Chapter 86 The Golden Carp Transcends into a Dragon

eror."Thank you, Father Emperor!" Ye Tianyi stood up and knelt before him to thank him."Wen Lai, go fetch from the Imperial Study a green jade flute for Seventh Prince!" The old emperor instructed Wen...Chapter 86: Golden Carp Transcending into a Dragon

Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing's ears in amazement, and murmured her admiration. Who would have thought that this person actually blushed It was rare!

"Now you admit that he's a jealous type" Third Young Master glanced at Rong Jing with his expression easing.

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded, "Admit it!"

Third Young Master rolled up the two portraits in his hand and stuffed them into his sleeve. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled Yun Qianyue tightly into his arms. Rong Jing turned around, and Yun Qianyue was taken aback as she heard his voice become somewhat hoarse. "That day when everyone gathered happily to tell stories in your room, even though it was cold rain outside, I felt truly warm. Wherever you are feels like home. There's no distinction of status or rank, no quarrels or cold glances. For all these years at Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion, I never once had the feeling of being at home, nor did I understand what family meant from my heart. But that day, you made me realize that even without blood ties, people can be family."

Yun Qianyue's expression softened as she smiled and allowed Third Young Master to hold her tightly while listening quietly.

Rong Jing’s eyes flickered with waves of emotion before gradually calming down. He didn’t make any move to pry them apart.

"That day, I thought about staying by your side forever, not going anywhere else and serving you however you wish. Even if it means being a substitute for you all my life, I’m willing. If Rong Jing drives me away, I won’t leave no matter what. I never expected that just days later, the one leaving would be me." Third Young Master’s voice was slightly hoarse. "Yun Qianyue, I don't want to go."

Yun Qianyue's expression changed as her eyes involuntarily stung with tears.

"Since childhood in Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion, I’ve never been content. All along, I couldn’t understand how there could be such a person as the Prince Xiaoqin who wouldn't accept my mother because she was ugly and didn’t recognize me. Isn't the one at fault after getting drunk him How can it be my mother's mistake For years, I pondered this, but eventually came to a cold heart." Third Young Master spoke quietly with a hoarse voice. "Later on, time eroded away my affection for Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion until I realized that the heavens had played a joke on me; apparently, there was never any connection between me and Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion."

"What's wrong with this West Yan’s king is at least better than Prince Xiaoqin in my opinion." Yun Qianyue said, "They say that the King of West Yan doesn’t fancy women, leaving his harem mostly empty. The court officials once mistakenly thought he preferred men, and some flatterers secretly sent him several handsome men as a test. The king was furious and executed them to set an example for others not to follow suit. Afterward, no one dared to speculate about the emperor’s preferences again. Since then, due to a few imperial princes born in succession by the queen consorts, officials have been reassured. So it seems that he is not bad at all towards women; he only cares for the Guardian Goddess of the Nation. Isn't such a person better than Prince Xiaoqin"

"Indeed," Third Young Master replied softly.

“Therefore, there’s nothing serious about this identity. It's not a bad thing for you, right” Yun Qianyue continued to say.

"Yes, but will you miss me when I go to West Yan" Third Young Master held Yun Qianyue tightly and didn’t let go.

“I’ll certainly miss you!” Rong Jing couldn't hold back any longer. A gust of wind swept over, separating the two of them. He said coolly,

"You don't need to think about him!"

Third Young Master was forcibly separated by Rong Jing and stood up with difficulty, looking at Rong Jing and snorting through his nose, "If I were to be thought of by someone as heartless as you, I fear I wouldn’t live long."

"You'd better not think about her! Otherwise, I would miss you very much." Rong Jing waved at Yun Qianyue, "Come here!"

Yun Qianyue looked amusedly at Rong Jing. This person was indeed heartless and had probably planned to remove Third Young Master from her side long ago. She glared at him but ignored his words, addressing Third Young Master instead, “I'll miss you too, and I’ll use the carrier pigeon that you gave me to send messages whenever necessary.”

Third Young Master’s eyes lit up as he readily agreed, "Good!"

Rong Jing slowly withdrew his hand without saying another word to Yun Qianyue who ignored him.

"The Wind Pavilion was built by me for Night Tianyi in the past. Due to frequent dealings with Imperial Secret Guards, no matter how concealed it was, it still had loopholes that were exploited and attacked by them. It can’t be used anymore. Take the Wind Pavilion to West Yan with you! You need subordinates there, and the Wind Pavilion is exactly what you need." Yun Qianyue added.

Third Young Master pressed his lips together and said softly, "The Wind Pavilion is your life’s work; are you giving it to me so easily"

"What's wrong with that You’ve been by my side for a long time, I already regard you as one of mine. It’s not like you’re an outsider." Yun Qianyue smiled and asked, "Do you think yourself an outsider"

"Of course not!" Third Young Master shook his head.

“Then take it with you! The Wind Pavilion is useless to me now anyway. Keeping it here would be pointless and cause unnecessary harm. Besides, I don’t want the Wind Pavilion to have been established for Night Tianyi and then destroyed because of him." Yun Qianyue’s eyes darkened momentarily before she turned to Rong Jing, asking, "What kind of medicine do you have that can protect a Guardian Goddess's life for one year"

"Snow Lotus from the Heavenly Mountain!" Rong Jing replied.

“But didn’t you say you no longer had Snow Lotus pills left” Yun Qianyue looked at him in surprise. On that day underground hall of Lingtai Temple, she was poisoned by a love-inducing drug and he said that his last two Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus Pills were given to Yun Muhuan and Princess Qing Wan, with none remaining, so he helped her merge the two true qi within her body to resist the poison of the love-inducing drug. How could there still be some now

Rong Jing seemed to know what she was thinking as he said slowly, "I forgot about one!"

"You..." Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing. What had he forgotten He must have done it on purpose that day. If he could forget something like this, then he wouldn't be Rong Jing. She wouldn't believe him even if it killed her.

The Third Young Master snorted and said to Yun Qianyue, "So many people are kind to you, why did you fall for him He’s so heartless to you that one day he might sell you off and still help count the money."

Yun Qianyue snorted, somewhat depressed. "Do you think I want to fall for him My heart doesn’t listen to me."

"Now then, why don’t you change your mind It’s not too late! Even though I’m not qualified, no one else in the capital is either—except for Jade Prince of Donghai Kingdom. I heard about that Jade Prince…" The Third Young Master gave Yun Qianyue some advice.

"You really spoke too much today!" Rong Jing flicked his hand and the Third Young Master’s acupoints were sealed, silencing him immediately. His expression was calm, voice gentle, as if nothing had happened, nor any anger or irritation. After seeing that the Third Young Master could no longer speak, he did not look at him but called out calmly, "Qing Ying!"

"Young Master!" Qing Ying responded.

"Escort the Third Young Master to Xiyan personally. Treat him as you would have treated Feng Jin back then—properly," Rong Jing ordered. "Also inform Old Medicine that he should follow the Third Young Master to Xiyan and tell King of Xiyan that Old Medicine’s medical skills are equivalent to mine, so he can attend to the Divine Lady from now on in Xiyan, extending her life as much as possible."

"Yes!" Qing Ying responded.

Rong Jing waved his hand and said no more. He turned around and entered the house.

Qing Ying bowed to the Third Young Master and carried him away from Yun Yue Manor.

Yun Qianyue watched as Qing Ying left with the Third Young Master, her lips twitching slightly. What did he mean by treating the Third Young Master like he had Feng Jin Should she also arrange ten beauties to accompany him on his journey This heartless person! She walked back inside, feeling both angry and amused.

Back in their room, Rong Jing was already seated, sipping tea. Yun Qianyue smiled at him and scolded, "You’re so heartless!"

Rong Jing raised an eyebrow without comment. "He’s too bothersome."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes. "I don’t see how he’s a bother."

"I do," Rong Jing sipped his tea and gently placed the cup down, swirling the pale green tea inside.

Looking at Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue thought that no matter how she looked at him, he was elegant like a painting. Smiling, she walked up to him, stood in front of him, hooked her hand around his neck and lowered her head, gently kissing his lips before saying softly, "Rong Jing, from now on, I only have you. You can't bully me anymore."

Rong Jing suddenly smiled, the clear spring-like light in his eyes flashing with passion. He reached out to embrace Yun Qianyue and looked at her with raised eyebrows. "What if I say I want to bully you"

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips. "Do you think Xiao Qi would come to Tian Sheng now that Luo Yao and Zi Luo have arrived"

Rong Jing’s long lashes trembled slightly as he stared at Yun Qianyue, pulling her head down and pressing her body against his chest before lowering his head to kiss her lips.

The pain from the kiss made Yun Qianyue softly inhale.

Unmindful of it, Rong Jing’s tongue moved back and forth on her lips.

Yun Qianyue’s lips tingled as she was kissed; her body shivered lightly. She reached out to push him but he held her firmly in his arms, not letting go no matter how hard she struggled. Frustrated, she could only submit.

A long time later, until Yun Qianyue’s lips were numb and the pain gone, Rong Jing slowly released her, breathing against her lips as he stared at her flushed face with a soft haze in his eyes. His voice was hoarse when he said, "Yun Qianyue, can I bully you"

Yun Qianyue responded with a faint “hmm,” unable to speak.

Rong Jing looked at her and chuckled softly; his voice smooth as jade beads falling on the ground.

"Why are you laughing" Yun Qianyue lifted her eyelids, voice hoarse. Her eyebrows showed signs of desire.

Rong Jing lifted her body in his arms, kissed her lips lightly and said with a smile, "I’m laughing because no matter how many people watch, Yun Qianyue, you can only be mine, the one and only."

Yun Qianyue’s mouth twitched. She gasped softly in pain, her dazed eyes suddenly widening as she glared at Rong Jing, scolding angrily, "You must have bitten me again!" Rong Jing's jade-like fingers gently rubbed on Yun Qianyue’s lips, his eyes full of amusement. "It’s the second time; last time you infuriated me so much that I wanted to tear you apart and put you back together again. But there was nothing I could do but bite you."

Yun Qianyue recalled that it was the day when they had fallen in love. At that time, Ye Yitian used a little beggar to pass her a letter from Yang Ye, and she happened to be reading it when Rong Jing came in. As a result, things spiraled out of control. She opened his hand and teased with a smile: "You're a dog!"

“I’m the dragon!” Rong Jing shook his head and said solemnly.

The corner of Yun Qianyue’s eyes flickered as she pushed him playfully, saying, "You’re applying medicine for me now. You can’t be seen by others."

Rong Jing took a careful look at her lips that were swollen and had minor wounds. He smiled and released her body. Reaching into his robe, he opened the bottle of ointment and gently applied it onto her lip.

The cool sensation on her lips made Yun Qianyue’s numbness and burning pain ease up considerably. She glanced at the sky outside and asked Rong Jing, "It’s still early now. How come you’re already back from handling state affairs"

"There are seven princes in court; I don’t need to be there," said Rong Jing coolly.

Yun Qianyue noticed the sudden coldness in his voice. She didn’t have to think much to know that with Ye Yitian governing and him handling state affairs, they appeared amiable but were actually at loggerheads. The old emperor, taking advantage of his illness, tied them together on a straight line; it was unclear what he planned to achieve. Even though she wasn’t in the court and didn’t know how things worked inside, she could imagine the current political situation being as fragile as ice on an edge of a blade.

Rong Jing remained silent.

Yun Qianyue thought about the precarious Heavenly Dynasty that might collapse one day, so she stopped speaking.

A moment later, Rong Jing suddenly said: "Prince Jade has sent me a letter today and will be arriving in the capital soon."

"Little Seven" Yun Qianyue raised her head in surprise, looking at Rong Jing.

"Yes! Prince Zi Shu!" Rong Jing looked back at her and nodded slowly.

“He sent you a letter Have the two of you been corresponding” Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

Rong Jing’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t answer.

Seeing that Rong Jing wasn’t answering and his expression implied confirmation, she frowned. When did they become so close Since Little Seven returned home two months ago, he hadn't written a single letter to her but had exchanged letters with Rong Jing; this made Yun Qianyue feel uncomfortable. She hit him once and angrily said: "Rong Jing, you’ve been luring Little Seven!"

Rong Jing gave a stifled grunt, his eyes darkening momentarily as he ground his teeth, saying: “Yun Qianyue, there’s nothing you wouldn’t say!” Yun Qianyue coughed uneasily and withdrew her hand but still felt somewhat displeased. "Why is Little Seven corresponding with you instead of me"

“Because I don’t want him to!” Rong Jing answered matter-of-factly, without blushing or stuttering.

Yun Qianyue stared at him in disbelief as he raised his eyebrow and looked back at her with a “that’s the way it is” expression. She pursed her lips and suddenly laughed: "You truly… have such ways of keeping wolves away I fear my peach grove will soon become a barren hill."

“That would be better!” Rong Jing said as he lowered his head again, covering Yun Qianyue’s lips with his.

Yun Qianyue was taken aback and tried to evade him. He held her down, preventing her from escaping; she hastily exclaimed: "I just applied the medicine!"

"I’ll apply it again later…" Rong Jing ignored her and whispered softly, precisely covering her lips with his.

Yun Qianyue was speechless, thinking that if this continued, such good medicinal ointment would be wasted, which would be sheer extravagance.

The next day, news from the palace came out: The old emperor regained consciousness and wanted to kill Ye Tianyu immediately upon waking; he was stopped by Ye Yitian. Ye Yitian must have said something because the old emperor’s anger subsided, and he lay down peacefully to rest and recuperate.

Officials at court continued with their usual routine, with Ye Yitian governing and Rong Jing handling state affairs; there wasn’t any sign of chaos—everything remained orderly in the court.

Ye Tianyu asked for leave on account of his upcoming wedding, which was granted by Ye Yitian. He stopped attending court meetings from then on, focusing entirely on preparing for the wedding a month later.

Ye Tianqiong followed routine and attended court sessions as usual. Since he could no longer stop Ye Yitian’s decisions after the latter appointed his own loyalists to important positions, he ceased questioning or opposing Ye Yitian's actions and let things be.

Rong Feng was still stationed at the Western Mountain Military Camp.

Night Qingran managed the troops in and around the capital as usual but hadn’t spoken a word with anyone for several days in a row.

The court had entered a period of peace and tranquility, more so than ever before. Even the censor officials had less to say. The entire capital city was unusually calm except for the Fourth Prince's mansion, which was bustling with preparations for his grand wedding.

Every day, Yun Qianyue read messages from Red Pavilion sent from all over the country while in her residence. All countries were as peaceful and incident-free as before.

This went on for half a month without any rain falling during this period.

One day, Third Young Master reported back that he had received an envoy from Western Yan, who was a close advisor to the King of Western Yan. Upon meeting him, it seemed that the man was so shocked that he fell off his horse and hurriedly returned to Western Yan along the same route.

When Yun Qianyue heard this news, she smiled to herself, thinking, "Is a golden carp really content in a pond It will transform into a dragon as soon as it encounters favorable conditions." From now on, Third Young Master would soar high. He was destined for greatness and his achievements would be recorded in history.

Three days later, Western Yan indeed issued an imperial decree announcing that the exiled Crown Prince had returned to court and would henceforth be crowned as Crown Prince of Western Yan with a new name: "Yue."

The character Yue means joy, indicating that King of Western Yan was extremely pleased upon his son's return.

For many years, Western Yan hadn't appointed a crown prince and the royal princes were constantly vying for power behind closed doors. However, the king remained neutral without any signs of appointing one. Despite frequent petitions by court officials, they all returned empty-handed. Thus, the position of Crown Prince remained vacant. The neighboring countries had been observing Western Yan's political situation closely to see who would eventually be crowned.

Now, no one could have imagined that Western Yan’s new crown prince would drop from the sky like a bolt out of the blue.

The announcement about the appointment of Crown Prince Yue stirred up ripples in the calm political waters. Everyone was speculating on how the exiled Crown Prince returned to his homeland and what his story was, overshadowing all other news. The enigmatic figure of the newly appointed Crown Prince dominated public opinion.

The coronation ceremony would be held ten days later on a propitious day chosen by the Astronomical Bureau at Empress' request for Emperor Nite Tianyu's wedding.

With little time to prepare, all countries hastily sent envoys with congratulatory gifts upon receiving news of this event.

Three days after the imperial decree was announced, an image of Crown Prince Yue was delivered by the Imperial Guard to the Holy Yang Hall in the palace for the old emperor's inspection.

The old emperor had improved slightly under Nite Tianyi's meticulous care. He studied the painting for a long time before handing it over to Nite Tianyi, who stood beside him: "This is the son of King of Western Yan and the Divine Guardian Fairy! Indeed extraordinary."

Nite Tianyi took the painting without saying anything; his narrow eyes narrowed slightly.

The old emperor noticed his reaction and asked worriedly, "Tianyi, what's wrong What’s not right"

"I vaguely remember that Xiaojiao of Spring Hope Pavilion looked similar." Nite Tianyi replied.

The old emperor was taken aback. Looking at his son with confusion, he asked, “Xiaojiao of Spring Hope Pavilion”

"Has the father forgotten Young Marquis Cold of Xiao Prince王府的冷小王爺喜歡望春樓的嬌嬌，後來望春樓著了大火，他因此找月兒拚命數次。”夜天逸看著畫卷提醒老皇帝。

老皇帝恍然大悟，“文萊！”

文萊應聲而入，恭敬地立在門口：“奴纔在，請問皇上有什麼吩咐？”

“你去把望春樓嬌嬌的畫像找來。朕記得當初陸公公還在的時候給朕看過一張她的畫像。”老皇帝對文萊下令。

文萊應聲而去，連忙下去了。

老皇帝眉頭緊皺，再次看向夜天逸手中的畫像：“確實很像。這到底是怎麼回事？那嬌嬌不是女子嗎？不是被火燒死了嗎？難道冇死？”

“冇死！她被月兒救下來了！”夜天逸道。

“又是這個月丫頭！”老皇帝臉色沉了下來。

夜天逸不再說話，看著畫像，眼神時而明亮時而暗淡，不知道在想些什麼。

“天下女子何其之多？你要喜歡她，朕下旨，多少女人能送進你的府裡。你為什麼偏偏就非她不可？”老皇帝盯著夜天逸沉著臉怒道。

******/ERSHEYдесь исправленный перевод с сохранением HTML-тегов и без добавления лишних объяснений или комментариев:

The court had entered a period of peace and tranquility, more so than ever before. Even the censor officials had less to say. The entire capital city was unusually calm except for the Fourth Prince's mansion, which was bustling with preparations for his grand wedding.

Every day, Yun Qianyue read messages from Red Pavilion sent from all over the country while in her residence. All countries were as peaceful and incident-free as before.

This went on for half a month without any rain falling during this period.

One day, Third Young Master reported back that he had received an envoy from Western Yan, who was a close advisor to the King of Western Yan. Upon meeting him, it seemed that the man was so shocked that he fell off his horse and hurriedly returned to Western Yan along the same route.

When Yun Qianyue heard this news, she smiled to herself, thinking, "A golden carp is not content in a pond; once conditions are favorable, it will transform into a dragon." From now on, Third Young Master would soar high. He was destined for greatness and his achievements would be recorded in history.

Three days later, Western Yan indeed issued an imperial decree announcing that the exiled Crown Prince had returned to court and would henceforth be crowned as Crown Prince of Western Yan with a new name: "Yue."

The character Yue means joy, indicating that King of Western Yan was extremely pleased upon his son's return.

For many years, Western Yan hadn't appointed a crown prince and the royal princes were constantly vying for power behind closed doors. However, the king remained neutral without any signs of appointing one. Despite frequent petitions by court officials, they all returned empty-handed. Thus, the position of Crown Prince remained vacant. The neighboring countries had been observing Western Yan's political situation closely to see who would eventually be crowned.

Now, no one could have imagined that Western Yan’s new crown prince would drop from the sky like a bolt out of the blue.

The announcement about the appointment of Crown Prince Yue stirred up ripples in the calm political waters. Everyone was speculating on how the exiled Crown Prince returned to his homeland and what his story was, overshadowing all other news. The enigmatic figure of the newly appointed Crown Prince dominated public opinion.

The coronation ceremony would be held ten days later on a propitious day chosen by the Astronomical Bureau at Empress' request for Emperor Nite Tianyu's wedding.

With little time to prepare, all countries hastily sent envoys with congratulatory gifts upon receiving news of this event.

Three days after the imperial decree was announced, an image of Crown Prince Yue was delivered by the Imperial Guard to the Holy Yang Hall in the palace for the old emperor's inspection.

The old emperor had improved slightly under Nite Tianyi’s meticulous care. He studied the painting for a long time before handing it over to Nite Tianyi, who stood beside him: "This is the son of King of Western Yan and the Divine Guardian Fairy! Indeed extraordinary."

Nite Tianyi took the painting without saying anything; his narrow eyes narrowed slightly.

The old emperor noticed his reaction and asked worriedly, "Tianyi, what's wrong What’s not right"

"I vaguely remember that Xiaojiao of Spring Hope Pavilion looked similar." Nite Tianyi replied.

The old emperor was taken aback. Looking at his son with confusion, he asked, “Xiaojiao of Spring Hope Pavilion”

"Has the father forgotten Young Marquis Cold of Xiao Prince’s王府的冷小王爺喜歡望春樓的嬌嬌，後來望春樓著了大火，他因此找月兒拚命數次。”夜天逸看著畫卷提醒老皇帝。

“文萊！”

文萊應聲而入，恭敬地立在門口：“奴纔在，請問皇上有什麼吩咐？”

“你去把望春樓嬌嬌的畫像找來。朕記得當初陸公公還在的時候給朕看過一張她的畫像。”老皇帝對文萊下令。

文萊應聲而去，連忙下去了。

老皇帝眉頭緊皺，再次看向夜天逸手中的畫像：“確實很像。這到底是怎麼回事？那嬌嬌不是女子嗎？不是被火燒死了嗎？難道冇死？”

“冇死！她被月兒救下來了！”夜天逸道。

“又是這個月丫頭！”老皇帝臉色沉了下來。

夜天逸不再說話，看著畫像，眼神時而明亮時而暗淡，不知道在想些什麼。

“天下女子何其之多？你要喜歡她，朕下旨，多少女人能送進你的府裡。你為什麼偏偏就非她不可？”老皇帝盯著夜天逸沉著臉怒道。

******/nist removal of the redundant part and ensure coherence:

The old emperor was taken aback. Looking at his son with confusion, he asked, “Xiaojiao from Spring Hope Pavilion”

"Father has forgotten Young Marquis Cold of Xiao Prince's王府的冷小王爺喜歡望春樓的嬌嬌，後來望春樓著了大火，他因此找月兒拚命數次。”夜天逸看著畫卷提醒老皇帝。

“文萊！”

文萊應聲而入，恭敬地立在門口：“奴纔在，請問皇上有什麼吩咐？”

“你去把望春樓嬌嬌的畫像找來。朕記得當初陸公公還在的時候給朕看過一張她的畫像。”老皇帝對文萊下令。

文萊應聲而去，連忙下去了。

The old emperor frowned, looking again at the painting in Night Tianyi’s hand: "Indeed very similar. What is going on That Xiaojiao was a woman who perished in a fire, wasn't she Could it be that she didn’t die"

"No death! She was saved by Moon!" Night Tianyi replied.

"This Moon girl again!" The old emperor's face darkened.

No longer speaking, Night Tianyi looked at the painting with eyes alternating between bright and dimmed, lost in thought.

“With so many women in this world, why do you insist on her alone If it’s what you want, I can issue an imperial decree to send countless beauties into your mansion. Why only her” The old emperor stared at Night Tianyi with a stern face and angry tone.

"There are so many women in the world, but none can compare to her. Father Emperor, just like how you have that woman in your heart, no matter how many years have passed or how long she has been dead, don't you still not forget her" Ye Tianyi raised an eyebrow.

"I won't forget her, and I won't let her affect me!" The old emperor snorted coldly.

"In the past, there were many opportunities for you to kill her but you didn’t. Wasn’t it because she resembled that person in your heart How can you say she hasn’t affected you Later on, when she threatened you and you wanted to kill her, by then she had already grown powerful, making it impossible for you to do so," Ye Tianyi said calmly.

The old emperor was speechless for a moment.

Ye Tianyi didn’t speak anymore either.

A short while later, Wen Lai rushed in and respectfully informed the old emperor, "Your Majesty, after Grand Eunuch Lu died from being beaten to death by you, his belongings were also burned. That portrait was only glanced at by you that day and kept away by him himself, so when he passed away, it went up in flames with his other possessions. There’s nothing left now!"

The old emperor frowned and ordered, "Go out and find another portrait of Jiaojiao."

"Yes!" Wen Lai responded immediately and hurriedly walked out.

"No need! Go to Prince Xiaoqin’s mansion and invite Young Prince Leng in the palace! There's no one who knows more about Jiaojiao than him, as he is her close companion," Ye Tianyi stopped Wen Lai.

Wen Lai looked at the old emperor.

"Do it as His Royal Highness Prince Qi said!" The old emperor was content with Wen Lai’s obedience. Though currently bedridden and unable to move, he had entrusted all state affairs to his son who would succeed him one day. Even so, Wen Lai always sought the old emperor's opinion first before asking Ye Tianyi.

Wen Lai immediately left upon receiving his orders.

An hour later, Cold Shaozhuo was summoned into the palace. Upon entering the Holy Yang Hall, Ye Tianyi handed him the portrait in his hand. He took it with puzzlement and looked at it; he cried out in surprise, "Jiaojiao"

The corner of Ye Tianyi’s mouth twitched slightly as he smiled, "Prince Ran, take a closer look. Is this the Jiaojiao you know"

On hearing this, Cold Shaozhuo scrutinized it again carefully and shook his head, saying, "She seems to be him but isn’t."

"How wonderfully she resembles!" The old emperor snorted.

Cold Shaozhuo trembled in hand, looking at the old emperor. "Your Majesty, Jiaojiao has long been dead… this…"

“Young Prince Leng, Jiaojiao wasn’t burned to death that day when the fire broke out at the Spring Welcoming Pavilion. She was saved by Yueer!” Ye Tianyi looked at Cold Shaozhuo and saw him startled before he smiled and said, “You probably wouldn't have thought of it; she really did save her life! You can go to Cloud Manor later on and ask her about it. I'm sure she will tell you all.”

Cold Shaozhuo stared at Ye Tianyi in amazement without detecting any falsehood from his face. He lowered his head, saying softly, "Jiaojiao was a woman while this person is a man. This must be someone related to her. Perhaps there’s no connection between them and they just look alike. People who resemble each other can also be found in the world."

"People resembling each other indeed exist but there are few with such similarities," Ye Tianyi smiled deeply, “especially when this person is the Western Yan Crown Prince!”

Color drained from Cold Shaozhuo’s face as he stared at the portrait in disbelief.

"This is the Western Yan Crown Prince who was found wandering about and has now returned to the Western Yan Country," Ye Tianyi explained for him, adding with a smile, "Young Prince Leng, are you sure that Jiaojiao from the Spring Welcoming Pavilion whom you know well is a woman Did you ever have physical intimacy with her"

Cold Shaozhuo’s hand holding the portrait trembled but he didn’t answer.

It seemed Ye Tianyi didn’t need him to answer. He waved at Cold Shaozhuo, saying, "Young Prince Leng, take this portrait and go to Cloud Manor now! I believe she can clarify things for you!"

Cold Shaozhuo looked up at Ye Tianyi who had already turned around to walk towards the jade table where a pile of documents was lying. He looked at the old emperor who, reclining in bed with emaciated hands, waved at him as well. "Go then! You can also ask her about it for me; I want to know what happened too. How did Jiaojiao turn into the Western Yan Crown Prince See if she should be punished for concealing information and aiding the enemy!"

Cold Shaozhuo was shocked, his face pale. But he wasn’t as he used to be. He bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, Your Majesty! I’ll go to Cloud Manor now," and with a firm grip on the portrait in hand, turned back and walked out of Holy Yang Hall.

After walking outside for some distance, Cold Shaozhuo suddenly went weak and collapsed onto the ground.

The day he found his brother wasn’t at Xiaoqin Mansion and ventured into Qianyue Pavilion through the rain, there was happiness and laughter in Yun Qianyue’s room. When he entered later on, all the servants walked out of the pavilion except one person who stayed under a thick curtain that was thin like smoke. He vaguely saw the contours of someone exceptionally good-looking and charmingly beautiful — exactly this man’s silhouette now.

Later, Night Qingran and the Sixth Princess successively told him that the Third Young Master of Prince Xiaoqin's Manor was a VIP guest at Qianyue Pavilion. After tossing and turning all night, he went to find her at Qianyue Pavilion for an inquiry. She told him that the person behind the curtain on that day was the Third Young Master of Prince Xiaoqin’s Manor.

Does this mean that the Third Young Master of Prince Xiaoqin's Manor has become the Crown Prince of Xiyan Kingdom

He couldn’t imagine it…

"Leng Shaozhu, is there a flower on the ground" A familiar voice suddenly rang out above Leng Shaozhu’s head. A shadow fell over him.

Leng Shaozhu was alarmed and immediately looked up. He saw Night Qingran standing in front of him, staring at the scroll painting he had rolled up when leaving the Holy Yang Palace but now unrolled again. His handsome face kept changing expressions, and his phoenix-like eyes were deep. Leng Shaozhu regained his composure, hid his expression on his face, slowly stood up, brushed off the dirt from his clothes, rolled up the painting, and calmly said, "There is no flower on the ground. But I’m tired of walking Who has stipulated that one can’t sit down to rest"

"Huh… after enlightenment your skills have increased, so have your talking abilities!" Night Qingran raised his eyebrows and glanced at the scroll painting in Leng Shaozhu's hand with a smile. "Where did you get such a breathtaking beauty Leng Shaozhu, are you not interested in women but in men"

Leng Shaozhu’s face darkened. "Prince Night Qingran, don’t tell me that you didn’t know what I have in my hand is the portrait of the Crown Prince of Xiyan Kingdom!"

"Going to find Little Missy" Night Qingran turned his words around and asked with a smile.

Leng Shaozhu did not answer, but took a step forward to walk away.

"Wait for me! I will go with you too! Since that day when I promised to protect the Boss on Night Tianyu’s birthday, Little Missy has been offended. I feel bad about it and haven’t seen her for over twenty days now. I miss her very much." Night Qingran hooked his arm around Leng Shaozhu's shoulder and leaned on him as if he had no bones in his body, using the strength of Leng Shaozhu to move forward.

Leng Shaozhu tried to shake off Night Qingran but couldn't because he was not a martial artist. His strength could not match that of Night Qingran's. He turned around and glared at him angrily, "Night Qingran, I’m not on the same path as you!"

"Aren’t you going to Yun王府 (Yun Manor) How can we be on different paths" Night Qingran raised his eyebrows.

"I’m returning to Prince Xiaoqin’s Manor," Leng Shaozhu said in a cold voice.

"Oh" Night Qingran lifted his eyebrow and suddenly laughed. He let go of him, saying, "That's really different paths!"

Leng Shaozhu felt relieved under the weight lifting off from his shoulder. Ignoring Night Qingran, he quickened his pace.

Nostrum followed behind him, without visibly increasing his speed but maintaining a distance from Leng Shaozhu.

The two of them left the palace through its gate one after another.

By the palace gates stood a black carriage. At that moment, the curtain just fell down and in front was Xiangge who had recovered from his injuries, driving to leave. Night Qingran suddenly shouted, "Weak Beauty, give me a ride!" As soon as he finished speaking, without waiting for Rong Jing’s answer, he jumped into the seat next to Xiangge.

"Prince Night Qingran, Duke De’s Manor and Marquis Rong's Manor are not on your route," Xiangge reminded Night Qingran.

"How aren’t they If we’re all going to Yun Manor then it’s the same route!" Night Qingran said.

"Our Young Master has been returning home every day and hasn't gone to Yun Manor recently." Xiangge repeated again.

"Then today I will go! As for me, this little prince walked to court this morning. I’m too lazy now!" Night Qingran said bluntly.

Xiangge was speechless and looked into the carriage.

Night Qingran snatched Xiangge’s whip and gave a lash with it in an overbearing manner, saying, "He must agree even if he doesn’t want to!"

The horses pulling the carriage felt pain but seemed to know that their master had not agreed, so they did not move at all.

"Weak Beauty is weak, but this horse isn’t!" Night Qingran muttered. He reached out and lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked inside: "Weak Beauty…" He said halfway through and suddenly widened his eyes in surprise, asking, "Who are you" As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes as if he couldn't believe it, "The Crown Prince of Donghai Kingdom"

—————

Little Seven has arrived! o(n_n)o~ey were clearly Invisibles, all wearing what seemed like leather gloves on their hands. Soon they carried away the four bodies, including Yun Wu.Yun Qianyue looked at Yu Zhus and Lüzhi. The two instan...