Chapter 226: Planning for the Long Term

Chapter 226: Planning for the Long Term

Yun Mujing told Su Er about what had happened between him and Emperor Yu in the mausoleum.

The dispute between father and son, and Emperor Yu's earnest advice to him.

"The throne is lonely; those who ascend it will end up alone. Father said he doesn't want me to walk this path, this lonely road strewn with thorns and bones."

Tossing the crushed ice bag into the dish, Yun Mujing asked Su Er,

"Su Yumuo, do you think my father's words were sincere, or just the machinations of an emperor?"

In truth, Yun Mujing knew very well that given Emperor Yu's character, if he didn't love his son, Yun Mujing would have met the same fate as Yun Yiyi, and wouldn't be sitting here so calmly applying facial treatments.

"Do you no longer wish to vie for the dragon throne?"

Su Er also put down the ice bag in his hand.

His indifferent tone did not change even though Yun Mujing might be giving up.

No...

Yun Mujing shook his head without hesitation.

He was determined to claim the dragon throne. He needed power to control his future, his life, and protect those he cared about.

"My father loves me, but he will never pass the throne to me. In his heart, only the Crown Prince can inherit it.

Now that he knows of my ambitions, we cannot reconcile; we must maintain the status quo. Otherwise, Father will become even more wary of your family, perhaps even eliminating you..."

This meant he was determined to claim the throne.

The Su family must be cautious. If Emperor Yu discovers their secret alliance, what will happen to the Su family...

Yun Mujing's warning...

Su Er looked at Yun Mujing, his hands on his knees curling slightly once again.

His indifferent gaze fell upon Yun Mujing's deeply enigmatic face.

With a beauty akin to Pan An, his features exuded a feminine softness, captivating him instantly, making it impossible to look away.

At this moment, a flicker of emotion appeared in Su Er's eyes.

But it was fleeting.

The stirring in his heart was quickly suppressed.

Coexisting peacefully was the best they could achieve.

"Since my sister's marriage was mentioned, the Su family has been under scrutiny. The current calm is only because the Emperor is hesitant.

With you, the Su family won't remain calm; without you, the calm won't last either. Eventually, this peace will be shattered.

Since the Emperor already knows your ambitions, there's no need to hide anymore. Between the Crown Prince and you, the Emperor can only choose one. We'll see if he's willing to sacrifice you for the Crown Prince."

Once the Crown Prince learns of Yun Mujing's ambitions, years of feigned idleness will be exposed, and the Crown Prince will act...

Then, will Emperor Yu choose the Crown Prince he acknowledges or the son he dotes on? He can only pick one...

Su Er's thoughts were no less profound than Yun Ji's. The title of "wise strategist" within the Su family wasn't just for show. His words were calculated...

As long as Emperor Yu truly dotes on Yun Mujing, Yun Mujing won't lose.

"No more hiding?"

Murmuring, Yun Mujing shook his head immediately.

"Su Yumuo, this method won't work. If my brother finds out, he'll be furious. My brother protects me, telling me to hide and stay safe, just to ensure my safety in this ruthless royal family."

Although Yun Mujing had entered politics, he had been feigning disinterest during his recent court appearances.

Not only to dispel the Crown Prince's suspicions but also to prevent Yun Ji from finding out too soon and getting upset.

"Ji Yue... Haha..."

Su Er actually laughed, seemingly amused by Yun Mujing's words.

For such an indifferent person to laugh like this left Yun Mujing momentarily stunned, wondering what was so amusing.

"Would Ji Yue not know?"

With this rhetorical question, Su Er pointed toward a roof outside the window.

There, the golden-clad guard assigned to Yun Mujing stood quietly.

Clearly a golden-clad guard of Emperor Yu, yet Su Er reacted this way...

"You understand Ji Yue better than I do."

This indicated that the golden-clad guard was actually Yun Ji's man.

Their secret conversation was already known to Emperor Yu.

When Su Er secretly visited Yun Mujing's Seventh Prince's residence, Emperor Yu found out almost immediately.

In the Yun Chen Hall,

Emperor Yu lay resting on the dragon bed, while Eunuch Yun reported in a low voice.

Su Er had not yet left the Seventh Prince's residence. It was unknown what he said or did with the Seventh Prince, but there was no commotion heard, so they probably didn't fight.

Last night, Emperor Yu coughed up blood from anger. Today, he suspended court for the day, claiming that he had caught a chill from staying up late to review memorials last night.

"Your Majesty, perhaps you are overthinking it. The Su family has always been loyal. Young Master Su Er might have gone to the Seventh Prince to deliver a message from the Crown Prince."

Seeing Emperor Yu's slightly pale face and his inability to relax since returning from the mausoleum, Grand Eunuch Yun consoled him, urging him to take care of his health.

"Although the Su family is loyal, if Mujing deliberately schemes against Su Er, given Su Er's feelings for Mujing, it's hard to say he won't fall for it."

These words were spoken deeply. Emperor Yu rubbed his temples, having already punished and scolded Yun Mujing. It seemed he had run out of options, and all he could do now was closely watch and guard.

"Your Majesty..."

Seeing Emperor Yu so worried about Yun Mujing, Grand Eunuch Yun, after some hesitation, finally spoke:

"I have... I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate to mention."

"Speak."

Emperor Yu sat up slightly.

Grand Eunuch Yun hurriedly supported him.

"I think... Your Majesty should take this opportunity to reveal the Seventh Prince's true identity to..."

The last word 'everyone' got stuck in his throat as Emperor Yu's expression suddenly changed.

Grand Eunuch Yun knelt in fear.

He knew he had spoken too much.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I spoke out of turn, I spoke out of turn..."

"If anything happens to Mujing, I'll cut off your pig head."

Calling Grand Eunuch Yun by his original name.

Emperor Yu would never allow Yun Mujing to be harmed due to her true identity being exposed. After serving as the Seventh Prince for so long, if she suddenly revealed herself as a princess, it could be exploited by malicious individuals, leading to accusations against Empress Dowager Jing, saying she disguised a princess as a prince to gain favor...

Such slander was something Emperor Yu could never tolerate. He would not allow their only daughter to suffer any more harm.

"Go and send a message to the Crown Prince. Ronghua has been hurt several times, and the Su family knows it was done by the Crown Prince."

By making the Yao and Su families enemies, Su Er getting close to the Seventh Prince would make the Crown Prince suspect that the Su family, because of Su Rao, is choosing to support the Seventh Prince against him.

Regardless of whether the Crown Prince was involved in harming Su Rao, as long as the Su family believes he was, then he is guilty. Besides, the Crown Prince is not innocent.

The emperor's heart is deep and unfathomable.

"Remind the Golden Guards to keep a close watch and ensure Mujing's safety."

"Yes."

Grand Eunuch Yun quickly rose and retreated in fear. After leaving Yun Chen Hall, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and slapped himself hard on the mouth.

Talking too much can be fatal.