Chapter 26: The Officials Waver
Nan Xun seriously considered the question and analyzed the current situation. In the end, he had to shake his head. “This matter is too important, we need to plan for the long term.”
The return trip passed in a flash as the retinue arrived at the capital in short order. Qi Chen had taken care of an urgent matter for the emperor this time, and had done so quite well. The emperor was immensely gratified and smiled broadly, even personally welcoming Qi Chen early in the morning as part of the party outside the city.
Qi Chen was well aware of what Jun Huang meant to him and his ambition, so although the two had had their disagreements in the past, he couldn’t put on airs right then. Instead, he invited Jun Huang to avoid the toils of travel and join him in his carriage. He only did this when they were about ten miles out from the capital. The scenery that greeted their eyes around them was currently one of peaceful lushness. Jun Huang alighted from her horse with flair and entered the carriage, only to see Qi Chen seated inside with a teacup in hand. The tea in the cup sloshed back and forth with the motion of the carriage, closely resembling a lively river.
“What might Your Highness need me for?” Jun Huang asked Qi Chen.
The prince smiled fawningly and placed the tea cup on a low table. The rocking from the carriage immediately spilled some tea onto his robes, but Qi Chen paid no heed. He warmly greeted Jun Huang and had her sit down for a discussion. Jun Huang didn’t stand on ceremony and took a seat across from Qi Chen, waiting for him to state his intentions.
“Brother Feng knows of my status in my royal father’s heart. You’re also on good terms with Nan Xun. I hope you talk some sense into him so that he won’t tell my royal father about the robbery at theyamen. Please do this favor for me.” Qi Chen even raised a cupped fist salute to Jun Huang, a look of utmost seriousness on his face.
Jun Huang sneered inwardly, but maintained her usual indifferent expression. She nodded, “Leave it to me. Although I don’t have much to do with him, I’m still willing to try on behalf of Your Highness.” She responded very openly and subtly drew a line between herself and Nan Xun at the same time. She couldn’t have Qi Chen suspect the relationship between the two of them just yet.
Qi Chen heaved a sigh of relief after receiving Jun Huang’s affirmative response. She no longer had a reason to exchange superficial pleasantries with him and rose to take her leave. HOwever, right when she was about to alight from the carriage, she paused and turned with a smile. “Might I beg a jug of wine off Your Highness?”
Qi Chen blinked, but hastily passed over a jug of wine. Jun Huang left in style after receiving the white jade jug. When she came down, she happened to meet Nan Xun’s eyes, the latter still mounted on his white horse. She curved her lips and raised the jug in her hand. Nan Xun reined in his horse, waiting for her to rejoin him on her horse.
The two lagged behind as they approached the capital and finally dismounted beneath a towering tree. They took seats on the ground, with Jun Huang having scrounged up two white jade cups from somewhere. She handed Nan Xun a cup after filling it with wine.
“What did Qi Chen want with you earlier?” Nan Xun asked after accepting the cup.
“He wanted me to ask you not to mention to the emperor that the yamen was robbed.” Jun Huang didn’t hide everything and spoke bluntly.
Nan Xun was slightly taken aback, but immediately gathered his thoughts, shaking his head with a smile. He took a sip of wine and spoke, “I hadn’t planned on doing so either. There’s no need for the emperor to know of this matter.”
“Indeed. You were supposed to be the robber, so how would you tell the emperor of that endeavor? You might as well let this matter pass and do me a favor.” Jun Huang nodded in agreement and grinned widely. She raised the cup to toast Nan Xun with a deep look and flung her head back, draining the contents.
Nan Xun only rose when the jug was empty and stood still for a moment as Jun Huang also elegantly got to her feet. He decided to fill Jun Huang in after some thought. “I didn’t discuss this with you before, but I sent some men back to the capital a while ago and had them spread the news about Qi Chen embezzling the relief funds. I think that apart from the emperor, everyone in Qi Chen’s faction at court knows of his actions by now.”
Jun Huang frowned as she looked at him, then nodded her head after a moment of thought. “That’s fine, we should’ve done it anyways. It’s about time that we start to work on the firm wall behind Qi Chen.” She smiled mischievously, throwing Nan Xun for a loop. In that moment, just that moment, he actually really wanted to see Jun Huang dressed as a girl. But it was just a fleeting thought, as ephemeral as the wind.
The two didn’t speak any further, just standing there silently for a while longer. They mounted their horses and swiftly caught up to the main group who were just about to enter the capital. We won’t be able to see each as often any longer. Nan Xun couldn’t help but steal glances at Jun Huang many times, with her none the wiser.
The emperor was particularly happy about how this matter had been settled, and was waiting outside the palace gates with a large group of officials. Qi Chen had switched to a white horse after entering the capital and had someone take his carriage back to his manor.
“Greetings to my royal father, long live the emperor!” Qi Chen jumped off his horse and bent a single knee to the ground, the very picture of respect.
“Hurry and rise my son, you’ve had a long journey.” The emperor was dressed in golden dragon robes and personally stepped forward to help Qi Chen stand. He brushed his gaze across those behind the second prince. Jun Huang was acting as one of Qi Chen’s hangers-on, and while she was his strategist, it wasn’t appropriate for her to appear at an occasion like this. She’d returned to the Prince Chen Manor after entering the city. However, as someone personally appointed by the emperor for this mission, Nan Xun had to present.
The group entered the palace after exchanging some greetings, and an expressionless Nan Xun walked at the very rear, listening in on the conversations of the great officials around him.
“I hadn’t thought that the second prince would be someone so despicable! We put forth all our efforts on his behalf, but he still commits these baseless acts. This truly disheartens me.”
“And isn’t that the truth! The future emperor should be someone who views his life as dependent on the people, not someone who only seeks to profit. The emperor cannot be a wanton cretin who cares nothing for the people!”
“It looks like we need to find a wiser prince to back.” The officials walking at the front hadn’t noticed Nan Xun inconspicuously walking behind them. Nan Xun smiled and continued to follow them silently without a hint of his usual dominating aura. He was quite delighted. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
Chapter 27: Suppressing Qi Chen
It wasn’t just Nan Xun who’d noticed the officials’ attitudes, but Qi Chen as well. He’d sought out his compatriots for a drink during the celebration banquet that the emperor was holding for him, but all of them had actually fobbed him off with various excuses! This greatly irritated him, but he could let his anger roil within him for the time being. He had no idea why the officials who were normally close to him were avoiding him like they would a snake or scorpion. He cornered the Senior Grandmaster 1 when the banquet was over, someone who’d once heroically declared that he would follow the second prince.
“And where might Your Honor be headed to?” Qi Chen was the picture of genteel grace, a welcoming smile on his face without the slightest flaw. It was as if the greedy playboy he was in private was but an illusion.
The Senior Grandmaster hadn’t thought that he’d be cornered so quickly and mutely watched his fellow officials quietly disperse from around him. They offered him nothing more than a helpless look as they deftly made themselves scarce. He himself wanted to cry, but raised his hands in a cupped fist salute. “What might Your Highness need from this old official at such a late hour?”
Qi Chen sneered inwardly as he studied the official’s face, but kept his own expressionless. “This prince would only like to know why Senior Grandmaster and the other officials avoid me like one would when faced with a snake or scorpion.” By the end of his words, his tone had hardened to that of wintry ice. “Have you and the others forgotten all about me in the time that I was gone?”
The Senior Grandmaster shuddered as he looked down at the ground. His knees gave way as he sank to the ground. “Your Highness speaks too harshly, how would we dare?”
“Then you better give me a reasonable explanation. Otherwise, your death will be long and agonizing!” Qi Chen’s tone was low and vicious, as if newly risen from the depths of hell.
The Senior Grandmaster was prostrate on the floor, shaking as beads of sweat dripped into the dust. However, he didn’t say a word. At that moment, Qi Yun walked over leisurely. He took one glance at the Senior Grandmaster sprawled on the floor, and his eyes flicked toward his second brother Qi Chen. He laughed softly, covering his thin lips with a brandish of his fan, leaving two long and narrow eyes rippling like a water’s surface above it. He spoke slowly, “Second brother has just made his triumphant return, and our royal father has rewarded you heavily. How has the Senior Grandmaster vexed you?”
There was no love lost between brothers in an imperial family. There were simply too many instances of fratricide for the dragon throne. Qi Yun had always given off the impression of a recluse set apart from matters of the court, but Qi Chen was particularly sensitive in this regard. He’d always felt that some obscure power had to be backing Qi Yun’s detached indifference. In fact, the second prince had mentally placed the strength of this power on par with that of the one backing the crown prince.
Qi Chen looked at the Senior Grandmaster at his feet, then at Qi Yun who stood concealed in the shadows. He smiled, “This prince was only joking with the Senior Grandmaster, but it seems I’ve rather frightened him instead.” He even bent down and reached out to pull the old official up. How would the Senior Grandmaster dare speak of the truth? He cowered and nodded, his court robes covered with dust as he reached a shaking hand to wipe off the cold sweat on his brow.
Qi Yun looked at the old man and spoke noncommittally, “Since royal brother was joking, then you don’t need to overly worry. Senior Grandmaster, it’s already late, please take your leave.”
The Senior Grandmaster instantly nodded and bowed at Qi Yun’s words, running off before Qi Chen even drew a breath to speak.
“Third brother is as nosy as ever. Don’t you know that many troubles are born like this? You should spend more time in your residence.” Qi Chen spoke coldly.
Qi Yun smiled and responded in a neither humble nor arrogant manner. “Many thanks for second brother’s teachings. I will surely commit them to heart.”
“Hmph.” Qi Chen snorted coldly and left with a flourish of his sleeves. Qi Yun remained behind, still standing in the darkness. There was a pond next to him, and the lotus flowers within were in full bloom, glistening with the faint moonlight that spilled out over the ground.
Nan Xun was standing in the pavilion in the middle of the pond. He’d seen everything just now, but hadn’t revealed himself. In fact, he’d hid himself behind the pavilion when Qi Yun looked in his direction. He only slowly walked out after Qi Yun left, lifting his head to gaze upon the night sky. The skies in the imperial capital weren’t as bleak as the ones outside. There were fires and lamps a-plenty in the royal palace, so it was much less desolate compared to the borders. After a brief moment of contemplation, he too departed the palace. His face betrayed no hint of his emotions or thoughts as he made his way home.
……
Qi Chen rose early the next day, taking a walk in the gardens in his court robes as he waited for morning court to begin. Jun Huang was used to rising early and came out for a look when she heard that Qi Chen had risen.
“Why have you risen so early, Brother Feng? Why not rest some more?” Qi Chen asked curiously when he saw Jun Huang.
“I have nothing commanding my time, or it could be that I’m used to rising early. I find it hard to sleep once the sky has brightened. Instead of lying in bed, whiling the hours away, I might as well get up and walk around.” Jun Huang responded coolly and then frowned when she saw Qi Chen’s court robes. “Are you headed to the palace, Your Highness?’
“Royal father sent eunuchs to the manor early this morning to convey that he wants me to enter the palace earlier.” Qi Chen nodded, a proud smile on his lips.
Chapter 28: Winds of Trouble Rise
Jun Huang understood why Qi Chen was so happy. Princes couldn’t freely enter and leave the palace without the emperor’s decree, so this was an honor. Not to mention that Qi Chen had resolved a pressing matter for the emperor lately, so they would definitely make a big deal out of it all.
The sun had fully emerged in the sky, marking mid morning. Qi Chen left the manor with a large entourage, heading for the palace in a carriage. He arrived quite early, and so ended up waiting outside with a gaggle of officials. He snorted derisively when he saw the Senior Grandmaster again. He doesn’t treat me with the proper respect! His ire from yesterday started to rise once more. Qi Chen really wanted to give the old official a hearty kick after seeing his face.
The Senior Grandmaster didn’t dare say a word to the prince. He was cowering in a corner, holding his breath and deathly afraid that Qi Chen would come find him again. However, to be entirely honest, he was feeling quite aggrieved about the entire situation. He wasn’t the only one who’d left Qi Chen, but he’d been the only one who’d been caught. This situation was an utter tragedy.
Nan Xun held an important position at court and thus attended every court session. He struck a striking figure in court robes, and the intimidating aura that emanated from his body instantly commanded respect from all those present. His eagles eyes swept over the assembly, and anyone hiding secrets all involuntarily shrank into themselves, not daring to meet his eyes.
“Court convenes.” A eunuch had walked to the doors of the hall before the subtle ebbs and flows of the situation could erupt into the open. He announced the beginning of morning court in a shrill voice and had everyone enter.
Morning court consisted of the usual trifling and miscellaneous matters. Many officials knew of Qi Chen embezzling the relief funds, but they also knew that the second prince currently enjoyed great favor in front of the emperor. Therefore, all of them bit their tongues on what they truly wanted to speak of and cooperated to conceal the matter. When all business had been attended to, the emperor looked at Qi Chen standing amongst the officials with a gratified smile. He cast a glance at a eunuch next to him, prompting the eunuch to unfurl the imperial decree in his hands.
The eunuch cleared his throat before announcing, “The second prince was fearless in the face of hardship and handled disaster relief in an exemplary manner at the border, resulting in love and adoration from the people. We hereby bestow upon second prince Qi Chen a pair of ceremonial jade scepters and a thousand silver ingots…”.
Everyone looked at each other, speechless. Some even started feverish whispered discussions. They all felt that Qi Chen didn’t deserve an honor like that, but they didn’t dare voice their thoughts.
“And just what capabilities does this second prince have? If the emperor conducted a thorough investigation, he’d easily find that the prince had embezzled funds.” The Senior Grandmaster snorted derisively and spoke in a soft tone to a nearby colleague.
“Does the Senior Grandmaster not realize that disaster stems from one’s words? Or have you forgotten the events of last night?” Qi Yun, also attending court, shook his head with a smile.
The official gave an immense start as sweat started to bead on his forehead again. He looked guiltily over in Qi Chen’s direction, only to see the prince proudly displaying the jade scepters. He hadn’t noticed the muttering from the corner. The old man heaved a sigh of relief and subtly cupped his fists at Qi Yun. “Many thanks for the fourth prince’s reminder. I will remember this well.”
Qi Yun merely smiled and took a look at his royal father, seated on his lofty throne. He silently exited the hall as he fanned himself with his hand fan.
After morning court, Qi Chen led the servants bearing the emperor’s gifts to his manor. On the way, he happened to run into Jun Huang. Jun Huang was returning from a trip outside with Wei Qian, and cupped her hands in greeting when she saw Qi Chen. “Congratulations to Your Highness, I heard about what happened today.” Jun Huang smiled.
Qi Chen was in excellent spirits and didn’t ask where Jun Huang had been. He just pulled her into the garden and excitedly shared with her the compliments he’d received, as well as the gratified smile on his father’s face this morning. Qi Chen had never experienced these simple delights between father and son, and he even seemed to tear up a little as he spoke of them. Jun Huang felt pity for Qi Chen as she listened to him describe his happiness, but felt even more so that those who invoke pity also have aspects to them that attract hate.
“The crown prince has thoroughly broken father’s heart these days, and he must be thinking that the crown prince is inferior to me. I only need to show father more of my positive aspects now and I’m sure that I’ll be crown prince sooner or later!” Qi Chen didn’t conceal his ambitions at all in front of Jun Huang.
She listened silently, and finally spoke when Qi Chen paused for a cup of water. His mouth had run so fast that it had gone dry. “I deeply admire Your Highness’ grand plans, and my heart is full of the hope that you will realize them and prioritize the love of the people. I sincerely believe that Your Highness will be a wise and noble ruler if you take the throne one day.”
“Your words please this prince greatly. You may have one of the jade scepters I received.” Qi Chen opened the silk covered box he was holding as he spoke and took out a pale green scepter, handing it to Jun Huang. She made an effort to refuse it, but had to accept it in the end. As she held it, the jade felt quite cool to the touch.
The crown prince’s punishment had finally come to an end, and Qi Yin heard of Qi Chen’s recent favor before he even left his manor. The emperor hadn’t even mentioned the crown prince in court as of late!
Qi Yin sat in his main hall, teeth grinding in anger as his hands folded into fists. His knuckled popped and cracked with the force he exerted. The flames of fury in his chest seemed ready to erupt at any second. The servants were trembling as they knelt in the hall, not a one daring enough to look up at their master. They were afraid that Qi Yin would end their lives at the slightest provocation.
“How could Qi Chen have gained father’s eye in such a short time? He’s completely useless! And you, you worthless trash, hurry up and tell this prince what’s happened lately!” Qi Yin’s rage-filled eyes swept the servants. It almost seemed like sparks were flying from his eyes.
Yet, even in the face of such obvious rage, an ordinary looking man kneeling in the far corner seemed to have no fear at all. He was the only who dared lift his head, his eyes bright, when no one had the courage to raise their eyes and look at Qi Yin. His tone was neither terrified or fawning as he spoke up, “Your Highness, the second prince has gained His Majesty’s favor because of the drought on the border. The second prince traveled to the border under imperial order and handled the matter well. Therefore…”
“Bullshit! How would I not know what kind of person Qi Chen is? How would he possibly be willing to go to a place like that and suffer?” Qi Yin interrupted the man’s words without even a thought, feeling that the man was running his mouth.
Chapter 29: Setting Up the Pieces
He had grown up with Qi Chen and they had shared the same teachers, thanks to the emperor. Although he knew from young that the other was an enemy and not a brother, how would he possibly not become familiar with Qi Chen’s habit and personality after spending every day together? In Qi Yin’s heart, he felt that there was no way that Qi Chen would go to someplace like the border.
An old butler off to the side couldn’t withstand the situation any longer and sighed. “Your Highness, this really is the case. The second prince had a sudden change in personality for some reason and actually requested to go to the border. The emperor was quite delighted, and since Your Highness has recently spent the majority of recent time at home, the emperor is naturally biased towards the second prince,” he said hoarsely. This old butler had been with Qi Yin since young, and that along made the crown prince half believe his words. He frowned and thought deeply on this.
“Qi Chen, do you really think that my position will become yours just because you’re made father happy? Hmph! Your current glory will become your future pain. I won’t let you live easy with this!” Qi Yin spoke coldly.
Qi Yin’s confidante walked over at this time and whispered lowly into his ear, “Your Highness, a woman’s been spotted around Feng Baiyu lately, should we kill her as well?”
“Leave Feng Baiyu be for now. You just keep an eye on Qi Chen for me at the moment.” Qi Yin shook his head after a moment of thought.
“Understood.” The man who’d spoken possessed quite a high level of martial arts. Even though Qi Yin had purposefully lowered his voice, the man had still heard everything. He smiled and spoke again after a short while, “Your Highness, this servant has also heard that the second prince didn’t have the… cleanest of hands when he went to the border. Everyone knows that he embezzled the relief funds, but due to his highly favored status at the moment, no one dares tell the emperor.”
“Oh?” Qi Yin arched a brow and snorted inwardly. I knew it. How would someone like Qi Chen do something so selfless? He’d likely made out like a bandit from the disaster relief this time.
The old butler nodded and took control the conversation, “Rumors are rampant outside right now, but no one dares tell the emperor. Add to that the fact that the second prince isn’t someone to provoke lightly… the officials can only seek self preservation. No one wants to be dragged into this matter. Please forgive this old servant’s nosiness, Your Highness, but you must not mention this to the emperor either.”
“Hmph! What am I, afraid of Qi Chen?”
“This old servant didn’t mean that at all! It’s just that the situation is very disadvantageous towards Your Highness at the moment. Things will backfire if you are in a rush for results. Besides, why do all the officials know of this matter, but refrain from reporting it to the emperor? They all understand that the second prince enjoys great imperial favor at the moment. There’s no telling what the emperor might think if they brashly broach the subject. The current plan of action should be to take each step with care and caution.” The old butler gave his opinion solemnly, offering sound advice with every word.
As headstrong as Qi Yin might be, he understood that the old butler meant well. But that didn’t mean he wanted to leave Qi Chen to enjoy the limelight! Sadly, there was nothing he could do at the moment, so he waved his hand and dismissed the servants in a fit of dejection. Qi Yin sat in the hall by himself, sulking.
The man in the corner looked at Qi Yin, and a sly light flashed through his eyes. He went straight for the main doors after leaving the hall, giving out a prepared excuse and making directly for the most famous tavern in town. Nan Xun had been waiting for a long while.
“My lord, it’s done.” The man said respectfully over cupped fists.
Nan Xun turned to look at the man and nodded. “You have no need to return to the crown prince’s manor. You only need to keep Feng Baiyu safe from now on.”
The man left swiftly after receiving his orders, leaving Nan Xun staring off into the distance outside the window. He reflected with great emotion that Jun Huang was indeed a wise strategist. This plan for brother to turn on brother had been her creation, and the sad thing was was that both had fallen into her trap.
Qi Yin greatly disliked Qi Chen to begin with, and who would’ve thought that his second brother would come calling at lunch time? The crown prince smashed the porcelain bowl he was holding when he heard the servant’s report. “He wants to enter my manor? Have him wait outside!”
The servant could only leave and relay apprehensively to Qi Chen, “His Highness is not able to receive guests at the moment. Please wait here a moment, Your Highness.”
How would Qi Chen not understand Qi Yin’s thoughts? He nodded and really just stood there beneath the blazing sun. His confidante was holding an umbrella, but the shade didn’t protect him from the glare overhead. His back was soaked with sweat, but it was as if he didn’t feel any of that at all.
Qi Yun finally came strolling out after roughly forty five minutes. He adopted a lofty stature and looked down at Qi Chen, inwardly sniffing coldly but not showing any of it on his face. He walked down with a smile. “I’ve kept you waiting, second brother.”
“It’s no matter, no matter at all.” Qi Chen smiled, as if it really didn’t matter.
“What might second brother need from me?” Qi Yin didn’t have the slightest intention of inviting Qi Chen inside. He stood at his doors with his arms crossed.
Chapter 30: Setting Up the Pieces 2
Qi Chen pursed his lips and took a deep breath, barely managing to suppress his anger. “Big brother has been grounded for so long,” he said. “Today is the day you’re freed from your confinement. I, naturally have to pay you a visit.”
“It’s said that second brother has been busy lately. I didn’t expect you to still be keeping an eye on my manor. If someone with ulterior motives were to hear about this, rumors may start.” Qi Yin stared at Qi Chen, his tone purposefully calm, but every word out of his mouth was a jab at Qi Chen. ”It is best for second brother to stop fooling around. Read some more books, even. Still better than dreaming of impossible things. Does my brother agree with me?”
Qi Chen balled his hands up tightly into fists, his fingernails digging into his palms. He clenched his teeth and took a moment to calm himself before saying, “Big brother has spoken correctly. I will keep your words in mind.”
Qi Chen didn’t want to stand around embarrassing himself any further. He was about to take his leave when someone from the palace bumped into them.
“Well, well, both princes are indeed here,” the eunuch said with a high-pitched voice, fawning over Qi Chen. “This old servant has been looking for the second prince for quite some time.”
Qi Chen frowned. “May I ask why you were looking for me?”
“The crown prince has been ungrounded. His Majesty asked me to invite the two princes to the palace for tea.”
Qi Chen nodded and turned to look at Qi Yin. “Big brother, let us hurry and enter the palace together.”
The eunuch was an observant one. He knew that even though Qi Chen was the favored prince now, as long as the emperor did not make someone else the crown prince, Qi Yin maintained his title. If one day Qi Yin inherited the throne, he would be the one in charge.
The eunuch put on a smile and approached Qi Yin. “Your Highness, is there anything you need to prepare for?”
Qi Yin cursed the eunuch under his breath for being a petty brown-nose. He huffed and left with a wave of his sleeve. The eunuch pursed his lips and followed.
Qi Chen scoffed silently. Qi Yin had been grounded once already, and still he was so prideful. He still considered himself superior to everyone.
Qi Chen could already picture the moment Qi Yin fell from grace in his mind. Oh, how desperate would he be! An indescribable rush of ecstasy suddenly hit him. He could barely stop himself from dragging Qi Yin down right this moment and have him at his mercy.
When they arrived at the palace, the emperor and Qi Yun were watching a play in the theater garden. The eunuch took the princes straight to them.
Qi Chen went straight for the seat right next to the emperor – during the time when Qi Yin was grounded, he was considered to be of the second highest rank here. That was why he got used to taking the second most important seat. Seeing this, Qi Yin sneered, “What does second brother take me for?”
Qi Chen suddenly realized that things had changed as Qi Yin had left the crown prince manor today. He hurriedly stood up and was for a moment too embarrassed to do anything. Qi Yun picked up the teacup and took a sip, watching them with cool eyes.
The emperor looked at Qi Yin with a frown before shifting his gaze to Qi Chen. It made Qi Chen’s skin crawl. After weighing his options, he dropped down to his knees before the emperor. “I beg Royal Father for forgiveness. This son of your’s did not mean to offend his big brother – ”
“Enough. Say no more. I have made my own conclusion. At ease.” The emperor looked over at Qi Yin and sighed. “Yin’er, it seems that even after your punishment, you still don’t know how you should carry yourself.” His tone was dripping with disappointment. “Ah, what should I do with you?”
Only then did Qi Yin figure out that Qi Chen was setting him up. Angered boiled up in his head, but on the surface, he had to pretend to be apologetic. He lowered his eyes looking at Qi Chen. “I was impulsive. I didn’t mean to put second brother on the spot.”
“Big brother worries himself too much,” said Qi Chen. He took the seat next to Qi Yun and left the one next to the emperor to Qi Yin. Qi Yin did not hesitate before sitting down with his head held high. This spot was meant to be his.
Qi Yun put down the teacup and looked at Qi Chen. The gears in his head were turning, but he chose to stay on the sideline and quietly observe everyone.
Earlier, before Qi Chen and Qi Yin arrived, the emperor had a private meeting with an official. Qi Yun tried to find out the official’s identity, but the emperor gave him no clear answer. Instead, he talked quite a bit about Qi Chen.
The emperor said that he had wronged Qi Chen, that Qi Chen was loyal and level-headed, that he took after the emperor himself. All these proved that the emperor valued Qi Chen greatly, which led Qi Yun to the conclusion that the official must have been one of Chi Chen’s confidantes. But alas, he would never know who it was.
During the performance, the emperor did not say anything to the recently freed Qi Yin. And afterwards, he only asked Qi Chen to stay. That added fuel to the fiery resentment Qi Yin harbored towards Qi Chen.
On the way out, Qi Yun trailed after the others, his steps unhurried. He cut a calm and elegant figure. On the contrary, Qi Yin was at the front of the group, boiling with rage. He even ended up taking his anger out on the flowers in the garden, sending flower petals flying everywhere.
Qi Yun let out a sigh while he approached Qi Yin. “Big brother is upset, but why take it out on innocent plants? I have no other matter to attend to. If big brother is free, may I have a drink with you?”
Qi Yin turned to look at Qi Yun. He took a deep breath to bottle up his rage. “I have matters to deal with at my manor. Third brother is free to do as you please.” With that, he left immediately.
Qi Yun looked at him go. He took a moment to think. Then he left the palace and went straight to where he had agreed to meet Jun Huang. As he walked, his thoughts became more and more of a tangled mess.
It may be that Feng Baiyu looked similar to Jun Huang. It may be that Feng Baiyu himself was a sight to behold. Either way he couldn’t help but want to get close to him.
When Qi Yun reached the meeting point, Jun Huang was waiting for him.
“My apologies. Have I kept you waiting for long?” Qi Yun stopped next to Jun Huang. Again, the only thing he could focus on was her familiar eyes.
“Let us get down to business.” Jun Huang said without ceremony. “Have you received the letter I sent you a few days ago?”