Chapter 617 - Chapter 617: Chapter 604: Little Cunning (1/2)

Chapter 617: Chapter 604: Little Cunning

His smile was genuine and heartfelt, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

Seeing this, a sigh escaped from Chu Shengrui.

In tradition, a wife is expected to be virtuous and accommodating, providing an aura of calm dignity while the concubine should be adorable, enhancing the pleasures of life. Yet in his case, his concubine embodied both of these attributes, while his wife seemed detached from all.

He truly wondered what sort of situation this was.

Chu Shengrui found his empress increasingly distasteful, though he hid his feelings well, merely maintaining a polite smile while conversing with his Concubine Hui and others.

The meal was near its end.

A young eunuch hurried in, bowed with respect, “Your Majesty, the First Prince and Mr. Wei have requested an audience. They are waiting outside the Shangyuan Hall.”

Chu Yunhe’s motives didn’t concern him, but Mr. Wei’s visit implied some important matter at hand.

“Inform them of my command; let them wait for a moment; I will be there shortly.”

Upon receiving Chu Shengrui’s orders, the young eunuch hurriedly carried out the command.

Both Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian exchanged glances.

With Chu Yunhe continuously being sidelined, they anticipated that he and Mr. Wei, becoming increasingly desperate, would now attempt to incite some form of turmoil.

“The two of you, accompany me.” Chu Shengrui instructed.

“Yes.” Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian agreed. After cleaning their mouths, they left with Chu Shengrui for the Shangyuan Hall.

“Your son pays his respects, Father Emperor.”

“This servant pays his respects to the Emperor.”

Chu Yunhe and Mr. Wei both bowed. After Chu Shengrui responded with a “You may rise,” they stood up. Seeing Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian accompanying Chu Shengrui, their expressions subtly changed.

“This servant pays his respects to the Fourth Prince,” said Mr. Wei as he bowed first.

“Elder brother, Mr. Wei.”

“First Prince, Mr. Wei.”

Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian respectfully greeted them and positioned themselves alongside Chu Yunhe and Mr. Wei.

Seated on his Dragon Throne, Chu Shengrui glanced at Chu Yunhe and Mr. Wei, “What brings you both here to the throne?”

After some hesitation, and a confirming glance at Mr. Wei, Chu Yunhe finally spoke, “Your Majesty, I come on behalf of the waterwheel.”

“During the severity of drought in Lu and surrounding areas, the common people were in dire straits. The invention of the waterwheel brought some relief, helping the people survive the disaster. I believe that the inventors of such a useful tool, which has greatly benefitted the state and its people, should be tremendously rewarded.”

“This will not only manifest the graciousness of our royal line but also motivate the common people to contribute more to the nation.”