“Western Region King, would you allow this Prince to drink with you instead?” Yun Ruofeng asked gently.
Pei Qianhao then interjected before Du Ling could deny. “Your Majesty, let’s have a few drinks since General Li is being such a generous host.”
Du Ling gave Pei Qianhao a questioning look, knowing that the latter wouldn’t have said anything without having a plan in mind. While Li Zikang looked pleased at their sudden agreement, Yun Ruofeng had come to the same conclusion as Du Ling.
That being said, he had no way to tell what Pei Qianhao was planning, and could only agree. Thus, the drinking session began shortly after the guards filled everyone’s cups.
Li Zikang’s face quickly became flushed, and Yun Ruofeng followed quickly after. Meanwhile, Pei Qianhao’s face remained stony, while Du Ling seemed to be chugging water.
Yun Ruofeng knew something would go wrong if they continued like this. Not only would their plan fail, Li Zikang would be blackout drunk by the end of this session.
“I think we’ve drunk enough. How about we let the Western Region King and Prince Hao retire for the day?” Yun Ruofeng suggested.
Immediately, Li Zikang responded, “No. Nobody is to leave. Let’s drink more.”
Yun Ruofeng chided him inwardly, What an idiot. He isn’t even aware of the situation we’re in.
“Seems like General Li disagrees with Prince Yun!” Du Ling laughed as he thought, Serves you right.
Yun Ruofeng then said, “General, don’t you have matters to take care of tomorrow? It’s better to rest early.”
This reminded Li Zikang of their agreement and he suddenly realised that he had almost sabotaged their plans.
“Yes, yes, you’re right, Prince Yun. Men, send Prince Hao and the Western Region King back.”
Pei Qianhao and Du Ling simply allowed themselves to be escorted out, but not before exchanging a quick glance with each other.
After they left, Yun Ruofeng said with a smirk, “I asked you to get them drunk, not to get yourself.”
“Calm down, Prince Yun. They wouldn’t be able to escape as long as they are within Xiliu,” Unfortunately for him, Li Zikang’s confident slur only betrayed his level of intoxication, making any further conversation pointless.
Li Zikang watched Yun Ruofeng leave and spat at the floor. You call yourself Prince Yun? You’re nothing but a homeless dog from Nanzhao. I only spared your life because you’re still useful to some extent.
Yun Ruofeng returned to his room, which was located in between Pei Qianhao and Du Ling’s. He had arranged this so that he could keep tabs on the two.
The more he thought about it, the more anxious he felt. Pei Qianhao and Du Ling were way too calm during the drinking session earlier.
He knew how important Su Xi-er was to the both of them, but the two of them seemed to have forgotten that she had even existed. Since that was impossible, it naturally meant that they had a plan.
And so, while Li Zikang drunkenly made his way to his own lodgings, Yun Ruofeng decided to keep an eye on them throughout the night to prevent anything from happening. Since almost all of the guards had been sent away on other missions, any situations would have to be taken care of personally.
Pei Qianhao and Du Ling pretended to go to sleep at this point as they waited for the right moment to strike. They would wait for an opportune moment to leave Xiliu so that they could look for Su Xi-er at the Beimin-Xiliu border.
