Chapter 160 - 160: Xiao Junhao Was Scolded

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Imperial Father, please forgive me, it is… it is my fault.”

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Xiao Junhao subconsciously wanted to explain, but knowing Emperor Qi Ming’s character, he eventually just admitted his mistake silently.

However, Xiao Junhao’s admission of guilt not only failed to appease Emperor Qi Ming but rather worsened his mood.

“So, a simple admission of guilt can absolve you of all responsibility? You have repeatedly disappointed me. 1 give you opportunity after opportunity, and this is how you repay me?”

“I accept my mistake.”

Facing Emperor Qi Ming’s rebuke, Xiao Junhao dared not argue and could only bow his head in guilt.

At this moment, Xiao Nanye spoke up quietly, “Imperial Brother, this matter might not be related to Prince Qing.”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, everyone present was stunned, especially Xiao Junhao.

Instinctively, he suspected Xiao Nanye of scheming something, but Xiao Nanye didn’t look at him. Puzzled by the matter, Emperor Qi Ming was now focusing on Xiao Nanye, “You are actually defending him.”

“I’m not speaking in favor of Prince Qing. I just find the situation odd.”

“This Mingqing Hall is the main hall and has always been maintained by specialists. Now, all these eight golden dragons have lost their heads. It’s truly strange.”

“Therefore, Imperial Brother, in my view, this matter might not necessarily be Prince Qing’s fault. Why don’t we let the Imperial Astronomical Bureau investigate?”

Although he didn’t understand why Xiao Nanye was defending him, upon seeing Emperor Qi Ming’s expression soften a bit, Xiao Junhao quickly said, “Imperial Father, during the palace refurbishment, I have put in all my effort. As for the matter of the golden dragons, 1 truly do not know the reason behind it. 1 plead for your forgiveness.”

Hearing their words, Emperor Qi Ming fell silent.

A moment later, he looked at Xiao Junhao and said, “Get up.”

After Xiao Junhao stood up, Emperor Qi Ming turned to Wang Kun and said, “Go bring the people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.”

“Yes.”

Wang Kun quickly turned and left. Half a teacup’s time later, an old man with a white beard appeared in front of everyone. He was the head of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Bai Yi.

Upon seeing Emperor Qi Ming, Bai Yi quickly stepped forward and paid his respects, “Your humble servant pays his respects to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.”

“First, take a look at how these golden dragons lost their heads.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Bai Yi stood up and began to closely observe the Mingqing Hall.

He nodded and shook his head from time to time, his hands constantly fiddling as if calculating something. Just as Emperor Qi Ming’s patience was about to run out, he turned to him and said, “Your Majesty, these golden dragons have lost their heads. It is… it is… 1 dare not say.”

Bai Yi looked flustered, but as he spoke, his gaze kept drifting towards Xiao Junhao.

Seeing this, Xiao Junhao suddenly had a bad feeling.

Emperor Qi Ming frowned and spoke directly, “Speak your mind. What are you afraid to say in front of me?”

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Bai Yi immediately knelt down and continued,” The reason why the Golden Dragon was lost their head was because His Highness, the Qing King, and Your Majesty’s, the Emperor, are incompatible with each other. Therefore, if His Highness repairs this palace, not only will it affect the fate of the country, but it will also harm Your Majesty, the Emperor…”

“Nonsense!”

Before Bai Yi could finish his words, Xiao Junhao glared at him darkly, ready to strike, but was blocked by Xiao Nanye.

Facing Xiao Junhao’s angry gaze, Xiao Nanye spoke softly, “Prince Qing, how dare you act in front of the Emperor?”

“Imperial Father, please forgive me, but this Bai Yi… he is clearly being manipulated.”

After saying this, Xiao Junhao glared at Bai Yi, “Who instructed you to slander me?”

“Your Majesty, 1 swear on my life that I am not talking nonsense.”

“I am the Emperor’s son, and you dare to utter such nonsense. You dare say you’re not talking nonsense, you…”

“Although His Highness is the emperor’s child, His Highness doesn’t only have the emperor’s blood. His Highness’s birth mother is of low status.

Before Xiao Junhao could finish his words, Bai Yi quietly interrupted him.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Junhao’s gloomy eyes immediately turned murderous. Jiang Peihuan was sure that if it were not in the presence of Emperor Qi Ming, Bai Yi would have been killed by him already.

“Xiao Junhao, what are you doing? Are you trying to kill someone in front of me?”

Emperor Qi Ming turned around and saw the murderous intent in Xiao Junhao’s eyes. The latter quickly kneeled down and whispered, “Imperial Father, I am innocent, I…”

“That’s enough. This matter ends here. Go back to your Prince Qing’s Mansion. Don’t come to the palace without my order.”

Emperor Qi Ming interrupted Xiao Junhao’s words before he could finish.

At this moment, all the civil and military officials, all the influential people in the court has arrived and heard Emperor Qi Ming’s words.

Everyone had different expressions in their eyes. Some were worried, some were mocking.

Among these people, only Lin Mengyao was full of worry when looking at Xiao Junhao.

But Xiao Junhao didn’t glance at Lin Mengyao; instead, his eyes were clouded with gloom as he looked at Jiang Peihuan.

He couldn’t believe that this matter was unrelated to Jiang Peihuan, especially after Xiao Nanye suggested consulting the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. He was more convinced that this was a trap set for him.

In fact, Xiao Junhao was right. This was indeed a trap laid by Jiang Peihuan.

Meeting Xiao Junhao’s gaze, Jiang Peihuan didn’t look away.

This trap was a gift from Xiao Junhao to her in their previous life. In the past, the golden dragons in Mingqing Hall also had their heads severed, but Bai Yi had asserted that the person who was at odds with Emperor Qi Ming was Jiang Hong.

Later, Jiang Peihuan found out that everything was part of Xiao Junhao’s scheme.

Today, she intended to let Xiao Junhao experience the taste of his own medicine.

“Your Majesty, 1 will take my leave now.”

Xiao Junhao bowed to Emperor Qi Ming and then turned around to leave.

Due to the incident involving the golden dragon, Emperor Qi Ming was not in a jovial mood. Seeing this, everyone suggested that they should leave.

Jiang Peihuan also left with Jiang Hong and Xue Yan.

Just as Jiang Peihuan settled into the carriage, she heard the sound of horse hooves. Jiang Ruyun, who was by her side, lifted the curtain and saw Xiao Nanye approaching. She quickly told Jiang Peihuan, “Elder sister, it’s King Cheng.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Peihuan looked out the window.

Zhuiyun had already neared the carriage. The man on the horse looked at the occupants inside the carriage and whispered, “Don’t worry about this. I’ve taken care of everything.”

Jiang Peihuan understood that Xiao Nanye was referring to the golden dragon incident. Hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan nodded, then quietly said, “Thank you.”

“Huan Er, with me, you never need to say thank you.”

Seeing the man frown, Jiang Peihuan nodded, “Okay, I will remember.”

Hearing this, a hint of a smile appeared in Xiao Nanye’s eyes. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Jiang Hong approaching, “King Cheng, we need to return home.”

You can move along now, there’s no need to block the way..