Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot-Chapter 331 - 308 Elopement

Imperial Palace, the autumn air was crisp and refreshing.

Supreme Emperor sat in the pavilion of Zhaoyang Hall, fiddling with a chessboard left behind by the previous dynasty.

Eunuch Fu held a horsetail whisk in his hand and approached in small, mincing steps. "Supreme Emperor."

"Returned?" Supreme Emperor picked up a white chess piece, hesitating indecisively over the board as if no move seemed adequate, "Is the old lady doing well?"

"She’s doing well."

Eunuch Fu smiled and said, "Young Master Yu is quite filial to the old lady."

Supreme Emperor nodded thoughtfully, "He’s a decent child. I wonder if Wanping fancies him."

Eunuch Fu said hesitantly, "Young Master Yu is too young, I fear he may lack steadiness and reliability."

Supreme Emperor replied, "Are you saying Wanping is too old?"

Eunuch Fu hurriedly said, "I wouldn’t dare!"

Supreme Emperor still could not settle on a move, "She is indeed getting on in years. Back then, I spoiled her, and later when I went to the monastery, I didn’t manage her for years. I’ve inadvertently delayed her."

Eunuch Fu chuckled awkwardly, not daring to reply.

Who would’ve thought the Grand Commander, who once confined you to the monastery, has now become your confidant?

Life is unpredictable.

"Enough about that," Supreme Emperor said, "How is the progress of the autumn hunt?"

Eunuch Fu said, "I was about to report to you, Lu Guard has returned from the hunting ground and is waiting outside the hall."

Lu Guard was one of the elite Imperial Palace guards dispatched by Supreme Emperor to protect Zong Zhengxi, and was a fellow apprentice of Chang Kuan.

Supreme Emperor: "Summon him."

Lu Guard entered Zhaoyang Hall, bowed his hands respectfully to the Supreme Emperor seated in the Warm Pavilion, and greeted, "Greetings to Supreme Emperor!"

"Rise."

Supreme Emperor said, "Speak about the autumn hunt."

Lu Guard said, "The autumn hunt has concluded."

Supreme Emperor exclaimed in surprise, "It’s only been a few days? Did something happen?"

In the past, autumn hunts lasted at least ten days to half a month. The longest one stretched a full forty-five days before a victor was finally determined.

"I’m not sure whether something happened."

Lu Guard recounted the disputes among the Imperial Guard, Jinyi Guard, and Gold Guard in precise detail, including the "trouble" caused by Princess Wanping.

Supreme Emperor gasped sharply.

She already struggles to find marriage prospects, and now after such antics, who in Capital City would still dare to marry her?

Eunuch Fu noticed Supreme Emperor’s furrowed brow and his obvious concern over his daughter’s future. He quickly changed the subject with a smile, "Therefore, the Gold Guard emerged victorious. So, who among the Gold Guard is the Military General this time?"

Lu Guard said, "It was the Miao King."

Eunuch Fu: "..."

Supreme Emperor asked, "He acted as support for the Gold Guard?"

Lu Guard said, "No, he caught it himself and gifted it to his grandson to play with."

Supreme Emperor: "...Absolutely outrageous!"

Lu Guard continued, "Your Majesty sent me back to the palace, requesting Supreme Emperor’s decision on who should be granted this year’s title of Military General."

Supreme Emperor said grumpily, "Since the Miao King hunted down the tiger with glaring eyes, then give him the title! Competing for Military General with the juniors—such shamelessness! If he has the nerve to ask, and I don’t grant it, it would make the court appear stingy!"

Lu Guard hesitated to speak.

Supreme Emperor said, "Speak!"

Lu Guard replied, "The Miao King learned I was entering the palace to consult Supreme Emperor, and asked me to relay a question: Will there be a reward for the Military General title? If not, can he exchange the title for some gold?"

Supreme Emperor slammed his fist onto the table, saying coldly, "Is he selling official titles in front of me now?!"

Lu Guard added, "The Miao King said, if you’re unwilling, then never mind—he’ll sell it to someone else."

Supreme Emperor: "...!!"

Who is he saying is unwilling?? WHO IS HE SAYING IS UNWILLING???

Supreme Emperor, usually serene, could only be brought to rage by the antics of the Miao King, as if one Buddha was descending and another Buddha was ascending.

"Summon the Miao King to the palace for me!"

"Yes."

Lu Guard bowed and received the order.

"Wait."

Remembering something, Supreme Emperor called him back, "Bring Wanping back to me as well."

Wanping’s mischief could no longer be ignored.

Lu Guard once again hesitated.

Supreme Emperor said impatiently, "Stop stammering. Speak your mind!"

Lu Guard said, "I might be unable to bring Princess Wanping back."

Supreme Emperor assumed Lu Guard meant Wanping was enjoying herself too much to leave, and said, "Tell her it’s my command; she must not disobey!"

Lu Guard explained, "I couldn’t find Princess Wanping. She... eloped with someone."

Clatter!

The chess piece in Supreme Emperor’s hand fell to the table.