Chapter 62: Fussy Eater

Zhao Erdong spoke with vivid emotion and intense expression. Every single word was so lively that everyone in the court covered their mouths to hide their smiles, glancing at Zhao Tianjiang from time to time to observe his reaction.

Behind the golden pillar in the far corner of the imperial hall, a tall and slender figure was concealed in the shadows. His peach-blossom eyes were locked tightly upon Zhao Erdong, who was dressed in the bright red court attire of the first rank. A joyful smile overflowed at the corners of his lips. "This girl really has a sharp tongue. She is clearly cursing him as a heartless ingrate who refuses to recognize his own biological daughter, yet she frames it as being bitten by a beast with a wolf’s head and a dog’s body, causing a drastic change in his heart and lungs. She is plainly condemning him as worse than an animal, but explains it away as being neither human nor beast. Zhao Tianjiang is truly going to be driven mad with anger this time!"

Yue Moli had always been strict in his morals and never showed his joy or anger on his face, but today, he actually lost his composure in public and burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.

Led by Yue Moli, the ministers finally no longer needed to hold back their amusement so laboriously. They clutched their bellies and roared with laughter one after another, transforming the majestic imperial court into a hall of comedy for a moment.

At this moment, Zhao Tianjiang wished there were a crack in the floor for him to crawl into, so that he would never have to come out again.

As the court was dismissed, the ministers filed out of the hall. From time to time, someone would secretly give Zhao Erdong a thumbs-up to show their affirmation.

When the crowd had dispersed, Yue Moli strode past Zhao Erdong. "Be careful of Zhao Tianjiang. You publicly humiliated him today, and he will not let this rest."

Without slowing his pace, Yue Moli hurried away. Although he longed to draw closer to her, she was currently a thorn in Zhao Tianjiang's side, and since he still had major affairs that required relying on Zhao Tianjiang, it was naturally wisest to keep his distance in front of him.

"Fourth Prince, please stay your step," Zhao Erdong called out, waving her hand to summon Yue Moli.

Yue Moli’s body stiffened slightly. He desperately wanted to pretend he hadn't heard and stride away, but his body seemed to disobey his command, coming to a halt of its own accord.

Zhao Erdong took several quick steps to catch up with him. "Fourth Prince, may I ask why Duke Yuan did not attend the morning court?"

So she was asking about this. For some reason, Yue Moli felt a trace of disappointment... He shook his head. Dammit! What on earth was he expecting?

"Duke Yuan has been in poor health and has not attended court for several months." Yue Moli stood stiffly in place, refusing to turn back to look at her, speaking in a deliberately cold tone.

"And General Yuan?" Zhao Erdong frowned, a bad premonition gripping her heart. Although her grandfather was advanced in years, his constitution was exceptionally robust; how could he fall ill for no reason?

"Yuan Baimo was dispatched to the borderlands to quell a rebellion and has been gone for months." After saying this, Yue Moli caught sight of Zhao Tianjiang glaring in their direction out of the corner of his eye. Seeing that Zhao Erdong had finished her questions, he lifted his foot and hurried away.

Her grandfather falling ill and her uncle leaving for war—were these coincidences, or a conspiracy?

She turned her head and happened to meet Zhao Tianjiang's gaze. Their eyes locked in mid-air, sparks of ice flying between them. They looked nothing like a pair of father and daughter, but rather like mortal enemies.

Zhao Tianjiang glared at Zhao Erdong viciously. If this weren't the sacred ground of the imperial palace, he would have stepped forward to take her life. In all his life, he had never suffered such humiliation—an utter and disgraceful shame.

Zhao Erdong gave a cold snort and turned away. She didn't want to lay eyes on such a despicable wretch for even a second longer.

The eunuch Su Gui hurriedly caught up to her. "Lord Zhao, please wait."

"Eunuch Su? Is there an urgent matter?"

Su Gui slightly raised the white jade tray he was holding in his hands. "Lord Zhao, this is your official identity jade tablet. With this tablet, you can freely enter and exit the imperial palace, and the manor bestowed upon you can also be claimed using it. Please keep it safe."

Inside the white jade tray, a warm-yellow jade tablet carved with exquisite patterns lay quietly. Reaching out to retrieve the tablet from the tray, she felt the warm-yellow jade was pleasantly cool to the touch, and its weight was far heavier than she had imagined. This was no ordinary quality of jade; it must be a supreme treasure that appeared only once in ten thousand years!