Chapter 159: Events on the Eve of National Exchange (Part Two)

Chapter 159: Events on the Eve of National Exchange (Part Two)

"Your Highness, this is where they first pursued the leader of the Freedom Pavilion within Yunlang's borders. That place over there is the Su family's secondary residence."

In the mountain forest behind the Su family's secondary residence, Prince Yi and Mo Ying appeared.

Mo Ying pointed towards the Su family's secondary residence below and informed Prince Yi about what he had discovered in recent days. Although he had not found any trace of that person, from the signs of handling here, it was certain that the person was related to the Su family.

"Your Highness, I suspect that Xiao Ziyu, whom we know as the leader of the Freedom Pavilion, is merely a stand-in for the real leader. Young Master Xiao's skill in disguise is remarkable; who can truly know his real appearance?

Based on my secret investigations these past few days, combined with the leader of the Freedom Pavilion's bloodthirsty nature, it is very likely that the person I saw that day was the real leader of the Freedom Pavilion. Your Highness, perhaps we have been deceived by the Freedom Pavilion..."

In the mountain forest, a gentle breeze stirred, causing Prince Yi's black robes to flutter. The coiling dragon embroidery on his clothes seemed to come alive. With his hands behind his back, his cold gaze fell upon the Su family's secondary residence, his eyelids partially covering his eyes.

His emotions were inscrutable.

Only from his sharp, chiseled brows could one discern that he did not entirely agree with Mo Ying's words. His face, like a drawn sword, carried a faint sense of heaviness, his brows slightly furrowed, cold and clear.

"It is not that the Freedom Pavilion has deceived us. Xiao Ziyu never claimed to be the leader of the Freedom Pavilion; rather, we assumed from the beginning that Young Master Xiao was the leader. This is my mistake."

His breath slightly heavy, Prince Yi stared at the Su family's secondary residence for a long time.

The cold aura around him intensified.

Perhaps due to the prolonged exposure to the wind, it grew even colder.

"Continue investigating. We must find out who the real leader of the Freedom Pavilion is. Keep a close watch on the Su family, especially Su Er. I want to know every move he makes..."

Yue Hua's carriage headed towards the Yun Palace. Su RAO stood outside the mansion gate, watching until the carriage disappeared from sight before she turned away.

"Miss, since Prince Jiyue said so, Emperor Yu finding Prince Jiyue must be unrelated to you."

Yi Su knew what Su RAO was worried about and spoke softly to reassure her.

Su RAO nodded.

She understood, but she was curious about what matter would require summoning Yun Jiyue to the palace. In her memory, Yun Jiyue rarely entered the palace, and the executioner would not casually summon him...

The carriage entered the Yun Palace.

Emperor Yu summoned Yun Jiyue to discuss matters related to the Spring Examination.

The Spring Examination, held once every three years, and the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting, held once every five years, were only five days apart. Emperor Yu planned to combine the Spring Examination with the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting.

The questions for this year's Spring Examination would be based on the interactions during the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting with Zhu Xian and Danliang, thereby determining the top scholar.

However, due to the large number of candidates, some needed to be eliminated before the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting began.

Finally, the top three candidates in both literary and martial exams would be selected to participate alongside Yunlang's officials and generals in the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting.

Emperor Yu intended for Yun Jiyue to handle this task.

Firstly, Yun Jiyue's reputation for virtue and talent was renowned across the three nations, making him the most effective examiner.

Secondly, Yun Jiyue was the idol of almost all students.

Having Yun Jiyue eliminate candidates would not provoke public outrage.

"Uncle, you mentioned that many representatives from Zhu Xian and Danliang will attend the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting. If another examination venue is set up, the guards at the royal hunting grounds on Queya Mountain will be stretched thin. This matter indeed requires careful consideration.

However, if Uncle assigns Jiyue to examine the students, and if Su Yu Zhou and Su Yu Qing make it into the top three, people might accuse Yun Jiyue of favoritism."

Yun Jiyue's concerns were valid, given that he had tutored Su San and Su Si in history and strategy for over a month, and now he was being asked to be the examiner...

"Jiyue, Uncle remembers you once said at the Su family's gate that if someone has true talent, they will naturally excel. If not, even with your help, they cannot succeed. Uncle believes in you."

Emperor Yu did not see any issue with Yun Jiyue's concerns and directly handed him the roster of all candidates. The matter was settled.

Yun Jiyue had no choice but to accept the roster.

With nothing else to discuss, Yun Jiyue prepared to leave the palace, but Emperor Yu stood up.

"Jiyue, don't leave yet. Walk with me!"

He stepped out of the Yunchen Hall.

Yun Jiyue paused for a moment before following him out.

Outside the hall, along the palace corridors, they walked without any attendants, only Yun Jiyue and Emperor Yu.

Yun Jiyue kept pace with Emperor Yu, stepping firmly and confidently, as if he were not blind. No one would think he could not see.

Descending the steps, Emperor Yu glanced at the white silk band over Yun Jiyue's eyes and sighed lightly:

"Jiyue, you are unwell, and Uncle should let you rest. But the Tri-Nation Exchange Meeting is imminent.

This exchange is essentially another contest of national strength among the three nations. You are the light of our Yunlang. Only with you here can Uncle feel at ease."

"Jiyue understands. Uncle need not worry about Jiyue. Jiyue will handle the tasks assigned by Uncle and ensure they do not affect the exchange meeting."

Yun Jiyue responded calmly, seemingly unaware of Emperor Yu's gaze. He continued walking, his gait steady and composed, his moon-white robes flowing gently.

They slowly made their way towards the imperial garden. When Emperor Yu spoke, Yun Jiyue replied; when Emperor Yu was silent, Yun Jiyue remained calm, accompanying him quietly.

In the early spring imperial garden, branches sprouted new buds, brimming with vitality. Clear pools teemed with playful fish, creating ripples. Soft grass sprouted between stone crevices, swaying gently in the warm breeze, dancing gracefully.

Going up to the Sky Pavilion, Emperor Yu did not take a seat but instead walked to the balcony, standing with his hands behind his back, looking down at the vast Cloud Palace.

Yun Ji stood beside him, in the same spot where Su RAO had stood before, facing east toward the East Palace.

"Ji Yue, these past few days you have often visited the Su family. How is your relationship with Ronghua? I heard that Ronghua has been accompanying Su San and Su Si in their studies just to see you, behaving quite demurely."

After a moment, Emperor Yu spoke again, as if merely making casual conversation.

"I am somewhat looking forward to seeing Ronghua again. I wonder if she has truly changed because of Ji Yue, taming her unruly nature."

"If you were to meet Su RAO, Uncle Emperor, you might be disappointed."

Yun Ji's lips curved into a faint smile as he gently shook his head.

"To boldly declare on the street that she wants Jing to be her brother-in-law and then go to the Seventh Prince's residence to settle accounts for her second brother with Jing—how could she be considered well-behaved?

Even if she were to act well-behaved, it would only be pretense. Ji Yue does not like it and cannot force himself to appreciate such a Su RAO, nor can he envision living with her as husband and wife in the future."

Turning to face Emperor Yu, Yun Ji revealed a rare lack of detachment regarding his marriage and wife.

His words carried a hint of reluctance, indicating his unwillingness to easily marry Su RAO.