37 Disappointment, Verification, and a Dispatch of Undercover Guards (1/2)
The Old Marshal and His Majesty the Emperor stared incredulously at Yun yang who was devouring his mystical beast drumstick with relish, oil dripping from his mouth. For these two stalwarts who had already seen a great deal in life, it was all they could do to refrain from awarding the uncouth fellow a solid slap across the face for his insolence.
There were at least f*cking twenty-eight courses and sixteen meat dishes among those. We've only managed to eat one or two portions of vegetables, how in the world did this child eat all of the rest? How many years has it been since he's eaten a full meal?
”You may eat slowly,” His Majesty the Emperor felt a sudden rush of sympathy for this young man who had clearly seen some hard times in his life. ”You don’t have to rush,” he continued with a slightly less harsh tone.
“Ooh!… it’s okay, ooh, ooh!… This meat is absolutely delicious!” Yun Yang mumbled with a mouth full of food, his words almost inaudible. “Our family is poor… I haven’t had a chance to eat meat for the longest time ever!”
His Majesty stared at the walls while the Old Marshal kept his gaze lowered; both avoiding direct eye contact with Yun Yang. They certain that they would slap him if they continued to observe his boorish behavior. How f*cking old are you now? Haven’t eaten meat for some years? Is your family poor? Don’t you realize thaw we know you’ve just won a nation’s fortune just days before?
This rascal!
“I beg your pardon, but what about that immense fortune that you have so fortuitously won just days ago?” The Old Marshal had his hackles raised, his suspicions beginning to surface again.
“I asked someone to sell them off.” Yun Yang picked up a large bowl of sauce and gulped it down. “I haven’t gotten the gold or silver taels from the just yet.”
If he wasn’t in his own home, the Old Marshal would have run off with his face in his hands. Do you think you’re eating a big pot dish1? Don’t you realize that it’s improper to eat in such a manner?
“Let’s have a few more dishes served!” The Old Marshal’s expression was as dark as it could possibly get.
“How scrumptious!”
…
“Looks like it’s just a coincidence.”
…
Could this all be just a pretense?
His Majesty the Emperor pondered upon the possibility. With his eyes darting about, he turned towards the Old Marshal and said, “Old Qiu, about the political affairs of our empire currently…”
Old Marshal Qiu was quick enough to be able to catch up and keep the ball rolling. “Yes, yes, it has been a very difficult time.”
“Unrest on the inside and chaos on the outside.”
“Indeed…”
“I think His Majesty does not feel at ease with this situation.”
“Absolutely agreed.”
“Among the descendants of His Majesty, which one does Old Qiu think… could bear the grand responsibility?” His Majesty the Emperor asked succinctly.
Old Marshal Qiu was struck a sudden blow by the unexpected question, almost frightened off his seat.
Why the f*ck are you bringing this up now? Your identity is being kept a secret, but I know that you’re the Emperor. How am I supposed to answer your question?
It was a dead-end road; bound to be incorrect either way. The Old Marshal’s forehead was dotted with sweat.
His Majesty laughed and redirected his question to Yun Yang, “Nephew from Yun Family, do you know the princes of His Majesty? Let us hear your opinion on them!”
The Old Marshal wiped off the sweat beaded on his forehead, visibly relieved to be let off the hook.
Of course, the question is meant to test this cretin. Have pity, your father, with his slow mind, almost ruined it all. As an Emperor of the dynasty, it would never be an officials’ place to give any advice regarding this question. Any suggestion, logical or otherwise, would still be deemed inappropriate.
His Majesty’s sudden attack was not only targeted towards Yun Yang but was also meant to test the Old Marshal’s mettle. The Emperor seemed pleased with the Old Marshal’s performance, or lack thereof.
When Yun Yang heard the question, he could not help but scratch his head and replied, “His Majesty the emperor’s sons… I have absolutely no clue.” He burped grossly before continuing, “No matter who becomes the Emperor in the future, it’s got nothing to do with me. This nephew is incompetent, I will never be an official. If I make a small fortune every now and then, I’m certain it won’t offend the Emperor… so…”
“I don’t really care who takes the throne.”
Yun Yang spoke in an indolent tone, “Whoever the f*ck feels like being an emperor, he can go f*cking go ahead and be one!”
Slap!
The Old Marshal could no longer tolerate the young man’s insolence and slapped his face into a dish of fish soup on the table. How dare the little rascal speak like this! The corners of His Majesty’s lips twitched in horrified amusement as well. This little rascal was incredibly tactless.
They then probed him with a few more questions but Yun Yang’s innocent and utterly moronic act had them completely fooled into believing that he was a good-for-nothing popinjay. Both His Majesty the Emperor and Old Marshal Qiu were helpless; both of them had brought themselves low to hold this feast and invited this young man in hopes of finding a hint of the enormous force that was the Nine Supremes’ subordinates. It was also partially due to their curiosity regarding Marquis Yun’s son.
However, it seemed now that everything they had hoped for had been too good to be true. This fellow would never have anything to do with the Nine Heavens Dictum.
It was impossible that the Nine Heavens Dictum would ever recruit such a person. Thinking about this, both His Majesty and the Old Marshal lost their interest all at once. It was such a terrible waste that both of them had invited him over so cordially and had everyone retreat in preparation to hear secrets being told.
By the look of things now, they had gotten nothing out of this whole endeavor other than frustration!
Exchanging disappointed looks, His Majesty stood up first. “Marshal, I suddenly recall something that needs my attention elsewhere.” His Majesty was indeed a certified champion for being able to conjure undone chores in the midst of drinking but of course, he did not care how others viewed him, especially not this Young Master Yun.
It was already an incredible opportunity for this young man to be able to sneak a peek at the Emperor’s face. It would be impossible for him to do so again, in future.
“Then, Brother Yu you must, of course, take your leave.”
The Old Marshal naturally knew how to respond appropriately and stood up politely. Inwardly, he felt a keen sense of abandonment. “You’re the Emperor, the most powerful individual here! How could you just leave me to face this popinjay all by myself?”
Yun Yang stood up in surprise as well. “Uncle Yu is leaving already?”
“Yes, I am.” His Majesty forced a smile and said, “Young man, continue to learn more from the Old Marshal.”
With that, His Majesty the Emperor left, almost running in his haste to be away.
He was afraid his patience would crumble altogether if he were to continue to face this young fellow. Besides, he had barely eaten throughout the meal. I will have to find some food once I reach the palace!
…
Without outsiders anywhere, the Old Marshal’s expression turned sour.
“Yun Yang, have you eaten your fill?” Of course, the Old Marshal fully intended to send him packing the moment he agreed that he was full.
“Well, not really,” Yun Yang answered truthfully, the very picture of innocence. When a guest heard this from a host, one would immediately know that the host intended to call it a night. Obviously, Young Master Yun was completely oblivious to decorum.
“Serve another ten dishes!” The old marshal hollered to the servants, the anger apparent in his tone.
Not yet full?