Chapter 20: The Master Behind the Xiaoyao Residence (Part One) (Recommended Chapter)

Chapter 20: The Master Behind the Xiaoyao Residence (Part One) (Recommended Chapter)

Princess Qi was demoted by Emperor Yu to become a County Princess overnight.

The news spread throughout Langjing the following morning. Emperor Yu's most favored seventh princess, known for her arrogance and recklessness, had dared to storm the residence of the Grand General, even injuring Miss Su in the process. It was a disgrace to the royal family.

Empress Concubine Shu knelt in front of the imperial study for an entire night, yet failed to persuade Emperor Yu to revoke his decision.

Prince Si also faced punishment – thirty lashings and a two-week confinement within his residence as a lesson.

The imperial physicians worked tirelessly through the night to treat Miss Su.

With both internal and external injuries, it took the doctors' unceasing efforts to save her life that night. She would need several weeks of quiet recuperation, or else she might develop lingering health issues...

General Su had just returned home when he heard that his precious granddaughter had been revived. However, the joy was short-lived as he learned about the potential long-term effects of her injuries. He promptly fainted, rolling his eyes back into his head.

This alarmed Emperor Yu, who was accompanying him.

Though General Su was advanced in years, his presence alone served as the backbone and faith of Yun Lang's army. A single stern rebuke from him was worth a thousand grandiose speeches. Only with General Su at the helm was the Yun Lang army an invincible force of iron and gold.

General Su's immense military prestige could overshadow any ruler, yet he still garnered the unwavering trust of both Duke Yun and Emperor Yu. This was because the troops he commanded were known as the Yun Lang army, the very essence of Yun Lang.

Duke Yun once declared, "General Su's contributions to Yun Lang deserve recognition in the form of the Su Family Army, for they embody his royal decree in his heart."

Without hesitation, General Su knelt and replied, "Without the Yun Lang army, my wife and children would not be where we are today. Yun Lang has bestowed upon me a second life. As long as I live, the Yun Lang army will forever be the fierce and loyal division of Yun Lang."

General Su did not resort to empty words about his loyalty to Duke Yun; instead, he expressed gratitude towards Yun Lang, the entirety of it, including its ruler.

It was Yun Lang that offered hope when he and his wife were at their wits' end, Yun Lang that allowed him to prove himself to the entire Su family, and Yun Lang that granted him all his current glory.

General Su's words at that time greatly inspired Duke Yun.

From then on, he became Duke Yun's most trusted warrior, fighting alongside him in battles across the land, expanding their territory, and steadily increasing the domain of the Yun Lang principality, annexing one small province after another into its fold.

In just a few short years, Yun Lang rose to become one of the three major principalities.

The great empire of Da Qin had ruled over five dynasties, but during the reign of the third emperor, territorial divisions began. By the time of Emperor Xuanye, the various principalities had grown so powerful that they posed a threat to Da Qin itself.

Emperor Xuanye, despite being a powerful ruler in the fifth generation of Great Qin, was known for his wisdom and dedication when he was young. However, it was impossible for him to fully annex all the major vassal states within two short decades. Thus, he employed the strategy of hostage princes, using extraordinary means in times of crisis.

Threatening the vassal states with their successors, he forcefully restrained them, starting with the weaker ones before moving on to the stronger ones. This method indeed bound the vassal states and successfully annexed many weak ones. However, it also infuriated the larger states even more.

Seeing one by one the vassal states fall under Great Qin's control, the remaining states, like Yun Lang, understood the concept of "when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold." They could not afford to sit idly by.

The fainting of General Su, though ultimately a false alarm—due only to the old general momentarily losing his breath—made the nobles of Langjing realize anew the esteemed position the Su family held in Yun Lang, as well as Emperor Yu's unwavering trust in General Su. As long as the Su family remained loyal, they could expect at least three generations of prosperity.

Moreover, among the current generation of Su descendants, aside from Su Wu, the other four sons were all valiant warriors. Especially Su Er, who was poised to become the next General Su, perhaps even surpassing his father in prestige, given his meticulous planning.

As for the Su family's daughter, despite her unattractive appearance and infamous reputation, her status was undeniable. Now, with Emperor Yu subtly hinting at it, there was little doubt that she would become an imperial consort, and potentially even the next Empress of Yun Lang, assuming no unforeseen circumstances arose.

However, these speculations remained in people's minds; no one dared to risk their life by voicing them aloud.

...

Three more days passed, and the envoys from Dan Liang and Zhu Xian finally arrived in Langjing.

The envoys visiting Yun Lang this time were of paramount importance to both nations, as Emperor Yu commanded his crown prince and the sixth prince to personally greet the crown prince of Dan Liang and Prince Zhen Yi of Zhu Xian at the palace.

The envoy's procession marched into Langjing, with Rong Feng, the crown prince, seated in his royal carriage, concealed from view. Prince Zhen Yi rode his steed, exuding an aura that discouraged approach. His sharp facial features resembled a razor-sharp sword, instilling fear in those who dared to look. His entire demeanor was cold and distant.

Clad in a black dragon-embroidered robe with four-clawed dragons entwining, it accentuated the chilliness around him. The citizens of Langjing who gathered to watch only dared to steal a single glance, not daring to linger.

Prince Zhen Yi sat tall and straight as a sword on his black steed, his gaze cold and fixed ahead. As they passed Lian Pavilion on Beiyang Street, he secretly cast a swift glance, unnoticed by all.

In the Dan Liang royal carriage, Crown Prince Rong Feng, engrossed in a book, also set it aside to glance at Lian Pavilion at that moment.

Both were undoubtedly curious about the renowned Young Master Xiao, whose name was mentioned alongside theirs.

Crown Prince Rong Feng, like his name, resembled a maple leaf, one in autumn, gently floating, embodying the elegance and refinement of a noble gentleman. His attire, a crescent moon white robe adorned with a lotus pond under the moonlight, exuded warmth.

Similar to Prince Jì Yuè, they both favored white and enjoyed tranquility. However, Rong Feng conveyed a sense of warmth, while Prince Jì Yuè seemed more ethereal, like mist or fog, perceivable yet elusive.

Though they shared a similar style, the two were entirely different individuals. One was like a precious jade on the roadside, warm as sunlight, while the other was an unparalleled prince, elusive as mist. Each had their own unique charm, making comparison impossible and futile.

With the arrival of the princes from both Zhu Xian and Dan Liang in Langjing, the recent incident at the Su family was momentarily overshadowed. However, whispers began to circulate unexpectedly.

In such a grand spectacle, had that notorious Su family maiden not been bedridden, she might have claimed the Dan Liang prince or the Zhu Xian Prince Zhen Yi for herself, thereby disgracing the Yun Lang nation utterly.

The Seventh Princess was also drawn into the narrative at this time. In retrospect, her inclusion could be seen as a fortunate turn of events, as it prevented the Su family's disgraceful daughter from further sullying Yun Lang's reputation.

These tales, spun by the trio of gossipers, eventually portrayed the Seventh Princess as having acted selflessly for the good of the country, knowing the true nature of the Su family's ill-behaved daughter.

In the Lian Pavilion,

Su Rao listened to Ying Ying recount these rumors, utterly speechless. Were people really that devoid of sense? Yun Luoling's arrogance was being hailed as patriotism, while she, who had been 'half-beaten to death,' was the one suffering.

Reputation, reputation indeed!

The Su family's scandalous daughter, wayward and brazen, versus the royal princess, genuine and vivacious.

"Miss, ignore those gossipers outside," Yi Su said with a faint tinge of anger on her face.

Su Rao shook her head. She was fine. If she had taken those rumors to heart, she would have been drowned by the slanderous tongues of Langjing countless times already.

"I can't stay out here too long. Where's Huan Niang? Why hasn't she arrived yet?"

Earlier that morning, Yi Ying had conveyed Xiao Zhi's message, saying that Huan Niang needed to speak with her. Su Rao had risked being caught by Second Brother to come out.

"Oh my, how long has it been since we last met, and now Young Master Xiao doesn't deign to see me anymore."

Huan Niang's voice echoed through the entrance, followed by her appearance in a vibrant peach-colored brocade dress adorned with flowers. She held a delicate folding fan, every sway and movement exuding charm.

"Young Master Xiao? Where is he? Show this young lady, I came out injured just for him, you know."

Su Rao glanced behind Huan Niang, taking in her pretentious demeanor.

Her exaggerated expression.

Huan Niang prided herself on her ability to switch faces effortlessly, but seeing this woman before her, who had been so composed and calm just moments ago, now suddenly assuming a frivolous air, made her feel inferior.

With a swish of her fan, the jesting ceased. "Every time, I can't win against you."

She sat opposite Su Rao.

Yi Su filled Huan Niang's cup with tea and then, together with Ying Ying, left to close the door.

"Huan Niang, what brings you to me? Time is precious for me now; I can't afford to waste a moment, or my life might be at stake!"

Su Rao raised an eyebrow.

Huan Niang was aware of the recent events in the Su family. If not for her understanding of Su Rao, she might have believed the rumors circulating outside these past three days.

Adopting a serious expression, she said,

"My mistress wishes to see you."