Chapter 264: The Storm Is About to Rise (Part 3)

Chapter 264: The Storm Is About to Rise (Part 3)

Nightfall once again descends.

Tonight's moonlight is more brilliant than last night's starlight, veiled by a thin layer of gossamer clouds.

Perhaps because last night’s moon was too dazzling, it now seems shy, hiding itself within the clouds, faintly visible.

Around the moon, only a few stars twinkle with weak light, and among them, the slightly brighter ones are the seven stars of the Big Dipper, embracing each other.

Illuminating the night sky.

The night breeze sways the osmanthus tree in Qingfeng Pavilion, its branches dancing in the wind.

And Su Rao, who had been drunk all night and through the day, finally wakes up, the intoxication gone.

Never before had she been so drunk. Now her mind is completely blank, memories stopping at Yun Ling bringing the ‘Cloud Mountain Drunkenness.’ Yun Ji still advised, "This wine has a strong aftertaste; it's best not to drink too much."

But she took the wine cup and started drinking.

After that, everything is a blur—how she got drunk, how Yun Ji carried her to bed—all forgotten.

"Where is Yun Ji?"

Rubbing her aching temples, Su Rao accepts the sobering soup from Su Can and looks towards Yun Feng waiting outside the screen, inquiring about Yun Ji's whereabouts.

"Miss Su, the Prince has left. He instructed me that if you wish for me to escort you back to the capital, I will wait for you in Zhu Xian until your affairs are settled. If not, I shall take my leave now," Yun Feng replies respectfully, no longer exuding his usual sly demeanor. Though he still holds his folding fan, his demeanor is now more reserved.

"You may go!"

Her voice is calm.

Su Rao does not seem affected by Yun Feng's words.

If one ignores the drop of soup that spilled from her unsteady hand, Su Rao appears perfectly composed, showing no emotion over Yun Ji's sudden departure.

These words also tell Yun Feng that she does not need his escort.

"Take care, Miss Su."

Yun Feng bows and leaves.

"The Prince left a letter for you under the pillow."

Now, Yun Feng's attitude towards Su Rao has changed entirely, as he sees the amicable parting between Su Rao and Yun Ji, which is what Yun Ji desired.

Moreover, during their time in Zhu Xian, Su Rao's importance to Yun Ji has become evident to Yun Feng and the others, especially given her influence on Han Mochen.

With that, Yun Feng departs, Su Rao finishes her sobering soup, dismisses Su Can, and retrieves the letter Yun Ji left under the pillow. She does not open it immediately but instead gazes at the four words written on it: "For Ráo Ráo."

A moment passes...

"Ráo Ráo, knowing you, seeing this letter, you won't feel any lingering attachment or anger at Yun Ji's sudden departure. But Yun Ji still wants to say: 'Don't be upset, don't be angry.'"

This farewell marks the end. Yun Ji will no longer be part of Ráo Ráo's life. He will not be a burden to her, nor does he want to be. Ráo Ráo should forget him...

The letter is thick, yet it barely mentions their past. Instead, it is filled with advice for her future.

"Siam Yi Chai is a gentleman, without ambitions for power. If your marriage situation changes, consider him as a potential husband. Though he is cold and proud, if he loves you, he will protect you with all his heart, loyal and true."

Yun Ji's love for Su Rao, unable to possess or protect, leads him to choose someone who can safeguard her, a profound and selfless love.

Another concern is the stability of the Su family.

"The Su family cannot retreat hastily; they must continue steadily.

Jing has begun to stand out in the court. Choose him as your leader, like a bird choosing its perch. When the Su family reaches its peak of prosperity, withdraw swiftly.

In the court, leave only Yu Mo to assist Jing.

That will suffice."

Yun Ji's advice aligns with the discussions and cooperation between Su Er and Yun Mujing.

Next, he speaks of the Crown Prince.

"Though the Crown Prince is cunning, the real threat lies behind him, with the Yao family and Prime Minister Yao.

Prime Minister Yao is the Crown Prince's greatest support, working quietly behind the scenes."

Then, he explains the current political situation in Yunlang.

Currently, the Zhao family consolidates its position, while the Yao and Su families dominate the court, balancing each other, creating an apparent harmony.

However, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Yao family will no longer allow the Su family to maintain its current power, controlling half of the military.

Thus, the faction led by Prime Minister Yao will suppress the military faction led by the Su family, leading to bureaucratic dominance.

The Su family, holding significant military power, will be a stumbling block for the Crown Prince, who will seek to eliminate them to consolidate his power.

Now, the Fourth Prince is deceased, the Sixth Prince supports the Crown Prince, and the Eighth Prince is frivolous, with no interest in power.

Other princes are young and insignificant, leaving only Jing capable of opposing the Crown Prince and protecting the Su family from court intrigues.

Clearly in Zhu Xian, yet Yun Ji had everything about Yun Lang under control, including Yao Yeting, who came to deliver a letter from Mu Mingyue to Su RAO.

He warned Su RAO not to let her guard down because of Mu Mingyue, not to put herself in danger.

He went on with such nagging for a while, and finally, he mentioned them, their matters.

He would strive to stay sober and live well; RAO RAO should no longer get drunk. Too much alcohol harms the body. In the future, she should drink less. Though drinking may alleviate sorrow, it only intensifies deep-seated worries, counterproductive indeed.

Tap...

A tear drop stained the word 'alcohol' on the letter. Su RAO wasn't supposed to be sad; this was her own choice, yet her eyes betrayed her.

Tears slid down her cheeks, her peach-blossom eyes reddening around the rims, her eyes stinging and swollen.

After a long moment, she laughed:

"Yun Ji, don't you know? Xian Yi Chi Shao is also RAO RAO's enemy! Among the three major states of Zhu Xian, Yun Lang and Dan Liang cannot be without him.

Yun Lang and Dan Liang have blood feuds with RAO RAO, national and personal enmities. Although Zhu Xian hasn't spilled the blood of my Qin family, it has stained the blood of countless soldiers of Great Qin."

Muttering, Su RAO walked to the table and burned the thick letter without a trace of hesitation.

Watching the pages turn to ashes, Su RAO wiped away her tears, composed herself, and remained so clear-headed, rationally clear-headed.