Chapter 498: The Eve of the Hongmen Banquet (5)

**Chapter 498: Prelude to the Banquet at Hong Gate (Part Five)**

"Your Highness, tonight's welcoming banquet for envoys from both nations has been decreed by His Majesty. You should be overseeing the arrangements at Zhongjia Hall. Please do not make this difficult for your subordinate."

The newly appointed Imperial Guard Commander blocked Crown Prince Rong Feng’s path just as he was about to leave the palace gates.

Xianyi Chishaou had arrived at Dangliang’s capital and was resting briefly at the Bureau of Guest Reception. As the crown prince of Dangliang, Rong Feng naturally knew of his arrival. He had remained seated in the Eastern Palace for an unknown length of time before finally deciding to meet Xianyi Chishaou again, intending to inform him in advance of Xianmu Yaling’s departure from the capital, so as to avoid further complications during the banquet.

It was he who had wronged Ling’er first. If Prince Yi wished to reprimand or even execute him, it was his fault alone—this must not affect the court.

The previous night, Rong Feng had gone once more to persuade Su Rao and Yun Ji, but failed. In the end, he had left in disarray under Su Rao’s sharp words. Unable to dissuade them, he could only ensure that no trouble arose from Zhu Xian’s side. Otherwise, if all three nations were to act, the world would plunge into chaos.

Such were Rong Feng’s thoughts, but before he could even set out, he was intercepted. A line of kneeling imperial guards blocked his path at the palace gates. He could not force his way through, for any rash action would alert his father. If suspicions were aroused and his father realized he knew of their deeds, he would undoubtedly be placed under confinement.

Only now did Rong Feng truly realize how powerless he was as the Crown Prince of Dangliang. Even leaving the palace was beyond his control.

"Your Highness, Mother Empress summons you."

At that moment, a servant from Queen Yun’s side arrived.

Rong Feng understood then that leaving the palace was impossible. Without another word, and unwilling to provoke further suspicion by pressing the guards, he returned to see Queen Yun.

"Feng’er, now that Prince Yi has arrived and your wedding to Changle is imminent, why are you leaving the palace instead of preparing for the ceremony? Tonight’s banquet must not be taken lightly—it concerns the alliance between Zhu Xian and Dangliang, as well as your future happiness."

Instead of heading to Queen Yun’s chambers, Rong Feng went to Zhongjia Hall, where she was already preparing for the evening’s banquet. Seeing him arrive, she approached with graceful steps.

Her demeanor exuded noble elegance, her every gesture refined. Taking Rong Feng’s hand, she spoke with gentle maternal warmth.

"Mother Empress, I had intended to visit the Bureau of Guest Reception. It was reckless of me to let Ling’er leave. Now that Prince Yi is here, I wanted to know whether she had met with her young royal uncle. If not, I planned to bring her back. How can I wed without my bride?"

Rong Feng maintained a calm expression, revealing nothing amiss to Queen Yun. He wanted to save his father and mother, to prevent them from deepening their errors until all was truly beyond redemption.

"So that's what it was."

Queen Yun noticed nothing unusual in his demeanor. Hearing his words, she smiled and patted his hand. "You're still my child—not yet grown. It is good that you now recognize your mistake."

"Feng’er need not worry. I have already sent people to find Changle. Once located, she will be brought back safely. Focus on preparing for the wedding. Leave Changle’s matters to me."

"If Prince Yi asks about her absence during the banquet, simply say that I’ve been unwell these past days and Changle went out to purchase some fruits for me. Do not mention any conflict between you two, lest Prince Yi think you unworthy of her."

She repeated her motherly advice, anxious that her son might act rashly and offend Prince Yi, thereby ruining his own happiness.

"Your instructions are etched in my mind, Mother Empress."

Rong Feng bowed respectfully. Yet as he lowered his head, tears welled up in his eyes—whether from guilt over Queen Yun’s unwavering indulgence despite his growing estrangement, or from the pain of her perfect mask before him, he could not tell. Which version of his mother was real?

Rong Feng could not see clearly, and he feared the moment he truly would.

Meanwhile, at Qinzheng Hall, the Grand Steward had returned and reported his findings after leaving the palace. At the Bureau of Guest Reception, he had seen no interaction between Prince Yi and the remnants of the former dynasty. Upon arrival, Prince Yi had immediately gone to bathe and change, cleansing the journey’s weariness.

However, Vice Minister Pei had relayed one matter for him to convey to His Majesty.

During Prince Yi’s stay at the Bureau of Guest Reception, the remnants of the former dynasty had persistently steered conversation toward her acquaintance with Prince Yi in Yunlang, their participation together in the martial exhibition hunt during Yunlang’s three-nation gathering, and even mentions of Prince Yi’s princess consort.

Few were unaware of the true identity of Prince Yi’s wife.

To win over Xianyi Chishaou, the remnants of the former dynasty spared no effort. If they sought to unite as husband and wife, We shall give them ample opportunity to reunite tonight.

From Pei Liang’s report of Su Rao’s reminiscent words, the Emperor of Dangliang had fully confirmed what he had suspected.

"Your Majesty, Vice Minister Pei also mentioned that based on his observations, the remnants of the former dynasty will undoubtedly seek another opportunity to engage with Prince Yi. In the remaining hour or so, he will further strengthen the guards within the Reception Office."

Upon relaying this message, the Grand Steward was somewhat puzzled. If the remnants of the former dynasty intended to communicate with Prince Yi, shouldn't they deliberately relax the vigilance to provide an opportunity? Why not ease the guard but instead reinforce it?

The Dan Liang Emperor's phoenix eyes darkened with growing gloom. He naturally understood Pei Liang's approach.

The surveillance in the Reception Office had always been stringent. If it were suddenly relaxed, wouldn't it blatantly signal to the remnants of the former dynasty that he was waiting for her to engage with Xianyi Chishaou, thereby uncovering her cunning schemes and thoroughly rooting out the remnants hiding within the imperial city?

The mere thought of the Freedom Pavilion's rampant actions within the imperial city filled the Dan Liang Emperor with gloom and uncontrollable anger.

Ever since General of Chariots and Cavalry Wu Yang was exposed—though ultimately outwitted by the remnants of the former dynasty in an attempt to eliminate him—it gave the Dan Liang Emperor a terrifying realization.

Despite extensive searches, he had failed to uncover how the Freedom Pavilion managed to disappear within the imperial city. Only now did it dawn on him: what if they were hiding right in the court, right under his nose?

If so, after carrying out their deeds in the imperial city, they could simply take on another identity and disappear without a trace.

Only by considering this did all the past mysteries finally make sense. Over the years, why had the Freedom Pavilion repeatedly stirred unrest in the regions without taking concrete action? In recent years, they must have been gradually infiltrating the court. Now that they had their people in the court, they became bolder.

"Remnants of the former dynasty, tonight, the sovereign will capture every last one of you. How dare you betray the sovereign..."

A fist slammed onto the dragon-carved desk, momentarily calming his fury.

The only thing that kept the Dan Liang Emperor composed at this moment was his perpetual caution. The matter of the Divine Pill was known only to him and Old Ding—not even the Cloud Queen was fully involved.