Chapter 55 Unhappy

Chapter 55 Unhappy

Wen Ruan was gazing at the vast sky.

The capital in autumn was beautiful, and the imperial palace even more so. The sky was a clear and transparent blue, while the palaces were solemn and tranquil. The contrast of colors created a stunningly magnificent view from every angle, all of which he had never seen before.

The scenery was good, the climate was good, and the season was good.

The Sixth Prince's Mansion... now the Prince Jian's Mansion. He had been there, and although the scenery wasn't as grand as the imperial palace, the style was similar. Strolling around during leisure time would surely yield pleasant discoveries.

Unfortunately, tomorrow was Mid-Autumn Festival, and according to protocol, he had to return to the Wen Marquis' residence.

He didn't fit into the atmosphere there, nor was he welcomed. Nevertheless, he had to go through the motions. It would be better to go to Lai Feng Mountain Villa and celebrate with everyone, eating mooncakes and drinking osmanthus wine. The scenery in the mountains was also nice, and he could invite Fang Rui and Young Master Huo along...

Wen Ruan saw a group of eunuchs carrying objects, heading to an unknown palace to deliver something.

According to etiquette, outsiders should avoid suspicion when entering the palace, but his identity was different. Since it was just a group of eunuchs, there was no need to pay too much attention; they wouldn't bother each other.

So he stood under the corridor pillar without moving.

It was coincidental that when he looked down to confirm that his position wouldn't cause any inconvenience, he noticed his robe getting tangled around his shoes.

Today was the first day after the wedding, and his clothes were still somewhat grand. Although not bright red, they were mainly in royal yellow, with an added layer of water-red gauze robe on top. The gauze robe was light and long, easily brushing against the shoe surface when blown by the wind. Zhu Yan insisted on choosing this pair of shoes for him, adorned with a pair of small jade clasps. They looked good and expensive, but... look, they got tangled up?

For such a trivial matter, it wasn't convenient to call someone over, so he squatted down to untie them himself.

When he squatted down, his field of vision changed. He didn't see anything unusual, except that his eyes were suddenly dazzled, as if reflecting light from somewhere.

Reflecting light?

There was no glass in the palace...

Curious, he followed the line of sight and saw a person at the back of the eunuch group, holding a box in one hand and a drawn dagger in the other!

And this person was very close to him!

Wen Ruan almost immediately realized that the eunuch's target was him, because the eunuch was staring at him fiercely. Perhaps having been discovered early, he was extremely angry and directly threw the box in his hand and rushed over, the blade aimed straight at him!

He didn't have time to run, or even stand up. All he could do was roll forward—

It was awkward, but at least he successfully avoided the attack.

"There's an assassin!"

The palace guards weren't idle. Immediately, footsteps accompanied by whistles ran over, and the archers moved into action.

But the eunuch only chased after Wen Ruan, pursuing him recklessly. Even when arrows were about to hit him, he didn't dodge, his bloodshot eyes filled with murderous intent, determined to kill him!

Everything happened too quickly. The guards, despite being close, couldn't reach Wen Ruan as quickly as danger approached. He didn't know martial arts, and he watched helplessly as the dagger was about to pierce him...

A sound of air being cut through echoed, not from a weapon, but from fabric rubbing against the wind and air. Due to its incredible speed, it sounded like lightning.

Wen Ruan saw a slender leg extending out, kicking the eunuch over. The eunuch, lacking any strength left, flew into the air and fell heavily backward, with the dagger unfortunately piercing his neck.

The owner of the leg spun in mid-air, his robe fluttering, standing in front of him, tall and imposing, incomparable.

"A'Ruan, don't be afraid." Zhu Yan turned around, facing against the light, reaching out his hand to him.

Wen Ruan placed his hand on Zhu Yan's, using the support to stand up. He felt that everything before him exceeded the bounds of logic.

He didn't think Zhu Yan wanted to immediately kill the eunuch. Indeed, the eunuch dared to attack him in the palace, challenging Prince Jian's dignity. But compared to killing, finding the root cause was more important. Zhu Yan wasn't an impulsive person. Instead of killing the eunuch, he would prefer to control him.

So the dagger piercing the eunuch's neck... was it a coincidence?

Was it possible? Would there be a coincidence at such a time?

Wen Ruan didn't think so, but since there was no third party involved in the brief confrontation, he could only think of one possibility—the eunuch did it intentionally. Knowing that he couldn't succeed, he chose to commit suicide, at least not revealing the person behind him.

Yes, Wen Ruan felt that there must be someone behind the scenes. Because the more he looked at the dagger, the more familiar it seemed, especially when only the handle remained after piercing the eunuch's neck... Five years ago, when he suffered a severe injury to his left chest and nearly died, wasn't it due to a dagger of a similar style!

The same design of the dagger handle, similar patterns, and similar ruby inlays—he was very certain that this wasn't the dagger that injured him back then. But the two daggers shared such a similar style, they must have originated from the same source!

Could it be that the threat that had been lurking around him like a bone-eating ulcer for these past few years didn't come from the Wen Marquis' residence, but from the imperial palace?

But why, what right did he have, as a non-royal family member, with no connection to the imperial family...

No, that wasn't right.

Wen Ruan's mind raced, suddenly recalling an event thirteen years ago!

That was the year he went missing, the year the late empress passed away, including the death of the crown prince later on, the root cause was still that year!

But during the Lantern Festival incident thirteen years ago, he wasn't the only one who encountered trouble among the common people. He had investigated and learned that during the lantern festival, there were many kidnappers. Suddenly, chaos broke out in the streets, and many children went missing, not just him. Didn't Wen Yu also go missing that year? But not everyone faced the same kind of danger as him. At least, Wen Yu seemed normal, aside from his mental state, there were no similar dangers around him...

So why, what made him so special, to be targeted so persistently?

An incident like this occurred within the imperial palace, and naturally, immediate action was taken. Although the danger wasn't directed at the emperor, it couldn't be ignored. The emperor's personal chief eunuch hurried over, announcing the emperor's decision—

Investigate! A thorough investigation must be conducted!

Immediately isolate the scene and thoroughly investigate the identity of the eunuch causing trouble. Without a doubt, the entire group of eunuchs delivering items would be detained, and their belongings would also be checked. As for Prince Jian and his spouse, they would be invited to rest in a nearby side hall...

Zhu Yan held Wen Ruan's hand tightly, not letting go: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Wen Ruan didn't want to be afraid, but he really felt that something was off about this matter, very off.

Zhu Yan's eyes darkened. He was the one who personally kicked the man. Having studied martial arts since childhood and often engaged in combat with others, he knew well the force and angle required to kill someone. How could that scene just now be an accident? Why did 'accidents' happen to his A'Ruan? This wasn't the first time he witnessed A'Ruan in peril.

But this was in the imperial palace, and there were too many things that couldn't be conveniently said...

From an angle where no one could see, he lowered his head to gently kiss the top of Wen Ruan's hair. "Don't be afraid, Ah Ruan, nothing will happen to you."

The palace always reacted swiftly, and they didn't have to wait long before someone arrived at the side hall.

Imperial Concubine Zhen, the birth mother of Second Prince Zhu Bin.

"What's going on? How can you blame my people when something happens? I was just preparing gifts for the new arrivals and suddenly remembered that I had forgotten something. Not wanting to trouble others, I specifically used my own portion to dispatch it, asking the Shang Baojian to send it over... The item was taken from the storehouse by the Shang Baojian upon receiving the portion slip; it's not something I manage. The eunuch who delivered the item is from the Shang Baojian, someone I've never even seen before. How did this get blamed on me!"

Imperial Concubine Zhen walked in quickly, her sharp words matching her swift figure as she entered the side hall.

Wen Ruan saw her anger, but also her striking beauty that was bold and radiant. Her eyes were large and bright, her eyebrows long with a sharp edge, giving her a powerful gaze. Due to her fair and lustrous skin, her figure appeared somewhat voluptuous, but in reality, she wasn't fat at all, even capable of being described as slender. The burning anger in her eyes did not diminish her beauty in the slightest; instead, it made her appear even more sharp and dazzling.

"You're Ah Ruan?"

Imperial Concubine Zhen's gaze locked onto Wen Ruan. Clearly, she was upset but found it inconvenient to vent her dissatisfaction, having to suppress it, which made her speech less harmonious than usual. "You're quite impressive, your features are pleasing, and you didn't even tremble in fear. You've been wronged today, and I'll add another gift to what I've prepared for you later, so you won't be scared to come back into the palace."

Wen Ruan: "I'm unworthy of such kindness, Your Highness."

"What's there to feel unworthy about?"

True to her status as a palace concubine, Imperial Concubine Zhen's professional demeanor was outstanding. She was already able to adjust her expression into a smile, looking incredibly sincere. "Before, there was some misunderstanding between Second Prince and you, but you, child, are honest and straightforward, not letting others lead you around by the nose. I never expected that now, there would be a different kind of fate. He recently took in a concubine named Wen Ru, who is said to be your sister?"

Wen Ruan lowered his eyes. "She is indeed my cousin."

Imperial Concubine Zhen smiled with a deep meaning. "Then my gift must be three times more generous."

Wen Ruan felt that this gift was a hot potato. If he accepted it, it seemed like he was tying himself to Second Prince, making it a cooperative relationship. If he didn't accept it, it would be rejecting the face of a concubine, and if he rejected a concubine's face, where would the Emperor place himself?

Neither option was suitable.

Zhu Yan: "When an elder bestows a gift, one dare not refuse. This prince will accept it on behalf of the princess."

He certainly had thick skin, daring to take anything.

However, Wen Ruan quickly understood that things should be kept separate. This vague implication could simply be ignored as if not understood.

Another commotion sounded outside the hall, and under the escort of palace attendants, another person entered.

If Imperial Concubine Zhen could be considered slim rather than fat, then this palace concubine was even slimmer. Her shoulders were narrow, and her waist, bound tightly by her skirt, seemed almost nonexistent. Her style was completely different from Imperial Concubine Zhen's. While Imperial Concubine Zhen was bold and radiant, this one was icy cold to the extreme, like a lily in a remote valley, enjoying solitude.

A faint sorrow lingered in her eyes. Her eyebrows were long and fine, her eyes held a gentle wave, and her lips were small and cherry-like. None of her facial features were particularly large or overly attractive, but together, they inexplicably created a pitiful charm. Even though she didn't look young anymore, she still commanded respect, making others unwilling to speak loudly in front of her.

Wen Ruan heard Zhu Yan whispering beside him, "It's Consort Rou."

The mother of Third Prince.

Consort Rou seemed anxious, but her anxiety wasn't the kind that wanted to argue with others. It was more of a helpless concern for others, with a hint of tears in her eyes. "How could such words be spoken? Why is it that nothing happens normally, but as soon as we enter the palace, something goes wrong? We were perfectly fine in the Emperor's hall, but as soon as we came out and encountered the people moving things for my sister..."

Imperial Concubine Zhen snorted. "I knew it, you're involved everywhere."

"How can you say such things, Sister?" Consort Rou's eyes were even wetter. "There are rules in the palace, how could I dare to deliberately oppose you? It was Eunuch Guan who summoned..."

Imperial Concubine Zhen responded with an 'oh'. "So the little eunuch who killed someone was yours? Do you have a grudge against Prince Jian or Princess Jian, that you had to make a move at this time?"

"Sister, please choose your words carefully!"

Consort Rou bit her lip. "I don't even know that little eunuch. Last night, thinking that Prince Jian and his wife would come today, I prepared some gifts in advance. Because there weren't enough items in the hall, I took my portion to exchange for them. The eunuchs from the Shang Baojian delivered them, left after dropping off the items, and I didn't even remember the faces of those little eunuchs. How could I talk about using them to kill someone?"

Was it really that coincidental? Both palace concubines prepared gifts for Zhu Yan and Wen Ruan's visit to the palace today, and both found their gifts insufficient, taking their portions to exchange for more. They both used the Shang Baojian, and it was also a coincidence that the same batch of people from the Shang Baojian happened to be on duty yesterday afternoon and this morning?

Wen Ruan found it absurd, but as his gaze inadvertently swept over Zhu Yan's calm face, a sudden realization struck him. In the palace...this didn't seem absurd at all?

For example, Zhu Yan, the Prince Jian, was currently the first prince to be granted a title outside of the imperial court. Second Prince and Third Prince had great ambitions and would very likely want to win him over. As for himself, an insignificant young master of a marquisate, even the Emperor had specially mentioned his talent in agriculture. Second Prince and Third Prince were always keen to understand the Emperor's intentions; how could they not understand this and also want to compete for his favor?

If they both wanted to compete for his favor, how could their mothers not help? Women who had spent half their lives in palace struggles had their minds set on competition. Knowing that Zhu Yan and he would come to the palace to express gratitude today, these two ladies would surely want to show their support and also try to outdo each other. It would be easy for them to find out what the other had prepared and where they might be lacking... When there wasn't enough time to prepare, it was very possible that they would temporarily use their portions to add more.

These temporary decisions coming and going became opportunities.

Imperial Concubine Zhen was angry at Consort Rou's plain and simple face. It was one thing to pretend to be weak in front of the Emperor, but to continue doing so here?

"Not even recognizing their faces, yet you planned how to frame this palace today? Sister, you're truly thorough in your considerations."

Consort Rou seemed unable to explain herself, her eyes reddening with urgency. "I really didn't, why would Sister say such things..."

"Isn't it Imperial Concubine Zhen who wants to frame us?"

With a loud voice from outside the door, Third Prince's figure appeared. His prominent hawk nose and more sinister gaze softened only briefly when placed on Consort Rou. He whispered, "Mother, your health isn't good, and you don't understand these complicated matters. There's no need to get entangled with others, lest you fall into a trap. Why not sit quietly to the side and rest?"

Consort Rou was also very cooperative, saying nothing and sitting down on a chair behind.

Imperial Concubine Zhen looked at Zhu Fu. "What's this? So quick to decide that this palace is bullying someone? The accusation from Third Prince is too subjective, isn't it?"

Zhu Fu: "Isn't Imperial Concubine Zhen's accusation of my mother also subjective? The little eunuch outside clearly rose up violently while serving Imperial Concubine Zhen—"

"How can it be that suspecting others is wrong, but suspecting others is right?"

Second Prince also hurriedly arrived, immediately standing in front of Imperial Concubine Zhen to protect her. His breathing was still rapid as he glared at Third Prince and shouted, "Where's the evidence? Have you investigated the witnesses, physical evidence, and the course of events?"

Seeing her son come over, Imperial Concubine Zhen didn't waste any words, gracefully walking to the back and finding a chair to sit down, right next to Consort Rou.

Consort Rou: ...

Wen Ruan felt that this moment was truly absurd. It was truly touching to see such deep mother-son affection, everyone had a backer, and everyone could cause a ruckus. Wasn't his life unimportant?

Zhu Yan had already spoken up. "Is this what the two older brothers meant when they said that the palace concubines had already prepared everything, ensuring that Ah Ruan wouldn't be wronged on his first visit to the palace?"

Second Prince: ...

Third Prince: ...

Damn, I've been so used to bickering that I forgot today was special.

"Sixth Brother, don't rush. Second Brother is just upset. We must ask about this matter, and we must ask in detail."

"If it weren't for others making a fuss and bullying people, how could there be such an embarrassing situation? Sixth Brother, rest assured, that little eunuch is already dead. The body won't disappear. Today, we must get to the bottom of this!"

The atmosphere between the two was tense, with each ready to pounce on the other, wishing they could tear each other apart at any moment. The harmony and tacit understanding they had during yesterday's wedding feast at Prince Jian's mansion was nowhere to be found, indeed too fleeting.

However, Zhu Yan didn't care. His wedding was already over. Whatever these two did next, whether one of them died or not, it didn't matter. But his princess consort couldn't suffer injustice in the palace today without retribution.

The second prince broke the ice first, staring at the third prince: "The Northern Di envoys will arrive in the capital soon, and the border trade market will open. Can you say you don't want this opportunity? Can you say you're not unhappy that Father Emperor has entrusted this matter to Sixth Brother?"

Border trade, the envoys' visit, and matters between the two countries had been communicated back and forth for a long time before finally being truly settled. Although the emperor had only handed this matter over to Zhu Yan today, there were already signs of it beforehand. These two men listened to politics every day in court; how could they not guess what this meant?

They knew each other too well. Suddenly losing a chance to make money, jealousy, bitterness, and embarrassment—these feelings were present in both the second prince and the third prince!

"Do you dare say you didn't want it?" The third prince's gaze was dark. "But I didn't kill anyone, nor would I think of doing such a thing!"

Wen Ruan: ...

So it was related to Zhu Yan's affairs as well?

As the two sides confronted each other, Eunuch Guan brought someone over, the chief eunuch of Shang Baojian, Eunuch Shi. He was the one who knew best about the affairs of his subordinates.

The second prince immediately stepped forward to interrogate him: "What was the name of that dead little eunuch? How long has he been under your charge? Who did he usually associate with? Has there ever been any mistake in his duties?"

Eunuch Shi was scared into a cold sweat, kneeling on the ground and trying hard to recall, not daring to say a word wrong: "His name... his name was Xiaoshuanzi. He entered the palace at seven years old. After being trained, he started by sweeping and cleaning. Once he learned to read the mood, six years ago, he entered Shang Baojian. Usually, he didn't seem very clever, but he was meticulous and cautious in his work. He never made any mistakes..."

The third prince said sternly, "Where did the dagger in his hand come from? Palace personnel are not allowed to privately store sharp weapons. Those who violate this rule shall be killed without mercy. How do you manage your people!"

Eunuch Shi trembled: "This old slave is ashamed. Indeed, I didn't know..."

Zhu Yan suddenly said, "There's a mark."

Wen Ruan's heart sank. Could it be that Zhu Yan recognized it!

"What mark?" Both the second prince and the third prince looked confused.

It wasn't until the dagger was presented that they saw the patterns and gemstones on the handle. It was indeed extraordinary, not a cheap item. But... that was all?

The second prince was somewhat embarrassed: "Everything in the palace is valuable..."

If this dagger were outside, its origin would be easier to trace. Ordinary people couldn't afford it. But this was in the palace, and this little eunuch worked in Shang Baojian. Since Shang Baojian bore that name, naturally, it had all sorts of treasures in its storerooms. Stealing an expensive dagger for use...

Although the third prince thought the same, he couldn't possibly take the same stance as the second prince: "Why can't we investigate it? The Office of Works keeps records of everything they make, and the palace also has archives. Just compare them one by one, right?"

Whether it was a tribute item or something foreign, it could be traced. Unless...

Zhu Yan's gaze was sharp: "I remember that thirteen years ago... several similar daggers went missing."

Wen Ruan's heart skipped a beat. It really was related to the events thirteen years ago!

He had only heard that when the emperor was away, there seemed to have been a change in the palace. Apart from the empress's death, it seemed that a palace concubine and many palace personnel also died. But the reason why and what happened afterward, he was completely unaware. It seemed that the loss of a few daggers was a minor detail, not particularly noteworthy, and later developments were undetectable.

He was shocked by Zhu Yan's concern for this matter and also shocked that this killing intent had extended to him. He was just a child back then and hadn't even entered the palace. Why?

"Enough!"

Emperor Taiyuan suddenly appeared: "Bringing up things from thirteen years ago for everything. Are you dissatisfied with Me!"

This anger was clearly directed at Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan seemed to be used to it, kneeling down directly: "Your subject dares not."

Emperor Taiyuan didn't even look at him, directly instructing Eunuch Guan: "There's been an assassination attempt in the palace. A thorough investigation must be conducted. Have the Hall of Imperial Guards take the person for questioning. They must give Prince Jian a proper explanation. Alright, everyone disperse!"

With the emperor's words, the matter could only be left like this. The second prince and the third prince served their respective mothers, Imperial Concubine Zhen and Consort Rou, and returned to their own palaces. Zhu Yan could only leave the imperial palace with Wen Ruan, saying nothing.

Wen Ruan suddenly realized that this might be... the matter Zhu Yan didn't want to talk about with him.

He had heard long ago that Zhu Yan was different in his youth, completely lacking the gloominess, brutality, and awkwardness he displayed now. He was a lively, generous, and talented person, expected to become a virtuous prince in the future.

His birth mother died giving birth, leaving Zhu Yan with no memories of her. He grew up under the empress, the crown prince much older than him holding him on his lap, pulling his small hand to teach him to read. He even specially sought out a master to teach him martial arts. That palace was his playground, the entire city was where he caused trouble, and even the border wasn't off-limits...

But all those good times disappeared thirteen years ago. When the incident occurred, Zhu Yan wasn't in the imperial palace. The emperor even considered these events a disgrace, forbidding anyone from mentioning them again. No one cared about Zhu Yan's feelings at the time or his powerlessness.

That's why he changed, throwing away all the good qualities taught in books. He began to act recklessly, killing, being violent, causing everyone who saw him to feel fear.

But Wen Ruan didn't ask. He knew that Zhu Yan didn't want to talk about it.

But after leaving the hall and getting into the carriage, Zhu Yan suddenly pressed him against the wall of the carriage, gritting his teeth and speaking in a low voice: "What's going on! The person who wants to kill you is actually connected to the palace!"

Wen Ruan could see that Zhu Yan didn't think the events thirteen years ago were related to him. He was too young back then, and suspecting that would be foolish. Zhu Yan was just concerned about his safety. Perhaps because the events of that time left too painful a memory, too terrifying, he couldn't help but feel this emotion, appearing particularly agitated.

"I don't know either." Wen Ruan's voice was somewhat hoarse.

Zhu Yan's palm pressed against his chest, his voice seeming to be squeezed out through clenched teeth: "Such a painful scar... you're so indifferent about it?"

Wen Ruan wasn't indifferent; his strength was too weak, unable to resist at all. Before today, he had even thought the danger came from the Duke's Mansion...

Zhu Yan's grip on his shoulders grew tighter: "How exactly did you get injured!"

Wen Ruan lowered his eyes, not speaking.

He couldn't explain it either, because he didn't know what had happened. When this body was on the brink of death, he arrived. He didn't know the cause, only that this injury was extremely painful, almost causing him to die again.

He didn't speak, and Zhu Yan assumed he didn't want to.

In that instant, he suddenly understood Ah Ruan's unhappiness on the return journey on the ship.

As he is now, he is exceedingly, overwhelmingly unhappy.