Chapter 234: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part Three)

Chapter 234: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part Three)

The Prince of Jiyue arrived in the Zhu Xian capital, stirring excitement not only among the people of Zhu Xian but also two others.

Just as the clouds cleared yesterday, one of them came calling today.

It was none other than Crown Prince Rongfeng, who had just arrived two days ago to celebrate Emperor Wei's birthday in the Zhu Xian capital.

Upon learning that Jiyue had also arrived, he visited Qingfengju early this morning.

The morning sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting its glow on the two elegant young men inside, creating a picturesque scene.

Radiant and enchanting.

If it weren't for the unruly woman sitting without decorum, the scene would be perfect.

A beautiful landscape, with elegant gentlemen.

"Your journey must have been tiring, Cousin Jiyue. How are you feeling?"

Crown Prince Rongfeng’s words were warm and gentlemanly.

His gaze then turned to Su Rao.

Despite knowing that Su Rao did not like him, he still maintained his usual courteous demeanor.

He greeted her.

Su Rao, however, glanced at him sideways from across Jiyue, seeing how concerned Rongfeng was about Jiyue, displaying an overly meddlesome attitude...

She pursed her lips and let out a scoff:

"You're still as nosy as ever, so concerned about your cousin?"

For some reason, Su Rao's words carried a subtle mocking tone.

Rongfeng heard it but couldn’t understand why.

He had no idea what he had done to offend Princess Ronghua today.

"May I ask where I have offended Princess Ronghua this time?"

With a puzzled look, he gazed at Su Rao, genuinely perplexed.

"Su Rao, do not be rude."

Jiyue spoke up, his voice carrying a faint reprimand.

Su Rao immediately looked at Jiyue, her brows twitching slightly. She stared for a moment, then glared at Rongfeng, seemingly annoyed that his presence had led to Jiyue's reprimand.

"I simply don't like you. Your mere presence is enough to offend me. Don't you know? Always meddling..."

She emphasized the last four words, "meddling too much."

Encountering such a meddlesome person never brought anything good.

After finishing her words, she seemed even more upset because she couldn’t vent her anger at Jiyue, so she got up and left.

Her almond-shaped eyes flashed with an inexplicable gloom.

Her peach-colored makeup accentuated her eyes.

As Su Rao left, Jiyue could only shake his head helplessly.

Rongfeng, having been scolded, stood there stunned for a moment before sighing innocently:

"It seems Princess Ronghua holds a deep grudge against me. I must have offended her again. It’s so hard to find a true friend in music."

He recalled the melody he had heard outside Qingfengju, evoking a serene atmosphere of nature, mountains, and streams, with a rare soulmate.

Rongfeng felt a sense of regret.

If only he could hear it once more...

"Cousin, please don't seek it anymore. With her unruly and capricious nature, she is not worthy of being your soulmate. Moreover, the one you admire, Princess Changle, is already enough."

Jiyue’s words.

Rongfeng was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, he realized Jiyue had misunderstood and quickly explained.

He merely admired Princess Ronghua’s talent and had no other intentions.

"Cousin, it’s clear you understand. The daughters of the Su family are too troublesome."

Jiyue smiled, not saying more after this, savoring his tea in silence.

He knew well; his words were meant to remind Rongfeng not to cause trouble between the two ladies over him.

As for Su Rao, upon leaving Jiyue’s courtyard, she saw someone approaching from afar.

Master Huishan had said he would return today, but the person coming was not just him and his young disciple. Alongside them was also Xian Yichi Shao.

Why would Xian Yichi Shao come?

Thinking back to what she had overheard last night about Emperor Wei’s illness, her almond-shaped eyes flickered with layers of mystery, rippling with emotion.

She strode forward.

Zhi Xian Yi Shao also saw Su RAO approaching, and his steps involuntarily paused for a moment.

Su RAO was still dressed in bright red, but it was not the tight-fitting red outfit prepared by Zhi Xian Yi Shao; instead, it was the attire prepared by Yun Ji.

Her wide-sleeved gauze dress was embroidered with hibiscus flowers, which blossomed from the hem of her skirt. With every step she took, the flowers swayed gracefully, fluttering open.

Her long black hair was held up by a jade hairpin, and a strand of her hair was blown by the wind, brushing against her face, adding a touch of elegance.

Today's outfit was very ladylike.

Although still in red, it did not appear ostentatious but rather brought out a sense of gentleness and tranquility, contrasting sharply with what Zhi Xian Yi Shao had seen at Wanglu Temple.

The scar on her forehead remained uncovered, exposed to everyone's eyes, yet it did not diminish her charm.

Instead, it made her even more striking.

This time, Zhi Xian Yi Shao clearly felt his heart skip a beat as the person walking towards him stirred his emotions once again, evoking a sensation he could not control.

"Master Hui Shan, good day."

Su RAO approached and greeted Master Hui Shan, then looked at Zhi Xian Yi Shao and said,

"Prince Yi, we meet again. Although this Princess can handle Yun Ji herself, I still appreciate your efforts that day."

With these words, she made it clear that she knew about the letter Zhi Xian Yi Shao had sent to Yun Ji.

"It was merely a promise fulfilled, Princess Ronghua, there is no need for thanks."

Despite his cold demeanor, which kept others at a distance, Zhi Xian Yi Shao's hand outside his dark robe slightly clenched, a subtle change only he noticed.

"This Princess has no intention of thanking you; it was something Prince Yi should have done."

A hint of mischief appeared on her face as she spoke, making her statement seem even more matter-of-fact.

Her safety in Zhi Xian was his responsibility, and staying by Yun Ji's side was the safest option for her.

This implied meaning was clear to both Su RAO and Zhi Xian Yi Shao.

"You must be here to see Yun Ji too. He's inside, so feel free to go in. This Princess won't keep you company."

With another word, she bid farewell to Master Hui Shan and prepared to wander around the Capital Region.

As she passed by Zhi Xian Yi Shao, a faint fragrance wafted into his nose, a scent unique to women.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his ears:

"A-Shao..."

Zhi Xian Yi Shao involuntarily turned to look, his gaze cold but with a hint of surprise within.

Seeing Su RAO disappear from his sight, he entered Yun Ji's courtyard with Master Hui Shan after a moment.

Outside the courtyard, it grew quiet. Su RAO, who had left, returned.

"This mind of mine, I must have left my cloak in Yun Ji's room."

Muttering to herself, Su RAO seemed annoyed at forgetting something, tapping her head before heading back to retrieve her cloak.

Before reaching the door, she overheard Zhi Xian Yi Shao and Yun Ji's conversation.

Zhi Xian Yi Shao had come on behalf of Emperor Wei, as his birthday was approaching. Therefore, Prince Yi had arranged a banquet at his palace to entertain envoys from Yun Lang and Tan Liang, personally inviting Yun Ji.

Yun Ji, the Crown Prince of Jiyue, renowned for his military and literary talents, was invited by Prince Yi for an evening discussion, which was not surprising. However, Su RAO sensed that Zhi Xian Yi Shao's visit was not just for this reason.

Master Hui Shan had just consulted Mr. Zhu yesterday, and today Zhi Xian Yi Shao came with him, likely due to Emperor Wei's illness...