“Isn't it all because back then, my imperial mother risked her life to save their mother and child? Noble Consort Yun once promised my imperial mother on her deathbed that she would take good care of me and ensure my safety for life.”
“So that's how it was! Speaking of which, Prince Li must follow his mother's wish; he shouldn't be contending with Your Highness the Crown Prince for the imperial throne.”
“Old Seventh has no designs on the imperial throne, but Father Emperor will not allow it. As long as Old Seventh doesn't die for a single day, this Crown Prince's seat will never be stable.”
“A few days ago, His Majesty received a state letter from the Emperor of Qiyun. The entire Qiyun Nation is extremely dissatisfied about the refusal of the marriage-alliance princess, demanding that our nation give an explanation. These past two days, His Majesty has been distressed over this matter and will definitely find a way to force Prince Li to marry Eldest Princess Rongle. If this marriage truly comes to pass, it would be greatly disadvantageous to Your Highness the Crown Prince!”
“There's no need to worry about this. With Old Seventh's temperament, if he is unwilling, nothing Father Emperor does will be of use. Hmph, Father Emperor is wholeheartedly trying to help Old Seventh cultivate power, yet who knew the person simply won't appreciate the kindness.”
“Then who does Your Highness the Crown Prince think His Majesty will bestow Eldest Princess Rongle upon this time?”
“Father Emperor naturally wishes to bestow the marriage upon Old Ninth. Old Ninth is Old Seventh's man; him marrying the princess is no different from Old Seventh marrying the princess. However, according to this Crown Prince's estimation, the Emperor of Qiyun will choose Fu Chou.”
“Your Highness speaks rightly! Fu Chou won a battle and was conferred the title of 'Great General Who Guards the State.' He is currently in high imperial favor. If we can win him over, Your Highness's position will become even more secure.”
“Mmn, arrange this matter…”
Those few words from outside caused Man Yao's emotions to surge. So the imperial brother had already learned of this matter and sent a state letter, yet she had known nothing at all. These days, staying in Prince Li's residence, she hadn't dared to have too much contact with Ling'er and Xiao Sha; thus, she was completely ignorant of outside affairs. There was one point the Crown Prince of Lintian was right about: she could not marry Prince Li. Her imperial brother would definitely choose Fu Chou—that young famous general rumored to be brimming with murderous aura and unparalleled bravery, but in truth, deeply scheming! And she seemed to have no choice left, unless… Zongzheng Wuyou changed his mind. Thinking of this, Man Yao's heart trembled. What was she thinking, actually hoping that Zongzheng Wuyou would marry her? Was it because she had become familiar with him?
He could play chess, liked to drink tea, would call her A Man, would listen to her speak of her previous life… With him, she was no longer constantly on guard, cautious and fearful everywhere like at the beginning. But so what? If Zongzheng Wuyou knew her identity, would he believe that all of this was a scheme she had deliberately laid out? With his personality, how would he handle it?
The more Man Yao thought, the more vexed her heart became, and she accidentally kicked a gravel stone on the ground.
“Who?” The Crown Prince and his companion, who had already walked past outside the wall, suddenly grew vigilant.
Man Yao was greatly alarmed and was just looking for a place to hide when someone suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and rose into the air. So fast that she had no time to react, she was already hidden with that person on a tree trunk in a corner of the courtyard wall, shielded by dense branches and leaves. She couldn't see the person behind her, but she could feel they meant no harm, so she stayed there quietly.
“Why is there no one? I clearly heard a sound just now…” Lord Yu, who had quickly come in to search below, looked around strangely.
“This place is so remote; there shouldn't be anyone. Perhaps… we heard wrong. Let's go, the banquet is about to begin.” The Crown Prince spoke while surveying the surroundings with a sinister gaze.
Man Yao watched the two of them walk out of the palace wall, listening to the heavy footsteps fade into the distance outside the wall. She still didn't move, her gaze fixed on the entrance of the courtyard. The man behind her was also very quiet, motionless. After about the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Lord Yu, who should have already gone far away, suddenly spoke outside the palace wall: “Crown Prince, it seems we really did hear wrong.”
“Mmn. Let's go.” This time, the two of them truly left.
Man Yao curled her lips mockingly. Only after the sounds had completely disappeared did she turn to look at the person behind her. At this glance, she was stunned, and simultaneously with the person behind her, exclaimed in surprise, “It's you?!”
Handsome features, a gentle expression—it was actually that man from the eastern suburb inn!
“We meet again!” The man's eyes shone brilliantly, his smile warm and elegant.
“You've helped me once again.” Man Yao thanked him. The man took her hand and leaped back to the ground. He gave her a warm, elegant smile and said modestly, “It was merely a small effort. By the way, how did you know they would return?”
Man Yao smiled lightly and said, “With the Crown Prince's suspicious nature, if he doesn't verify it, he absolutely wouldn't easily conclude that he heard wrong.”
The man's sword-like brows moved, and he smiled. “You seem to understand the Crown Prince very well?”
Man Yao smiled and shook her head. “With some people, you only need one glance to tell what kind of person they are.”
“Oh?” The man became interested. His gaze shifted slightly as he leaned in somewhat, looking into her eyes, and slowly asked with a smile, “Then what kind do you think I am?”
Man Yao raised her eyes and returned his gaze. After thinking for a moment, she only spoke eight words: “Modest and courteous, as warm and gentle as jade.” This was her first impression of the man, but her intuition told her this wasn't all there was to him. However, she wouldn't say that aloud.
The man seemed very satisfied with this evaluation, appearing to smile quite pleasantly. He said to Man Yao, “Are you going to Yiqing Hall? It's about time; let's go as well.”
Man Yao nodded and followed him out of that remote palace courtyard. This man seemed very familiar with the imperial palace. Man Yao couldn't help secretly guessing his identity, yet none of her guesses matched.
Yiqing Hall was in sight. The man suddenly stopped walking, turned to look at her, and with a sincere gaze and tone asked, “Could you do me a favor?”
Man Yao said, “Please speak.”
The man didn't immediately say what it was about. Instead, he leaned in slightly, getting very close to her, and lowered his voice to say, “Don't tell anyone that we met half a month ago.”
Man Yao was slightly startled; it was somewhat strange, but she agreed without asking further.
The sky had completely darkened. Palace lanterns hung every three steps along the corridor of Yiqing Hall, and candle flames illuminated everything brightly. As Man Yao walked, she wondered whether she should go in directly or wait outside for Zongzheng Wuyou? Just as she hesitated, the man walking beside her stopped again. This time, his gaze wasn't on her but on the steps to one side.
Man Yao followed his gaze and saw Zongzheng Wuyou standing on the highest step with his hands behind his back. His complexion didn't look good, his thin lips pressed slightly together. His gaze looking over was somewhat heavy, somewhat cold, and somewhat complex and unclear. Man Yao hurriedly greeted him, saying, “You've already arrived? How is the Ninth Highness's condition?”
Zongzheng Wuyou looked at her twice and said indifferently, “External injuries, nothing serious. I've already sent someone to escort him back to his residence.” After speaking, he turned his head and instructed the person behind him, “Pass the word down that the person has arrived; there's no need to search further.”
Man Yao was startled and said embarrassedly, “Were you looking for me? I accidentally got lost. Fortunately, I ran into this gentleman…” Although it was the truth, it sounded terribly clichéd. Man Yao didn't know why she was explaining this to him.
Zongzheng Wuyou was expressionless, staring straight into her eyes. That gaze held neither belief nor disbelief. After a while, his gaze slowly lowered and landed on her left hand. Man Yao subconsciously raised her hand and saw his jade plaque that she was holding in her palm. The excuse of being lost suddenly seemed absurd and laughable. For a moment, Man Yao didn't know what to say. Smiling lightly and shaking her head, she secretly mocked herself and handed the jade plaque in her hand back to him.
Zongzheng Wuyou didn't take it. He swept a cold glance at the handsome man behind her and said in a low voice, “Since when are you so familiar with Great General Fu, who is renowned throughout the world?”
Man Yao was stunned. Great General Fu?
She suddenly turned her head and looked at the handsome man who was mounting the steps and slowly walking toward them. A warm, elegant smile remained on his face. He cupped his hands toward Zongzheng Wuyou and smiled modestly, neither servile nor overbearing, “Prince Li overpraises. This general only enjoys today's reputation thanks to Prince Li's fortune. If we speak of being renowned throughout the world, this general is far inferior to Prince Li.”
Who else but the Great General Who Guards the State, who held command over the three armies and whose position rivaled that of feudal lords, would dare to refer to himself as “this general” before Zongzheng Wuyou? Fu Chou—he was actually Fu Chou! Man Yao looked at him in extreme shock. Only now did she understand why he couldn't let others know that they had met half a month ago.
“So it was the Great General; Li Yue has been rude!” Man Yao hurriedly saluted, but Fu Chou stopped her. She only heard him laugh and say, “Didn't we agree that there would be no need for such empty courtesies between us? You're being so distant; could you be blaming me for not being honest about my identity just now?”
Man Yao was startled. Without even turning her head, she felt a cold light shooting straight toward her from beside her. Zongzheng Wuyou's gaze expressed displeasure so obviously, as if she had done something sorry to him behind his back, making her scalp suddenly tingle. She hurriedly said, “General misunderstands. Previously, Li Yue was unaware of the General's identity, so I gave offense. I hope the General won't blame me.”
Fu Chou looked at her. For a moment, he didn't speak. Later, as if thinking of something, he smiled again. “Li Yue? You are Sir Li Yue of Longyue Tea Garden? I heard that your tea garden is designed with magnificence and unparalleled beauty, like an immortal realm. If there's a chance, I must certainly go see it.”
Man Yao's expression stiffened. Thinking of the tea garden, her gaze suddenly dimmed, and her smile became somewhat forced. Fu Chou glanced at Zongzheng Wuyou and said with a smile, “Regarding the case of the assassination attempt on Prince Li, since Prince Li himself is not pursuing it, the unsealing of the tea garden is only a matter of time. Li Yue, don't worry too much. If there's a chance, I will also plead on your behalf before His Majesty.”
Man Yao cupped her hands to thank him but was stopped by Fu Chou.
Zongzheng Wuyou looked at their touching hands, his expression gloomy, his tone unclear as he said, “General Fu is truly all-powerful. Though his body is on the battlefield at the frontier, he is fully aware of even such minor matters as a tea garden in the capital being sealed.”
Fu Chou's brows drew together in concentration, and he immediately replied, “Prince Li's words are mistaken! Though a tea garden being sealed cannot be considered a national matter, the assassination attempt on the Prince is no small affair. Nowadays, the streets and alleys are all discussing this matter. How could this general not know upon entering the city?” He smiled warmly, speaking as if it were only natural.
Zongzheng Wuyou curled his lips in a cold smile, his gaze sharp as he said, “The General triumphed and returned to court, yet without entering the palace to have an audience with His Majesty, he still had time to listen to common market gossip? This is rather novel! This King has heard that the scenery in the eastern suburbs is excellent; has the General gone to take a look first?”
Fu Chou's expression changed slightly. He shot an imperceptible glance at Man Yao. Man Yao was stunned; Zongzheng Wuyou clearly meant something by his words. She had never told anyone about the eastern suburb inn matter, and moreover, previously she hadn't known that man was Fu Chou. Just as she was startled and suspicious, she heard Fu Chou say again, “This general has also heard of it. When I have free time another day, I will certainly go enjoy the sights. If Prince Li doesn't disdain it, this general will invite Prince Li to go together. If Li Yue is willing to grant his face, you can come along as well. How about it?”
He was truly no ordinary person. Fu Chou's expression had changed for only an instant before quickly returning to normal, and he could still chat and smile nonchalantly while extending an invitation.
Man Yao stood between these two men. Although she was smiling, the corners of her mouth had already gone stiff. She glanced at Zongzheng Wuyou, then nodded to Fu Chou and responded with a “Very well.”
Zongzheng Wuyou looked at her askance. Clearly, there were countless complex emotions in his eyes, yet she couldn't read a single one.
“Whether to go to the eastern suburbs or not is the General's affair; it has nothing to do with this King. This King neither likes to meddle in others' business, nor likes those who do so!” Zongzheng Wuyou said expressionlessly. After speaking, he turned and walked toward Yiqing Hall. After a few steps, seeing that Man Yao was still standing in place, his phoenix eyes raised, and he said impatiently, “What are you still doing there? Hurry up and follow this King into the hall!”
Man Yao smiled helplessly at Fu Chou and quickly caught up to Zongzheng Wuyou. Glancing at Zongzheng Wuyou's rather unpleasant expression from the corner of her eye, she suddenly felt her heart soften. He was truly a contrary person. He had gone around in such a big circle, but actually, he just didn't want Fu Chou to interfere in her affairs.
At Yiqing Hall, the banquet hadn't started yet, but from afar, one could already hear the sounds of song and dance. The three of them entered the hall one after another. All the civil and military officials inside rose to salute. Zongzheng Wuyou ignored them and walked straight to his seat. Man Yao sat down beside him, drawing many sidelong glances, especially from more than twenty young men dressed as nobles near the end seats, who looked at them while whispering to one another.
Man Yao wasn't unaware of what those strange gazes represented. Ever since she had stayed at Prince Li's residence, rumors outside claimed that Zongzheng Wuyou didn't like women because he preferred men. Today, the Emperor held a banquet, and she, a commoner without rank or title, swaggered into the palace following Zongzheng Wuyou. In those people's eyes, this naturally further confirmed her identity as his male favorite.
Disdain and contempt were the expressions they used to look at her. And they were all candidates on the list Emperor Lintian had people draw up for her to choose from. Man Yao suddenly felt a wave of revulsion and furrowed her brows.
Zongzheng Wuyou raised his eyes and swept a cold glance over that group of people. Their hearts chilled, and those people immediately changed their expressions—toadying, fawning, revering… all at the speed of changing masks.
Fu Chou, who was surrounded in the center by ministers, glanced over here. Then he pushed through the crowd, walked up to that group of noble youths, and greeted them. Those people were flattered and immediately shifted their gazes.
This was simply how the world was—power represented everything. Man Yao gave a mocking, light laugh and stopped looking at those people.
“Do you want the tea garden to resume business as soon as possible?” Zongzheng Wuyou suddenly asked her this.
Man Yao looked up in surprise. Before she could open her mouth, Zongzheng Wuyou had already grasped her hand under the table, holding it very tightly. He leaned his head over close to her, looked into her eyes, and said in a low voice, “Tomorrow, I will have someone remove the seals. But you are not allowed to move out of the residence. Those miscellaneous affairs in the tea garden, leave them to the servants to manage.” He domineeringly arranged things for her.
Man Yao looked at him without speaking. Actually, he could have done this long ago, but he hadn't. Why? Was it to keep her in the residence? But why would he want to keep her in the residence?
Seeing that she didn't respond for a long time, Zongzheng Wuyou released her hand, turned his head, and said, “Unwilling? …Then forget it.”
Unlike the tone from that day when he left the tea garden, his face was indifferent and expressionless, yet there was clearly a hint of petulance.
Like a child. Man Yao found her own feeling at this moment unbelievable, but she still couldn't help smiling with pursed lips, her mood inexplicably becoming pleasant.
When Zongzheng Wuyou saw her smile, he assumed she was happy that he was letting her go. Slightly annoyed in his heart, he was about to frown when he heard her laugh softly and say, “I didn't say I was unwilling; you were the one who said it.”
His gaze instantly brightened. Something in the depths of his heart suddenly burst open like fireworks, brilliant and soaring. But Zongzheng Wuyou didn't look at her. His face remained calm, maintaining an indifferent demeanor, as though whether she was willing or not had nothing to do with him.
The surroundings were very lively, with music, song, and dance accompanying the crowd's laughter and chatter. Ever since entering the hall, Fu Chou had been the center of attention—until the appearance of another person.