Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 733: The Duke’s Perfect Counterattack in the Trial (2)_1

Chapter 733: Chapter 733: The Duke’s Perfect Counterattack in the Trial (2)_1

Those who had been sure that the Crown Prince was the mastermind behind the scenes and had decided that they would not show him a good face today were bewildered by Chu Heng’s mild demeanor, which didn’t seem at all like someone on the verge of a major event. They were at a loss, uncertain whether Chu Heng was feigning calm or truly had a clear conscience.

Chu Heng pretended not to see their speculative gazes; his expression became even more amiable as he walked step by step to his designated spot, coincidentally standing diagonally across from Mo Yan.

Xiao Ruiyuan stood below Chu Heng, staring intently at the woman opposite him until she sneaked a glance at him and gave him a faint smile. Only then did the forbidding aura that surrounded him soften somewhat.

It was only just past Si Shi, and many people of high status had not yet arrived, but Chu Heng, the Crown Prince, had come quite early. The scholars could not help but speculate in their hearts, yet they dared not discuss it openly like before, feeling stifled and only able to exchange glances with acquaintances nearby.

Chu Heng was no fool; how could he be oblivious to what these people were thinking? He turned to look at his cousin, about to complain about having followed his advice to come so early, but then he realized that his cousin’s dark eyes were fixed on the woman across from them, paying no heed to him. Suddenly, Chu Heng remembered why his cousin had earlier urged him to hurry here with an indifferent, silent face and instantly felt extremely vexed.

On the other side, the ministers were full of complaints, feeling the intimidating gaze of Xiao Ruiyuan on them without knowing who he was looking at. They feared they had somehow offended him, feeling as though they were being tortured under his scrutinizing gaze, and wished they could just hide.

Xiao Ruiyuan, absorbed in soothing his beloved, had no time to concern himself with his cousin’s wounded feelings, nor was he aware of the elderly gentlemen’s misunderstandings. Mo Yan, noticing the speechlessness on Chu Heng’s face, felt somewhat embarrassed and averted her gaze to avoid further drawing attention and truly losing face.

Xiao Ruiyuan took Mo Yan’s shyness as a cue, his eyes becoming gentler. In such a public setting, he dared not be too presumptuous, reluctantly ceasing to gaze at his beloved too intensely, to avoid ruining her reputation.

As the gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony were opened to the more than a thousand students, other high-ranking ministers and various Princes also arrived one after another. Seeing that Chu Heng, the Crown Prince, had arrived before them, they hurriedly came forward to greet and apologize.

Chu Heng wasn’t the sort to fuss over such trifles. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, he directed them to their respective places, ready to welcome the imminent arrival of Emperor Huian.

Before Emperor Huian arrived, however, the spirited King Heng and the equally delighted Old Master Lin made their appearance.

King Heng had originally thought he would be the earliest among the Princes to arrive, in order to impress the ministers and students, and by the way to outshine his arch-rival Chu Heng, who, relying on his status, came later than the others. Yet to his chagrin, he found that his arch-rival was already standing in the hall.

With no one else entering the hall just now, realizing he had to bow and pay respects to his arch-rival Chu Heng under the watchful eyes of everyone, King Heng, who had never acknowledged Chu Heng’s position as the Crown Prince, didn’t know what expression to wear, his scarred face contorting.

Despite his reluctant heart, King Heng had no choice but to lower his haughty head and feign a submissive posture towards Chu Heng, bowing and saying, "Your servant pays respects to the Second Imperial Brother."

Chu Heng could clearly see the reluctance in King Heng, and while his heart was filled with utmost loathing for the man before him, his face showed increasing warmth.

As if he hadn’t noticed King Heng still bowing in salute, Chu Heng spoke earnestly, "The Third Imperial Brother has been absent from the mansion for long, and as I have been recuperating in a different residence myself, I could only send the Manager from my mansion to convey my regards. Unfortunately, that fool of a servant angered the gatekeeper of the Imperial Brother’s Mansion and was not able to see the Third Imperial Brother in person, which is why I remained uninformed. Now that I see the Third Imperial Brother in good health, I can rest assured."