Chapter 270: Chapter 202: Entering the Eastern Palace, the Miraculous Turtle Shell Reveals Fortune and Misfortune, Only the Python and Sparrow Swallowing the Dragon

The great hall of the Cabinet, the Hanlin Academy, the Astronomical Bureau, and the Rituals Department were the four major Government Offices in the Imperial Palace.

They knew that the "Mr. Wang" their mistress spoke of was, of course, her father.

「Inside the great hall of the Cabinet.」

Coiled Dragon Stone Pillars lent an air of solemn dignity. The White Jade Tables were piled high with memorials, and many Cabinet Ministers sat processing state affairs, exercising their authority with Cinnabar Brushes.

"Excellent."

"Excellent."

"Excellent."

Wang He’fu, Cinnabar Brush in hand, couldn’t help but shout three times in triumph upon hearing the news.

’He never would have thought that this grandson of his could give him such a wonderful surprise.’ ’Especially when he recalled Lu Mingyuan’s previous behavior.’ ’Seemingly forgotten in the Cold Palace, he had actually been hiding his strength and biding his time, gathering the support of so many people.’ ’That little rascal had been playing dumb all along.’ ’The ancients often said it takes ten years to sharpen a single sword, and it was absolutely true.’ ’This boy was even better at hiding his true self than his own grandfather.’

"This grandson of mine... he’s truly just like me."

Wang He’fu appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly, he was overcome with joy, and the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curl up.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, on having such a fine grandson."

"Your meteoric rise is imminent, Your Highness. Your hopes for the position of Chief Minister are now even greater, are they not?"

The Cabinet Ministers to the side showered him with compliments, stepping forward with pleasantries, hoping to get on his good side.

If Prince Huai’an became the Crown Prince, Wang He’fu would become the legitimate Imperial Father-in-Law.

Naturally, they had to build a good relationship with him.

Wang He’fu was overjoyed. Full of vigor and with a spring in his step, he walked out of the great hall.

He was going to spread the news, visiting one person after another, inviting each and every one of them over.

He wanted everyone in the Imperial Capital, from the highest to the lowest, to know that his grandson had entered the Eastern Palace and was now qualified to inherit the throne.

「Meanwhile.」

The imperial edict had already been delivered to the vicinity of the Cold Palace.

The distance from the Imperial Garden to the Cold Palace was actually quite far. The Harem was so vast, after all, that it would take a full Hour just to walk a single circuit.

But for Qi Xingyan and his three companions, this was no problem at all. Their steps were light, and they moved as if flying, arriving very quickly.

From an adjacent hall in the Cold Palace, a commotion could also be heard.

"My Lady, My Lady! Wonderful news! Wonderful news!"

Yang Yingchan was brewing tea when a personal Palace Maid rushed in, her steps hurried. She passed through the main door and came to the bedside in the bedchamber, her face flush with excitement.

"What is it?"

"What’s happened?"

Yang Yingchan was a little dazed; she had no idea what was going on.

This made the other Maids standing by her side curious as well.

"My Lady, did you see that procession outside?"

"That Prince Huai’an, the one you’re on good terms with, is about to be named Crown Prince! Perhaps then, My Lady, you’ll have a chance to leave the palace!"

The Palace Maid was incredibly excited.

She relayed this news to Yang Yingchan.

"The edict naming the new heir... it’s for Prince Huai’an?"

Yang Yingchan pushed open the window to look, saw the bustling commotion, and froze. Her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Yes."

"The Holy Emperor’s personal Eunuch said so. It’s spreading all through the Harem. The news was everywhere as of a stick of incense ago."

Yang Yingchan, dressed in a red gown, sat on her bed and gazed at the four figures outside the window. She came back to her senses, a flicker of joy in her heart, but it was quickly replaced by deep worry in her eyes.

"I am truly happy that he’s attained the position of Crown Prince... but I’m even more afraid that he’ll forget me."

The reporting Palace Maid’s expression faltered. She tried to offer some comfort, "He probably won’t..."

Evidently, the maids had already guessed that the two of them had become lovers.

It was mainly because, up until half a year ago, their lady had gone to Qingzhu Hall every night, only returning very late.

They had speculated whether their lady was having an affair with Lu Mingyuan.

In fact, they would find it hard to believe if there wasn’t.

How could the Sixth Prince, a man known for his lecherous reputation, possibly restrain himself when faced with a true beauty of a Princess Consort, especially in the lonely confines of the Cold Palace?

Of course, Lu Mingyuan in the adjacent hall had no idea that a certain Red-clothed Princess Consort was secretly nursing a broken heart.

"Your Highness!"

"Wonderful news!"

In Qingzhu Hall, Lu Mingyuan was interrupted while trying to Calm his Heart and Concentrate his Spirit to cultivate his three great Martial Arts Divine Techniques. He opened his eyes.

Great Wilderness Fist, Carefree Travel, and Five Elements Shaking Heaven.

He had finally found some time to study these three Martial Arts Divine Techniques after returning from the Grotto Heaven, only to be interrupted again.

"What is it?"

Lu Mingyuan said flatly.

"Your Highness, you must go and receive the imperial edict naming you the heir!"

Zi Yun and Hong Wan urged him.

"The heir?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"An edict?"

Lu Mingyuan was stunned for a moment.

’Chen Ke had only just comprehended Lu and Wang’s Heart Learning, and he was in the middle of breaking through to the Tenth Realm. Father Emperor had already made his decision? Wasn’t this... a little too soon? This had caught him completely off guard. What on earth had made Father Emperor give up on Lu Yunqing and the other remaining Princes, and so decisively choose him? Could it be that Father Emperor had some other plan in mind?’

At this moment, the vigilance in Lu Mingyuan’s heart far outweighed any joy.

While he was lost in his daze, four figures appeared in Qingzhu Hall.

"Prince Huai’an, we meet again."

Eunuch Yan’s voice rang out in the courtyard.

Lu Mingyuan looked up and saw Qi Xingyan, who nodded at him. The Fisherman and the Piano Demon of the Four Great Tributors were also present. He asked tentatively,

"Eunuch, the purpose of your visit is..."

Eunuch Yan, his chin beardless and his fair face breaking into a smile, said, "Over the past few days, the review by the Drumming Institute has been completed. After an investigation by the Three Academies, it was confirmed that there were indeed suspicious circumstances surrounding the original Demoness case and that it has an inseparable connection to Prince Jin. Your Highness was truly wronged. The Holy Emperor has granted you a special pardon. The specific evidence will be posted throughout the Capital City in the coming days and will soon be announced to all under heaven."

"In this matter, the Holy Emperor has stated clearly that he wishes to see justice done for you. Congratulations, Your Highness."

Though his mind was filled with doubts, Lu Mingyuan still cupped his fists and said, "Many thanks to Father Emperor for his pardon, and thank you, Eunuch, for delivering the message."