The next day, Tang Yuehua, who received the summons, arrived at the imperial palace...
However, before meeting Xue Ye, he encountered another person!
It was none other than the long-awaited Xue Qinghe!
Upon seeing the former's appearance, Tang Yuehua's brows slightly furrowed, "Crown Prince, why are you here?"
His question was not about why the other party was in the imperial palace!
But rather how coincidentally they met here!
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, "Chief Tang, this is the imperial palace, of course, I'm here. I just didn't expect to meet you. What a coincidence!"
Despite his words, Tang Yuehua did not easily believe him, "Is that so? But why do I feel that this is no coincidence, rather like the Crown Prince is waiting for me here on purpose!"
Seeing this, Xue Qinghe did not continue to deny but boldly admitted, "As expected, I can't hide from Chief Tang. I'm indeed waiting for you!"
Trying to gloss over it with words was obviously impossible!
Tang Yuehua's eyes flickered, "Then I wonder what the Crown Prince has to say?"
With Xue Qinghe's status as the Crown Prince, it was not strange for him to know about my entrance to the imperial palace at this moment!
But what exactly is the reason he's waiting here?
Could it be because of that matter?
Xue Qinghe shook his head, "Chief Tang, don't misunderstand. I came to find you, not for anything special."
"It's just that a few days ago, I heard a rumor that you seem to have taken Xue Beng as a disciple. Is this true?"
Tang Yuehua's expression became vigilant, "Crown Prince, this matter should have nothing to do with you, right?"
He came to find me, and as expected, it's about this matter!
And it seems that it is of great importance to him!
Xue Qinghe pursed his lips and explained, "Chief Tang, as a Prince, this may be presumptuous of me to say, but Xue Beng's reputation throughout the imperial palace is not good. He can be considered a playboy!"
"I'm worried that Chief Tang might be negatively influenced because of this."
Tang Yuehua took a deep breath, "Indeed, I agreed to teach Lord Xue Beng, but the truth is, he is not the playboy as Crown Prince mentioned!"
"On the contrary, he possesses quite a bit of talent in various aspects!
"So you needn't worry that I will be negatively influenced because of this!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's expression subtly changed...
"I see, it seems I've misunderstood both Xue Beng and Chief Tang!"
"I thought he was relying on his status as a Prince to force you to agree to teach."
Xue Beng, to be able to earn Tang Yuehua's recognition!
It seems he was really underestimated!
Clearly, Tang Yuehua had no intention of continuing the conversation and mercilessly interrupted the topic...
"Crown Prince, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first. After all, I cannot keep His Majesty Xue Beng waiting long!"
Xue Qinghe was so concerned about me taking Xue Beng as a disciple, could it be that he's afraid the latter threatens his position as Crown Prince?
Or perhaps, just as Prince Xue Xing said...
Having no reason to continue obstructing, Xue Qinghe readily stepped aside...
"Of course, Chief Tang, please."
Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, swiftly entering the Imperial Palace Great Hall...
While Xue Qinghe watched his back, falling into a brief contemplation...
Though lacking evidence, it was certain...
Tang Yuehua was very cautious about him, as if having discovered something...
...
After entering the great hall...
Tang Yuehua looked up at Xue Ye above, exuding a strong imperial aura...
He respectfully spoke, "I greet His Majesty Xue Ye!"
Upon seeing this, the latter gestured dismissively, "No need for such formalities, Chief Tang. Please sit."
Without fuss, Tang Yuehua took a seat at the pre-arranged position below...
Then, he took the initiative to ask, "Your Majesty Xue Ye, may I ask what the purpose is for summoning me this time?"
Xue Ye straightforwardly addressed the issue, "Chief Tang, it's like this: I heard you agreed to teach Xue Beng, is this true?"
Tang Yuehua responded calmly, "In response to Your Majesty Xue Ye, this is indeed the case!"
Xue Ye propped up his chin, contemplating, "However... I've heard that Chief Tang, you had previously refused Xue Beng's requests multiple times. Has he employed any unworthy means?"
Perceptively sensing something, Tang Yuehua firmly stated, "Your Majesty Xue Ye, this is not the case!"
"In my experience, Lord Xue Beng's talent is quite rare and it is my honor to teach him!"
Surprised by the high praise for Xue Beng, Xue Ye expressed astonishment, "Oh? Even Chief Tang says so, then it seems, that child Xue Beng indeed has undergone some change!"
It appears that child Xue Beng has some talent; otherwise, he would not have earned the former's approval!
Seeing this, Tang Yuehua added, "Your Majesty Xue Ye, if I may be bold, it seems you haven't truly understood Lord Xue Beng!"
Instantly, Xue Ye's expression became serious...
"Chief Tang, what do you mean by this? Are you blaming me?"
Tang Yuehua naturally could not admit to this, "I dare not, I do not intend to doubt you."
"I just personally believe that we should not waste Lord Xue Beng's talent!"
Xue Ye's gaze was fixated intensely on him...
As if contemplating something...
Suddenly, he retorted, "Chief Tang, in your opinion, who is more outstanding, Xue Qinghe, or Xue Beng?"
Tang Yuehua did not choose to deceive, responding truthfully, "In terms of excellence, it is undoubtedly the Crown Prince!"
Although Xue Beng is admirable, comparing him with Xue Qinghe makes him seem dimmer!
Pausing for a moment, he then continued, "However, Lord Xue Beng is not inferior either!"
Hearing this, Xue Ye suddenly burst into laughter...
"Hahaha... Chief Tang, I understand now, you seem to favor that child Xue Beng over Qinghe, am I right?"
Tang Yuehua secretly sensed something amiss, hurriedly clarifying, "Your Majesty Xue Ye, I am not..."
Unconcerned, Xue Ye responded, "No matter, I have been considering whether to give that child Xue Beng an opportunity. Because of his past actions, I never reached a conclusion!"
"Today, after hearing Chief Tang's words, I can provide an answer now."
Tang Yuehua's face showed a shocked expression, "Your Majesty Xue Ye, do you mean..."
Xue Ye did not deny it but instead loudly affirmed, "That's right, Xue Beng also possesses the potential to become Emperor!"
"This is my conclusion!"
Tang Yuehua collected his thoughts, having no choice but to praise, "As expected of Your Majesty Xue Ye, making the most wise judgment!"
He had merely intended to argue on the child's behalf, never expecting this to be the other party's response; it was truly astonishing!
Xue Ye ceased to continue the topic, "Alright, Chief Tang, this matter is settled in my mind!"
"By the way, is everything well with the Hao Tian Clan?"
This invitation to the palace was not only about Xue Beng but also other matters!
...