Chapter 474: The Eccentricity Under Dan Liang Royal City (34)

Chapter 474: Defiance Beneath Dan Liang's Royal City (34)

The carriage of the old Cloud King had come through blood-soaked streets, but when departing, Pei Liang led the carriage down another path, avoiding any encounter with Su Rao and the others.

The one who crossed paths with Su Rao and her companions was none other than Rong Feng, who had arrived at the main street. Before he could approach, he saw from afar the two locked in an embrace, oblivious to the world around them—as if they were the only two in existence, the only ones who could bring each other solace.

Watching for a moment, Rong Feng's eyes glazed over again.

His thoughts became unreadable.

The sunset remained as resplendent as ever, its light bathing Rong Feng, yet no warmth reached him. Twilight veiled the sunlight, enveloping Rong Feng in darkness, clouding his heart.

Suddenly, he felt someone’s gaze on him, and though he wished to evade, it was too late—Su Rao had seen him.

Yun Ji, his back still turned, noticed too.

He laced his fingers with Su Rao’s again and responded to her earlier words with a single "Alright" before turning to look. Through his blurred vision, all he could make out was a distant white blur.

Only after staring for a moment, as his vision gradually cleared, did he fully recognize it.

A moon-white embroidered robe.

A four-clawed silver dragon coiled upward from the hem, soaring in flight—the mark of Dan Liang’s Crown Prince.

As the Crown Prince of Dan Liang, Rong Feng had never failed to live up to the title. Despite his parents’ flaws, he had not grown twisted. Instead, he embodied the true nature of the Rong family, upholding their benevolence.

For a moment, the brothers locked eyes. Then, without a word, Rong Feng turned and left, ignoring protocol.

This behavior seemed off to Su Rao, and even Yun Ji frowned slightly beneath his mask.

Not long after, they noticed the Minister of Justice and Minister Xun approaching with a group of guards.

Earlier, upon receiving the emperor’s decree, these two had first gone to inspect the bodies that had been moved to the Capital Prefecture Office, hoping the bodies might yield clues.

Only afterward did they arrive at the scene of the disturbance.

Since a thorough investigation had been ordered, they had to follow procedure.

Moreover, this was also an opportune moment for them to investigate the Freedom Pavilion's activities within Dan Liang's royal city.

The plan unfolded seamlessly, revealing the cruelty of the emperor’s scheme—only now could its clarity and cunning be fully grasped.

Win or lose, the emperor stood to gain.

If they succeeded, they would eradicate the long-standing thorn in their side that had plagued them for years. If they failed, they would still have the pretext to openly mobilize troops within the royal city, with the citizens not fearing but actively supporting the effort.

Such was the nature of the plan—that was the cruelty of it. A single misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Watching this unfold, Su Rao and Yun Ji seemed to understand why Rong Feng had left.

The emperor had declared that this matter would be handled personally by him. Yet if it were known that Rong Feng had appeared here, would it not imply disobedience?

"Su Rao, let's go."

Before Minister Xun and the others could catch up to them, Yun Ji had already taken Su Rao away. Today’s chaos had gone on far too long, and there was no need to waste further time with these people on pointless bickering.

Su Rao felt the same way. Only after leaving the street did she ask Yun Ji where they should go next.

At this point, they no longer needed to stay at the Bureau of Foreign Guests. They could easily go underground. However, Su Rao also knew that since the old Cloud King was staying there, Yun Ji would likely want to see him.

Moreover, Rong Ke had likely already told Pei Liang to keep tabs on Uncle Yun. If they were caught meeting him in secret, it might put Uncle Yun in danger. Better to stay there openly and meet him without concealment.

Su Rao pondered this, and Yun Ji was also considering the same. Indeed, he needed to see his grandfather.

Once they agreed, the two decided to return to the Bureau of Foreign Guests.

The old Cloud King’s carriage was still outside. After Pei Liang escorted him to his quarters, the old Cloud King only gave Uncle Yun one instruction—to send someone to find Su Rao and ensure her safety. Once found, he was to relay that before General Su passed away, he’d sent word to the old Cloud King, asking him to look after Su Rao in the future. Now that she was here, she ought to stay with him. Once Su Wu was found, they would return to Yun Lang, where the Su family’s former residence in the capital still stood.

General Su’s only worry had been his precious granddaughter. On his deathbed, he had pleaded with the old Cloud King to take care of her. His last wish was for Su Rao to listen so he could rest in peace.

The old Cloud King said all this to Uncle Yun right in front of Pei Liang, with the Bureau’s officials and attendants nearby also overhearing.

He then added that once Su Rao returned, there was no need to bring her to see him. She must be exhausted—let her rest.

When Su Rao and Yun Ji returned to the Bureau, they ran into Uncle Yun at the gate, who had just stepped out to look for her.

Upon hearing Uncle Yun’s message, Su Rao’s heart clenched.

Was the old Cloud King snubbing Yun Ji out of anger about his unauthorized trip to Dan Liang? Or was there another reason for his refusal to meet?

It was only when Yun Ji spoke that her momentary unease was dispelled.

"If Grandfather’s upset, fine. He must be weary from the journey and should rest. I will pay my respects tomorrow."

Coolly, Yun Ji led Su Rao past Uncle Yun and straight to her quarters.

Though Yun Ji was as unflappable as always, Su Rao could easily sense his displeasure—this was Han Mochen’s resentment over the old Cloud King sneaking into Dan Liang.

Distracted, Yun Ji barely noticed Pei Liang, who stood not far behind Uncle Yun.

Had Pei Liang heard Yun Ji address the old Cloud King as "Grandfather"? If so, he might have already deduced Yun Ji’s identity.

Only after passing Pei Liang did Su Rao glance back at Yun Ji.

"Rao Rao, just who is Pei Liang? Perhaps he isn’t as we perceive him."

Despite his inner resistance, Prince Yun Ji’s sharp mind still weighed Pei Liang carefully.

Yun Ji’s words gave Su Rao sudden insight, as if she had grasped something.

She turned her head and saw Uncle Yun speaking to Pei Liang—or rather, Pei Liang questioning Uncle Yun. What was their relationship?

As Su Rao observed them, Pei Liang seemed to sense her gaze and looked back. Their eyes met, yet he remained the same Vice Minister Pei she knew, showing no discernible change.

His demeanor toward Uncle Yun mirrored the respectful courtesy he had once shown her.

But That flawless act might be his real talent.

Abruptly, Su Rao realized something—though the Assistant Minister of the Bureau of Foreign Guests held a respectable rank, next to top-tier officials, he was small fry. So why had the Dan Liang royal family entrusted him with the critical task of monitoring her?

This alone proved his capability. She’d misjudged him.