My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 49

“This is our wedding banquet.” Lin Zhang couldn’t help but whisper to Wei Yun, “Wake up from your drunkenness, and stop causing a scene here, okay?” After saying that, he turned to Luo Chen and said, “Your Highness, please calm down as well. My wife has a bit of a misunderstanding. Even if Ji’an was initially… but now it must be different. Besides, how could a frail scholar like him compete with Your Highness?”

He knows the other person’s identity better than Wei Yun, and thinks it’s really embarrassing to make such a scene.

But at this moment, Luo Chen was already fired up. With others supporting him, surrounded by many onlookers, he felt as if he were standing on a stage. Under everyone’s gaze, he thought that he absolutely couldn’t back down. He immediately said, “I just saw her being quite upset because of him! How can we not compete! I already said I could let him choose!”

Helan Ci immediately retorted, “I wasn’t that angry with him.”

Lu Wuyou, however, said calmly, “Do you really want to compete with me?”

Luo Chen said, “Of course!”

Lu Wuyou said, “What is the stake?”

Luo Chen immediately said, “If I win, you will set her free!”

Everyone: “……?”

Was this Northern Di prince sick in the head?

The commotion had escalated to the point where even a prince had drawn his sword—how could it not attract attention from afar?

Sure enough, before long, everyone saw Xunyang Gongzhu being supported by Shao’an Gongzhu, leading a group of attendants. Dressed in a splendid long gown that trailed behind her, adorned with gold and silver hairpins, she looked at the scene before her and said with interest, “What happened here?”

The eunuch beside him whispered a report, and then Shao’an Gongzhu also whispered a few words.

Xunyang Gongzhu nodded upon hearing this, then looked at Prince Luo Chen: “Prince Luo Chen, what is the reason for your sudden challenge to someone at this wedding banquet?”

Luo Chen immediately said, “He treats her poorly, and I can’t stand it. I want to compete with him.”

Those who are not familiar with Xunyang Gongzhu might think she would dissuade him, but those who know her style have already started either looking forward to it or to shaking their heads in despair.

Let’s be clear—This woman is complete opposite of the Emperor. She doesn’t care about her reputation at all. She had once personally caught her imperial consort in bed with another, dragged him naked into the streets. She made sure everyone knew about it, then publicly divorced him before all.

The memorials of impeachment piled up behind this Grand Princess could form several large stacks, but the Emperor always picked them and set them down gently.

After all, it was she who publicly exposed the scandal of the seventh prince, who was competing with the current emperor for the throne and causing chaos in the harem. Later, she assisted the emperor multiple times, which allowed him to ascend the throne smoothly. Because of this, no one dared to meddle, no matter how outrageous she acted.

Sure enough, the Xunyang Gongzhu clapped her hands and said, “Ah, so that’s what this is about. Then go ahead and compete.”

She never liked this Zhuangyuan who crazily attracted [peach blossoms/mdtooltip] from the very beginning. After hearing Wei Yun’s complaints, she felt even less favorable towards him.</p> <p>Wei Yun laughed heartily from the side, “Grandma is really great!” She ignored Lin Zhang and rushed forward to link arms with the Gongzhu’s other side.</p> <p>The situation has already spiraled out of control.</p> <p>Xiao Shaoan stood by her aunt’s side. Although she had already encouraged him earlier, she was still worried that Luo Chen might back out at the last moment. So she added fuel to the fire, “Prince Luo Chen, it’s just a small competition, nothing serious. Think of it as a way to liven up the wedding banquet. Besides, they are just following their parents’ orders and the matchmaker’s words, marrying without any feelings involved! He doesn’t even like her…”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou couldn’t help but laugh. He downed the wine in his cup, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He lightly twirled the white porcelain cup in his hand, then spoke softly, his voice clear and melodious.</p> <p>“——Who said I didn’t like her?”</p> <p>For a moment, everyone was unsure how this would unfold.</p> <p>“The wife I married myself, how could I not like her?” Lu Wuyou finally stood up, his tone calm and steady, “May I ask the Princess to refrain from speaking nonsense. How does His Highness the Prince wish to compete?”</p> <p>Who would have thought, immediately followed by Helan Ci’s clear voice: “I disagree!”</p> <p>The risk was too great.</p> <p>Helan Ci wasn’t worried about the competition itself, but what if Lu Wuyou’s identity was exposed and it brought danger to him?</p> <p>The crowd was once again stunned.</p> <p>Xiao Shao’an, hearing her speak up, immediately became agitated and blurted out, “He already agreed—what do you have to object to! The fact that these two are willing to fight over you… you should be happy!”</p> <p>If it were her, she’d definitely be thrilled.</p> <p>Upon hearing this, Helan Ci fell silent for a moment, almost wanting to laugh.</p> <p>She had only ever found such things troublesome. How could she feel happy over this kind of situation? She had only come to watch a wedding banquet, yet somehow things had escalated to this point. She clenched her fingers, and even felt a tinge of worry Lu Wuyou’s reaction just now; he seemed really unhappy.</p> <p>Her mind a little overheated, Helan Ci suddenly spoke: “If Your Highness insists on a competition, then how about I be the one to compete?”</p> <p>Though her words were absurd, she spoke them with calm clarity after a brief hesitation.</p> <p>She doesn’t want to always trouble Lu Wuyou and make him solve everything.</p> <p>Everyone: “……？？？ What is she talking about?”</p> <p>Everyone present was dumbfounded.</p> <p>Looking at the silver-sheathed curved blade in Luo Chen’s hand, they all knew he was likely intending to compete in martial arts—horseback riding or archery perhaps. Though it was already unfair to compare such things with someone like Lu Wuyou, a frail civil official, how could a delicate and soft woman like Helan Ci compete?</p> <p>Even Luo Chen, who had been riding a wave of emotion, was momentarily stunned. “You…”</p> <p>Helan Ci’s tone grew colder: “Your Highness need not keep saying you’re doing this for me.” She exhaled softly. “I do not need your so-called ‘let him set me free.’</p> <p>Luo Chen opened his mouth and came to his senses. When he had impulsively drawn his silver-bladed saber, he truly thought of himself as a hero rescuing a damsel in distress. But now, as Helan Ci spoke directly to him, he suddenly understood—that wasn’t quite the case.</p> <p>“I was just being impulsive…” The young man lowered his head, “Please don’t be angry.”</p> <p>The farce earlier was because some people were acting on impulse, others fanning the flames, and bystanders watching with interest.</p> <p>At this wedding banquet, it felt more like an after-dinner performance. Everyone had watched with great interest and would probably have something to talk about for the next ten days.</p> <p>Only Wei Yun gave a light snort. She took a sip of wine, her voice slurred with drunkenness, “You really love Lu Wuyou, even now you still have to protect him.” Knowing there was no good show to watch, she turned to look for someone and said, “Where’s the wine? Bring me another jug of wine.”</p> <p>Lin Zhang was afraid she would go crazy somewhere else, so he hurriedly followed her.</p> <p>Lu Wuyou turned around and glanced at Wei Yun, his expression quite strange.</p> <p>Only Xiao Shao’an still shouted loudly: “Why aren’t you competing anymore! Since Auntie is willing to act as witness, why not take advantage of this joyful day and add some excitement!” She smiled radiantly at Helan Ci and said, “If you want to compete personally, that’s great! Will it be riding or archery?”</p> <p>She remembered that Helan Ci probably didn’t even know how to ride a horse.</p> <p>Originally, she hadn’t wanted Lu Wuyou and Luo Chen to compete either, but if there was a chance for Helan Ci to make a fool of herself, then that was even better.</p> <p>At last, Xunyang Gongzhu—who had been watching from the sidelines—spoke again: “It’s already night. Competing in riding or archery wouldn’t be convenient. If you really want to compete, you can probably only compete in games like throwing arrows into a pot. And if you’re still set on it, half a month from now His Majesty is holding a banquet for the Northern Di envoys. Competing then wouldn’t be too late. For now, let’s continue with the wedding banquet.”</p> <p>Xunyang Gongzhu was clear in her likes and dislikes and had always been more lenient toward women than men.</p> <p>Just from her tone, it was obvious she didn’t care much for that top scholar. That was why, only after the woman had spoken out, she gave her a way out.</p> <p>Xiao Shao’an still wanted to say something, but Princess Xunyang had already lost interest and left. Xiao Shao’an glanced at Luo Chen, who clearly had no intention of speaking further, and hurriedly chased after her, drawing out her voice in a coquettish tone, “Aunt—”</p> <p>Xunyang Gongzhu was much older than even His Majesty, and had always been close with Princess Shao’an. Hearing her act spoiled, she immediately knew what she meant, but her eyes turned slightly indifferent as she said, “What’s so good about that Zhuangyuan?”</p> <p>Xiao Shao’an paused and said, “I just like him.”</p> <p>Xunyang Gongzhu said, “Even Yun’er has given up, can’t you stop thinking about him too? I already regret persuading you back then. He’s clearly heartless, and that Helan girl is stupid too. There are so many good men in the world—can’t you choose someone else?”</p> <p>Xiao Shaoan wanted to argue more, but then she saw Xunyang Gongzhu looking at her with that kind of “you can’t teach a child” gaze.</p> <p>She hesitated, knew her aunt wouldn’t help her anymore.</p> <p>When Helan Ci came out from the wedding banquet, she was especially exhausted. After getting into the carriage, she remembered to say to Lu Wuyou, “Sorry, I broke my word. I said earlier I wouldn’t pay him any more attention. Maybe… I shouldn’t attend this kind of wedding banquet next time?”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou hadn’t expected her to say this right away. The slight emotion he’d just been feeling faded a bit. “There’s no need to apologize. Even if you’re married to me, who you want to talk to is still your freedom… I blocked him for you because I thought you might not want to deal with him.” He shrugged, “That’s your freedom. I brought you to the wedding banquet, so you don’t need to feel guilty.”</p> <p>But when he said this, Lu Wuyou’s tone was not as relaxed as before.</p> <p>Helan Ci hesitated and said, “Aren’t you unhappy?”</p> <p>But as he spoke, Lu Wuyou’s tone wasn’t as relaxed as usual.</p> <p>Helan Ci hesitated. “Aren’t you upset?”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou’s smile faded a bit. “Yes, I’m upset, but it has nothing to do with you. I’m angry at myself. I wasn’t quite right tonight.” He tried to return to their usual way of interacting, and deliberately teased, “Were you really planning to compete with the little prince just now?”</p> <p>Helan Ci nodded. “I really considered it… coincidentally, I also want to learn archery. Is it difficult?”</p> <p>“Not hard,” Lu Wuyou casually said, “If you want to learn, it’s not difficult.”</p> <p>Then he said no more.</p> <p>Normally, Lu Wuyou would usually elaborate extensively on how to learn archery, detailing where it is difficult and where it is not. He tends to show off his skills with a lot of words at such times, and wouldn’t be so concise.</p> <p>Helan Ci was silent for a moment, then asked again, “Why are you mad at yourself?”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou paused and said, “Can I not say? I don’t fully understand it myself.”</p> <p>The carriage fell into an unbearable silence again.</p> <p>Helan Ci increasingly regretted going out today. They had been getting along so well before leaving the house.</p> <p>She and Lu Wuyou had been spending too much time together outside lately, gradually forgetting her initial caution and vigilance upon arriving in the capital. Now that she was married, Lu Wuyou had helped her so much—so she should also properly clear away her bad romantic entanglements.</p> <p>She could even understand Lu Wuyou’s anger.</p> <p>At that moment, the carriage suddenly stopped.</p> <p>The coachman said, “…there’s someone blocking the road ahead.”</p> <p>Then came the voice of the Northern Di’s young prince, Luo Chen: “I’m sorry, I still have something to say.”</p> <p>Now, whenever Helan Ci heard his voice, she reacted like a startled bird.</p> <p>But Lu Wuyou fell silent for a moment and then said, “I know you probably want to say you don’t want to cause trouble, but… the situation has to be resolved, right? Avoiding it isn’t a solution.”</p> <p>Helan Ci also went quiet for a moment and understood what Lu Wuyou meant.</p> <p>She took a deep breath and decided to get out and handle it: “Then wait for me a bit.”</p> <p>Once she stepped out of the carriage, Helan Ci saw Luo Chen sitting on his horse, watching her from a distance.</p> <p>He was still holding a lantern in his hand, the flickering light illuminating his slightly reddened eyes. The seventeen-year-old youth hung his head low, and even though she was angry, Helan Ci still felt a bit sorry for him.</p> <p>She stepped down from the carriage shaft and said politely, “If Your Highness has something to say, please say it. I hope that once you’re done, you’ll be satisfied.”</p> <p>“When I first saw you, you looked like a bird released from its cage, making people unable to resist wanting to see how high and far you could fly… I thought he was the cage that trapped you.” Luo Chen said hoarsely, “I was misled into thinking your relationship was bad, that he… treated you poorly, that even your clothes…”</p> <p>Helan Ci glanced down at herself.</p> <p>“This has nothing to do with him; I chose to dress this way myself.” Able to calmly reason in conversation, she also managed to organize her thoughts, “Your Highness, I’m doing very well. I don’t need to be rescued. And even if I did, I’d hope you’d ask me first—instead of… completely ignoring my opinion and just listening to what others say.”</p> <p>Luo Chen flushed red with embarrassment.</p> <p>“I’m sorry, I can apologize to you, and I can also apologize to him.”</p> <p>“That won’t be necessary,” Helan Ci said softly. “Your Highness, have you finished speaking?”</p> <p>Luo Chen was speechless for a moment.</p> <p>Helan Ci turned to get back into the carriage, when she heard him call out loudly, “I fell in love with you at first sight, I like you, I want to pick the stars from the sky for you… I really didn’t mean to put you in a difficult position… I’m very sorry.”</p> <p>She had heard such words many times before.</p> <p>It didn’t stir much emotion in her; instead, I’m just worried that Lu Wuyou will overthink it.</p> <p>Helan Ci hurriedly got onto the carriage, Lifting the curtain, she saw Lu Wuyou brewing tea again. He had his eyes lowered, using a tea needle to stir the leaves. When he saw her return, he asked, “All settled?”</p> <p>Helan Ci said, “Mm.”</p> <p>The carriage continued. Lu Wuyou smiled and said, “The little prince’s confession was quite sincere. Aren’t you even a little moved?”</p> <p>Helan Ci let out a long sigh. “Can you not overthink things? I just feel like I escaped a disaster.”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou stirred the tea leaves again and said, “I have a question I want to ask you.”</p> <p>Helan Ci replied, “Go ahead.”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou said, “If someone else had saved you that night and you had become intimate with him, would you have gotten along like we do?”</p> <p>Helan Ci found the question strange. “But it was you, not someone else.”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou set aside the tea needle, switched to the tea tongs, and continued poking at the leaves.</p> <p>“I’m just a fool worrying about meaningless problems… Don’t mind me.” Lu Wuyou paused, speaking casually, “It’s not very important. Maybe I’ll figure it out by tomorrow morning.”</p> <p>Helan Ci sat upright and seriously asked, “Can’t you tell me?”</p> <p>…Why was she still so eager to learn and ask questions at a time like this?</p> <p>Lu Wuyou silently complained to himself, tossed aside the tea tongs, looked up, and with a slightly serious tone asked, “What do you think I was angry about tonight?”</p> <p>Helan Ci replied with equal seriousness, “Because I didn’t handle my rotten peach blossom properly. It caused you trouble, and made you lose face.”</p> <p>Lu Wuyou fell silent for a while before finally speaking.</p> <p>“No, it’s because you’re an [mdtooltip content="笨蛋 bèndàn - Stupid/clumsy egg. 蛋 dàn - Egg is a common suffix in Chinese insults, e.g., 坏蛋 huàidàn = "bad egg/scoundrel") "]idiot¹.”