Chapter 232: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part One)

Chapter 232: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part One)

The birthday of Emperor Wei of Zhu Xian is approaching, and it's time for Yun Ji and Su RAO to head to the Capital Region.

After lunch, Yun Ling prepared the carriage, and Yun Ji and Su RAO bid farewell to the village chief before setting off for the Capital Region. The leisurely days had finally come to an end.

Yue Hua's carriage moved slowly along the official road.

The scenery on both sides retreated at a snail's pace.

It was clear that the carriage was moving very slowly.

Su RAO held the unfinished jug of wine, savoring the fiery liquor as it warmed her insides, bringing a particular satisfaction.

"Alcohol harms the body; you should drink less and not get drunk."

Knowing that Su RAO loved wine and could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, Yun Ji still spoke up, taking the jug from her hands to prevent her from drinking more.

"Yun... Ji..."

Despite the alcohol on her breath, Su RAO's gaze remained clear and sober.

"I couldn't sleep all night, and now I'm very tired. Drinking will help me fall asleep. I need to rest and gather my strength..."

Without finishing her thought, Su RAO took back the jug from Yun Ji, leaned against the carriage, and continued drinking.

"If you don't want to drink, don't stop me from enjoying it. Wine is a good thing."

After finishing the entire jug, Su RAO fell asleep.

"Can I borrow your shoulder?"

She murmured.

Her cheeks flushed red like ripe apples.

Su RAO nestled comfortably against Yun Ji's shoulder, falling into a peaceful sleep.

Beside him, she could let down all her defenses and pretenses, returning to being the real RAO RAO.

"Since you're tired, sleep well. Yun Ji's shoulder is always here for you alone. Whenever you're tired or sleepy, feel free to use it."

In a soft murmur, Yun Ji gently touched Su RAO's face, his breathing becoming lighter.

The small head resting on his shoulder subtly curved into a smile.

Not lovers, nor enemies, they lived this way, supporting each other, saving each other. This sufficed for now.

The distance between the mountain village and the Capital Region of Zhu Xian was not far. Even with the slow pace of the carriage, it only took two hours to arrive.

Yun Feng had already received word and was waiting outside the city gates. Seeing the approaching Yue Hua carriage, he hurried over, but Yun Ling's hush made him swallow his words.

The princes of Zhu Xian who were following to welcome Prince Jingyue into the city also remained silent.

The carriage entered the Capital Region, bypassing the embassy and the palace, heading instead to a residence Yun Feng had arranged beforehand.

Named 'Qingfeng Pavilion.'

Tranquil waters and gentle breezes, Qingfeng Pavilion.

News of Prince Jingyue's arrival in the Capital Region spread quickly throughout the city.

"I heard that the envoy from Yunlang Kingdom who came to celebrate our Emperor's birthday is indeed the legendary Prince Jingyue..."

"Yes! I never thought I'd have the chance to see Prince Jingyue in person..."

Such comments abounded.

The people of Zhu Xian gathered outside Qingfeng Pavilion, hoping to catch a glimpse of Prince Jingyue's extraordinary appearance.

But they did not see him.

The Yue Hua carriage was well-shielded, driving directly into the courtyard.

...

At Prince Yi's mansion.

Mo Ying strode in, informing Prince Yi about Yun Ji's arrival and the commotion it caused in the capital due to Prince Jingyue's presence.

"Prince Jingyue truly stirs the world. His mere arrival in the Capital Region has caused such a stir."

Inside the hall, Xiao Mubai, his true face revealed, listened to Mo Ying and looked at Yi Chi Shao.

"Chi Shao, I heard that Lady Ronghua is also here. With Prince Jingyue's arrival, you should be cautious."

"What do you mean by that, Brother Mubai? What are you trying to say?"

Yi Chi Shao seemed not to understand the deeper meaning behind Xiao Mubai's words.

How did he marry Zhao Lianxin? Now that the real person has arrived, along with Zhao Lianxin's heart's desire, what would happen?

Of course, he needed to be wary of a green pasture atop his head.

"It seems I spoke out of turn. Brother Chi Shao must have his own plans."

Tapping his fan lightly against his lips, Xiao Mubai feigned regret for speaking too much.

He rose and bowed.

Fang Youdao said:

"Brother Chishao, don't forget the great favor Xiao has done for you regarding Flower Valley..."

Having mentioned the matter, Xiao Mubai prepared to take his leave.

"Prince Yi naturally remembers Brother Mubai's assistance."

Just as Zhu Xian Chishao was about to speak, he stopped Xiao Mubai from leaving.

"Today, Prince invited Brother Mubai to our residence not just for the matter of Flower Valley, but for another matter. Prince would like to ask Brother Mubai for another favor. If successful, Prince guarantees that Brother Mubai's business dealings in Zhu Xian will be smooth sailing."

Xiao Mubai paused in his steps to leave. Zhu Xian Chishao's words, especially the last sentence, seemed extremely tempting to him as a merchant.

Merchants seek profit. If his business in Zhu Xian could be protected by Prince Yi, there would be no worries.

"Xiao has just helped Brother Chishao with Flower Valley, and now Brother Chishao has another matter. It seems Brother Chishao is quite busy in Zhu Xian..."

He sat back down.

"Brother Chishao, please explain. After all, some matters are difficult for Xiao to handle."

He did not immediately agree.

In business, what matters is a sure profit, not a loss. Even for a friend, one must weigh the decision carefully.

"Prince would like to ask Brother Mubai to investigate someone."

Zhu Xian Chishao continued, referring to...

"That person is mysterious and elusive. Mo Ying has been tracking them for a long time but has never discovered their true identity.

Previously, Mo Ying mistook their subordinate for the person in question.

Their subordinate often appeared in Yunlang, so Prince assumed they were from Yunlang.

But after interacting with the subordinate, Prince realized the assumption was incorrect..."

The person Prince Yi spoke of was the Lord of Freedom Pavilion. Before going to Yunlang, a year ago, he discovered this person's existence, an expert in disguise who had appeared many times in different guises.

By chance, the young master Xiao from Yunlang's Lian Ge also had such abilities, being just as enigmatic and elusive. That's why he had Mo Ying seek out young master Xiao.

Now knowing that Xiao Ziyu was not the Lord of Freedom Pavilion but merely a subordinate, he wanted Xiao Mubai to help him investigate.

Despite knowing Xiao Mubai was Xiao Ziyu, Zhu Xian Chishao still asked him to investigate the Lord of Freedom Pavilion...

What was Zhu Xian Chishao's purpose?

Xiao Mubai's hand holding the folding fan slightly moved, a flicker in his peach blossom eyes.

It seemed there had been some change within the palace, and Zhu Xian Chishao could no longer wait.

He could no longer afford to delay with Freedom Pavilion; he had run out of time.

Compared to the Lord, he could not match in patience.

Even if he could wait, Emperor Wei might not have much time left.

And the Lord was waiting for this opportunity.

Now, the opportunity had finally come.

"The Lord of Freedom Pavilion?"

Pretending to ponder, Xiao Mubai looked troubled.

"Brother Mubai, Xiao is just a merchant. Freedom Pavilion has been dormant for over a decade. This is quite a challenge for Xiao!"

"With Brother Mubai's extensive information network in Danliang, Prince believes finding the Lord of Freedom Pavilion is only a matter of time.

Though Brother Mubai is now the wealthiest man in Danliang, with businesses spanning three countries and beyond, expanding into Zhu Xian and Yunlang without support would be challenging."

Taking a sip of tea, Zhu Xian Chishao waited for Xiao Mubai's response.

He believed Xiao Mubai would agree.

Indeed...

"Since Brother Chishao has spoken thus, and we have known each other for years, it would be petty of Xiao to refuse."

Raising his cup, this was his agreement.