“They may have realised it and are acting like they haven’t.” Yun Ruofeng smirked.
“This subordinate is foolish,” Yun Ling chided himself aloud.
Yun Ruofeng laughed. “Whatever they do, it won’t affect our plan. It will resolve our issue with Lan-er if he succeeds, but if he fails, we’ll just have to make use of our other chess piece.”
He then asked, “Have you looked into the matter of Beimin’s Empress Dowager pretending to be insane?”
Yun Ling nodded. “It is as Prince Qing said. It’s obvious that she’s faking it, even though she’s trying her best to act the fool.”
“It would be a shame to not make good use of such a useful chess piece then.” A cunning smile appeared on Yun Ruofeng’s face as he spoke.
“This subordinate understands.” Yun Ling answered before retreating into the shadows.
Yun Ruofeng was left alone in the room, taking out a chessboard before starting to slowly play by himself.
~~~
In the meantime, the guard who had been following the cloaked man had returned to the posthouse.
Pei Qianhao had been with Su Xi-er this entire time, while Du Ling sat to the side with a look of worry on his face.
The guard went up to Pei Qianhao and reported, “Prince Hao, that man entered Yun Ruofeng’s private room.”
Pei Qianhao nodded and waved a hand to dismiss him.
“Yun Ruofeng is despicable. He’s courting death.” Du Ling stood up in anger and made to walk out.
However, Pei Qianhao stopped him. “Wait.”
“Things will be settled once I get rid of him.” Du Ling’s fists were clenched as anger shone in his eyes.
Pei Qianhao smiled. “Western Region King, what one sees might not be real, and what one hears might not be the truth.”
“Do you mean to say that the man the guard followed wasn’t Yun Ruofeng’s subordinate?” Du Ling was visibly confused.
Pei Qianhao said, “Western Region King, that’s because they put up a show for us.”
“Then someone is waiting for us and Yun Ruofeng to clash on their chessboard??” Du Ling raised a brow as he asked.
Pei Qianhao nodded, a calculative glint shining in his eyes.
“It seems like many powers have hidden themselves within Xiliu. I can only wonder if Hua Zirong can handle it.” Du Ling scoffed.
Pei Qianhao smirked. “I don’t care what he does as long as Xi-er is safe. This Prince would not mind killing every single one of them if they overstep their boundaries.”
Du Ling was rather impressed. Xi-er made a wise choice; she has excellent taste in men.
“Let’s just watch the show then. If your behaviour is anything to go by, then you must be confident. Perhaps I can finally get a good night’s sleep.” Du Ling said with a smile.
He left the room before Pei Qianhao could answer, but the latter’s wry smile was already enough.
Pei Qianhao then returned to Su Xi-er’s side, gently stroking her cheek as he watched her sleep. It wasn’t long before her eyes fluttered open, and her thoughts drifted to the words spoken by the stranger who had been at her bedside.
“What’s wrong, Xi-er? Did you have a nightmare?” Pei Qianhao asked gently.
Su Xi-er shook her head. “A-Jing, somebody came in just now, right?”
“You’re still so alert even when pregnant, Xi-er.” Pei Qianhao laughed. He knew that Su Xi-er was quite capable of protecting herself even when she was in a weakened state.
“That’s because I know that A-Jing would definitely have many men stationed around the area,” Su Xi-er replied gently.
Pei Qianhao then placed her head on his shoulder, enjoying her company.
I’m here to shoulder everything even if the sky falls.
