The Gilded Cage CH 5

In the Azure Hall, Xiao Yu sat on the chaise with his eyes closed as he listened to his attendants’ discussion.

“Your Highness has been the Crown Prince for many years and your position is secure. So, you do not require any testamentary edict to ascend the throne. On the other hand, the Prince of Qin is just a palace maid’s son. When Emperor Gaozong was alive, he had sent him off to somewhere as far and remote as Ganzhou. No one cared to ask about him for ten years. Now, his sudden return was just due to the support of the Empress Dowager!

The East Palace’s attendant, Xu Rong, was speaking furiously. It seemed as if he was going to storm into Taiji Palace and pull the Empress Dowager and the Prince of Qin down from their position.

Xu Rong had been serving Xiao Yu since the latter was ten years old. He was completely loyal and had gained Xiao Yu’s trust. So, he had a special position in the East Palace.

The other attendants also agreed, “Yes. In the end, it must be the Empress Dowager’s desperation which led her to summon Prince of Qin! Your Highness is the legitimate Crown Prince. How can they force you to step aside for the Prince of Qin?”

“Once the news is spread, the whole kingdom will see their true intention! Your Highness, according to the traditions, the coronation will be held a few days after the late Emperor’s funeral. Why don’t we use this chance to speak to the courtier to stop the new Emperor from ascending the throne?”

The attendants continued on with their discussion. Only the Supervisor of the East Palace, Zhao Yanzhou, lowered his gaze expressionlessly and did not say a word.

Xu Rong noticed his demeanor. He narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, “Do you have any thoughts on this matter, Supervisor Zhao?”

The other attendants turned their attention to Zhao Yanzhou. Even Xiao Yu opened his eyes.

Zhao Yanzhou furrowed his brow and glanced at everyone for a moment before his expression became unreadable, “Based on what I can see, the fact that the Prince of Qin invited you to Taiji Palace for funeral and coronation shows that he would not attack you yet. As such, Your Highness does not have to rush to attack him. You can observe the situation first and think up a plan later.”

Upon hearing him, Xu Rong retorted immediately, “There’s only a few days till coronation. If we continue to wait, aren’t we being sitting ducks? Supervisor Zhao had just joined the East Palace, it is understandable that he is being careful.”

Zhao Yanzhou heard the mockery laced in Xu Rong’s statement. However, he was used to it and did not respond. He stood quietly at his place and waited for Xiao Yu to decide.

Xiao Yu gazed at the people around him and considered. A moment later, he said, “Attendant Xu, if you can leave here tomorrow, please contact a few courtiers.”

Although his answer sounded like he had decided to go with Xiao Yu’s plan, in actuality, he had other plans.

Zhao Yanzhou was right. Since they were not sure what the other side was planning, they could not act rashly. However, looking at the present situation, he could not back off. As such, he thought why not just grab the chance, and find out what the other side was planning.

Upon hearing this, Xu Rong’s expression relaxed but Zhao Yanzhou remained unchanged. The attendants then discussed the list of the courtiers to contact and then left the hall after that.

Before leaving, Xu Rong stayed behind and waited until everyone else had left before going to Xiao Yu and whispered, “I have just been informed that the Crown Princess found a past Chu family servant in Qianzhou. Presently Zhao Yanzhou had placed him in the Eternal Prosperity Lane.”

Xiao Yu’s tired expression darkened, and he raised a brow, “Who is the servant? Our people didn’t find him before this?”

“He was the Chu family’s old butler. Previously, when he was arrested in Qianzhou, he escaped and disappeared for two years. Who knew how Supervisor Zhao managed to find him?” Xu Rong was unhappy as he talked about this matter. If it was just a normal servant, he would have nothing to worry about. But this old butler seems to be the late Chu Qianyu’s confidant. “Your Highness, should I manage it the usual way and find someone to dispose of him?”

Xiao Yu was about to nod, but he suddenly had a flash of doubt. He considered quietly for a moment and shook his head. “It’s not necessary. Let him be for now.”

“Your Highness..” Xu Rong knew that he did this out of his feelings for the Crown Princess. However, seeing that their present situation does not allow any mistake, he wanted to continue to persuade him, but the Crown Prince raised his hand and dismissed him.

“Alright, I know what I am doing. You should leave first.”

Xiao Yu was leaning against the chaise. He closed his eyes and rested. This indicated that he would not like to talk anymore.

Xu Rong had no choice but to leave the Azure hall indignantly.