Ji Hong gazed at Yu Chengxuan, his eyelids lowered, the emperor's majesty and solemnity pressing down on Yu Chengxuan like a towering mountain.
Ji Hong was similar in age to Yu Chengxuan, yet the imposing presence he exuded already surpassed that of Yu Wenyi. However, for Yu Chengxuan, it was merely the cold wind of late autumn, causing a stinging sensation as it brushed his cheeks, but inflicting no substantial harm.
He felt no fear, nor any trepidation!
Yu Chengxuan did not even alter his posture. Their eyes met, locking in the air. Ji Hong could tell that Yu Chengxuan was not feigning his composure; he was genuinely at ease and self-possessed.
Ji Hong retracted his imposing aura and leaned back against the chair. He leisurely appraised the 'Yu Chengxuan' before him. After a pause, he suddenly raised a hand, picked up a teacup from the side, lightly twirled the lid, lowered his head to blow away the tea leaves floating on the surface, and took a sip of tea at a leisurely pace. After setting down the teacup, he asked Yu Chengxuan, "Have the servants at the post station attended to you diligently?"
"Extremely well!"
"That is good!"
Ji Hong nodded. "If the Seventh Prince finds his accommodations unsatisfactory, I can arrange a different residence for you!"
"Xuan thanks His Majesty for his grace. Xuan is very comfortable here."
"It is good that you are comfortable. Then I can rest assured!"
Yu Chengxuan offered his thanks once more.
The conversation reached a natural conclusion. It seemed as though it had not yet begun, yet it was already over. Yu Chengxuan, with his keen perception, rose to take his leave.
The eunuchs guarding the imperial study exchanged glances when they saw him emerge so quickly. They had initially assumed that His Majesty, with the sudden victory at Huaicheng, might act against the Li Dynasty's prince. However, observing the current situation, it did not appear to be the case.
Yet, they were merely indulging in idle speculation and had no intention of probing the imperial will. The eunuchs were astute and clear-minded; matters that should not be speculated upon or inquired about, they would not even touch. At this juncture, they were like a group of deaf, mute fools!
Ji Hong walked to the bookshelf and knocked on the wall.
A few seconds later, with the sound of mechanical rolling, Ji Jinmo re-entered the imperial study.
"Imperial Uncle, what do you think?"
Ji Jinmo did not answer. Instead, he walked to the chair Yu Chengxuan had just vacated, lifted his robes, and sat down.
After Yu Chengxuan left, Ji Hong had not allowed the eunuchs to remove the chair. Instead, he had ordered the doors closed, preventing any disturbance. He was eager to hear his Imperial Uncle's response, to see if it matched his own analysis. However, as he watched his Imperial Uncle close his eyes, seemingly savoring some scent, Ji Hong felt an indescribable sense of bewilderment and disdain.
What was his Imperial Uncle savoring from a chair occupied by another man?
If he hadn't known of his Imperial Uncle's affections for the Imperial Aunt, Ji Hong would have suspected him of having peculiar habits.
"If the one who initially entered the capital was the true Yu Chengxuan, then the person Xuan Yi and Thirteen captured and threw into the dungeons last night was a counterfeit!"
Ji Jinmo opened his eyes and stood up, not wanting to linger for even a moment.
Ji Hong pondered the meaning of his elder's words. "You suspect that neither of these two is the real Yu Chengxuan?"
"No, I am merely striving for thoroughness!"
Ji Hong was at a loss for words.
"Then, that means, if there are no other possibilities, the Yu Chengxuan from just now is the genuine Yu Chengxuan, correct?"
Ji Jinmo nodded.
The phrasing was a bit convoluted, but that was the intended meaning.
Ji Hong asked, "Is it because of his demeanor just now?"
Ji Jinmo shook his head. He pointed to the chair and said, "It is because this Yu Chengxuan carries the scent of irises."
Ji Hong: "..."
Damn it!
Pervert!