Chapter 28

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Translator: Anne

Editor: Miqi

Proofreader: Ani

As Qiao Chu explained in a low voice, Wang Mang’s gaze slowly swept over the two copper coins spread out in her hand.

One side was engraved with the name “Jinghao Chengtong” and its corresponding decorative patterns; the other side was engraved with the name “Jingming Baojian” and its corresponding decorative patterns.

The coin engraved with the name “Jingming Baojian” had the same patterns on both sides.

Jinghao was the taboo name of the second prince, and Jingmin was the taboo name of the eldest prince. The two were born in the same year; one birthed from the empress, and the other from a concubine. The emperor had been so overjoyed at the birth of his sons that he ordered the supervisor to create copper coins engraved with the names of both princes, and issued them to the whole nation. They had been used for many years.

Qiao Chu continued, “Your Honor and this lowly person will choose one side, then the two copper coins will be placed back inside the silk brocade bag. Afterwards, we’ll take turns drawing them out, each ten times. For every draw, someone will record which side has been drawn. In the end, whoever chooses the side that has been drawn out the most, wins.”

Eunuch Mo immediately laughed with ridicule, “this is nonsense! Two copper coins, three sides with the name ‘Jingming Baojian.’ Whoever chooses ‘Jinghao Chengtong,’ won’t they be the loser?”

The crowd of commoners roared with laughter and they began to talk amongst themselves.

Si Da snorted and said, “Uncle, can you listen to what my Master has to say before you jump to conclusions?”

Eunuch Mo glanced at Si Da coldy. Qiao Chu said with a smile, “if it was like that, who would bother gambling? Let’s make a rule; if the side facing upwards is ‘Jinghao Chengtong,’ we must put the coin back and draw again.”

“It only counts if the side facing upwards is ‘Jingming Baojian.’ This way, the back side can either be ‘Jinghao Chengtong’ or ‘Jingming Baojian.’ Then, the chance that either of us will win is 50/50, right? We’ll be betting on the pattern on the back.”

Eunuch Mo was stunned. Fan Rusu thought it seemed reasonable, and neither of them would have an advantage. However, he felt that this method was somewhat complicated.

Before he had the chance to ponder any further, he heard Qiao Chu say, “when we put our hands inside the bag and draw the coins, we won’t be able to distinguish the patterns unless we take our time to feel it. But for the sake of fairness, before you select a coin, Your honor; the Imperial Censor can allow someone from the crowd to inspect the coins and see whether they’ve been altered. Your Honor can also provide the silk brocade bag. To prove that this isn’t fraudulent, Your Honor may choose either side of the coin first.”

At that moment, the people in the crowd began to applaud, saying, “not bad, this kind of method is fair.”

Eunuch Mo beckoned to a Ceremonial Official that was situated in front of the mansion. The female official stepped forward, taking the two copper coins from Qiao Chu’s hand and carefully examining them.

The clamour from the crowd intensified.

“Who do you think will win?”

“They’re betting based on luck, who knows?”

Wang Mang’s eyes stirred slightly and he glanced at the crown prince’s palanquin. After a while, he smiled and said, “younger brother, that method is clever. I shall choose…”

******

Prince Rui’s Mansion; in the Main Hall.

The man seated in the centre, with both temples dyed snow white, a square face, small mustache and a bright yellow embroidered suit, was none other than the owner of the Eastern Tombs; Emperor Rong Rui.

A woman sat beside him, graceful and elegant in appearance. Although she was a bit old, she was still a beautiful woman with an apricot-shaped face. This good-looking woman was indeed the mother of Prince Xian—the current empress.

The empress’ bright eyes gently skimmed the vicinity, beneath her seat was a room filled with beautiful people. After her brief survey of the room, she gave a soft smile, “the moment has arrived, how come we still haven’t seen the crown prince?”