nycdaug Chapter 8 Don't disappoint me from now on.
Chapter 8 Don't disappoint me from now on.
Li Mao and the woman wearing a bamboo hat sat silently in the carriage, the whole journey marked by a heavy atmosphere, as if the air itself had frozen.
A resolute look appeared in Li Mao's eyes. He took a deep breath and looked at the woman beside him.
He adjusted his posture slightly and slowly said, "Xianglan, I have fulfilled all the conditions I promised you. Do not disappoint me now."
Upon hearing this, Xianglan, who was wearing a straw hat, nodded slightly, the edge of the hat swaying gently with her movement.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I know what to do."
Upon seeing this, Li Mao nodded slightly.
"So good."
After speaking, Li Mao closed his eyes and said nothing more.
Before long, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and then Gao Chen's shrill voice rang out.
"Prince Shou, get out of the carriage! Don't keep His Majesty waiting."
Urged on by Gao Chen, Li Mao and Xiang Lan got off the carriage and headed straight for the Imperial Study.
Inside the imperial study, Li Longji sat upright on the dragon throne, intently reviewing memorials.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, he merely raised his head slightly, glanced at Gao Chen and the others who were walking in, and then returned his attention to the memorial.
That single glance sent a chill down Li Mao's spine, making him feel a strong shiver.
Li Mao took a deep breath, suppressing the resentment in his heart.
In any case, he must remain calm.
Understanding this, Li Mao led Xianglan forward and bowed deeply to the ground.
Li Mao said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Gao Chen also hurriedly knelt down.
"This servant greets Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Li Longji merely gave a cold reply.
"Ah."
However, Gao Chen immediately began to accuse Li Mao of his crimes.
"Your Majesty, this old servant has received reports from scoundrels in recent days!"
“Recently, Prince Shou has been plundering beautiful women and indulging in pleasure, completely disregarding his status as a prince.”
"If that were all, it would be one thing. But now, Prince Shou has openly brought this woman into the palace. Such behavior is truly improper, and this woman is conclusive evidence. We urge Your Majesty to severely punish Prince Shou as a warning!"
As Gao Chen finished speaking, Li Longji continued reviewing the memorials while casually glancing up at Li Mao and speaking indifferently.
What's your explanation?
When Li Longji asked him a question, Li Mao glanced at Gao Chen out of the corner of his eye.
That bastard is really relentless in his pursuit of me, never missing a single opportunity to get revenge.
But at this moment, I absolutely cannot confront Gao Chen directly; I must handle the situation cleverly.
Gao Chen, kneeling to the side, wore a smug smile, a smile like a blooming flower of evil, as if he could already see Li Mao being severely punished, his eyes revealing a malicious anticipation.
As Gao Chen eagerly awaited his arrival, Li Mao took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes, and said, "Father, Eunuch Gao's actions are entirely intended to sow discord between you and me!"
"He has repeatedly spoken ill of me, and I have reached my limit. I hope that Your Majesty will investigate this matter."
As soon as Li Mao finished speaking, Li Longji, who was reviewing memorials, frowned instantly, stopped writing abruptly, and then slowly raised his head.
He looked at Li Mao with a displeased expression.
"shut up!"
"Gao Chen is my close attendant, so he represents my will."
The voice, carrying an undeniable air of authority, echoed throughout the hall.
Seeing Li Longji's attitude towards Li Mao, Gao Chen became increasingly smug, his smugness spreading like a tide in his heart, yet he maintained a humble expression on his face.
Then, he lowered his head slightly, his hands respectfully hanging down in front of him, and sneered inwardly.
Prince Shou, you're dead this time!
Sensing his father's displeasure, Li Mao continued, "Father, Eunuch Gao is so audacious because he relies on your favor..."
Before he could finish speaking, Li Longji interrupted him.
"You are a prince, and every move you make is related to the face and decorum of the royal family."
"One should act with discretion and never forget one's place."
Upon hearing this, the palace fell silent instantly.
Only the faint scent of incense lingered in the air, as if telling the story of the complexities and subtleties within the palace.
Li Longji was even more disappointed in Li Mao at this time, and pondered to himself.
This Eighteenth Prince is truly hopeless!
Where is there even a trace of awareness of being a member of the royal family?
Looking at Li Mao, although he couldn't stop sneering in his heart, he was increasingly dissatisfied with this cheap father emperor.
But he still hurriedly kowtowed with trepidation, his forehead pressed tightly against the cold ground, his voice trembling with endless fear and respect.
"Your Majesty's teachings will be kept in mind and I will never forget them in the slightest."
"Your subject is well aware of his lowly status, and that he is able to achieve what he has today entirely thanks to the Emperor's protection and favor."
“Every word of Father Emperor is as sacred and inviolable to your son as heavenly law.”
"Your subject will certainly take your father's teachings as a guiding light, always be mindful of your words and actions, and never dare to overstep or slack off in the slightest."
"Please rest assured, Father, I will never fail your expectations and will strive to be a prince who satisfies you."
These earnest words softened Li Longji's gloomy expression slightly, and the oppressive atmosphere that permeated the entire imperial study also eased a little.
Sensing the subtle change in the surrounding atmosphere, Li Mao knew it was time to implement the next step of his plan.
Thinking of this, Li Mao maintained his humble and fearful demeanor and then said, "Father, I am not a person who indulges in extravagance and debauchery. Everything I have done is for your sake."
These words, however, made Li Longji sneer inwardly.
Are all the things you do for me?
What a foolish eighteenth son! Even at this point, he still resorts to sophistry and deceit!
Gao Chen, standing to the side, became even more smug, secretly mocking him in his heart.
This Prince Shou is truly a fool who doesn't know his own mortality. Even now, he's still stubbornly clinging to his pride.
Do you really think that saying a few flattering words will earn you the Emperor's forgiveness?
However, under the watchful eyes of Li Longji and Gao Chen, Li Mao looked at Xianglan behind him and called out softly.
"Xianglan, come here quickly."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Li Mao's sudden action immediately filled Li Longji and Gao Chen with doubt and confusion.
Li Longji frowned slightly and looked up to carefully examine the woman wearing a bamboo hat.
Gao Chen secretly mocked Li Mao in his heart.
It seems that Prince Shou is truly out of options and is even trying to rely on a woman to get out of this predicament.
But soon, when Xianglan slowly lifted her bamboo hat and revealed her true face, Li Longji and Gao Chen stared wide-eyed in disbelief, frozen in place.
Under their gazes, Xianglan bowed slowly.
"This humble woman, Xianglan, greets Your Majesty."