Yu Mingjing was whispering to Xie Jiayan, and when he looked up inadvertently, he saw the Seventh Prince's gaze.
Xie Jiayan noticed Yu Mingjing's expression and instinctively followed his gaze.
Xie Jiayan nodded slightly. The distance between them was too great, and even their words could not be heard.
Moreover, he had no right to speak in the imperial court; it was already good enough to secure a place to stand.
Xiao Che withdrew the inquisitiveness from his eyes, nodded slightly at the two of them, and turned back.
Xiao Che remained an observer of Yao Zhinian's relentless pursuit of the Wang family father and son. Weakening the Wang family's influence was beneficial to him, but as the future crown prince, it was not suitable for him to interfere.
The Yao family was currently in high spirits, with many retainers in their mansion and numerous officials showing favor in court. They might not be at a disadvantage in this power struggle.
Otherwise, the Emperor would not have let Yao Zhinian take the lead.
Now, it was up to how much Yao Zhinian could comprehend.
The court dispersed amidst the clamor. Since the matter was not settled, they would continue to argue tomorrow.
Geng Fangda looked at Yao Zhinian, surrounded by people ahead, and hardened his heart, following him.
He had been led by the nose by Minister Qin in court today, which must have displeased Yao Zhinian.
But to advance further, he had no choice but to endure.
Xie Jiayan and Yu Mingjing walked slowly at the end, in tacit understanding.
Walls have ears, and this was truly not a good place to talk. As expected, they were called to a halt by Xiao Che after only a few steps.
"I heard a new teahouse has opened on Yongchun Road and it's quite good. Would you two care to accompany this prince to try it?"
Yu Mingjing was more familiar with Xiao Che and said with a smile, "Then Your Highness will have to treat us. I'm not used to attending court, and I'm quite hungry right now."
Yu Mingjing had been a nominal heir apparent before and had not entered officialdom, so he had no right to attend court.
Seeing Yu Mingjing's casual tone, Xiao Che's guard relaxed considerably, and he smiled and shook his head, "You!"
How could the heir apparent of a Duke's mansion, and the nephew of the Cui family, truly lack food? He was merely trying to put Xiao Che at ease.
"Then this humble official will also benefit today," Xie Jiayan said, cupping his hands.
Although he had interacted with Xiao Che a few times, their relationship was ordinary, and he dared not be presumptuous.
Xiao Che made a gesture to invite them, and the three young men stood out conspicuously among a group of older men.
In the Taiji Hall, the Sage held his forehead, troubled. He could not hand over such a kingdom to his seventh son. As long as the Five Great Clans were not eliminated, his heart would not be at peace.
Having supported the Yao family for so many years, they were still not capable of handling such a crucial task. The Sage looked at the pieces on the chessboard.
If he chose this move, it could resolve the immediate crisis, but it might also be a risky gamble, a poisoned chalice.
After a long silence, the Sage finally said, "Prepare the imperial carriage to the Noble Consort's palace."
Did the Yao family not have another intelligent person? What Yao Zhinian did not understand, she would not fail to understand.
Yu Mingyue waited in the mansion for a long time but did not see her brother return. Finally, Si He, his personal attendant, came back to say that the heir apparent had gone to the teahouse for tea, accompanied by the Seventh Prince and Lord Xie, and would likely not return to the mansion that morning.
"Please rest assured, miss. The heir apparent has come through battles safely; it's just a late return from court. Miss, you shouldn't worry too much," Chi Dan advised.
Yu Mingyue shook her head, "I'm not worried about my brother, but about the situation in court."
The Sage heavily relied on her father and brother, but he did not trust them. Loyalty to the country was their duty, but Yu Mingyue did not want her brother to be used as a whetstone for others.
The imperial court was a battle of hidden daggers, and now Yao Zhinian was the blade in the Sage's hand.