Chapter 25

Chu Zhaoyou enthusiastically took a turn and found that very few had thought of the orchid. Most of the answers were flowers—peony, osmanthus, peony, plum blossom… There was even someone who had elaborately drawn a tall and straight bamboo!

The surrounding people cheered.

The bamboo was even taller than me, can it really be embroidered on the sleeve? Chu Zhaoyou looked at the obviously refined young lady with a sense of oppression. Was this girl treating this as a talent show, trying to catch the Regent Prince’s eye?

Someone didn’t let me choose a consort or establish a queen, but he’s certainly enjoying his good fortune!

Perhaps the search for someone was a sham, and the gathering of eligible young ladies was real! Chu Zhaoyou thought sourly, not feeling particularly jealous.

Meanwhile, the Regent was in the study discussing matters with Xie Chaoyun.

Xie Chaoyun spread out a piece of paper. “Luting actually came as well.”

Luting was his aunt’s niece, barely considered a cousin. Not only had she come, but she had also answered many questions correctly, leaving all the other young ladies in the dust.

Xiao Heng asked, “Did you tell her?”

Xie Chaoyun pondered for a moment. “No. My aunt often hints at it and blames me for not giving our family special treatment. As for the bloodstains on the clothes, I only mentioned it in passing while chatting with the head of the wardrobe department.”

Perhaps the temptation of becoming the Regent’s consort was too great, and many people had completely forgotten that the Regent was looking for a specific person, not just anyone who could answer all the questions and become the Regent’s consort.

How did the matter he discussed with the head of the wardrobe department end up in Luting’s ears?

Xie Chaoyun’s expression slightly tightened. He never mentioned the search for someone at home, hoping that the Xie family wouldn’t get involved. Now, it seemed that some people not only participated but were more deeply involved than he had imagined.

“I have something to report,” a guard’s voice came faintly through the bamboo screen.

Xiao Heng asked, “Speak.”

The guard said, “His Majesty just left the palace and is currently lingering at the back door.”

The back door was the liveliest place in the Regent’s residence. If the Regent’s image of abstaining from women was distorted into openly choosing a consort, it would be a disaster.

At that moment, Xiao Heng’s face changed slightly, showing a rare moment of being caught off guard and evasive, a very unusual expression for the Regent.

Xie Chaoyun noticed his change. Xiao Heng had always been domineering. When had he ever been afraid of anyone? It was as if an honest person had been caught red-handed in a brothel for the first time.

Xie Chaoyun felt as if he were a villain who had instigated a virtuous man and couldn’t face the original partner.

His own metaphor gave Xie Chaoyun goosebumps.

For a moment, Xiao Heng’s mind was in chaos, and he didn’t even realize it. He calmed down and picked up a teacup, taking a sip. “The back door is a chaotic. Bring His Majesty here.”

This was the Regent’s study. Xie Chaoyun couldn’t believe that Xiao Heng dared to bring the young puppet here. Wasn’t he afraid that any casual search could turn up evidence of treason?

Indeed, there was no need to be afraid. Even if the young emperor saw the dragon robe, he could only be infuriated and powerless against the Regent.

The Regents residence was built with green bricks, exuding a serene and imposing atmosphere. Unlike the palace with its red walls and glazed tiles, it displayed a solemn and austere style, standing in stark contrast to the imperial palace.

Chu Zhaoyou was led inside and couldn’t help but marvel. If he and Xiao Heng swapped places, the world would be a much happier place.

After walking a long way, they finally reached the Regent’s study.

Xiao Heng had stayed in Chu Zhaoyou’s Funing Palace, but it was Chu Zhaoyou’s first foray into the Regent’s domain. The study was filled with letters, piled up on shelves and the desk.

Chu Zhaoyou was afraid of being misunderstood if he looked around too much, so he walked in without glancing around.

Inside the room, Xie Chaoyun bowed in greeting, while the other person didn’t even bat an eyelid.

Xiao Heng nudged a teacup, indicating that Chu Zhaoyou could drink.

Chu Zhaoyou gazed at the steaming teacup, feeling an itch in his heart as if a little cat were scratching it.

Was the Regent really looking for someone? How much had he remembered? And what would happen after he found them?

But Chu Zhaoyou didn’t dare to ask, fearing the Regent’s wrath. The Regent was simply unreasonable. If he had forgotten, he had forgotten. What was the point of looking now? It made him feel uneasy.

A heavy stone weighed on his heart, and Chu Zhaoyou couldn’t even drink the tea. After taking a small sip, he put it back without looking at the list on the table.

It was carelessly spread out, not concealed at all.

Chu Zhaoyou saw several familiar names, mostly of invisible figures in the officialdom. They didn’t hold prominent positions, but they were indispensable. If it weren’t for his good memory, a different puppet emperor might not have remembered them.

Xiao Heng and Chu Zhaoyou locked eyes across the table, and Chu Zhaoyou saw a hint of questioning and annoyance in his gaze.

Chu Zhaoyou went all in: “I heard from the common people that the Regent is looking for a queen?”

Xiao Heng immediately denied it: “Rumors and falsehoods. Does Your Majesty believe them?”

He rolled up the list on the table. “Your Majesty is the emperor. Don’t believe hearsay.”

Chu Zhaoyou took a deep breath and, just before Xiao Heng put the list away, he glanced at it again. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed like Xiao Heng intentionally slowed down a bit.

At first glance, he had only focused on the names he recognized. But with a second look, Chu Zhaoyou noticed that the unfamiliar names were at the top, mostly female, with corresponding officials listed below.

Chu Zhaoyou sneered, “All the women are registered, and their backgrounds have been thoroughly investigated. If the Regent has set his sights on someone, should I arrange the marriage for you?”

Xiao Heng immediately interrupted him, as if he had prepared his response in advance: “Nonsense. I’m just using this opportunity to catch spies. These people have walked right into the trap, and the mastermind behind them has been exposed. My goal has been achieved.”

Chu Zhaoyou paused and repeated, “You and General Xie have made such a big fuss just to catch spies?”

Xie Chaoyun couldn’t believe it. Why would the Regent explain the entire plan to His Majesty and conceal the main reason for finding someone?

Was it necessary to explain to His Majesty?

In Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes, Xiao Heng saw a clear message: I want an explanation.

Wasn’t my explanation clear enough? I’m not choosing a queen. Why does this little brat need to know anything else?

The Regent singled out Xie Chaoyun: “You explain it to him!”

Following the Regent’s lead, Xie Chaoyun explained the part about catching spies and concealed the other half.