Chapter 287: The Critical Moment of the Su Family (Part One)

Chapter 287: The Critical Moment of the Su Family (Part One)

"In the past, it wasn't surprising for the Crown Prince to visit the Su family, but the Seventh Prince and the Second Young Master of the Su family would always start fighting upon meeting. Now that the Seventh Prince has actually come to the Su family, won't things get even more lively..."

"Indeed, I wonder why the Seventh Prince would go to the Su family. The Crown Prince's visit is for the wedding of the Seventh Princess and the Fourth Young Master of the Su family, but what could the Seventh Prince be doing there? Could he be trying to cause trouble deliberately..."

These whispers spread through the streets of Langjing on this day.

This was because early in the morning, the Crown Prince had just arrived at the Grand General's Mansion when, not long after, the Seventh Prince also arrived.

From the outside, the Grand General's Mansion appeared normal, even bustling with maids and servants busy preparing for the wedding of the Seventh Princess and the Fourth Young Master of the Su family.

However, once inside, one would notice that the servants moving about all had sharp eyes, and they were not the Su family's servants but members of the Imperial Guard.

"General Su, please bear with us. Both His Majesty and this palace are absolutely certain of the Su family's loyalty. However, rumors can be dangerous. Once Lady Ronghua returns, everything will become clear.

If this matter turns out to be a false accusation against the Su family, this palace will report every detail to His Majesty and ensure that the Su family does not suffer unjustly."

In the hall, the Crown Prince sat calmly, his demeanor gentle and courteous. Although the entire Su family was under surveillance, the Crown Prince treated them with respect, showing no hint of ulterior motives.

"Third Eldest Brother, how did such a secret letter appear on Father's desk without reason? Who could have accused the Su family? Doesn't Third Eldest Brother find this curious?"

Yun Mujing also spoke up.

He was extremely curious.

"For so many years, this prince and Su Yumuo have been at odds. Before this prince could do anything, someone else took action first. Who could have such audacity? This prince must meet them..."

His words carried a sense of schadenfreude, a temperament somewhat similar to the real Rao.

His gaze fell on Su Yumuo, a trace of worry in his eyes.

Only then did Su Er lift his eyes to look at Yun Mujing.

His expression was indifferent, but there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes.

The Su family found themselves in such a difficult situation. Since the day Old General Su was summoned to the palace and did not return that night, only Uncle Su came back. Shortly after, the Imperial Guard appeared, ordered to protect the Su family's safety.

Someone had reported that the Liange Pavilion was secretly operated by the Su family, aiming to control the economic lifelines of Yunji and to curry favor with the families of court officials, harboring ill intentions.

Emperor Yu trusted the Su family, but he was concerned that someone might try to harm them. Therefore, he sent the Crown Prince with troops to guard the Su family.

To avoid causing panic among the people and to prevent other ministers who were at odds with the Su family from taking advantage of the situation, all the Imperial Guards were dressed as servants.

Uncle Su's arrival was also to reassure the Su family. Old General Su had instructed Uncle Su to return and tell the others to remain calm, saying that the Emperor had only summoned him to discuss military affairs and that he would return in a few days.

The sudden turn of events caught the Su family off guard, but only for a moment.

With the message brought by Uncle Su, Su Er understood.

It seemed that the Crown Prince and his men had uncovered the connection between the Su family and the Liange Pavilion and set this trap, possibly to weaken the Su family's influence in the court and to test Yun Mujing's relationship with the Su family...

"Yun... Mu... Jing..."

His voice was cold and angry, as if Yun Mujing's mocking laughter had further enraged him.

A gust of wind suddenly arose, and Su Er attacked Yun Mujing directly, his moves ruthless and unyielding.

Despite the restrictions placed on the Su family, Su Er's actions were unaffected. Even with the Crown Prince present, Su Er dared to attack.

Yun Mujing quickly dodged, a cold laugh escaping his lips:

"Your family is already in such a dire situation, yet you dare to show such disrespect to this prince and want to fight again..."

He lunged forward, immediately engaging Su Er in combat.

"This prince will see this through to the end."

The two fought fiercely, each move as relentless as ever, just like their previous encounters. When they fought, it was always a serious matter.

They fought until they leaped out of the hall into the courtyard.

"The Su family is not so easily shaken. This must be the work of the Crown Prince and his men. Yun Mujing, you shouldn't have come here, involving yourself in our affairs.

Since you chose to bide your time, don't meddle in the Su family's matters. Remember our agreement; the Su family will not fall so easily..."

His voice was low, but his strength did not waver, his palm narrowly missing Yun Mujing's ear, his black hair fluttering in the wind.

"I know."

Yun Mujing's movements were equally swift, his voice equally low:

"But what exactly is going on? We haven't leaked any information, and the Crown Prince and his men have shown no unusual activity these past few days. It must be an issue on Brother's side.

How could Rao be Xiao Yushi, and how did the Crown Prince and his men find out? It must be from Yao Yeting, but Brother shouldn't have made such a mistake..."

"Seventh Younger Brother, this is sheer nonsense. Stop this at once."

The Crown Prince, who had rushed out, glared and commanded.

Su Father and Uncle Su San, along with others, also came out of the hall.

They too urged Su Er to stop, unable to allow him to fight the Seventh Prince.

Both sides tried to intervene, but Su Er and Yun Mujing ignored them completely.

The Crown Prince immediately ordered the Imperial Guard to separate the two.

However, the Imperial Guard could not get within three feet of Su Er and Yun Mujing, let alone pull them apart. As soon as they approached, they were pushed back by the force of the inner energy emanating from the two.

Su Er and Yun Mujing were at it again, and in just a short while, the news reached Emperor Yu and General Su.

...

Inside the Yun Chen Hall.

A chess game was being played, with the board as the battlefield and the pieces as warriors, each move bringing about a change in the winds.

"General, your strategy is divine; I must admit my inferiority."

The white pieces were completely surrounded, trapped without any way out.

Emperor Yu put down the white piece he could no longer place.

With a gentle smile:

"I trust the loyalty of the Su family, and especially that of General Su. However, Minister Yao is not only my prime minister but also the grandfather of the crown prince. I must maintain appearances, so I will have to inconvenience you by keeping you in the palace for some time."

By speaking so frankly about Minister Yao's secret accusations to General Su, Emperor Yu seemed to show great trust in him. Keeping General Su in the palace was merely for show, to satisfy Minister Yao.

"As for the engagement between Yuming and Ling'er, I know what my daughter is like—willful, capricious, and domineering. She has been spoiled by me and the imperial concubine over the years.

She always causes trouble when she sees Ronghua. I cannot allow her to marry into the Su family; otherwise, more than just you, General, would suffer. Once this matter is resolved, I will find a reason to annul their engagement."

"Your Majesty has taken much trouble. The marriage of the Seventh Princess to our old and established Su family would indeed be a blessing, but my granddaughter, with her foul temper, would surely cause chaos. My precious beard wouldn't be enough for her to pull."

General Su laughed heartily, stroking his beloved beard. He accepted Emperor Yu's arrangement without any resistance.

He spoke candidly to Emperor Yu, showing none of the shrewdness he displayed at home with his children and grandchildren.

He appeared to be nothing more than a rough and straightforward old general.

It was only during this chess game that one could glimpse the subtle mind beneath his rugged exterior.