Repudiating a Good Wife Is Out of the Question

186. Friend or Foe

Translator: Sissy That Walk

“You’ve done a terrible job this time, as a warning to others, you are discharged from all the positions and you will get twenty floggings. You are grounded indefinitely since today, no need to greet me in the palace on Dragon Boat Festival, I hope you can reflect on your misdeeds.”

The emperor punished Prince Ning to assuage the officials’ indignation.

Prince Ning cursed Xiao Yi feverishly in his heart, but he dared not say a word in the emperor’s presence.

Prince Xing, on the other hand, was radiant with vigour. He felt so deeply indebted to Xiao Yi and Cao Mo, but he noticed Eunuch Duo’s cunning smile when he raised his head.

Prince Xing was dumbfounded for a second, then he understood why the emperor selected the title of ‘Modest’ for Cao Mo. In name, it was for Cao Mo, but actually it was for Xiao Yi. The emperor didn’t appreciate how aggressive Xiao Yi was just now.

Prince Xing’s heart sank, he wasn’t sure whether he should treat Xiao Yi as of old. Prince Xing admired his father even more at this point, the emperor had sowed a discord between him and Xiao Yi using just a title. And he was actually protecting Prince Ning from all the conflicts by grounding Prince Ning.

The more Prince Xing thought about it, the more fretted he got, he had no idea what the emperor really wanted from him.

Prince Xing asked Eunuch Liu after the emperor dismissed the court, “Where is Shizi?”

“Shizi and Official Yao left together.” replied Eunuch Liu, then he added in a low voice, “The empress is waiting for you in his palace.”

“Good, Father Empress knows father the best, I should consult him before I make any big decisions.” Prince Xing’s mind was weighed down with anxiety, the emperor started to dislike Xiao Yi already, but he was still relying on Xiao Yi for a lot of things. However, he didn’t want to be out of favour with the emperor due to Xiao Yi.

In Han Qi’s palace.

Han Qi who was sipping a cup of tea asked Prince Xing, “I heard you are good at the game of go, let’s play a few rounds?”

“Father Empress, I’m afraid my insignificant skill won’t make an enjoyable game for you.” Prince Xing said humbly.

Han Qi smiled, “We are only playing for fun.”

Prince Xing’s eyes sparkled, “Father Empress, can I ask you a question if I make a good player?”

Han Qi nodded his head in approval, “We shall see!”

… …

Eunuch Duo told the emperor the news of Prince Xing and Han Qi were playing the game of go, the emperor smiled and said, “Good, I’m glad this son of mine is quite smart, the only thing worries me is how indecisive he could be.”

Eunuch Duo smiled, “Prince Xing is still young, he will learn and grow from all these trials.”

“Resolute leadership, that’s what he lacks. Indecision will only cause incessant calamities!” with that the emperor snapped the pen in his hand.

The emperor threw the pen on the ground and said, “This is a good pen, but it’s no use to me now.”

… …

In Xiao Manor.

The whole family thanked the eunuch who came to their manor issuing the decree that Cao Mo now was Madam Modest. Bursting with happiness, Xiao Yugui asked the servants to prepare a banquet, he was going to host a feast for three days.

Xiao Yugui was so pleased with himself, in the past few months, both he and his son were promoted, and now his son-in-law was promoted as well.

However, Cao Mo felt perturbed about this promotion, he told Xiao Yi that he found this a bit odd.

“Don’t over think, you have got me.” Xiao Yi comforted Cao Mo, then he cuddled Cao Mo tightly, “How are you feeling now, my Madam Modest?”

Cao Mo chuckled, he started to get handsy after he saw the lust rippled in Xiao Yi’s eyes, “I’m quite well, thank you, but I’m sure I’m about to feel even better.”

… …

“Yi, you have almost hurt me.” Cao Mo rubbed his lower back and complained gently.

“Mo, I’m not sure whether I’ve done the right thing, maybe… maybe I should be more patient… … actually I’m scared now!” Xiao Yi rested his head on Cao Mo’s chest, Cao Mo’s heartbeat was the only thing that could mollify him.

“I made an aggressive speech in court today, the emperor had conferred you with the title of Madam Modest to warn me.”

“There’s nothing to be scared of. Yi, we are living in a big world, let’s brave winds and waves, conquer a few islands and adopt so many kids, we can be our own king!” Cao Mo waved his arms in joy.

“But my entire family is in the capital city and they rely on me, I can’t just leave them!” Xiao Yi said in pain, “My root is here, plus I don’t want Prince Xing to see me as foe, he is my cousin!

“Let’s leave the capital city for a while then and stay away from the political disputes. I’m sure you can achieve accomplishments anywhere, plus I don’t like to be confined in the manor as well.”

Xiao Yi thought about it and said, “That’s actually a good idea, I will report this to the emperor after the Dragon Boat Festival.”

“It’s getting hot soon, are you sure you don’t want to leave the capital city before summer, we can do so much stuff in summer.” Cao Mo grinned.

… …

In Prince Ning’s manor.

Prince Ning was in such a sour mood after he got twenty floggings, he ordered Eunuch Gao to find the most capable assassinates to kill Xiao Yi, he was willing to pay any price.

“Your Highness, hear me out, all the madams ranked above Fifth Ranking are required to greet the empress on Dragon Boat Festival, Xiao Yuqi’s wife, Auntie Lu in Xiao Manor hates Xiao Yi and Cao Mo’s guts, but unfortunately she ranks below the Fifth Ranking.” replied Eunuch Gao.

“Ask my mother to come up with a way to promote that Auntie Lu, her husband has gone missing, why not promote her to comfort her! But do keep this in mind, this is the last time she can prove herself useful!”

Eunuch Gao assured Prince Ning, “Don’t worry, Your Highness, I will make her a special wine pot with a spring inside to store poisoned wine.”

“You know how to do a good job.” Prince Ning smiled.

“It’s my honor to share your cares and burdens, Your Highness!” Eunuch Gao fawned upon on Prince Ning.

“Good, I will bury you near my mausoleum after you die.”

Eunuch Gao wept, “Finally I have home to return to after I die!”