“Keep a close guard on Prince Qing. If there are any more blunders, be prepared to offer your head.” Hua Zirong reminded.
After a long time, a reply could be heard. “Mmm.”
Hua Zirong sat back on his chair, and continued to check the memorial booklets with his cinnabar brush in hand.
~~~
In a private room.
Dressed in a white changshan, Yun Ruofeng was sitting on a chair, staring at the chessboard in front of him with his eyes furrowed. Yun Ling stood at the side, quietly observing his master.
Not long after, Yun Ruofeng’s eyes glinted as he swept the pieces into disarray, as if he had discerned something.
“Heh, a fine chess game – achieving success by placing oneself in a hopeless situation.”
“Is Your Highness able to destroy the current chess game?” Yun Ling asked.
Yun Ruofeng’s smile only deepened. “How are your investigations going?”
“Replying to Your Highness, Hua Ziqing hides himself very well. All the information I’ve gathered so far is only what he wishes to show.”
Coldness flickered in Yun Ruofeng’s eyes. “Regardless of how well he hides himself, you have to dig it all out.”
“This subordinate obeys the order.” Yun Ling said respectfully.
While the two of them were conversing, Wu Yong came while supporting a guard with an injured arm.
“Your Highness, our forces in Nanzhao have been wiped out.” The injured guard reported dejectedly as he knelt on the ground.
Yun Ruofeng slammed his hand on the table. “What did you say? Explain the whole thing without missing a detail.”
“Your Highness, our people were surrounded as soon as we gathered. This subordinate had to fight for my life just to inform Your Highness of all this.”
The temperature in Yun Ruofeng’s eyes dropped. “Do you know who that group of people is?”
“I only know that they are not from Nanzhao.” Guilt spread across the guard’s face.
Yun Ruofeng clenched his fists tightly. It looks like someone is already plotting against me; I just don’t know whether it’s Prince Hao, or the Western Region King.
“I understand, you may withdraw.” Yun Ruofeng said.
Wu Yong then took the injured guard away with him.
“Yun Ling, what are your thoughts on this matter?” Yun Ruofeng asked.
Yun Ling’s expression was icy cold. “This subordinate is afraid that we have fallen into an ambush.”
“Oh? Who do you think the culprit could be?” Yun Ruofeng pressed on.
Yun Ling was bewildered. “I’m unable to guess.” He knew that Yun Ruofeng already had his own plans, and wasn’t serious with his questions.
“Execute that matter as soon as possible so that they won’t feel that it’s too boring.” A ruthless look flared up in Yun Ruofeng’s eyes for a brief moment before his gentlemanly facade returned.
Yun Ling nodded. “I have already informed that woman. The rest depends on her capabilities.”
“Mmm, I look forward to her performance. She better not disappoint me.” Yun Ruofeng said in a mocking manner.
Yun Ling said, “Your Highness, Prince Qing will probably act during the Disaster Relief Banquet tomorrow, right? ”
“Assist him. I must get the other half of the military order.” Yun Ruofeng stated calmly.
Yun Ling’s eyes were stagnant as he nodded. “This subordinate obeys the order.” He then retreated into the darkness.
Staring at the chess pieces that were strewn around, the layer of ice in Yun Ruofeng’s eyes thickened. Pei Qianhao, our battle began long ago. Be it for the world or for Lan-er, I will completely eradicate you.
Yun Ruofeng pinched a chess piece, sinking into his own thoughts.
Hiding in the dark, Yun Ling couldn’t help but sigh in his heart when he saw this scene. How is it possible to obtain both the world and the beauty? If someone is really capable of that, I’m afraid they…
