The smile on Chu Wenzong's face froze.
Was this damned girl a roundworm in his belly?
Didn't she understand that if she saw through him without saying it aloud, they might still have a chance of being siblings?
Besides.
Judging by what she said afterward, had his son actually called her Dad? Didn't that throw the whole family hierarchy into chaos? Wouldn't the Ancestors beat him to death if they knew?
"Your Majesty."
Seeing Chu Wenzong suddenly staring into space, Fu Kang gave him a curious look from beside him.
Among the know-it-alls below, some lowered their heads again, some wore peculiar expressions, and others watched the spectacle, perfectly happy to see the trouble grow.
Chu Wenzong came back to his senses, suppressed the urge to have someone flogged again, and continued with the proceedings.
"Fu Kang, have the Empress and my son come in."
A shrill, ducklike voice rang out: "Summon the Empress! The eighth prince is to enter for an audience!"
Then.
They saw Empress Cui Zhao'an lead Little Wukong by the hand, walking in from outside the hall one step at a time.
Everyone's gaze fell on the little prince.
Once Cui Zhao'an and Little Wukong reached the front, Little Wukong, though he disliked such solemn occasions, remained composed as he cupped his hands and bowed to Chu Wenzong. "Your son pays his respects, Father."
"Rise, my son, rise."
Chu Wenzong could not help smiling.
"Though the eighth prince is young, he is gifted and intelligent... blah, blah, blah... the Empress Dowager has bestowed upon him the name Jinyuan, in the hope that you will one day hold up a stretch of sky for our Yu Kingdom."
"Jinyuan thanks Imperial Grandmother for granting me this name!"
As Little Wukong bowed once more, he could not help breaking