Chapter 128: Trouble at the Lantern Festival Banquet (Part 8)

Chapter 128: Trouble at the Lantern Festival Banquet (Part 8)

"The frivolous and lustful Miss Su, known as an ugly and rebellious girl in Yun Lang's heart, yet with such deep thoughts and exceptional medical skills. I wonder if Yu Mo knows..."

Still with his cool voice, a faint smile appeared on Yun Ji's lips, but Yue Hua's jade hand clenched within his robes.

"And... the handsome and charming Xiao Gongzi of Lian Ge..."

"Yun... Ji..."

Su RAO suddenly clenched her fingers.

"Miss Su wants to uncover Yun Ji's secrets, yet you should hide your own secrets well. You want to cooperate with Yun Ji, why? Because you know you have no time left.

The Imperial Uncle wants to bind you and me together, binding the Su family with the Yun family. You don't want this, unwilling to be controlled like this, controlling your fate. You can't touch Jing, so you chose Yun Ji."

Speaking again, still so calmly, Yue Hua exposed Su RAO's inner thoughts, revealing her as such a terrifying person...

A deep shadow flickered in Su RAO's eyes, the faint peach color darkening around them.

Indeed, the thoughtful Prince Ji, who understood all her thoughts and actions.

"Su RAO, you don't want to be controlled, and neither does Yun Ji. Yun Ji has already said that he has someone in his heart, and no one else will do. Yun Ji has countless ways to make the Imperial Uncle replace him with someone else, regardless of what you do.

But Yun Ji never did that before. You are Yu Mo's younger sister, and Yu Mo asked Yun Ji for help. Yet Yun Ji's kindness was met with your indifference."

Passing by Su RAO, Yun Ji finally left, needing no further words.

In... dif... fer... ence...

Su RAO's gaze turned rigid, a torrent of memories surging through her mind—the initial encounter at Wanglu Temple, the second at Qingfengju, the dagger standoff outside the gate, the shared understanding at the official road pavilion beyond Langjing City, the warmth at Qingfeng Garden, and the subsequent estrangement outside Yun's mansion...

"If I apologize and seek your help, could you assist me this once? I cannot touch Yun Mujing. Yun Murui and Yun Mu Yi, they all covet my Su family's military power. Only you, Yun Ji, do not. I trust my brother's friend, and I trust my instincts. You, Yun Ji, are a good person."

Chasing after him, she blocked Yun Ji's path again.

She spread her arms to stop him.

"I didn't appreciate it before because I'm not a good person and didn't want to be one. But that's only part of the reason. I didn't want to involve you in my schemes. You are my brother's only close friend..."

Biting her lip slightly, she continued:

"But life is unpredictable. The rumors of my 'taking advantage' in Langjing cannot be ignored. I cannot wait for the imperial decree to enter my Su family's door, waiting until it's too late..."

This unwillingness made her peach-colored eyes even more vivid.

"At today's Lantern Festival banquet, seeing you here, I had some suspicions. And in Luangtian Temple, Emperor Yu's joke made me realize the decree is near.

Perhaps it will come today or tomorrow, with just one word from the emperor, and I must accept.

Because I understand that if I resist, the Su family will lose Emperor Yu's trust. I cannot let myself burden my family..."

In the imperial garden, among the rock formations, Zhao Lianxin watched from afar as Su RAO repeatedly blocked Yun Ji. Seeing Su RAO's persistence, she seemed shrouded in jealousy.

Her hands holding the tray turned pale.

"Miss Zhao Lianxin of the Yun Lang Duke's residence, admiring Prince Yun Ji, unable to have him, harbors jealousy, using the Seventh Princess to deal with Miss Su. More precisely, using this princess..."

Startled, Zhao Lianxin turned around. The woman before her smiled innocently, but her eyes revealed a venomous intent.

"Princess Changle, forgive me for my ignorance; I don't quite understand."

Sweat beaded on her hands, but Zhao Lianxin maintained an expression of confusion.

"Empress Concubine Shu awaits my sour plums. I must take my leave, Princess Changle, please return as well, lest you get lost."

Passing Xianmu Yaling, Zhao Lianxin walked away, her body still exuding the fragrance of orchids.

"Yun Lang woman..."

Xianmu Yaling watched Zhao Lianxin leave, understanding her demeanor. She glanced down the corridor.

Too far to hear their conversation, but she could see clearly.

Yun Ji walked past Su RAO again, and Su RAO watched his moonlit back for a moment before turning and walking away in the opposite direction...

...

At the water pavilion by the Imperial River.

Yun Murui and Mu Mingyue.

"I was struggling to find a suitable birthday gift for Empress Mother. Today, seeing your remarkable painting skills praised by Prince Yun Ji, I know she will be delighted. Please handle the painting for her."

"Crown Prince, you flatter me. It is an honor to paint for Empress Mother. Once it's done, I will send it to your residence."

After this exchange, Yun Murui left first.

Mu Mingyue watched him go, his straight back exuding the dignity of a crown prince, yet he was so humble and courteous in asking her to paint for the empress. There was none of the arrogance typical of a crown prince.

A gentle smile graced her face, a sign of a woman in love.

"Sister-in-law..."

Su RAO approached, her brows slightly furrowed.

Mu Mingyue's face instantly flushed, though she quickly composed herself. But how could she escape Su RAO's eyes? Walking over, she held Mu Mingyue's hand, teasingly and playfully:

"Cousin and the Crown Prince are... hmm..."

Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered with a lingering charm, her voice concealing a deep worry beneath its melodious tone.

"Cousin Rao, why that expression? The Crown Prince merely asked me to paint a portrait for the Empress's birthday. Don't let your imagination run wild."

Seemingly irritated by Su Rao's words, Mu Mingyue blushed in embarrassment, lightly slapped Su Rao's hand away, and hurriedly walked off with her delicate steps.

Her peach-blossom eyes immediately darkened.

Su Rao chased after her in two quick steps and grabbed Mu Mingyue's arm.

She laughed playfully.

"What are you blushing for, Cousin! When a man is of age, he should marry, and when a woman is of age, she should wed. My dear Sister Moon, being such a graceful and beautiful noble lady, would make an excellent Crown Princess..."

"Rao, don't talk nonsense..."

Mu Mingyue was startled by Su Rao's words and quickly covered her mouth, looking around to see if anyone was nearby, then sighed in relief.

"Rao, what nonsense are you talking about! The Crown Prince is a dragon among men, the heir to the throne. How could I ever aspire to be his consort? You must not speak so recklessly."

Her gentle gaze fixed on Su Rao, refusing to let go until she nodded.

"Alright, alright..." Su Rao pulled down Mu Mingyue's hand, "I know, I know. Sister Moon doesn't like Yun Mu Rui at all! With so many concubines in his harem, I wouldn't want Sister Moon to fight with those women. She deserves someone as loyal and steadfast as my brothers..."

Mu Mingyue grew even more embarrassed and angry, gently hitting Su Rao's shoulder, her face flushed red like a ripe apple.

"Rao, stop talking nonsense, or else... or else... I won't talk to you anymore..."