumor originate?

“You’re also entertaining this notion?”

“I’m not entertaining it... Haha...” Zhang Chun chuckled while clutching his stomach. “I just... I simply find the imagination of people in this era remarkably vivid, and astonishingly, there are those who genuinely believe it. It’s truly... bewildering...” He trailed off, unable to find the right words.