Chapter 83 Watching a Play Together

about his implied meaning.Prince Imperial again These four words were the ones she had heard most after waking up. Li Yun remained composed."Come on, let's head to the Scenic Garden now. It's bustlin...Chapter 83: Watching a Play Together

Looking at Rong Jing in the mirror, Yun Qianyue's thoughts unconsciously wandered.

Ye Qingran felt uncomfortable inside despite agreeing with what Yun Qianyue said. He stared enviously as Rong Jing slowly combed and tied up his black hair, secretly vowing to learn how to do it himself so that he wouldn't be outdone by this weakling beauty.

Zhao Mama, Cailian, Tingshu, and Tingyu entered with food, but they were all stunned by the scene of Rong Jing combing Yun Qianyue's hair. Zhao Mama, being older, quickly calmed down and hurriedly told Cailian, "Quickly go fetch water for Young Marquis Ye to wash his face."

Cailian responded with an "Oh" before running off.

Tingshu and Tingyu immediately put the food down and left.

Throughout history, this was the first time they had heard of, let alone witnessed, a maiden who hadn't gone through marriage rites having her hair combed by a man. They all thought Miss Yun was ignorant of etiquette, but as she didn’t care about it to begin with, no one expected Viscount Jing to follow suit and act recklessly. However, because this person was Rong Jing, they all had grievances in their hearts but dared not speak out against them. Tingshu and Tingyu secretly wished that Miss Yun would marry Viscount Jing so that they could see such a harmonious scene of him standing by her side while she sat to have her hair combed before the mirror.

Cailian soon brought water for washing, and Ye Qingran rolled up his sleeves to clean his face.

After grooming themselves, the three of them sat around the table for breakfast.

Yun Qianyue continued from their previous conversation by asking Ye Qingran, "What exactly happened yesterday You haven't told me. How did the Emperor handle it Did he only order you to track down the culprit without taking any action towards the Southern Frontier"

"After you left yesterday, I called all of the ministers and the Crown Prince to the scene. The sight was... hahaha. Later on, those corpses were placed in the Department of Justice’s morgue with my covert guards watching over them. Then I went to the palace and reported it to Emperor Uncle. Especially after taking out the soul-stealing worm from one of the dead bodies, which you had slit open for us, I handed it to him as well. He said that this matter is very serious and needs to be discussed with his ministers first. Afterward, Grandpa Yun and Uncle Yun entered the palace. Since I was eager to track down the culprit, I took orders and went out with Brother Muhan together. Late at night, someone reported that Emperor Uncle issued an urgent order towards the Southern Frontier, requiring King Nanjiang to come to court for explanations. It's likely that King Nanjiang will arrive in the capital soon. Don’t worry; this matter is significant, especially considering your attack by assassination broad daylight within the imperial city. The person behind it is also a threat to Emperor Uncle. He definitely won't hesitate to thoroughly investigate and won't shield any culprits."

"Hm!" Yun Qianyue nodded her head before asking, "The corpses can only remain for three days and must be cremated, but the Southern Frontier is a thousand miles away from here. Would it be possible to arrive in time within those three days"

"I learned a technique from... Ye Qian to preserve bodies, so I could keep them intact for seven days. If someone comes from the Southern Frontier, seven days should suffice."

“Oh!” Yun Qianyue smiled, “That’s good! Since we can’t find out who's behind it all, let’s wait for King Nanjiang to come to the capital. We’ll definitely get information about the culprit from him.”

"Hm!" Ye Qingran didn't say anything more.

“What about that first beauty of the Southern Frontier Is she prettier than Qin Yuning” Yun Qianyue glanced at Rong Jing and seeing no change in his expression, smiled and asked Ye Qingran. She wondered if that first beauty, Ye Qian, would come to the capital together with her father seven days later.

Ye Qingran shot a glance at Yun Qianyue and huffed, "None of them are as beautiful as you."

Yun Qianyue was taken aback for a moment but then broke into a grin. She patted Ye Qingran's shoulder with her uninjured hand, saying in a friendly manner: “That’s what I call true friendship! In your eyes, only I can be the most beautiful; and in mine, you are also... uh…”

Yun Qianyue was halfway through her sentence when suddenly, someone stuffed a drumstick into her mouth, cutting off her words. She turned to glare at Rong Jing and pulled out the chicken drumstick with her hand, fuming: “What do you think you’re doing”

"You talk too much. Don’t speak while eating or sleeping. Although you're injured, it's only your arm and not your legs or brain; so I suggest that you go back to the study hall for lessons." Rong Jing ignored Yun Qianyue, speaking idly.

Yun Qianyue immediately shut up. She had been enjoying her leisure time without having to work or learn thanks to her injury and didn’t want to return to the study hall now. She grumbled softly, "I got it; I won’t say anything more."

Rong Jing nodded without saying another word.

Ye Qingran glared at Rong Jing and cursed: "They say that the previous King Rong was broad-minded and a noble gentleman while Lady Rong was gentle as water, well-read, and an ideal wife. How could they have given birth to such a black-hearted son like you I’m even embarrassed for them."

"Uncle De and Auntie De are no less than my parents. Why did you become such a demonic-tempered son Not only do I not feel ashamed for you, but why should you feel shame for me" Rong Jing glanced at Ye Qingran coolly, saying slowly: "If Grandpa Yun knew that you were disturbing her while she’s recuperating, he would likely kick you out of the house. Therefore, it's best if you behave yourself."

Ye Qingran fell silent but clenched his teeth inwardly. He thought to himself that he didn’t know what kind of enchanting potion this weakling beauty had fed Grandpa Yun with, making him believe in such a black-hearted person and allowing him into the little miss's boudoir like inviting a wolf into the house

The three of them did not speak again, and the room was filled only with the aroma of food.

Slightly more than halfway through breakfast, Yun Meng rushed in from outside. Before he arrived, his voice came first: "Prince Ren, Eunuch Lu has come to Cloud王府, the Emperor ordered you to enter the palace immediately."

Ye Qingran paused with his chopsticks and looked out of the room, asking, "What is it"

"Eunuch Lu did not say. He just said that when the Emperor knew you had come to Cloud王府, he ordered you to enter the palace immediately. Eunuch Lu seemed very urgent, so it must be an important matter," Yun Meng explained.

Ye Qingran put down his chopsticks and glanced at Yun Qianyue and Rong Jing before nodding to Yun Qianyue and turning around to leave with a large stride. Outside, when Yun Meng saw Ye Qingran emerge, he hurriedly escorted him out of the Pavilion of Shallow Moon.

In the room, Yun Qianyue watched as Ye Qingran left and turned to ask Rong Jing, "What do you think the old emperor is planning"

"It's not important what he plans. What matters is that someone must give an explanation for this matter," Rong Jing continued eating, his voice indifferent.

Yun Qianyue thought about what the Empress said regarding the old emperor wanting to centralize power and nodded in agreement. She then recalled that the person behind her and Rong Jing's public assassination attempt in Heavenly Capital must have indirectly challenged the old emperor’s authority, and even if he was secretly hoping they would be killed so he could deal with Cloud王府 and Glory王府, he still had to investigate who was behind it. She suddenly remembered something and lowered her voice to ask Rong Jing, "Do you think the old emperor did those things ten years ago"

Rong Jing paused with his chopsticks and turned his head to look at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue winked at him; if she hadn't thought so before, after hearing her father's words that day and listening in on the Empress and Lady Ming’s conversation later, it was impossible not to think such thoughts. If the old emperor had long wanted to reclaim dispersed authority and consolidate imperial power for himself, then ten years ago, when Lord Rong and Marquis Wen’s family were killed, and Rong Jing fell victim to a love potion, could these events be connected to the old emperor After all, with only Rong Jing as the legitimate heir of Glory王府, his death would lead to chaos among the collateral branches vying for power. The old emperor seizing control at such a time would benefit the imperial family most.

"Maybe!" after some thought, Rong Jing withdrew his gaze and spoke in an even more indifferent tone.

Yun Qianyue dismissed it but lowered her voice again: "What do you think about the love potion I was given at Lingtai Temple After all, it’s said that Lingtai Temple was built by the first emperor. Could the imperial family not have retained blueprints and mechanisms of those hidden chambers On that day, without any reason, a secret chamber switch activated and dropped me down; I don’t believe such precision can happen without someone tampering with it, especially given Night Tianqin’s presence at the time and my own intoxication."

Rong Jing narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't say anything.

"That night, Night Tianqin and Qin Yucun fell alongside me. If you hadn’t appeared, who knows what would have happened The consequences could be numerous and unimaginably terrible, none of which I could bear. In the end, it was your appearance that pulled them up, leading to subsequent events. The Emperor only said he’d thoroughly investigate but has yet to give any explanation until now. Everyone knows that cases handed over to the Ministry of Justice are usually left unresolved." Yun Qianyue put down her chopsticks and continued, "Furthermore, Princess Qingwan took Tian Mountain Snow Lotus from you; even if she suffers bodily harm in the future and can't conceive, it wouldn’t cause brain damage leading to a permanent mental state. This is too suspicious for me not to believe."

Rong Jing remained silent, his gaze turning to窗外, devoid of color.

After talking at length without getting any response from Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and nudged him with her arm. "Say something! What are you thinking Do you think I’m right"

"Maybe, maybe not. Without solid evidence, we can’t make judgments." Rong Jing turned his gaze back indoors, still not looking at Yun Qianyue as he put down his chopsticks and closed his eyes, speaking in a faint tone: "You should focus on recovering your injuries for now. Soon it will be time for your coming-of-age ceremony. Don’t think that being the sole legitimate daughter of Cloud王府 makes you invincible; even if the Emperor doesn’t marry you to the Crown Prince’s house, he won’t let you leave the imperial family."

Yun Qianyue felt a jolt in her heart and grabbed Rong Jing's arm. "Be clear!"

Rong Jing kept his eyes closed, not speaking.

"I want you to be more specific!" Yun Qianyue pinched Rong Jing with her fingers.

Rong Jing opened his eyes and tilted his head to look at Yun Qianyue. His gaze was as clear and calm as the sky after fresh rain, blue and tranquil. He looked intently at Yun Qianyue, his voice cold yet solemn: "Why do you insist on me being specific Do you think your own heart doesn’t know"

Yun Qianyue’s hand trembled slightly as she stared intensely into Rong Jing's eyes; he didn't look away. After a long moment, she moved her gaze and lowered her eyelashes, slowly letting go of his arm with hesitation. She stood up and walked to the window, standing with her back to him in silence for a while before speaking coldly yet casually: "So what It depends on whether I’m willing or not."

Rong Jing’s gaze followed Yun Qianyue as she stood quietly by the window. Her slim waist was straight and tall under the sunlight filtering through latticed windows, creating patterns like stars. In contrast between light and shadow, there was an indomitable strength about her. He suddenly smiled softly and said gently: "What if you are willing Would that mean marrying into the imperial family"

"How could it be possible" Yun Qianyue scoffed.

"Then what if someone in the imperial family makes you willing" Rong Jing asked again.

Yun Qianyue felt that the words did not taste right. She turned around and looked at Rong Jing, raising her eyebrows. "Who are you referring to"

Rong Jing suddenly withdrew his gaze, closing his eyes again. "No one!"

Yun Qianyue stared at Rong Jing, not missing any expression on his face. After a while, seeing that his complexion was as usual pale and colorless, she pursed her lips. "The person I want to marry is Rong Feng. Don't tell me that Rong Feng is the old emperor's son."

"Rong Feng is the successor of Wen Bo Houfu!" Rong Jing said.

"So what The royal family, including Night Tianqiong and those princes, are all not worth mentioning. Only Night Tianyu can be tolerated somewhat, but I have no feelings for him. Your statement doesn't hold water. Moreover, the royal family is just a pile of firewood; I'm not that stupid to jump into a pit knowing it's dangerous," Yun Qianyue turned her head again and continued looking out the window.

"Just remember what you said now," Rong Jing's expression was still indifferent.

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes, thinking that playing charades with such a person was mentally taxing. She was about to mock him when she heard faint footsteps and the sound of tinkling jade pendants approaching from a distance. It seemed as though she had smelled a whiff of perfume; she frowned and shouted out in disgust, "Cai Lian, today the Moonlight Pavilion is closed for visitors. No matter who comes, tell them that I'm recuperating and won't see anyone."

"Yes!" Cai Lian responded from outside, leading a group of people quickly towards the door.

Soon enough, Yun Qianyue saw that someone had indeed arrived at the Moonlight Pavilion's entrance. Leading the way were the Third and Fifth Concubines of the Cloud Prince, followed by a group of women dressed in vibrant colors. Each held gift boxes in their hands. She retracted her gaze and turned back to recline on the soft couch.

The Moonlight Pavilion’s entrance was filled with chatter for a while before those people left one after another, finally bringing peace.

Shortly after, Cai Lian and others returned, each carrying full arms of gifts. They came hesitantly to the door. Cai Lian nervously said, "Miss, the concubines say they heard that Miss was injured and came here to visit. When Miss wanted rest, they didn’t disturb her, but insisted their gifts must be left behind. If I don't accept them, they won't leave. So these things I've brought back. What should I do now Should I send someone to return everything"

"Bring them here if you have already done so! Why would there be a reason not to take something offered Why such a long face" Yun Qianyue glanced towards the door and saw that Cai Lian, Ting Xue, and others all had large packages in their arms. She smiled and waved her hand. "Put them away; even though we are closed for visitors today, we still accept gifts."

"Yes!" Cai Lian was startled but then happily led everyone down with the items.

Yun Qianyue also closed her eyes, feeling that such a day of doing nothing and basking in the sun was truly wonderful.

Soon after, another set of footsteps approached the Moonlight Pavilion. Cai Lian and others hurriedly went out to meet them as instructed by Yun Qianyue earlier. They saw Yun Meng bringing people carrying many items walking inside. Cai Lian quickly asked, "Head Steward, what's this about"

"This is the gifts sent over from various households yesterday in hopes that Miss will recover soon," Yun Meng smiled and said: “I just woke up and brought all these things for Miss.”

"So much" Cai Lian asked in surprise.

"This is only half of it. The rest will come later, as there aren't enough people to carry them now. All these are gifts meant for Miss, naturally she should be the one to decide what to do with them. They won’t go into the large storeroom," Yun Meng said.

"Then... would Head Steward like to come along In recent days, there were already many gifts from the Emperor and Empress as well as various households when Miss was in trouble at Lingtai Temple. Many haven't been used yet, piling up in the small storeroom. With so much coming again now, where would Miss use it all" Cai Lian sounded somewhat worried.

"If there's no need for them, just use them slowly. Who would嫌棄too many gifts" Yun Meng said as he followed Cai Lian to the small storeroom while narrating who had sent what kind of gift. Yun Qianyue listened until his footsteps grew distant and then suddenly came up with an idea, asking Rong Jing, "Hey, is it true that I still receive more gifts when coming of age"

Rong Jing glanced at her; seeing the glint in her eyes that betrayed her fondness for wealth, he nodded with a hint of amusement. "Yes!"

"Ah, good then. At that time, I'll sell off all the gifts others send me which can be sold and earn more income," Yun Qianyue’s expression clearly showed her joy. Thinking about how people in ancient times valued gifts so much, it was beneficial for her. Not working hard yet reaping rewards, if she got injured many times, wouldn't that mean receiving gifts nonstop

"Do you lack money" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue; he couldn’t understand why this woman would be closer to money than to her own father.

"Not lacking, but money is a good thing. Who wouldn't like more of it Although those items are good such as jade and coral, in my opinion nothing can compare with silver," Yun Qianyue said.

Rong Jing was silent for a moment, then nodded his agreement. "Yes, what you say is right."

Yun Qianyue pondered for a moment. She thought that if Cai Lian and Zhao Mama secretly sold those things, it might still expose something to others, which could affect her reputation once news spread out. Although she didn't care much about her reputation, it would inevitably cause some trouble. Therefore, she said to Rong Jing, "Well then, I'll leave my small storeroom in your charge. You find someone to sell everything inside that can be sold and preferably exchange them for banknotes for me."

"Why should I help you" Rong Jing raised his eyebrows.

"What else Naturally it's compensation for the injury I sustained while protecting you from those weapons," Yun Qianyue frowned and harrumphed.

Rong Jing remained silent for a moment, his tone seemingly containing some helplessness and sighing. "I don't understand when did I become your personal piggy bank Don't you think it's a waste of my talents"

He was the first prodigy in the Heavenly Saint Kingdom, wielding great power within Prince Rong’s Manor, which was renowned as the wealthiest place in the kingdom. It could be said that he was rich enough to rival an entire country. If people found out that he went around selling things privately for money, countless people would have a heart attack. This woman seemed to think it was normal for him to do so without any sense of propriety.

"To me, your greatest use is your financial resources; money can move mountains and seas. Without it, one cannot take even the smallest step forward. You've never been poor, naturally you wouldn't know the benefits of money. Gold and silver are far more useful than those carved railings and jade carvings from Purple Bamboo Manor," Yun Qianyue scoffed at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing’s long eyelashes quivered slightly as he suddenly smiled without saying another word, effectively agreeing to her request.

Yun Qianyue thought gold and silver were indeed practical. Especially for many things beyond just clothing and food. For example, weapons, military equipment, soldiers, secret guards, spies... If the old emperor really dared to make a move on her, she would surely have use for it one day.

Yun Meng came back twice with gifts from each household, finally filling Yun Qianyue’s small storeroom. Cai Lian brought over an account statement and said in distress, "Miss, our small storeroom is full; we can’t fit anything else. What should we do"

"No worries, that small storeroom will soon be empty again as more items are sold," Yun Qianyue smiled as she handed the account statement to Rong Jing and even gave him the keys to her small storeroom. Since no one was available for her to use, Rong Jing had access to people who could covertly convert those items into money.

Rong Jing reached out to take the key and the account statement, then called out to Xiang Ge in front of Cai Lian. Xiang Ge came out as instructed; he took over the key and the statement while Rong Jing gave him instructions. Xiang Ge's lips twitched weirdly as he glanced at Yun Qianyue before taking his leave with the items.

Cai Lian clearly heard her Miss wanted to exchange all those things for money, causing her jaw to drop in surprise. But thinking that it must be useful for her Miss, she didn't speak up and quietly left instead.

"This little girl is growing up!" Yun Qianyue sighed as she watched Cai Lian leave.

"It's not necessarily a bad thing," Rong Jing took over the conversation.

Yun Qianyue nodded. From now on, her dream of an easy-going life was becoming increasingly distant. The things she chased after were bound to be full of thorns and difficulties; hence, if the people around her continued being so dull-witted or chattering, they would eventually become a nuisance.

"Miss, Old Prince Regent and His Highness have returned from the palace. Please ask Young Lord Rong to come over," Yun Meng came back with more news.

Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing, thinking that the old fool knew not to invite her; she wouldn't go even if he did. Rong Jing glanced at Yun Qianyue and got up to leave slowly. Upon seeing him come out of the room, Yun Meng bowed respectfully before following him as they left Moonlit Pavilion.

Yun Qianyue propped her chin in thought: What could that old fool want from Rong Jing upon returning from the palace Just as she was thinking this, footsteps outside and the sound of a fan opening and closing approached. She looked up to see Nan Lingrui entering the courtyard leisurely.

Cai Lian tried to stop him but Yun Qianyue spoke up, "No need to stop him; let him in!"

Cai Lian stopped in her tracks, puzzled by Miss's attitude toward this South Liang Crown Prince. She couldn't understand what was good about a playboy like him. It made sense that Young Lord Rong and Little Duke Ran could come and go freely as they had special permission from their mistress; however, the South Liang Crown Prince’s reputation wasn’t exactly stellar.

"I noticed today that all your maids look divine," Nan Lingrui saw Cai Lian with a bad mood and laughed in a lecherous manner.

Cai Lian's face turned even worse but she didn't dare to retort, hanging her head instead without speaking.

"Are you here for me or my maids If it’s the latter, then I will give them all to you. Would that satisfy your lust" Yun Qianyue looked at Nan Lingrui as sunlight fell upon him walking towards her gracefully; he was handsome and romantic without any lecherous appearance. She suddenly smiled with profound meaning, remembering what her ancestors said: one shouldn't judge a book by its cover because there were too many people who didn't match their outward appearances. Wasn’t she an example of that If Nan Lingrui was really as he appeared to be, the Crown Prince position should have been replaced long ago.

"Miss..." Cai Lian's face turned pale in shock.

"Though I do like beautiful women, it must be mutual. Your maids look at me as if they see a ghost; their beauty is diminished by this fear. It’s off-putting, so you better keep them for yourself!" Nan Lingrui entered the room confidently while his gaze fell on Yun Qianyue's bandaged arm. He raised an eyebrow and smirked lecherously: "How was it being a damsel in distress"

"Not bad. Why don't you drag me to take a hit for you when you get ambushed another day" Yun Qianyue glanced at him sidelong.

"Forget it, I can't bear favors like this from beauties! Let's leave them to Prince Ji for his own use. I still want to live longer." Nan Lingrui came over and sat beside Yun Qianyue in one go, pressing his body tightly against hers as he lowered his voice and asked, "Did Prince Ji stay at your place yesterday Was it a night of spring passion Were you two swimming like mandarin ducks Or did you have the phoenix and dragon together"

"Why don't you just ask if I had sex with him" Yun Qianyue suddenly cut in.

Nan Lingrui snorted; his body nearly toppled to the ground when he sat down. He grabbed onto the armrest of the soft couch, looked up at Yun Qianyue and saw her face was unflustered as she spoke those words as if it were a simple matter like drinking water or eating food. The corners of his mouth twitched as he stared oddly at her for half an hour; seeing that she didn't even blink, he rubbed his forehead in exasperation and said, "My trip to the Heavenly Capital was worthwhile. I heard that there are many talented people among this generation in the Heavenly Capital, and it turns out to be true! Especially after meeting Miss Yun Qianyue's demeanor, my trip hasn't been a waste!"

Yun Qianyue flicked her eyes but remained silent.

"Hey, are you even a woman Did you get reincarnated wrong at birth" Nan Lingrui leaned in towards Yun Qianyue and asked again.

"Do you want to verify it yourself" Yun Qianyue looked at Nan Lingrui with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "I also wanted to know whether you are really a man. Or… shall we both check each other out"

Nan Lingrui shivered and immediately shook his head; meeting her teasing glance, he quickly said, "Of course I am a male. Otherwise the thousand beauties in Prince Nan's palace would cry their eyes out. Moon is naturally a woman, how could there be any mistake If not, that person should be crying."

"That person" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows and looked at Nan Lingrui.

Nan Lingrui blinked his eyes twice; he didn't answer Yun Qianyue's question. Instead, he suddenly leaned in close to whisper into her ear, "Do you want to know what the Heavenly Capital’s old emperor and your grandfather as well as all those ministers talked about today inside the palace"

Yun Qianyue’s mind stirred but she didn’t show any emotion on her face. She remained silent. The Southern Liang could stand for so long, transforming from a small vassal state of Heavenly Capital into its second largest power that had stopped paying tribute to the emperor; naturally it wasn't made out of tofu. It was no wonder that spies were secretly planted in the Heavenly Capital to gather intelligence anytime.

Waiting for Yun Qianyue to beg him, Nan Lingrui waited half an hour but saw her not asking any questions. He turned his head and looked at her; seeing her with a “say it if you want or forget about it otherwise” expression on her face, he twitched the corner of his mouth, then suddenly laughed out loud, "You little girl, who said that you are stupid Turns out you have quite some machinations."

"So you know this too. Originally, Southern Liang’s Prince doesn't indulge in women," Yun Qianyue glanced at him.

Nan Lingrui covered his lips and coughed softly; he snapped open the fan with a "slap" sound, showing off the painting of beauties in all their splendor before Yun Qianyue. He looked up at the ceiling for a moment then said quietly, "I came here to tell you that I am not behind the assassination attempt on you and Rong Jing."

Yun Qianyue brought her ten fingers to her lips as she stared at Nan Lingrui, seemingly pondering over his words.

She had thought it could have been Prince Nan Lingrui who was behind the assassination attempt. Because Southern Liang was close to Southern Frontier; otherwise Southern Liang would not allow Southern Frontier to sleep so safely within its territory for many years. And according to Rong Jing, Prince Nan Lingrui knew Ye Qian since childhood; it was possible that if Prince Nan had mastered Soul Separation and conspired with the Southern Frontier, he could have done harm to her and Rong Jing in order to cause chaos in Heavenly Capital. But she felt that it couldn’t possibly be him. Although Prince Nan had reasons for wanting to strike at her and Rong Jing, causing a mess in Heavenly Capital so that Southern Liang might reap some benefits, the person who would benefit most was actually the Old Emperor.

The Honor王府 would fall into turmoil when Rong Jing wasn't around; if she were dead, her grandfather and father king would certainly be greatly affected. The Old Emperor could seize control of both the Honor王府 and Cloud王府 in one fell swoop at this chance. Moreover, Cold Shaozhuo of Xiangqin王府 was a good-for-nothing son who wouldn’t be useful; there was no need for the Old Emperor to take action on him. And with Deqing王府 being part of the royal lineage, it was a true descendant of the imperial family. Thus, after taking over Cloud王府 and Honor王府, the Old Emperor’s centralization would have made another successful step forward.

Prince Nan wouldn’t be foolish enough to help the Old Emperor while getting few benefits for himself; on top of that he might even earn the enmity of the old emperor. Therefore, today she invited him in to see if Prince Nan would talk directly about this matter. Indeed, Prince Nan was a smart person and wasn't as rumored to be obsessed with women.

"What's up Don't you believe me" Nan Lingrui waited for Yun Qianyue’s answer but she didn’t reply; he asked after half an hour.

“What reason do you have that would make me believe” Yun Qianyue looked at Nan Lingrui.

"Reasons are hard to present, but I can give you something." Nan Lingrui reached into his chest and stuffed something into Yun Qianyue’s hand.

Yun Qianyue lowered her head to look; it was a thread. It looked particularly special as the colors were bright and vividly mixed together. She shook the thread in her hand, raised an eyebrow at Nan Lingrui and waited for him to explain.

"This is what I found on that roof corner where you got shot," Nan Lingrui gave an explanation.

Yun Qianyue was stunned; she narrowed her eyes. "You say the person who secretly attacked me was a woman Just by this thread"

"That's right, just with this one thread!" Nan Lingrui proudly raised his eyebrows at Yun Qianyue and said, “Look at your feet and look at your clothes; what might you find”

Yun Qianyue looked down at her feet and was startled to find that the embroidery on her shoes used this type of silk thread to outline a border, something she had never noticed before. The hem of her dress also featured an edge made with this kind of silk thread. She lifted her head and glanced at Nan Lingrui, asking, "What does this mean"

“This silk is woven and dyed according to the secret formula from Immortal Garment Shop. Only that shop produces it, and they never sell individual strands; instead, they use them only for custom-made clothes and shoes. It's extremely expensive and not something commoners can afford. These are either sold to the palace or major households in the city. The most crucial point is that this silk is exclusively used by women. Your shoes were custom-made at Immortal Garment Shop based on your foot measurements, as was your dress. Don't you think it's absurd for a man to wear women’s clothing and footwear” Nan Lingrui explained.

Yun Qianyue squinted her eyes.

The silk thread had been hanging from the eaves of a building, clearly left behind when someone shot an arrow in haste. Prince Taizi was informed and sent his men to investigate; they found this piece of evidence and brought it back. Night Qingran, that fool, searched the entire city for one night without any results. Yun Qianyue wondered how Ye Qian had caught his eye since he hadn’t even discovered such critical evidence.

Yun Qianyue lowered her head once more to examine the thread carefully in her hand—it wasn't long, perhaps a few inches. It would be difficult to notice if one didn’t look closely. Was this what Night Qingran had mentioned as evidence that wasn’t quite conclusive Or was there something else She raised her head and stared straight at Nan Lingrui, saying, “If I wear such shoes and dresses too, doesn't it suggest these items can be purchased with money There are many noble ladies in the capital. Perhaps one of them, out of mischief, might have brushed against the eaves and left this behind; or maybe you’re simply trying to fool me with a piece of thread. Why should I believe your words”

“Whose house is that from where the weapon was thrown It belongs to Song, an official in the Astronomical Bureau. The Astronomical Bureau holds significant power—don’t you know this Which ordinary woman would dare play around on the eaves of a mansion belonging to such an influential figure Don’t they want to live With her mouth alone, that Song official could see someone executed,” Nan Lingrui said with raised eyebrows. He smiled slightly when he saw Yun Qianyue’s youthful face displaying a mature composure. In a very charming tone, he continued, “Besides, I’m here today merely to inform you that it wasn’t me who did this. Whether or not you believe me doesn't matter. By the way, Taizheng and Nan Liang will eventually be at war with each other one day. As your prince, I won’t do anything to please the old emperor of Taizheng.”

Yun Qianyue withdrew her gaze and looked back at the silk thread in her hand. She compared it to the hem of her dress and the edge of her shoes. Clearly, this was a piece of thread that had been brushed off from a shoe because if it came from clothing, given how tough the silk is, it should have torn a corner off the garment instead of leaving just this strand behind. If someone did indeed use women’s strength to carry out such an act, then this could be an important clue—after all, she hadn't expected that day's assailant would be a woman. She looked up at Nan Lingrui and suddenly smiled, “Alright, I’ll believe you for now! You can leave.”

“Your highness prince must stay to have dinner with us! Yesterday, when your guests visited you, I entertained them warmly until late into the night; today, I brought such vital evidence for you. How could it be that you treat me like this and want to send me away Isn’t that too heartless” Nan Lingrui sat still, admiring Yun Qianyue’s smile.

“Miss Su from Smoke Willow Tower… If you fancy her so much, how about I help her buy her freedom and give her to you instead” Yun Qianyue asked with a tilted head and a playful smile.

Nan Lingrui stopped waving his fan as he stiffened; the same happened to his expression. After a moment of silence, he leaned close to Yun Qianyue's ear and whispered, "Surely you've learned from Prince Jing how to threaten others! What if I ask the old emperor for permission to marry you off to Nan Liang as my wife Would the old emperor agree”

Marrying him in Nan Liang as his wife Yun Qianyue smiled at him without answering. She noticed Rong Jing entering the courtyard and thought he had returned rather quickly.

Nan Lingrui also saw Rong Jing come into the yard but did not move away; instead, he stayed very close to Yun Qianyue.

Rong Jing walked in his usual graceful manner, stepping lightly towards them. He arrived at the doorway quickly and noticed their proximity from behind the curtains. His pace slowed for a moment as he gazed at Nan Lingrui, then said with a slight smile, "Prince Rui still has time to play games here Don’t you know that the most beautiful woman in Southern Frontier, your childhood sweetheart Ye Qian, has already entered the capital"

Ye Qian, who was the first beauty of the Southern Frontier, had come into town Yun Qianyue immediately looked at Rong Jing.

Nan Lingrui's body stiffened as he turned to look at Rong Jing with suspicion, “You say she came to the capital The emperor just issued an order to the Southern Frontier; how could it be so fast”

"Would this prince lie to you Ye Qian indeed entered the city. She’s only thirty miles away from here. Maybe she arrived earlier but pretended otherwise, or maybe she was on her way when something happened unexpectedly. Prince Rui, if you are concerned about why she came so quickly, shouldn’t you ask her yourself" Rong Jing pushed aside the curtain and walked in; seeing Nan Lingrui hadn't moved an inch, he raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "Night Qingran has already set out to receive her according to the emperor’s orders. If you don’t hurry up, you’ll be left behind."

No sooner had Rong Jing finished speaking when Nan Lingrui immediately let go of Yun Qianyue; the curtains swayed as he rushed off.

Yun Qianyue thought this speed was comparable to that of an arrow leaving its bow! So, Nan Lingrui actually liked Ye Qian. However, men like him didn't understand what love meant. Since he loved her so much, why did his Nan Liang Palace house countless beauties Why did Ye Qian fall for Night Qingran instead She was quite curious about how Ye Qian would act and thought that it might be entertaining to watch their drama unfold. A smile curled on the corner of her lips.

"You seem happy that Ye Qian has arrived," Rong Jing stood in front of Yun Qianyue, raising his eyebrows as he looked at her smiling mouth.

Upon hearing this, Yun Qianyue gave him a big smile and nodded. "Yes! I am indeed very pleased. A love triangle involving two men competing for one woman is quite amusing to watch, don’t you think"

Rong Jing was momentarily stunned by her bright and sincere smile; it felt like the sun breaking through clouds. He distinctly heard his heart thump twice before he masked his dazed gaze with a gentle smile, nodding softly in agreement, “Indeed, it is very intriguing to watch. Let’s all enjoy this drama together: Night Qingran, Nan Lingrui, and Ye Qian.”

Extra:

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