Chapter 235: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part 4)

Chapter 235: Undercurrents in the Capital Region (Part 4)

The other person was Zhao Lianxin.

When she first learned that Yun Ji had come to the Zhu Xian capital, she smiled with joy, but this happiness lasted only for a fleeting moment.

Now, as a concubine of Prince Yi, Zhao Lianxin was no longer the young miss of the Zhao family from Yun Lang.

In her boudoir, a woman seldom ventured out unless necessary, and now that she was married, it was even less likely for her to have any contact with men outside her household.

Even though she knew Yun Ji had arrived in Zhu Xian, she could only remain alone within her courtyard, isolated and lonely.

On the small bed by the window, the once graceful and elegant woman who resembled orchids on a riverbank had, in just a few months, lost her former charm and grace.

The serene and refined aura in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a gloomy and despondent demeanor.

Since Zhao Lianxin's marriage to Zhu Yi Chishao, he had never set foot in her courtyard, which was a great humiliation to her, despite the fact that she did not love him.

"Miss, don't lose heart. The Prince of Jiyue must have come to Zhu Xian for you; he must be here to take you back."

Shulan, her personal maid, had accompanied Zhao Lianxin to Zhu Xian. When they were alone, she still referred to her as "miss."

"For me? To take me back?"

Murmuring softly, Zhao Lianxin suddenly laughed:

"Shulan, stop deceiving yourself. Why wasn't it him who came that day, but the Seventh Prince? Why did the sleeping draught turn into something else?

He is so heartless towards me, disregarding our childhood friendship and my reputation, pushing me into the arms of Zhu Yi Chishao and forcing me into this marriage. Do you really think he would come here for me?"

As she spoke these last words, a deep hatred welled up in her lifeless eyes.

The handkerchief in her hand was already torn and wrinkled, with threads hanging loose.

A dark cloud seemed to emerge from her heart, enveloping her entire being.

In the end, unrequited love had turned into hatred.

...

Meanwhile, in Yun Lang, within the Eastern Palace, the two brothers went to the study after the morning court session to discuss the day's affairs.

"Crown Prince Brother, since I was discovered eavesdropping by Su Er, he has been using military drills as an excuse to strengthen the guards around the camp."

Yun Mu Xiao, under the guise of discussing state affairs, was actually having a secret conversation with Yun Mu Rui.

His expression exuded a domineering aura, yet also showed signs of deep contemplation.

Though he was a tall man, his thoughts were far different from his physical appearance.

With Yun Mu Rui's guidance, Yun Mu Xiao was considered quite astute.

"Third Brother, although there is no direct communication between Su Er and the Seventh Prince, and they remain at odds, I am certain that the Seventh Prince's secret departure and return to Yun Lang, as well as his entry into politics, must be related to Su Er. He must have played a role."

Yun Mu Xiao spoke with absolute certainty.

Although they had found nothing unusual in recent days, and Su Er and the Seventh Prince remained at odds, the Su family remained loyal to the Emperor, but he had a strong feeling about this.

The Seventh Prince was a man of his own will, and the Emperor could do nothing to stop him. Only someone like Su Er or the Prince of Jiyue could make him change his mind.

Yun Mu Rui's expression was equally grave.

He understood what Yun Mu Xiao meant.

"Grandfather received word that the Su family knows about our actions against Su Rao. Given their doting affection for her, they cannot tolerate her repeated dangers and threats to her life.

Among the adult princes, you and I are aligned, while the Eighth Prince, though friendly with Su Wu, is naive and playful. Only the Seventh Prince can challenge this palace."

At this point, Yun Mu Rui's gaze grew profound, his expression filled with wisdom.

The Seventh Prince had the Emperor's favor and the Prince of Jiyue's gentle attitude due to the past friendship between the Empress Dowager Jing and the Princess of Yun Wangfu. If the Su family chose to support the Seventh Prince, it would not arouse the Emperor's suspicion.

Although Su Er and the Seventh Prince were at odds, the Prince of Jiyue stood between them. According to Grandfather's information, there seemed to be some unclear connection between Su Er and the Seventh Prince, but the role of the Prince of Jiyue remained uncertain.

"It seems we need to keep a close eye on the Prince of Jiyue; we cannot be careless..."

Their secret conversation in the study lasted for an hour.

Only when the Crown Princess sent a servant to inquire about the Crown Prince's lunch arrangements did they end their discussion.

Since marrying Mu Mingyue, Yun Mu Rui had spent every night in her chambers.

Every day at lunchtime, if there were no pressing matters, Yun Mu Rui would dine with Mu Mingyue.

Newlyweds, deeply in love.

Today was no exception.

He instructed the attendant to inform the Crown Princess to prepare lunch, saying he would be there shortly.

Xianghe Hall.

The Crown Princess's chambers.

Just as lunch was ready, Yun Mu Rui returned on time.

Seeing the gentle and virtuous woman waiting at the door, his brows furrowed slightly, and he quickened his pace.

"I told you not to wait outside. Why are you being so disobedient, Yue'er?"

Though it was a gentle reprimand, there was no trace of annoyance; rather, he was concerned about Mu Mingyue waiting outside in the wind for him, which would pain him.

He held Mu Mingyue's hand and gently smoothed a strand of her wind-tousled hair, then led her into the palace hall.

Mu Mingyue turned to look at Yun Murui, her eyes filled with unhidden affection and a touch of shy tenderness, whispering softly, "Your subject likes waiting for Your Highness, likes watching Your Highness return."

"You!"

Yun Murui lightly tapped Mu Mingyue's nose in mock anger, yet helplessly.

"Really, what am I to do with you?"

During the meal, the loving couple's every move exuded tenderness, making it clear how devoted they were to each other.

"By the way, Yue'er, my sixth brother mentioned that Lady Ronghua has safely arrived in Zhu Xian and found the Prince of Jiyue."

Halfway through lunch, Yun Murui seemed to remember this matter.

"Lady Ronghua secretly left the capital, but fortunately, she encountered no danger. Now that she is under the care of the Prince of Jiyue, Yue'er can be at ease."

His words seemed to express concern for Mu Mingyue, but a hint of calculation flashed in his wise eyes.

His depth was profound.

"Your Highness, truly?"

Mu Mingyue's eyes lit up with joy, and she excitedly clasped Yun Murui's hand.

"Yes, it's true."

Yun Murui seemed helpless again, pulling Mu Mingyue's hand closer.

"If Yue'er is still worried, why not write a letter to Lady Ronghua to ask if I'm deceiving you, whether Lady Ronghua has indeed arrived in Zhu Xian, and whether she is with the Prince of Jiyue..."

"Your subject believes Your Highness."

Mu Mingyue hurriedly spoke, fearing Yun Murui might misunderstand her lack of trust.

"Cousin Rao'er leaving the capital alone truly worries your subject, but I don't know where to send the letter."

"Yue'er need not worry about that. Just write the letter, and I will have someone deliver it for you."

This was the real purpose of Yun Murui's words. If his people went to Zhu Xian without cause and Emperor Yu found out, suspicion would arise. But if the person going was sent by Mu Mingyue to deliver a letter to Su Rao...