Chapter 202: Prince Jiyue Leaves the Capital (Part One)

Chapter 202: Prince Jiyue Leaves the Capital (Part One)

The Crown Prince's wedding had just been settled, but within a day, another incident arose, causing a stir in Langjing once again.

It was the thirtieth birthday of Emperor Wei of Zhu Xian in mid-summer, and Yunlang would send envoys to Zhu Xian to celebrate the occasion. This matter usually required only an envoy, but unexpectedly, Emperor Yu decided to send Prince Jiyue instead.

Since being poisoned, Prince Jiyue had been frail and had been staying quietly at Qingfengju, rarely venturing out.

Only in the past couple of years had his appearances become somewhat more frequent, primarily due to the trilateral exchange meetings with Prince Yi of Zhu Xian and Crown Prince Rongfeng of Tanliang coming to Yunlang. After the envoys from both countries left, the Yuehua carriage disappeared from the streets of Langjing.

For half a month, everyone had gotten used to not seeing the Yuehua carriage, but now Emperor Yu's decree brought ripples to the calmness of Langjing, stirring up whispers and murmurs.

Why would the imperial family send Prince Jiyue to Zhu Xian? Not only is the journey long and arduous, but it also passes through deserts with harsh winds. Given Prince Jiyue's frail health, how could he possibly make the trip to Zhu Xian?

Prince Jiyue is the light of Yunlang. If anything were to happen to him on this journey, it would be a significant loss for Yunlang.

Within half a day, such words spread throughout every corner of Langjing.

In the imperial court, however, no minister dared to mention these concerns to Emperor Yu. Only the Seventh Prince visited Emperor Yu's Yunchen Hall for fifteen minutes during noon, but nothing came of it.

News of this reached Su Rao quickly, not from Su Wu this time, but from Yiyin. Yiyin came to see Su Rao regarding the black-clothed men who had tried to capture her during the trilateral exchange meeting.

"Miss, the Zhu Xian envoy has entered Zhu Xian territory. Our people have been watching them closely, and no black-clothed men have appeared to assassinate Prince Yi.

However, when they first crossed the border, General Yan Lie of Zhu Xian arrived. No one knows what he said to Prince Yi, but Prince Yi rode back to Zhu Xian with Mo Ying, leaving behind the envoy and the wedding procession."

As for Xiao Mubai, the Tanliang envoy has also entered Tanliang territory, and there have been no incidents along their route.

When they separated at the borders of Zhu Xian and Tanliang, Prince Yi and Xiao Mubai talked through the night, with Rongfeng and Xianmu Yaling present.

After recounting these recent events, Yiyin looked at Su Rao and continued:

"Miss, why does Prince Jiyue need to go to Zhu Xian? It's just Emperor Wei's thirtieth birthday; there's no need for Prince Jiyue to go personally.

I suspect this has something to do with the black-clothed men who tried to capture you during the hunting event. Prince Jiyue..."

Mentioning Prince Jiyue's departure to Zhu Xian, it is clear that this mission is not as simple as celebrating Emperor Wei's birthday. There must be other reasons involved.

And Prince Jiyue's true identity...

Yiyin could only think that Prince Jiyue's trip to Zhu Xian was for Su Rao.

If Yiyin could think of this, so could Su Rao, and she was certain.

Given Prince Jiyue's mind, he likely already knew something about the origins of those black-clothed men.

Pausing for a moment, her eyes deepened with a profound gaze.

"Yiyin, whatever he does is his business. We will no longer have any involvement with him. Don't meddle in this matter. If you encounter his people while investigating the black-clothed men, try to avoid them."

Su Rao was determined not to have any further connection with Prince Jiyue, and Yiyin understood, nodding:

"I will be cautious and avoid them. I will be in Zhu Xian for some time. Miss, please be careful. Although there haven't been any more attempts to capture you recently, this threat still exists..."

Yiyin reminded her, and Su Rao would not take it lightly. Even though Han Mohuchen said there wouldn't be another attempt, an unknown threat could reappear someday. Knowing the danger, she would not sit idly by waiting for it to strike again.

Moreover, Su Rao was even more worried about...

Although all the black-clothed men were killed by Prince Jiyue, the person behind them might already know her identity. If they couldn't capture her several times, would they target the Su family to force her into submission...

Thinking of this possibility, Su Rao found it hard to be at peace.

Worse still, the black-clothed men might have been sent intentionally by Xian Yi Chishao. If she didn't know that Han Mohuchen was Xian Yi Chishao, she would only suspect Han Mohuchen, not Xian Yi Chishao...

Although Xian Yi Chishao has left Yunlang, based on his actions while in Yunlang and his attitude towards her, she could not afford to be careless. Anyone who dared to harm her family...

Her eyes suddenly turned a faint red.

Family was a line Su Rao could not tolerate crossing, and it was a deep-seated hatred that Qin Rao could never forget, a wound that would never fully heal.

...

Inside Yunchen Hall, after half a month, Yuehua and the imperial yellow robes sat facing each other once again.

Faint wisps of smoke curled from the coiled dragon incense burner, enveloping the table between them, creating a hazy veil around Yuehua's figure. Though he was right there, he seemed distant and unreachable.

A three-foot aura surrounded him, giving off a sense of aloofness.

Empty and distant.

"Uncle Emperor, you agreed to the Crown Prince's marriage to stabilize his heart. Now that the court is stable and the Crown Prince is content, the Su family's military power no longer poses a threat. Uncle Emperor can rest assured.

It's time for Jiyue to leave. No matter what happens, Jiyue will not return. Please take care of Grandfather and Grandmother, ensuring they can enjoy their twilight years."

Standing up, he bowed respectfully, and only then did the distant feeling dissipate.

Clear wind and bright moon.

Emperor Yu, however, grabbed Prince Jiyue's hand.

"Jiyue, are you really leaving? Must you go? If your uncle and aunt knew you wouldn't return, they would be furious with me.

For so many years, why can't you stay and be Prince Jiyue? As your uncle emperor, I am still here..."

"Uncle Emperor, Jiyue never belonged to Yunlang. Thanks to your protection, I have been safe until now.

But now, I don't want to hide anymore or run away. Some matters must be resolved by me personally, and some debts can only be repaid by me."

Pulling down Emperor Yu's hand, he once again exuded a serene grace, like a moonlit valley.

A smile curled at the corner of his lips.

"And now, the situation in Zhu Xian is unclear. According to the message from Eighteen, the Emperor Wei of Zhu Xian has been ill in bed, and the court of Zhu Xian has been under the control of the Empress of Zhu Xian for several months. Given her feelings of love and hate towards your Royal Uncle...

Previously, Chi Shao of Si Yi came to Yun Lang to gauge its strength, and he was threatened and controlled by the Empress of Zhu Xian.

Most of his actions in Yun Lang were likely under her threat and instruction. If Zhu Xian truly falls into the hands of the Empress, once she allies with Dan Liang..."

As Yun Ji spoke of this, Emperor Yu fell into deep thought.

"So, Yun Ji must leave."

He clasped his hands and took his leave.

"Your Royal Uncle, please be at ease. Yun Ji will settle matters here before leaving. I only hope that you protect Jing's safety. If one day Jing wishes to be with Yu Mo, make the Seventh Prince disappear!"

Yue Hua's figure vanished, and Yun Ji finally departed.

This parting might mean they would never meet again in this lifetime.

Emperor Yu suddenly rose and strode out of Yun Chen Hall, speaking in a low voice:

"Ji Yue, remember, Yun Lang will always be your country, and the Yun Wang Palace will always be your home. I will always be your Royal Uncle.

Whenever you wish to return, the identity of Yun Ji will always be waiting for you. I promised Sister Jun, so you must stay alive."

Yue Hua's figure did not pause.

He left the imperial platform and departed from Yun Palace.