Chapter 76

Chapter 76 - Two Eagles with One Arrow

Momentary chaos ensued as the emperor descended from his elevated perch, forcefully dislodging a court official entangled with a dancer. His booming command echoed, “Still lingering?!”

His thunderous rebuke jolted the recipient awake. “I... What's happening to me?”

The emperor's countenance shifted. “Servants, secure the entrances and exits of the palace grounds. Summon the imperial physician!”

Those present weren't daft; they grasped the implication instantly. The emperor suspected foul play, a notion unfathomable!

Poisoning the palace banquet would deal a severe blow to their plans, jeopardizing everything.

Unseen by the crowd, as the emperor spoke, the Demonic Qi within the ministers dissipated, returning swiftly to Yin Xu. Simultaneously, Yin Xu regained composure.

Retracting his Demonic Qi, he met Teng Yu's gaze with inscrutable expression. He quipped, “Why the intense stare?”

Teng Yu's lip twitched. “You're well aware.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Yin Xu feigned innocence with a blink.

Teng Yu gestured to the turmoil, cautioning, “Next time, stay attuned to the situation.”

Yin Xu's response, an expression of feigned ignorance, preceded his upright posture, shifting focus back to the spectacle.

In truth, he had contemplated manipulating Demonic Qi to exploit another's inner turmoil, inducing mental disarray.

Such tactics were rudimentary for cultivators in his past life, yet he hadn't considered it until now. Pleased with the unfolding drama, he reveled in his ploy.

Unlike brute force, such underhanded methods were favored by Demonic Cultivators. The Demon Lord had always disdained violence, favoring subtlety.

Soon, Chengde Hall was swarmed by guards. Given the ruckus, the neighboring women couldn't have remained oblivious. Imperial Consort Yun dispatched inquiries, prompting swift silence from the adjacent quarters.

Yin Xu's admiration for the unseen woman grew. Her control over the harem and influence within the capital were unparalleled.

A dozen aged imperial physicians were swiftly summoned. Yin Xu scanned their ranks, noting their advanced years.

Evidently, the position of imperial physician demanded seniority.

Though the hall had been restored to order, the humiliated ministers dared not meet anyone's gaze.

“I don't know if anyone else noticed, but the accused lords all seemed to lose their senses simultaneously. Whether due to intoxication or other means, they reacted uniformly. It's implausible for them to act in unison.”

Teng Yu countered slowly, “However, it's conceivable that a few Masters were enticed by desire and acted impulsively. During the banquet, the dancers served wine, presenting a rare opportunity for interaction.”

In the gender-segregated seating arrangement, all attendees at Chengde Hall were men, including the eunuchs.

The First Prince interjected, “Marshal Huo's argument seems logical. Given their status, families, and spouses, how could they abandon decorum for a dancer?”

“That might not be the case. It's possible that these lords' concubines are not merely wives but also predators—jackals, wolves, tigers, leopards, and vixens. Even a sow could be a seductress,” the Second Prince smirked, eyeing Duke Xian.

Duke Xian's countenance, naturally gaunt, flushed with anger under the scrutinizing gaze. “What's the meaning of this, Second Prince? This Duke has always maintained purity. Why would I stoop to such behavior?”

“Who knows? The joviality of drinking often clouds judgment.”

“You...”

“Enough! Let's conclude this matter!” None dared oppose the Emperor's decisive clap, yet Huo Zhengquan's words left many unsettled, unable to find resolution.

Subsequently, frivolity ceased. After the New Year's Eve rites, Emperor Dechang, accompanied by the three princes and other royals, bestowed blessings upon the populace at the city gate tower.

This tradition of the Liang Dynasty aimed to remind the royal family of the populace's importance, emphasizing mutual support.

During the procession, Teng Yu and Yin Xu lamented in their sedan, “Your actions have foiled my plans.”

“What plans?”

“I intended to exploit palace chaos by arranging a match between Duke Xian's cherished daughter and Teng Yi, sparing me from marrying that unruly woman who might harm Teng Yi's kin.”

Yin Xu rolled his eyes, refusing to acknowledge involvement. “That's not my concern.”

Teng Yu persisted, “Nevertheless, Duke Xian will face considerable embarrassment. Returning home, he might endure the wrath of his family's matriarch.”

“Isn't that what you wanted?” Yin Xu's pride evident, unaware of not only thwarting Teng Yu's scheme but also Imperial Consort Yun's.

Imperial Consort Yun had hoped to leverage the Emperor's jubilance to advance her agenda. With sufficient support, her plan could have succeeded.

Yet, her marriage proposals for the other princes had crumbled, rendering her list obsolete. The Emperor would likely reject Teng Yu's betrothal to the Wang family's daughter from Xian County.

In the palace's somber confines, Imperial Consort Yun, gazing at the festive fireworks, felt a gnawing frustration.