Chapter 58: “Birthday Celebrations (3)”
“Don’t worry grandfather, you’ve said things that Master had also thought of. Tomorrow I will give something for uncle to take, it won’t be detrimental to him, it just masks his health and let others view his pulse and his symptoms as though he is hanging on by a thread of life.” She had long thought of this and had prepared in advance some pills that could act as a deterrent in the event of any emergency.
Jun Xian and Jun Qing were glad that her master had such foresight and had everything prepared so comprehensively.
It seemed this master of hers was determined to help their family.
During this period of recuperation, Jun Qing was not only given back the use of his legs, his whole body had been strengthened and conditioned from inside out. On the other hand, Jun Xian’s health had improved so much, his whole body had become more robust, his mind was sharper and clearer, his whole body was conditioned to its peak.
“Your master has contributed greatly to the Lin Palace, we are forever indebted to him.” Jun Xian sighed, this elusive master of hers had helped their family so much yet he refused to show up or made any demands on them.
“He does not care.” Jun Wu Xie looked down wistfully while stroking the little black cat in her arms.
All she could do now was to let Jun Xian and Jun Qing get more powerful. However that was not enough, she wanted to be more powerful herself, strong enough to wipe out all the enemies off the face of this earth.
The day was soon over as everybody was busy preparing for the grand banquet. The sun rose and all the households were busy preparing for tonight’s banquet. Horses brushed, carriages polished, lavish outfits donned on and as the sun began to set, the whole Imperial city was set abuzz as the streets were filled with the most luxurious carriages as they all went towards the Imperial Palace. With all the various carriages lined in front of the palace, all the various ministers had with them treasures from all over gathered here today to celebrate the Crown Prince’s birthday.
Jun’s family carriage arrived grandly at the Palace gates. Long Qi was sitting outside the carriage as he looked coldly at the carriage coming over to the side.
Wu Wang’s extravagant carriage caught up with them, crystals clinking could be heard as Wu Wang stuck his head out of the crystal beaded curtain.
“Why isn’t it Lin Wang? What a coincidence!” he sneered with his plump face and gave a greasy smile.
Jun Xian drew his own carriage curtain and nodded.
When Wu Wang saw the other two Jun family members in the carriage, he smiled even more.
“Little highness and Wu Xie really came? Wow, it’s going to be so boisterous, oh, but I wonder if his little highness’s body can take it? Rest assured Lin Wang, based on our close relation, I’ve already informed the servants to wait on him during the banquet, no need to worry!”
“Thank you for the arrangement.” Jun Xian retorted curtly as he clenched his fist tightly and put the curtain down, not wanting to see that sickening face any longer.
“Oh!” Wu Wang contentedly shrank back into his own carriage as the crystals clinked together noisily.
Within the carriage, Jun Wu Xie raised her head and asked. “What filthy thing did that man eat?” His mouth was really cheap.
Jun Xian and his son immediately knew what she meant when she cursed that way as they smiled wryly.
“He is the king’s brother – Wu Wang, he doesn’t have much skills so he relies heavily on his relationship to have things his way. He doesn’t use his brain much, no need bother about him, he’s just a waste. You have to remember that the real danger are those who hide their hostilities deep within and stab you in the back when you least expect it.” Jun Qing was worried about Jun Wu Xie as she was still young and had not much experience with the real world.
He really wanted to protect her from all danger if he could, to forever shield her from this cold and deceptive world.
Volume 1
Chapter 59: “The Banquet (1)”
“I won’t call for a dog that bites.” Jun Wu Xie casually said while stroking the little black cat’s smooth fur.
Want to stab her in the back? Well, she must first give you an opportunity for that.
In the past, she only trusted her back with one person. In this world, she wouldn’t give anyone that chance other than Jun Xian and Jun Qing.
Seeing that she understood his meaning, Jun Qing laughed.
Sometimes he felt that his little niece grew up way too fast. Her perception and mentality seemed to have gone through an enormous change overnight – fortunately it was a good change.
More and more carriages entered and dropped off various important Ministers of the State as the crowd trickled in to join in the celebration of the Crown Prince’s birthday. While waiting to enter the banquet, all the guests entered from the side door and were ushered into a large waiting reception area.
When it was finally their turn as the carriage arrived at the side door, Long Qi prepared the wheelchair, assisted Jun Qing and took a thin blanket to cover his legs.
With the arrival of the three generations of the Jun Family, there was a huge commotion as many shifted their attention to the newly arrived guests.
Jun Xian was like a sleeping tiger, although he had more wrinkles over the years, no one dared to underestimate him. By his side was a young maiden who was an alluring beauty. She was like a little flower bud which had yet to bloom. In a few years, she definitely would be a beauty that could topple nations! She seemed to grow more beautiful each time they saw her.
In terms of appearance, very few could rival this precious flower from the Lin Palace, however everyone knew under this beautiful exterior lay a hot tempered fiery girl who could burn them easily and she brought trouble wherever she went! Jun Wu Xie’s notoriety was known throughout, no one dared to treat her as a well behaved little rabbit!
However now the one that they were most concerned about was the handsome man sitting on the wheelchair.
Although he sat there quietly with his pale face, one could tell he had quite a bit of difficulty even breathing. His raspy and disorderly breathing could be heard, gripping people’s hearts as they hear him struggling for his breath.
It was known that Jun Qing was in a bad shape for quite some time and everyone speculated that he would have died after a few days when Jun Xian forced his way into the palace asking for all the Royal Doctors. With one look at Jun Qing today, one did not need to be well versed in medicine to tell that he was really hanging onto his life by a fine thread. Even if Jun Xian used up all the precious herbs, nothing would be able to save his son.
Affirming their own notions, they looked over at Jun Xian and saw him brooding, this further confirmed their own speculation.
Some ministers went over and offered him some words of encouragement, portraying a noble front and disappeared into the crowd soon after.
This whole facade went on as both father and son played the victims and looked vulnerable. Jun Wu Xie on the other hand, was totally ignored.
Compared to Jun Qing’s imminent death, being dumped by Mo Xuan Fei paled in comparison.
Anyway the impending fall of Lin Palace was nearing, what can this outrageous tyrannical little girl do? She seemed to have toned down a lot from previous occasions. At least she knew her place – various inner thoughts and whisperings went around masked with bright smiles and vibrant music. Regardless of what’s happening on the surface, everyone had deemed Lin Palace a huge joke.
They had been in power for such a long time,showed their prowess before but all of that was in the past, now they were only waiting for their downfall.
After passing through the reception area, the guests were led to their seats in the banquet hall. Soon, it was in full swing as music, laughter and lantern lights filled the whole palace.
Volume 1
Chapter 60: “The Banquet (2)”
Many gasped at the scale of this banquet. The banq
uet was held at the Crown Prince Palace Wing and one could see that the Emperor really held the Crown Prince birthday in high regard. The main hall was decorated lavishly and the feast itself was pure luxury. Silk brocades with exquisite embroidery could be seen all around as beautifully carved wine glasses out of precious materials graced their presence. The finest dishes were brought out with rare and delectable ingredients in beautiful artistic designs were presented to the guests.
For this banquet alone, how much gold was splurged?
Jun Wu Xie was pushing Jun Qing on the wheelchair, following quietly behind Jun Xian as they entered the banquet hall. A small memory flashed by, in the past, the previous Wu Xie had attended the Crown Prince’s birthday once and that was the time when she had met Mo Xuan Fei and fell for him.
“The Crown Prince doesn’t have it easy as well.” Jun Wu Xie looked at the grandeur surrounding her as she coldly stated her thoughts.
Jun Xian and Jun Qing’s expression stiffened.
Jun Qing was about to say something when Jun Xian suddenly cut it and said: “Wu Xie, why do you think so?”
Jun Wu Xie replied: “If his Majesty really loved the Crown Prince, he would create an image of a benevolent ruler that doesn’t spend the people’s money in such ways. The way I see it, it’s not the case.”
“The Crown Prince’s abode is so luxurious and just for a banquet such extravagance splashed out isn’t it just for all to see?” She stated everything very matter of factly, in front of her this beautiful scene was just like an invisible shackle.
Jun Xian widened his eyes in shock, he did not think that the young Wu Xie could see through the secret.
Jun Xian glanced at the servants walking in front of them as he whispered softly: “His Royal Crown Prince was born by the Queen, her own family was very powerful which enabled her to sit on the Queen’s throne. In just a few years after her death, her family also faced an unexpected calamity and their power declined tremendously.”
Jun Wu Xie finally understood, the only reason why the Crown Prince could hold on to his title was because of his Mother’s side of the family, not because the Emperor favoured him. From the look of things, with the decline of the Crown Prince’s support, the Emperor seemed to have started making his move.
To say the least, the current Crown Prince’s predicament was similar to Lin Palace.
Without a powerful backing, the Emperor who was previously helpless before them had his own designs.
However his schemes really ran deep, even when dealing with the Crown Prince, he portrays it as if he doted heavily on this son of his.
“Then who does His Majesty actually favor?” Jun Wu Xie asked softly.
“The Second Prince.” Jun Xian answered coldly.
Jun Wu Xie suddenly realised how everything fell into place. No wonder Mo Xuan Fei was so persistent on pursuing Bai Yun Xian, her identity itself could boost him up to take over the coveted position of Crown Prince. If they were engaged, it was a great opportunity to make the favored son the Crown Prince instead.
“He have eyes but fail to see, how ignorant.” she scoffed.
Although she did not know the Crown Prince very well, however in the eyes of Jun Wu Xie, Mo Xuan Fei’s personality was rotten to the core.
Even a lump of **** was better than Mo Xuan Fei.
Jun Xian laughed, although his little princess did not talk much, her mouth was really quite toxic.
After all the ministers have arrived and sat at their seats, the Emperor turned to his right and whispered something to the handsome youth seated by his side.
Volume 1
Chapter 61: “The Banquet (3)”
The youth seated by the Emperor was handsome and had similar features to Mo Xuan Fei, however he looked more uninhibited, when the Emperor was conversing with him, his brow was wrinkled. He was donned in a silver silk brocade, however he was dressed quite casually for the occasion as compared to all his guests, with his inner snow white robe peeking out. He was sitting idly with a wine cup in hand.
Although the feast had yet to start, he had already drank a lot, his eyes seemed to be intoxicated but there was still a hint of sharpness.
At first glance, Jun Wu Xie felt something was amiss with the Crown Prince but she said nothing and continued sitting quietly at her seat.
On the other side of the Emperor sat the Second Prince, Mo Xuan Fei was seated with his beautiful lady companion, Bai Yun Xian. The golden couple was smiling and in high spirits as their laughter added to the festive mood.
When viewed from the hall, the contrast between the Crown Prince and Second Prince was apparent.
A beautiful cue presented by the court musicians invited the Emperor to make a toast. Mo Xuan Fei straightened his back and gave a congratulatory speech to his brother and expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence and gifts.
The main lead tonight, Crown Prince Mo Qian Yuan had been silent throughout, sitting at his own corner drinking his wine.
“Qian Yuan, today is your birthday, when you were just born, when you and your mum were in grave danger, luckily Jun Gu saved you both! Today, Lin Wang, Jun Qing and Jun Wu Xie are all present, why don’t you take the opportunity and give a toast to them.” The Emperor smiled and asked the silent Mo Qian Yuan.
Mo Qian Yuan frowned deeper as he contemplated for a short while before taking his wine cup and got up, trying to stabilise himself. He seemed to be a bit drunk as he staggered over.
A lot of ministers secretly shook their heads. People were really not optimistic about this future king as they inwardly judged him.
Mo Qian Yuan held out his cup: “Thank you Lin Palace for your grace.” Without waiting for any response, he downed his whole cup of wine in a single swig.
His actions were very brash and sudden that he lost his balance and tumbled towards the table.
Jun Xian helped the Crown Prince up as the strong smell of alcohol assaulted his nose. Jun Xian couldn’t help but let out a sigh softly.
“Sorry.” Mo Qian Yuan straightened himself as he frowned and tapped his head absentmindedly as he muttered a few more words and went back to his seat.
Jun Wu Xie looked at him as a glint flashed by her deep eyes.
“Meow!” Faint meowing came from her sleeves.
Before entering the banquet, the little black cat had hid itself in her large sleeves, fortunately it was very small and it had gone in unnoticed.
[Master, that man has something nasty on him!]
The little black cat had an extraordinary sense of smell and with a whiff of the strong alcoholic smell from the Crown Prince, it sniffed up something bad along with it.
“Mmm.” Jun Wu Xie sat there without moving, the reason which why she herself had an ultra sensitive nose was mainly due to her soul link with the little black cat. In her previous world, this deed was due to that person’s extreme experiments and had her increase her sense of smell by few times, although it was nothing compared to what the little black cat, it was still much more sensitive than an ordinary person’s.
Volume 1
Chapter 62: “The Banquet (4)”
At that moment when Mo Qian Yuan had tumbled over, she could pick out a faint floral scent, one that she was very familiar with. In the previous world, there was a type of flower and the extract of that flower could be made into a type of drug. If a person was taking that drug, their clothes would have this faint floral scent on them.
After taking this drug, it would make people all floaty and happy, throwing all their problems away. If taken long-term, it could change a person’s mental capacity. If a person ate it for an extended period, he would turn into a waste very quickly as the drug not only damage a person’s nerves, it also corroded their organs. Moreover, it was highly addictive and if not taken on time, it was as though there were hundreds of ants on them and this extreme discomfort could even cause personality disorders.
Jun Wu Xie did not think that such a vile drug had existed in this world as well and what
made her even more surprised was that this scent came from the Crown Prince!
Looking at his disorderly state, it seems that it was not simply excessive drinking of wine but more related to that flower scent emitted.
“The period of him taking the drug seems to be for quite some time.” She touched her chin as she assessed it based on her experience. It seems that he had been taking this drug for a few years, he can’t drag this on for much longer. If he continues, it is estimated he had only two more years left.
It made no difference to her if he lived or died.
However, the Emperor can justify his death and use it as a means to raise the Second Prince, Mo Xuan Fei.
This was something she did not want.
“This man cannot die.” She decided immediately as she narrowed her eyes in determination. It may also be a great opportunity to help a desolate prince and perhaps he may prove useful to change the current State of Qi.
Well, whatever makes her enemy unhappy, she’ll be more than happy to lend a helping hand.
“Grandfather, father saved the prince’s life before?” She asked softly.
“That was a long time ago, your father had just taken over the command of Rui Lin Army. That year, the Crown Prince was born and the Queen was on the way to bring him to visit her family. They met with bandits on the way, luckily your father happened to be in the vicinity and he saved them.” Jun Xian casually replied.
“Mo Qian Yuan’s performance had been pretty good, however, over the past few years he seemed to have undergone a personality change. If he really becomes the King of Qi, perhaps our Lin Palace might not have such a hard time.” Jun Xian sighed, the only promising Crown Prince was now also at stake.
Jun Xian and his sons had saved too many people before, hence he didn’t say much more.
Jun Wu Xie narrowed her eyes as she looked at the Crown Prince.
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss Volume 1 Page 13