Even Father Cheng looked utterly bewildered. He couldn't help but call out to the servants outside the house, "What on earth is going on out there?"
For a while, there was no response. Only then did he realize that the maids and servants outside had disappeared without a trace. The already silent atmosphere suddenly turned deathly still, as if they had fallen into an abyss. Father Cheng wrung his hands, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Mrs. Liu didn't even dare to breathe loudly, as if the people surrounding their house were ghosts.
All the female relatives present looked terrified, except for the old lady and Cheng Xiran.
"Spreading rumors about the royal family is a capital offense. I'm sure the prime minister is well aware of this, right?"
A deep and powerful voice broke the silence. Cheng Xiran's previously gloomy face suddenly brightened, and the corner of her mouth twitched into a perfect arc.
She saw Helian Duo striding in with his hands behind his back, bringing with him a touch of the early autumn chill.
Feeling Helian Duo's intense gaze, Father Cheng panicked for a moment but quickly regained his composure. He led all the family members to bow to him and then asked, "Your Highness the Regent comes here at this hour with a large number of troops. May I ask the reason?"
Perhaps it was because it was Helian Duo rather than someone else, so Father Cheng was able to calm down quickly.
"The prime minister doesn't know? This really puzzles this king."
Helian Duo enunciated each word clearly, his tone heavy with accusation.
"Is Your Highness referring to the disaster relief in the south?"
"During the court session today, why did the prime minister obstruct the disaster - relief plan for the south? Is there some hidden reason behind this?"
Helian Duo demanded coldly, his face extremely grim. It was so grim that even Cheng Zhiyue didn't dare to look him in the eye. But Cheng Xiran stared at him intently because of the regal aura emanating from him.
She didn't find him scary at all. Instead, she thought he was incredibly handsome.
"Your Highness may not be aware that these are tough times. It's not just that one area suffering from the famine. The situation in other places is also quite severe."
Father Cheng showed no sign of fear. Without waiting for Helian Duo to reply, he continued, "Your Highness is busy having fun all day long. Only after hearing others talk do you realize the gravity of the matter, but you come to argue with me without knowing the whole story. I'm different. I've been busy dealing with these things all the time, so I naturally know more than Your Highness."
He boasted shamelessly, leaving no room for Helian Duo to retort.
Seeing his behavior, Cheng Xiran was even more convinced that he had defected to the empress dowager. Otherwise, where did he get the courage to argue with Helian Duo? In the past, he would have surely bowed to Helian Duo and pledged his allegiance.
Helian Duo wasn't angry upon hearing this. He gave Father Cheng a sidelong glance and then raised his voice, "Is the prime minister referring to Fenzhou? This king knows that it's the fief of the current empress dowager's natal family. According to the on - site investigation by my spies, it has abundant rainfall and is very fertile. How could there be a famine?"
Father Cheng was stunned. He couldn't help but think in his heart that Helian Duo wasn't as useless as the empress dowager had said.
"Withdraw the troops!"
At Helian Duo's order, the guards who had been standing in the courtyard of the Cheng Mansion quickly retreated.
"Thank you for the prime minister's advice. This king will personally investigate this matter and ensure that the disaster - relief funds reach the victims!"
He flicked his sleeves and left, his back illuminated by the moonlight. Cheng Xiran thought he was incredibly handsome!
She wanted to follow him and praise him in person, but considering the current situation, she managed to restrain herself.
After Helian Duo's visit, the whole family lost their appetite for dinner. The old lady sighed repeatedly and then got up and left the table. Cheng Xiran comforted her a few words and then started to eat with gusto.
Seeing this, someone simply stopped looking at her. But still angry, their chest heaved slightly as they turned and left.
Mrs. Liu glared at her viciously.
"At a time like this, you can still eat. You're really a shameless thing!"