Chapter 486 - Proper Palace Intrigue (25) (2/2)

He clapped his hands, whereupon people carried in an object half their height and covered with a red cloth.

The Second Prince got up and walked to the middle of the room. “I expended a lot of effort to obtain this object. How about everyone here try and recognise it? Let’s see if someone knows what this is.”

Shi Sheng, “…” ‘In transmigration palace intrigue novels, there’ll definitely be an emissary from another country bringing an OOPArt[2] to create difficulties for others. They’ll always end up getting slapped by the FL in the end. Delivering your head to people’s doorsteps ah! So just what’s under that cloth?’

The Second Prince proudly pulled off the red cloth, revealing the object concealed beneath.

It was an exquisitely made grandfather clock, but its hands were still.

‘Did this thing fall in from another dimension? It doesn’t look like something that belongs in this world.’

Lu Ruo clearly recognised it at first glance, but the surrounding officials all started asking one another in low voices whether they knew what it was.

“What? Does no one know what this is?” The Second Prince’s hand rested on the top of the grandfather clock, his entire demeanour screaming cocky.

Yuwen Xun’s sharp gaze swept across all present, causing them to lower their heads. ‘We haven’t seen this thing before, so how are we supposed to know what it is?’

“Your Majesty…” Lu Ruo leaned closer to Yuwen Xun to whisper in his ear. His expression relaxed and he spoke to her, “Just speak.”

Having gotten Yuwen Xun’s permission, Lu Ruo raised her voice to speak, “Second Prince, may I know if this object is called a clock?”

The Second Prince’s expression changed, probably never expecting someone to really recognise it.

“This clock is an instrument used to measure time. The needles in the middle of the face there can move. Can you get them to do so, Second Prince?” Lu Ruo continued.

The Second Prince’s expression turned even more unsightly. When he’d first obtained this object, it had been working. But the clock had stopped not too long after. No matter what they did, it no longer worked.

“…Second Prince, Zhao Yi-niangniang says this thing can move, so come on and show us.”

“Second Prince, do broaden our knowledge.”

“Exactly, exactly…”

The officials took the opportunity given to begin pressing the Second Prince.

His forehead was filled with cold sweat, but he forced himself to be calm and speak, “Since Zhao Yi-niangniang recognises it, then I believe you know how to get it to move.”

Lu Ruo stood up from the throne and slowly made her way to the clock.

Everyone held their breaths as they watched her, the air turning still.

Lu Ruo inspected the back of the clock and her brow furrowed slightly. ‘I can’t see the handle… Strange… Grandfather clocks should have something to wind them up.’

“Zhao Yi-niangniang?” Seeing Lu Ruo remain silent for quite a while, the Second Prince finally relaxed. ‘Her calm expression just now nearly made me think that she knew. As long as she can’t make it move, I won’t lose face.’

Lu Ruo’s eyes turned and she suddenly looked at Shi Sheng. “This one is not that skilled, but the State Teacher is surely well-versed in many areas. Why don’t we let her try?”

Shi Sheng, “…” ‘FL, don’t screw around! I(bbb) was just minding my(bbb) own business and watching the show! You’ll screw me(bbb) over just because I(bbb) didn’t help you? What happened to being naïve and compassionate?!’

“Since the State Teacher is so capable, there isn’t any issue with letting her try. Even if she gets it wrong, it’s okay.” The Second Prince had an expression of magnanimity.

Shi Sheng’s had a straight face as she spoke in a serious voice, “Don’t know what it is.”

‘D-don’t know?!’

Everyone, “…” ‘Is it really okay for you to be this frank, State Teacher?!’

[1] The raws are “人模狗样” which is a less than flattering way to describe someone who’s dressed up. I mean, from how it contains the word “dog” (third character), it should be pretty obvious. This part should’ve been Shi Sheng’s thoughts, but I couldn’t think of a word that fit best, so I decided to leave it as narration.

[2] My PR suggested this shortened form. Here:

Author’s note:

Little Fairy: I want chicken-flavoured votes today!

Little Angels: …Don’t have. There’s only durian.

Little Fairy: ……