Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C387: The Uninvited Audience.

Chapter 387: The Uninvited Audience

The scholar nimbly climbed into the carriage, settling to one side with a practiced grace. Keeping his head respectfully lowered, he slid the basket closer to the figure across from him. “Reporting to Your Majesty, this is what the Hua family has sent over.”

No one had anticipated the emperor’s unexpected presence here. Without a word, he casually reached for the carriage window, lifting the curtain to glance toward the entrance of the Hua family’s residence. “Anything else worth mentioning?” he asked, his tone calm but commanding.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Hua Baiyu is overseeing this matter. Beyond the initial statements, there’s nothing else to add,” the scholar replied, his voice steady but cautious.

This southern part of the city wasn’t exactly impoverished, but, as always, everything was relative. Compared to the Hua family’s previous residence in Hualin Lane, this place felt decidedly modest. That said, for a family on the brink of confiscation and exile, it wasn’t half bad.

The emperor let out a soft chuckle, a rare break in his usual demeanor. His curiosity about Hua’s eldest miss had only grown stronger. He had fully expected her to make an appearance today, yet instead, she had sent a child to stand in for her. Such an unusual move—it was as audacious as it was intriguing.

Lai Fu didn’t dare so much as raise his brows, his palms slick with sweat. The emperor had initially instructed him to keep an eye on this matter, only to abruptly decide to handle it personally. Lai Fu couldn’t help but wonder—was this a sign the emperor no longer trusted him? That thought sent a chill down his spine.

Losing the emperor’s trust? That was as good as digging his own grave.

“Open it. Let me see,” the emperor commanded.

Snapping out of his anxious daze, Lai Fu steadied himself. He reached for the basket, carefully peeling away the oil paper to reveal three porcelain jars, each adorned with intricate blue floral patterns on a white glaze.

Stealing a glance at the emperor’s expression, Lai Fu wasted no time. He began with the jar on the left, prying it open and presenting it with both hands.

The emperor leaned in, peering inside. Without hesitation, he reached in, pulled out a cluster of fried noodles, and scrutinized it. He broke a piece off, sniffed it, then, to Lai Fu’s horror, popped it into his mouth.

“Your Majesty!” Lai Fu and a nearby scholar cried out in unison, panic lacing their voices. Lai Fu extended his hands pleadingly, his tone urgent. “Your Majesty, allow this humble servant to taste it first!”

The emperor waved off their protests, chewing methodically. He paused for a moment, then took another bite, his face calm, almost amused.

Lai Fu’s heart felt like it might leap straight out of his chest.

The emperor let out a low chuckle. “If she truly intended to poison me, she wouldn’t sacrifice this many scholars in the process.”

“Your Majesty’s wisdom is unparalleled,” Lai Fu managed to stammer, bowing deeply.

The emperor didn’t say a word. Without a hint of emotion, he picked up the jar and carefully placed the noodles back inside, as though sealing away the conversation itself.

Unperturbed, Lai Fu smoothly moved on. He set the first jar aside with practiced efficiency and reached for the second.

This time, the emperor fished out a piece of jerky. He examined it briefly before remarking, “If my memory serves, the Hua family should still be in mourning.”