28 Newfound Cousin - 8.4 (1/2)

Back at the imperial palace at the main hall were morning court was currently in session were two youths that were sitting side by side slightly to the one side on a long intricately carved dais made out of white jade with gold details near the front on a small raised platform who's height is only second to the connecting larger platform that was a whole three steps higher where a large majestic throne made out of jade with an exquisitely unique color of golden amber with gold and gem detailings where the emperor himself sat.

The two youths were none other than Jin Meng Yao and Fan Xian Liang!

Jin Meng Yao was present because his father wants him to take this opportunity to watch and learn the proceedings in court so that when the time comes for him to step down, Jin Meng Yao will have an idea on what to do and not just blunder about blindly.

On the other hand, Fan Xian Liang's presence was only due to Jin Meng Yao's insistence and as far as the court ministers could see, Fan Xian Liang was being forced by their prince to attend which clearly reflected on the two young men's expressions.

All of the various ministers and court officials knew why the two young men where here so they just went ahead and disregarded their presence but some of the more experienced ones couldn't help but heave an internal sigh at the crown prince's antics.

”Come on Xian, are you still sulking?” Jin Meng Yao teasingly asked under his breath while giving his friend a small nudge.

”I am not sulking!”

Snickering, Jin Meng Yao retorted happily, ”You so are!”

Shooting Jin Meng Yao a dark look, Fan Xian Liang decided to ignore him and let his mind wander to the events that happened in their home the previous night.

Seeing Fan Xian Liang ignoring him, Jin Meng Yao couldn't help but have an urge to tease his friend even more.

”Are you throwing a tantrum? Is that why you're ignoring me now?”

Silence...

”Xian...”

Nothing...

”Xian...”

Still nothing...

”Ignoring me isn't going to help you leave earlier you know.” Jin Meng Yao told Fan Xian Liang in a low whisper as he looked at his friend but still he got no response.

In spite of Fan Xian Liang's lack of reaction, Jin Meng Yao still continued trying to hound Fan Xian Liang covertly while trying to act as inconspicous as possible and yet regardless of his efforts, his father; Emperor Jin Fa Chung still noticed.

Before long, Jin Fa Chung could no longer tolerate his son's antics that he stopped a court official who was citing a report mid-sentence and barked in a loud voice filled with annoyance, ”Jin Meng Yao!”

Instantly, both Jin Meng Yao and Fan Xian Liang's eyes shot up to look at the emperor with identical looks of surprise while Jin Meng Yao then paled slightly as he realized that his father had discovered that he wasn't paying attention.

”Yes Father?” Jin Meng Yao asked nervously as he stared at Jin Fa Chung who was seated at the majestic jade throne.

”Are you even paying a slightest bit of attention Meng Yao?”

”Of course! I-”

Narrowing his eyes, Jin Fa Chung directed a piercing stare at his son while letting his aura flare slightly making Jin Meng Yao swallow up what he was going to say.

”Are you sure?” the emperor asked coldly as he stared down at the crown prince while all the officials stayed silent, some feeling a slight chill in their hearts when they felt their emperor's dominating aura flare up.

Cursing his luck, Jin Meng Yao decided to keep silent to avoid futher angering his father especially when he felt his father; Jin Fa Chung directing his aura to solely focus and pressure him and him alone.

Gritting his teeth, Jin Meng Yao silently endured and while the whole court fell into an uneasy silence, there were only a few ones who kept their cool and remained calm.

Two of them were the father and son; Fan Hui Liang and Fan Xian Liang!

Clearing his throat, Fan Hui Liang waited until he attracted te emperor's attention and then calmly spoke up as soon as Jin Fa Chung's eyes landed on him.

”Your Majesty, if you would let this humble servant state his opinion?

With a nod of his head and a small wave of his hand, the emperor gave his assent, ”Go on...”

”Why not just let the two youngsters out first? We can always decide their punishments later after morning court, that way we can focus on the matters we still have at hand.”

After Fan Hui Liang spoke, silence first greeted him while Jin Meng Yao felt increasingly nervous with his father's lack of response.

Finally, after a few moments passed, Jin Fa Chung sighed resignedly and then turned to look at both Jin Meng Yao and Fan Xian Liang.

”You two leave for now.” the emperor ordered with a flick of his hand.

Quickly, both stood up and then bowed to the emperor's direction before hastily making their way out of the main hall of the imperial palace.

Once the massive door leading to the hall closed behind them, Jin Meng Yao let out relieved sigh while Fan Xian Liang smirked at his unruly friend.

Turning to Fan Xian Liang, Jin Meng Yao said, ”I really have to thank your father for saving me back there, if it weren't forhim,

my father would have probably pressure me with his aura until I coughed out blood!”

”You know you would have deserved that right?”