Chapter 89: Unmatched in the World
e countless lives are lost each year due to such games in the Holy Dynasty—how should those deaths be accounted for Hasn't the Crown Prince always refrained from reporting these incidents to His Majes...Chapter 89: Unparalleled in the World
Night Tianyi remained composed upon hearing this, his hand not even pausing as he went through the petitions.
The old emperor struggled to suppress his coughing but was still indignant. He angrily scolded Manlai, "Now go to the Department of Punishment and tell Seventh Princess that if she doesn’t want to come out, then let her stay there! Don't expect me to ever release her again!"
"…" Manlai responded and started to back away.
"Wait!" Night Tianyi called out to stop Manlai but did not pause his work. He lowered his head and said to the old emperor, "Father, are you sure that you don’t want to release Seventh Princess After being imprisoned for two months, it is normal if she feels aggrieved. It’s also normal for Cloud王府to be furious. They only hope to get a word from Father now. If one cannot endure little things, big plans will collapse. Why not give them an answer"
Manlai immediately stopped and looked at Night Tianyi.
The old emperor also turned his head toward Night Tianyi and asked solemnly, "How should I answer them"
"Since the Cloud王府has set their heart on Seventh Princess, Yun Li only wants to marry her and does not want any other women. As for Seventh Princess, she is so strong-willed that it’s hard to say if this isn’t a good thing. After all, as a princess of our royal family and your daughter, she carries the blood of our Night clan. It cannot be said that just by marrying someone else, one can remove the surname ‘Night’ from her." Night Tianyi spoke coolly.
The old emperor’s expression softened. "What you say is right!"
"So what’s wrong with issuing a decree" Night Tianyi tossed out an offhand remark.
The old emperor took in a deep breath and ordered Manlai solemnly, "Announce my imperial edict: I am grateful to Seventh Princess for her love toward Prince Yun. She has remained devoted despite being imprisoned. I am proud of having such a daughter. Therefore, I will grant her request and decree that from this day forward, Yun Li shall be allowed to marry only Seventh Princess in the hopes of a long union. He is not permitted to take any other wives."
"Yes!" Manlai was startled but immediately responded.
"Tianyi, what do you think about this decree" After the old emperor finished speaking, he asked Night Tianyi.
Night Tianyi smiled and replied, "Father, it’s very good!"
The old emperor did not speak further but waved his hand at Manlai. Manlai looked at Night Tianyi, waiting for him to draft the decree.
Night Tianyi set down the petition and picked up a blank imperial edict, personally drafting it without delay. After a short while, he drafted it and stamped it with the jade seal before blowing on the ink marks. He did not hand it to Manlai but stood up and said to the old emperor, "I’ll go to the prison myself to release Seventh Sister."
The old emperor hummed in agreement.
Night Tianyi stepped out as his snow-blue brocade robe billowed behind him like a blooming mandala flower. Manlai stood at the door and immediately opened the curtains when he saw that Night Tianyi was going to the prison himself. After Night Tianyi walked out, he hurriedly followed.
Inside the Department of Punishment’s prison, Seventh Princess remained with her book open and reading.
Night Tianyi entered the cell and seeing Seventh Princess calm and collected, smiled as he called out, "Seventh Sister!"
Seventh Princess lifted her head from the book and saw Night Tianyi. She did not stand up but returned a smile and said, "Elder Brother Seven!"
Night Tianyi nodded with a smile, walked over to sit on the only bed in the small cell. The small prison cell was cleaned every day; though it couldn’t see the sky, there were no signs of decay or darkness. It was very clean and tidy. He sized up the small cell and its furnishings with a smile before saying, "Seventh Sister has had to endure hardship here for these days!"
"What are you talking about This place is quiet. Compared to the outside noise, it’s not a bad place to live." Seventh Princess smiled faintly.
"It’s true that Seventh Sister likes peace and tranquility, but this is still just a prison cell." Night Tianyi said with a smile.
"In the past, when I was at Yun Fang Zhai, I didn't leave the palace gates for ten years; how is that different from being in a prison cell" The Seventh Princess wasn’t bothered by this. "One is in the most prestigious place under heaven, and the other is in the most sinful place under heaven. But to me, there’s no difference. Neither of them allows one freedom."
Yitian Ye didn't comment on her words when he heard them, saying only: “Your temper is excellent, Seventh Sister; it's no wonder that Yun Li, Young Master Shizun, loves and admires you.”
The Seventh Princess lifted her eyes to look at Yitian Ye, speaking in an unremarkable tone: "Is Brother Seven joking Hasn’t the reputation of my jealousy spread across all of heaven and earth now He should be wishing he could get rid of me."
"Once a Yue Mo comes out of the Cloud Prince's household, those around her will involuntarily change because of her. She looks upon millennia-old propriety as worthless,崇尚一切彆人不認可的東西。你說你如此堅定地追求所愛，不讓夫君再娶，正和她的脾氣性情合拍，她怎麼會不護著你？而所有想法都受他左右的雲離世子又怎麼可能真的想休棄你？”夜天逸挑眉。
七公主也挑了挑眉，“看來七哥倒是挺瞭解她的。”
"Of course, I know her well!" Yitian Ye stood up and flicked his jade-like hand against the sleeve of his robe. His tone was gentle as he said: "Let's go, Seventh Sister! I will personally escort you back to Cloud Manor."
The Seventh Princess didn’t budge from where she sat, saying: “I’ve already mentioned it; if my father refuses my request, I am willing to spend the rest of my life in prison.”
Yitian Ye suddenly smiled. He took out an imperial edict and handed it to Wen Lai before waving his hand dismissively at him. "Announce the imperial decree!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wen Lai accepted the imperial edict and read aloud: “I am moved by my beloved daughter’s love for Cloud Shizun. She is unwavering in her love even when imprisoned. I take great pride in having such a daughter. Therefore, I grant her request with honors. For all of Yun Li's life, he will remain married to the Seventh Princess and live happily together. He shall not marry again, this being my imperial decree!”
A sense of joy rose within the Seventh Princess but she suppressed it as best she could, striving to make her face look calm.
"Princess, receive the imperial decree!" Wen Lai looked at the Seventh Princess with admiration. He thought that this was a case where misfortune had turned into good fortune. Since ancient times, how many women have been able to order their husbands to marry only them for life Even princesses of high status found it difficult over the centuries. But the Seventh Princess managed to achieve it. This could not help but earn his admiration.
The Seventh Princess remained seated and seemed as though she hadn’t heard a thing.
"Seventh Sister, receive the imperial decree!" Yitian Ye said with a smile.
The Seventh Princess slowly lowered her book scroll and knelt down to thank him: "Your daughter thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!"
Wen Lai handed the imperial edict over to the Seventh Princess, then looked at Yitian Ye and said to her: “Princess, after hearing what you said, His Majesty was furious and wanted to imprison you forever. However, the Seventh Prince advised against it. He said that even if you marry into Cloud Manor, you are still His Majesty's daughter. His Majesty is unwilling to imprison you again and issued an imperial decree releasing you.”
The Seventh Princess’s thoughts moved as she straightened up and held the imperial edict in her hand while thanking Yitian Ye: "Thank you, Brother Seven!"
"You're my sister. Even if our bones break, we remain connected by the tendons! No need to be so formal! Let's go then." Yitian Ye smiled faintly and turned around, leaving the prison.
The Seventh Princess held the imperial edict in her hand as she stood up, glancing back at the small cell where she had been imprisoned for two months before following Yitian Ye out of it.
At the entrance to the Department of Punishment’s prison, apart from the Seventh Prince's carriage, a lavish carriage was also parked there. The curtains of that carriage were lifted up from inside, revealing half of Yun Qianmo’s body. At this moment, she looked at the outside lazily.
Yitian Ye saw Yun Qianmo immediately upon leaving the prison. He stopped in his tracks as he noticed where her carriage was parked; it was facing towards the sunlight. It being late autumn now, the sun wasn’t scorching but had a warm feeling to it that made one feel chilly at times. She wore a thin robe and long sleeves which were lifted up by the breeze, flowing out of the carriage window with an elegant beauty that instantly captivated him.
Yun Qianmo saw Yitian Ye as well. Her gaze lingered on him for just a moment before she looked past him, smiling warmly at the Seventh Princess who was following behind him: "Auntie, here!"
The Seventh Princess also spotted Yun Qianmo and, seeing that Yitian Ye had stopped in front of her, followed suit. Hearing Yun Qianmo’s call and seeing her warm smile, the dark clouds from two months of being confined seemed to be dispersed by her sunlight-like smile. She couldn’t help but return a happy smile before darting around Yitian Ye and rushing over to Yun Qianmo.
Upon reaching Yun Qianmo's carriage, she looked at her in surprise, asking happily: "Why are you here"
"To pick you up!" Yun Qianmo reached out a hand towards the Seventh Princess with a smile on her face and said: “You’ve been fasting and reciting scriptures for more than two months. It’s time to go home! Go make me some meat dishes.”
The Seventh Princess, upon hearing the word "home," felt a pang in her heart and handed her hand to Yun Qianmo. She nodded heavily, saying, "Yes!"
Yun Qianmo raised her wrist gently without any apparent effort, pulling the Seventh Princess into the carriage. Releasing her grip, she glanced at Ye Tianyi and said coolly, "I came to pick up my sister-in-law to go home. There's no need for His Highness Seventh Prince to see us off!" With that, she lowered the curtain.
The curtain dropped, concealing Yun Qianmo’s figure while also blocking Ye Tianyi’s view.
Ye Tianyi felt a jolt in his heart. The warmth he had momentarily felt instantly turned cold as if everything uncontrollable within him froze over. His aura darkened immediately; the hand inside his sleeve curled slightly, and his thin lips were pressed into a fine line.
Ling Lian and Yi Xue sat up front, glancing at Ye Tianyi before urging the horses with their whips, causing the carriage to leave the Ministry of Justice.
Ye Tianyi watched as the luxurious carriage moved away. He stood there without uttering a word.
Wen Lai stood behind Ye Tianyi and cautiously observed his expression, not daring to breathe loudly. The soldiers guarding the Ministry of Justice felt an abrupt chill in the late autumn wind that made them shiver collectively.
A long time passed before Wen Lai finally couldn’t endure the cold emanating from Ye Tianyi’s body any longer; he gently reminded him with courage, "Your Highness Seventh Prince, are you returning to your residence or entering the palace"
Ye Tianyi retracted his gaze. His slender phoenix eyes were enveloped in an endless black that gradually faded, leaving only a vast expanse of white devoid of any pupil color. He then stepped towards the carriage and said coolly, "To the palace!"
Wen Lai hurried to follow him.
The carriage had initially been headed for Yun Qianmo’s estate but instead turned back toward the palace gates.
Inside the carriage, after Yun Qianmo lowered the curtain, her smile faded somewhat.
Sitting beside Yun Qianmo, the Seventh Princess glanced at her and softly said, "Your seventh brother cares for you no less than Prince Jing. Judging from the current situation, he hasn't given up on you."
"So what In the end, he's not the person in my heart, nor am I his ideal mate. Just a mistake—mine and his. Mistakes need to be corrected; regardless of how many injuries they cause, even if it means breaking bones or tearing flesh, they must be rectified. Otherwise, things will only go wrong further."
The Seventh Princess was stunned, looking at Yun Qianmo. She had repeatedly noticed the weariness and heaviness in her demeanor, especially when discussing Ye Tianyi. The air emanating from her made her heart tighten as if pulled. For a mistake that required breaking bones and tearing flesh to correct, how deep must their entanglement be
"It's truly grown colder! It’s time to add more clothing!" Yun Qianmo suddenly changed her tone, erasing all signs of weariness and heaviness. She turned around, hugging the Seventh Princess’s arm and leaning on her, saying softly, "Sister-in-law, aren't you missing Brother"
The Seventh Princess was taken aback by Yun Qianmo's sudden change; she stared at her blankly for a moment.
Yun Qianmo laughed with a snort and rolled her eyes at her. "Have you ever seen someone whose face changes faster than turning pages"
The Seventh Princess was stunned momentarily but couldn't help laughing as well, pushing Yun Qianmo’s hand away, blushing angrily. "Don’t cling to me; go cling to Prince Jing instead. I really haven't seen anyone change faces as quickly as you."
Yun Qianmo laughed triumphantly. "Your two months of suffering weren't in vain. From now on, your brother will be at your mercy. Isn’t that great"
The Seventh Princess blushed and lowered her head, whispering, "I truly didn’t expect my father to agree. In truth, I wasn’t very confident either. When I married your brother, I only asked for him to treat me well; I never expected he wouldn't marry anyone else. It’s indeed surprising now. It feels like a dream."
"You’ve truly been indoctrinated by feudal ethics! Why don’t you think about why men have multiple wives and women must share one man Who made these rules anyway In ancient times, there was a matriarchal clan where each woman could have several husbands!" Yun Qianmo huffed.
The Seventh Princess gaped at Yun Qianmo in disbelief.
Yun Qianmo glanced at her and said seriously, "It’s true. Approximately ten thousand years ago, when humans were just beginning to multiply, they lived in groups with numerous men and women sharing the same space. This was during the Old Stone Age where everything was made of stone. In the later stages of the Old Stone Age, ancient societies transitioned from primitive groupings to matriarchal clans. Matriarchal clans are social organizations based on maternal bloodlines, practicing original communism with equal distribution of labor products. At that time, women played a dominant role in society. Women invented rudimentary agriculture and livestock breeding, demonstrating greater creativity than men. Young males would go out hunting and fishing while women would gather fruits, look after the home, process food, sew clothes, manage household affairs, care for the elderly and children, etc. Since gathering was more stable than hunting, it became a vital source of sustenance for clan members. Thus, women had high status and respect due to their crucial role in childbirth and their lineage being traced maternally. Men were considered secondary to women; having multiple husbands was quite normal for a woman."
The Seven Princess opened her eyes wide, seemingly shocked.
"Later on, as the society developed, during the prosperous period of matrilineal clans, due to men's innate robustness and physical strength being superior to women's, large families gradually formed with men at their center. Men replaced women in controlling production, living arrangements, and public affairs; tribal leaders were also taken over by adult males, becoming the primary force in social production, thus forming patrilineal clans. After a long period of development, men's status grew increasingly higher until they completely dominated society and women, evolving into today’s system where men are dominant, which has led to polygamy." Yun Qianyue explained to the Seven Princess; seeing her shocked expression, she smiled and said: "So, men and women are born equal. The inequality seen in social relationships is due to various factors merging together over time. Monogamy isn't accepted by today’s society, but after further development, who knows that it might be accepted after several years or even millennia You needn’t feel guilty because your brother can no longer remarry for you; if he gets one devoted person like you, it's his good fortune."
The Seven Princess suppressed her shock and looked at Yun Qianyue. "I don't understand much of what you said, but I got the gist of it. You know a lot. Regarding ancient times… where did you read about this"
Which book Yun Qianyue smiled as she shook her head. “It was an isolated manuscript that I happened to come across; I've long lost it!”
The Seven Princess nodded and said enviously, "I have always admired you; in the past, it was because of your arrogant and capricious nature, but now it's because of your knowledge and talent. There are indeed reasons why so many people like you."
"My dear sister-in-law, don’t talk like this! I can’t take it," Yun Qianyue pretended to shiver.
The Seven Princess looked at her helplessly and said reproachfully, "Our ages are not far apart, but sometimes when I look at you, I feel as if I am looking at the Empress in the palace—dignified and gentle. At other times, it’s like looking at a child without any trace of being a girl. Yet, everyone finds such behavior perfectly normal; how strange!"
"That's just habit," Yun Qianyue replied with a smile.
The Seven Princess shook her head and laughed, no longer speaking.
As the carriage returned to Cloud Manor, Yun Li had already come back from the Ministry of Rites. He waited at the door. Before the carriage stopped properly, he rushed forward and pulled aside the curtain, calling out "Sister" with delight before looking at the Seven Princess with some excitement.
The Seven Princess smiled at him and said softly, "I'm back!"
"You... suffered," Yun Li's voice was slightly hoarse.
They looked into each other's eyes, filled with longing. There were no more words spoken.
Yun Qianyue glanced at them and felt that it would be inappropriate for her to stay any longer; she quietly jumped off the carriage from the side, silently gesturing to Ling Lian and Yi Xue. They understood immediately and followed her in silence.
The three of them ignored the tender scene behind and entered the courtyard silently.
Upon returning to Qianyue Pavilion, Hua Sheng was waiting in the room.
Yun Qianyue paused when she saw Hua Sheng; if it wasn't an important matter, he wouldn’t come here easily. He usually had Ling Lian and Yi Xue deliver messages for him. She closed the door with her hand and asked softly, "What happened"
Hua Sheng was delighted to see Yun Qianyue back and quickly replied, “Lady, there's been an incident that I’m afraid might delay things if I don’t come personally.” She glanced outside and seeing Ling Lian and Yi Xue guarding the door with no one else in the courtyard, she lowered her voice. "Several days ago, weren't we told by someone sent to the East Sea that Princess Lu Yao and Princess Zi Luo had left the East Sea for Celestial Holy You ordered me to investigate their whereabouts in Celestial Holy, but those two kept themselves well-hidden; there was protection along the way which covered up any clues they might have left. We couldn’t find where they were until today when I received news that Princess Lu Yao and Princess Zi Luo are now in Green Mountain City."
"They didn't come to the capital but went to Green Mountain City This proves my guess was right; they aren't after me, but rather Nanliang and Nan Lingrui," Yun Qianyue said.
"Yes, it’s most likely that your Lord disguised himself as Princess Lu Yao, which made her want to investigate Nanliang further." Hua Sheng nodded and then lowered her voice. "Lady knows going to Nanliang must pass through Green Mountain City and Phoenix Pass. According to our people in Red Pavilion who are stationed in Green Mountain City, the two met with Young Master Cang three days ago there; after that, they disappeared without a trace. It’s certain they didn’t go through Phoenix Pass. I fear Young Master Cang detained them."
Hearing this, Yun Qianyue's eyes narrowed slightly: "I forgot Night Tianyu returned to Green Mountain City and Cang Ting went there too."
"Lady, what should we do if Young Master Cang detains the two" Hua Sheng asked.
Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and thought for a moment before saying to her, "Father and Mother are at Phoenix Pass. If Cang Ting really detained those two, he wouldn’t move them immediately. They should still be in Green Mountain City. Send a message to Father and Mother about this matter; they're closer to Green Mountain City than we are. They will certainly find a way to rescue the two from Cang Ting."
"Yes, I’ll go right away!" Hua Sheng quickly responded as Yun Qianyue waved her hand.
Yun Qianyue turned around and sat on the soft couch, thinking that if Cang Ting had detained the two people, he must have known their identities. If Cang Ting knew who they were, since he was cooperating with Ye Tianyi, he would definitely inform Ye Tianyi immediately. What would Ye Tianyi do No matter what happens, her brother and mother are now in Phoenix Pass, while Xiao Qi is in the capital of Heavenly Saint City. Even if he gets the princesses Luo Yao from the East Sea and Ziluo Princess, it might not amount to much!
The night passed without incident.
On the second day, Yun Qianyue woke up early, got dressed and had breakfast before ordering Ling Lian and Yi Xue to prepare a carriage to take her to the Glory王府 (Rongwangfu).
Ling Lian and Yi Xue responded promptly but soon returned, informing Yun Qianyue, "Miss, are you going to the Rongwangfu to find the Jade Crown Prince of the East Sea I'm afraid it's not possible. This morning, a carriage was sent from the palace to pick up the Jade Crown Prince and bring him into the palace. It is said that Emperor has prepared a banquet in the palace today, inviting the Jade Crown Prince."
Yun Qianyue frowned. "This old emperor really is proactive!"
"Miss, this is the Jade Crown Prince's first visit to Heavenly Saint City. Moreover, given the richness and power of the East Sea Kingdom today, Emperor naturally places great importance on him. It was said that after hearing about Princess Luoyao from Shi Shizi (the Marquis) yesterday, the emperor wanted to summon the Jade Crown Prince for an audience immediately. But out of consideration for the Jade Crown Prince’s fatigue from his journey, he decided to wait until today." Ling Lian explained right away.
Yun Qianyue snorted. "He just arrived and already ingratiated himself!"
"If you really want to meet the Jade Crown Prince, why not go to the palace After all, it’s been several days since you’ve last visited the empress." Yi Xue suggested.
"No way!" Yun Qianyue threw aside her light silk wristlet and sat back on the couch angrily. "He doesn’t care about me at all! He didn’t rush to see me even after arriving here. Now that the old emperor invited him to the palace, he accepted without hesitation. Why didn’t he suggest the old emperor come see me instead No feelings whatsoever—what a jerk!"
Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged glances but remained silent.
Yun Qianyue was clearly upset by this.
A moment later, Ling Lian quietly suggested, "Miss, the Jade Crown Prince is very kind to you. If you dislike the engagement between Princess Luoyao and Shi Shizi, he destroyed it for you with a document. He’s come all the way from the East Sea, having endured much hardship on his journey. Given how exhausted he must be, turning down the emperor's invitation yesterday already strained him greatly. So today…"
Yun Qianyue snorted and interrupted Ling Lian with annoyance. "Who doesn’t know what he’s like Who is he He’s just like me! I can chase a fox for three days and nights without resting, and so can he. I can stay on the Heavenly Snow Mountain for an entire month to bring back a little tiger; he could do that too. Tiredness That's not what’s important here—what matters is him refusing to see me. If he wanted to see me, he would have come yesterday."
Yi Xue couldn’t help but laugh. "Miss, Shi Shizi (the Marquis) is around! If the Jade Crown Prince rushed to see you upon arriving, wouldn’t that upset Shi Shizi He probably wants to see you too and needs to restrain himself. You can't blame the Jade Crown Prince."
Yun Qianyue's anger seemed to dissipate as she thought about Yi Xue’s words. She rubbed her forehead and said somewhat gloomily, "Rong Jing is a huge vinegar jar. Feng Jin, Mo Li, and the Third Young Master were all driven away by him in turn. Xiao Qi came here好不容易 (with great difficulty), so I can’t let Rong Jing drive him away too."
The two exchanged glances but kept silent to contain their laughter.
Yun Qianyue waved her hand and said somewhat helplessly, "Forget it. Since he’s already in the capital, whether early or late, I will see him eventually. I’ll just endure for now! If I rush over to the palace immediately, Rong Jing is sure to use those dark eyes of his on me. He scares me!"
The two saw that she was no longer angry and left with a smile.
This day, although the old emperor lay ill in bed, he still held a banquet for the Jade Crown Prince of the East Sea, which was set up in the imperial garden.
Even though it was late autumn, the palace garden had been well cared for and there were still blooming flowers filling it with fragrance.
The old emperor could not get out of bed and was half-reclining on a soft chair. This banquet wasn’t an official state banquet; instead, he selected several individuals who qualified to be present for this small-scale event. The imperial princes such as Ye Tianyi, Ye Tianqing, and Ye Tianting, the Filial King, Virtuous King, Cloud Kingdom’s Prince, Rong Jing, Night Qingran, Leng Shaozhuo, Yun Li, among others were in attendance. None of them were members of the royal family but rather represented the two generations of kings among the Four Great Princes of Heavenly Saint City, indicating the high regard for the Jade Crown Prince from the East Sea Kingdom.
During the banquet, despite his illness, the old emperor was cheerful and introduced each of his beloved sons to the Jade Crown Prince. It seemed as if none of those incidents at the Fourth Prince’s Manor last month had ever happened—the bloodshed and near decapitation that showed no trace of father-son affection.
The Jade Crown Prince smiled in response, behaving warmly and respectfully with a dignified air that truly lived up to his title “Jade Quality Exceeding Beauty.”
The old emperor compared Rong Jing and Yu Zishu, jokingly saying, "Looking at the world today, no one can surpass Prince Ji and Crown Prince Yu. If we have to pick a winner between the two of them who would be the best in the world"
Rong Jing smiled without speaking.
Yu Zishu's gaze was gentle, not showing any displeasure. He replied with a smile, "Of course it’s Prince Ji!"
"Oh" The old emperor blinked at Yu Zishu and raised his eyebrows. "Why would you belittle yourself like this In my opinion, the two of you are evenly matched!"
Yu Zishu shook his head and smiled, "It’s Prince Ji who deserves to be the best in the world."
The old emperor was even more perplexed. "How can Crown Prince Yu be so sure"
"Because there is a person who thinks he is unparalleled in the world, then he truly is unmatched in the world. That person’s perception is my perception," said Yu Zishu.
Rong Jing’s gaze flashed slightly as his delicate hand lightly tapped on the rim of his cup, causing the fine wine inside to ripple.
The old emperor looked at Rong Jing upon hearing that and saw him still not speaking with no discernible emotion on his face. The old emperor was puzzled, so he turned to look questioningly at Yu Zishu and laughed, "I don’t understand what Crown Prince Yu just said! Would you mind explaining it a little"
"This is personal matter of mine, Your Majesty doesn’t need to know," Yu Zishu smiled, evading the answer.
The old emperor saw that Yu Zishu brushed him off with this reply and did not want to continue discussing it, so he didn’t force an explanation. He chuckled, "This matter is really odd! There’s actually someone who can sway Crown Prince Yu’s thoughts I’ve always believed that in the Eastern Sea Country, Crown Prince Yu commands respect like a deity, even above the emperor."
"Your Majesty, you’re joking. That saying about commanding respect is exaggerated. It was just Father’s way of expressing his love for me," replied Yu Zishu with a gentle smile.
The old emperor praised, "Crown Prince Yu is so humble." He then quickly poured him wine to smoothly change the topic.
Everyone else at the banquet was affected by this small commotion and all started speculating about what Yu Zishu had said. They each thought differently. No one noticed Night Tianyi’s clenched wine glass or the deep, bottomless black in his eyes.
The banqueting continued with laughter and merriment as everyone clinked their cups together.
Halfway through the banquet, the old emperor suddenly gave orders to Wenhua. "Wenhua, go and invite Sixth Princess to come here and play a tune for us! I’ve heard that girl’s musical skills have improved recently, not only in playing the lute but also in learning new pieces. Let me and Crown Prince Yu as well as all of you fine officials hear her."
"Yes Your Majesty!" Wenhua promptly responded and hurried away.
Soon after, Sixth Princess appeared dressed in formal attire in the Imperial Garden. She first bowed to the old emperor before respectfully saying "Wanfu" to Yu Zishu before elegantly sitting down and playing a tune on her lute. The piece she was playing was called “Moonlight over Spring River”.
Yu Zishu’s gaze flashed with a slight surprise, but it vanished in an instant.
The banquet hall fell silent as the only thing that could be heard was the sound of lute music. Halfway through playing the piece, Night Tianyi suddenly turned to ask Yu Zishu, "Crown Prince Yu, can you recite The Communist Manifesto"
–––interlude–––
The various intrigues behind all this grandeur Ladies and gentlemen, did you see
Circling the wagons. Folks who have accumulated some monthly tickets, throw them at me!
I saw the monthly ticket votes I received from everyone! Love you guys! Thanks for your diamond gifts and flowers! Chee-chee-chee~Qianmo, Rong Jing had already pulled her into his embrace and coldly looked at him. "Crown Prince Rui, your act of abandoning Chief Lan today was so gallant, but Zigu thinks that Chief Lan still has s...