Chapter 27: He Cannot Leave

The Prince… he’s gone…

On the third floor of Bright Moon Tower,

Yu Qingfan and the others watched helplessly as Yu Qingluo left with Eunuch Gao, their hearts burning with jealousy, nearly grinding their teeth to dust.

Yan Jingquan is one thing, but why this Star of Solitude and Calamity?!

She doesn’t know anything, doesn’t even speak, like a dead person. How could His Majesty allow her to go up?

It must be the Crown Prince’s son—she must have bewitched the young heir!

Sister Fan, you’re close with the young princess. You must tell her that Yu Qingluo is a Star of Solitude and Calamity!

Fan Ruolin, swayed by the others, nodded hastily, but her gaze remained fixed on the staircase, as if she hadn’t yet recovered from the shock.

Though the others were also puzzled and envious, they didn’t pay much attention, for Young Master Yan was about to leave.

Xie Yunmeng stepped forward, her demeanor graceful and proper, her voice gentle as water.

Young Master Yan, I’ve heard of your accomplishments in poetry. Yunmeng humbly requests your guidance.

Yan Qing had never wanted to attend this event in the first place. With the Crown Prince’s son and the others gone, there was no need for him to stay any longer.

Seeing someone approach, Yan Qing distanced himself coldly, cupping his hands in a salute. I am of shallow talent and limited learning, unworthy to offer guidance. As I have matters at home, I must take my leave.

Yan—

Before Xie Yunmeng could finish, the other had already turned and walked away, his retreating figure aloof and without a trace of attachment.

Lu Ningke, standing nearby, frowned deeply. How could he be like that! He didn’t even wait for Sister to finish speaking.

Xie Yunmeng pressed her lips together, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, but she said nothing more and turned to walk toward the Viewing Pavilion.

Lu Ningke hurried after her. Sister, wait for me—

On the fifth floor of Bright Moon Tower,

Yan Jingquan and Yu Qingluo stepped forward properly and bowed respectfully.

Upon seeing the two arrive, Murong Ji suddenly remembered Yan Qing, whom he had overlooked, and couldn’t help but ask, Where is Brother Yan?

Hearing this, Eunuch Gao grew uneasy, stealing a glance at Emperor Zhaoming.

His Majesty hadn’t given any orders for Young Master Yan to come up earlier…

Yan Jingquan strode forward and unabashedly took the telescope from Murong Ji’s hands, his tone casual.

He’s not participating in the wagers. He’s already left.

Left?

Murong Ji’s spirits abruptly tensed.

The two previous times he had seen Yan Qing, the other’s behavior clearly indicated he knew of events to come. Though he hadn’t noticed anything unusual this time, Yan Qing’s actions still carried a hint of strangeness. Especially his attitude toward Yu Qingluo—it wasn’t as rejecting as Yan Jingquan and the others, yet it held a note of tacit approval.

This person exuded an eerie aura from head to toe. Murong Ji couldn’t let him leave just like that.

Murong Ji looked up at Emperor Zhaoming. Grandfather, I want Brother Yan to come back!

Emperor Zhaoming raised an eyebrow slightly. Why Yan Qing?

Murong Ji struggled for a long moment before finally blurting out, …He’s good-looking.

At these words, everyone couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

Consort Shen Liang covered her mouth with a light chuckle. So young, and already wanting to play with good-looking people. What will he be like when he grows up!

Yan Jingquan snorted discontentedly, a note of defiance in his voice. What’s so good-looking about Yan Qing? I’m clearly much better-looking than him!

Hearing this, Murong Ji gave him a strange look. Yan Jingquan, are you serious?

A trace of amusement flickered in Yu Qingluo’s eyes.

The smiles on the faces of the several ministers deepened.

Regardless of what one might say about Old Prime Minister Yan, his legitimate grandson Yan Qing was indeed renowned throughout the capital for his exceptional talent and striking appearance—a far cry from Yan Jingquan’s slovenly demeanor that made any comparison seem absurd.

Emperor Zhaoming was also amused by the two children and waved his hand, signaling Eunuch Gao to quickly fetch someone.

Before long,

Yan Qing was escorted back to Bright Moon Tower and brought directly to the fifth floor.

He bowed respectfully, a hint of confusion in his tone: May I ask why Your Majesty has summoned Yan Qing?

Emperor Zhaoming smiled faintly, his gaze shifting toward the white-clad bundle on the reclining couch.

Murong Ji’s face immediately lit up with a bright smile as he stretched out his small hands: Brother Yan, hold me!

Faced with the teasing glances of the crowd and knowing the outcome from his dreams, Yan Qing couldn’t simply laugh it off like the others. His complexion gradually flushed crimson, rage simmering in his heart, yet he could not vent it. He had no choice but to steel himself and step forward.

Seeing how much Ji’er adores him, it would be wonderful if one of them were a girl—Your Majesty could bestow upon them a golden match since childhood, Consort Shen Liang teased.

Hearing this, Yan Qing’s face turned pale, and he hastily bowed deeply: Yan Qing wouldn’t dare!

Murong Ji initially found the remark inappropriate as well, but witnessing Yan Qing’s desperate attempt to avoid the subject sparked a sudden surge of anger in him, and instead, he broke into a smile.

Brother Yan is beautiful! Ji’er wants to marry Brother Yan and bring him to the palace to play together!

‘Pfft—’

A clear-featured minister sitting at the back hurriedly wiped his mouth and rose awkwardly.

This humble official has been discourteous.

Emperor Zhaoming waved his hand, a trace of laughter in his voice: These are merely childish words from their games. Look how frightened Minister Yan has become—please, sit down.

Ji’er is still young and likely doesn’t even understand the meaning of marriage.

Murong Ji raised his hand: I know! It means playing together every day, and then sharing a bed… mmmph…

As Yan Qing, his face flushed scarlet, covered the unrestrained mouth of the white-clad bundle, everyone burst into laughter once more.

Only Yan Jingquan stood to the side, kicking a stool in discontent and muttering under his breath: If he can do it, why can’t I!

Fearing he might truly scare the young man away, Emperor Zhaoming beckoned to Yan Qing: Come here.

Yan Qing had no choice but to approach.

Emperor Zhaoming carefully examined the youth’s graceful appearance and couldn’t help but sigh: You resemble your grandfather. I recall Prime Minister Yan was a man of unparalleled elegance in his time, captivating every noble lady in the capital. It’s a pity he ended up marrying an ordinary commoner.

Minister Xie chimed in: This humble official has heard that Her Highness the Eldest Princess also admired Prime Minister Yan back then.

Consort Shen Liang picked up her teacup, took a delicate sip, and remained silent.

Emperor Zhaoming nodded: Indeed. Even my proud elder sister fell for Prime Minister Yan.

One of the ministers dressed in a deep blue brocade robe stroked his beard: Prime Minister Yan was a celestial being descended to earth—how could we ordinary men compare?

Minister Yan sat to the side, pretending to be engrossed in his tea, desperately hoping to avoid hearing any more old stories about his father.

Yan Qing’s expression remained calm, as if the person they were discussing had nothing to do with him.

Suddenly,

Murong Ji grabbed Yan Qing’s hand and pulled him toward the viewing platform.

Ji’er doesn’t understand what you’re all talking about! Brother Yan, come quickly and help me choose a Dragon Boat! Yu Qingluo, you come too! I must defeat Yan Jingquan today!

Yu Qingluo hurriedly followed.

Yan Jingquan, utterly unfazed by the status of those on the fifth floor, swaggered along behind them, talking as he went.

Even with both of them helping you, you still can’t beat me!

However,

It wasn’t long before Yan Jingquan was crouching by the edge of the viewing platform, his face crestfallen.

Murong Ji’s eyes sparkled: You two are amazing! You guessed the same thing, and both were right!

Seeing Ji’er’s flushed little face brimming with excitement, Emperor Zhaoming inquired of the two.

How did you select the Dragon Boat?

Yu Qingluo glanced at Yan Qing, and seeing him nod slightly to indicate she should answer first, she stepped forward respectfully.

Your Majesty, this commoner observed the rowers. After two rounds of Dragon Boat Racing, most rowers were either elated from victory or dejected from defeat, with very few remaining humble in success and resilient in failure. Additionally, Dragon Boat Racing requires teamwork. If the lead drummer can inspire morale, the entire team’s spirit soars, thus confirming the chosen Dragon Boat.

Emperor Zhaoming: Yan Qing, what about you?

Yan Qing lowered his gaze: What Miss Yu said is absolutely correct, but I also value another point. In Dragon Boat Racing, the rowers who enter competition mode first usually indicate greater focus and preparation. Such Dragon Boats tend to unleash their potential at critical moments and seize victory.

Yan Jingquan was utterly dismayed on the viewing platform: Why didn’t you say so earlier!

Murong Ji looked up with a triumphant smile: It’s too late for anything now, Yan Jingquan. From this moment on, you’re my little follower.

Yan Jingquan’s face turned ashen.

Just as Emperor Zhaoming was about to return to his pavilion seat, he noticed the little white bun signaling him with her eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle.

He hadn’t expected this little one to still remember previously avenging him.

But thoughts of the Yan family quickly made the emperor’s smile vanish.

Watching Emperor Zhaoming’s constantly shifting expressions, Murong Ji couldn’t help but sigh.

Indeed, the emperor’s heart is inscrutable!

By the time the Dragon Boat Racing concluded, night had fallen. Yueyang Lake was brilliantly illuminated, its surface reflecting scattered starlight and dazzling lanterns like a prosperous painting of a golden age. Boats shuttled back and forth, their drums beating rhythmically, while commoners cheered exuberantly along the shores. With emperor and subjects rejoicing together, the entire capital was immersed in jubilant celebration.

On the fifth floor of Bright Moon Tower, after several rounds of congratulations, Emperor Zhaoming departed for the palace. Murong Ji was also brought along to the palace, casting one last reluctant glance at the lake’s glittering lights before leaving.

Chu Wangfei, being occupied with affairs and with the emperor’s party departing early, hadn’t seen her young child all day.

She was currently in the Right Earth Chamber on Bright Moon Tower’s fourth floor, being detained for tea by Qi Wangfei.

Seated in a rosewood carved chair holding a celadon teacup, Chu Wangfei appeared somewhat distracted.

Noticing this, Qi Wangfei chuckled softly, refilled her teacup, and spoke in gentle tones.

With Their Majesties present, why worry about Ji’er? Let’s take this opportunity to rest.

Chu Wangfei sighed, her brow furrowed: Sister, you heard them too – they said Ji’er made a bet with Young Master Yan, making him become a follower! How could this be allowed? That’s someone from the Northern Garrison Prince’s household. How could Ji’er be so reckless!

Qi Wangfei: It’s just children playing, and His Majesty has tacitly permitted it. What are you still concerned about? Surely you don’t think your Ji’er could bully that sturdy Young Master Yan?

That was exactly what she feared!

But Chu Wangfei couldn’t explain, so she first went to apologize to the Northern Garrison Princess Consort in the adjacent room.

Qi Wangfei sighed helplessly and rose to follow.

The next day,

A major incident occurred in the capital.

The Northern Garrison Princess Consort had died!

Not long after last night’s Dragon Boat Racing concluded, the wife of the Northern Garrison Prince’s heir met an unfortunate fate—she accidentally fell into the water and drowned while returning to her residence. The Golden Crow Guards conducted an overnight investigation, and it wasn’t until this afternoon that they confirmed the cause: displaced refugees had caused a disturbance that night, startling the heir’s consort’s carriage and causing it to lose control, plunging into Yueyang Lake.

The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered the Golden Crow Guards to collaborate with the Capital Prefect in thoroughly investigating this case, determined to uncover the mastermind behind the refugee unrest. Anyone involved, regardless of their official rank, would be sent to the Ministry of Justice for trial.

Bypassing the Supreme Court and sending the case directly to the Ministry of Justice showed the Emperor’s resolute determination.

For a time, the entire capital was gripped with fear and anxiety.

Even the palace was shrouded in a tense atmosphere. Consort Shen Liang, who usually enjoyed leisurely strolls in the imperial garden, restrained her usual demeanor and remained secluded in her chambers all day, keeping a low profile.

Murong Ji couldn’t understand it.

She knew Emperor Zhaoming wanted to kill Yan Jingquan to frame prominent families and seize the Northern Garrison Prince’s military power. But why target the Northern Garrison Prince’s heir’s consort? And right outside the Bright Moon Tower?

The Northern Garrison Prince’s heir and his consort were a harmonious couple who had raised two sons, yet only the younger son, Yan Jingquan, resembled the Northern Garrison Prince and often accompanied him on outings. Targeting Yan Jingquan made sense, but targeting the heir’s consort served no purpose other than to provoke the Northern Garrison Prince.

Moreover, with the incident currently attributed to refugee unrest, it was impossible to determine the true culprit until the investigation concluded.

Sure enough, within a few days, the Golden Crow Guards identified the mastermind behind the disturbance: a minor county lieutenant from Anping County within Tianjing City. According to his confession, he had acted on the orders of Wu Xie, the eldest son of the Wu family, to ensure Tianjing’s security and allow the Qi Consort to recuperate in peace by driving the displaced refugees out of the capital.

Who could have imagined it would lead to such a disaster!

Once the case came to light, the county lieutenant, Wu Xie, and all related personnel were imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice’s dungeons.

Upon hearing the news, the Qi Consort wept daily, her health growing increasingly frail.

One day,

When the Chu Consort and Qi Consort came to the palace and discussed the matter, Consort Shen Liang angrily warned,

Keep a close watch on Wu Shi. Ye’er is currently far away in the Cloudy Mountain Range and has no time to concern himself with the capital. Now that Wu Xie’s case has been settled, if any further trouble arises, I will have her life!

The Qi Consort hastily nodded in agreement.

The Chu Consort hesitated for a moment before tentatively suggesting, Your Majesty has been in a troubled mood lately. Should I take Ji’er back for now?

Consort Shen Liang looked at the Chu Consort and sighed, You know how troubled I am. Ji’er is the only one who brings me some comfort now, and you want to take him away too?

Hearing this, the Chu Consort quickly apologized.

Consort Shen Liang waved her hand, I know you miss Ji’er, but unfortunately, today is the funeral of the Northern Garrison Prince’s heir’s consort. Ji’er has left the palace to visit the Yan family boy.

The Northern Garrison Prince’s residence!

The Chu Consort’s heart tightened as she recalled the perilous scene from that night, a sense of unease rising within her.

Ji’er,

You shouldn’t get too close to the Yan family.

Another half-month passed.

Since that day Murong Ji visited the Northern Garrison Prince’s residence to see Yan Jingquan, the Chu Consort had strictly confined her to the palace, where she had noticeably grown taller during her enforced stay.

One day, Murong Wan suddenly appeared at the Cloud-Gazing Pavilion. She wore a light purple brocade gown with delicate lotus patterns embroidered along the hem, appearing both dignified and lively.

Murong Ji was puzzled, Wanwan, elder sister? Has your confinement been lifted?

Murong Wan strode over, picked up the white ball of fur that was fishing, and placed it on the stone table.

Mother has been pleased with my recent conduct, and with all the commotion in the residence lately, she specially permitted me to take a day off to relax.

Congratulations, sister! Sister, hug me—

Wait, Murong Wan pushed away the sticky white bundle, speaking with solemn authority, Murong Ji, from now on you must not approach Yu Qingluo anymore. She is the Star of Solitude and Calamity and could harm you.

Murong Ji tilted his head: Who is Yu Qingluo? And what is the Star of Solitude and Calamity?

Seeing the child’s completely bewildered expression, Murong Wan began to doubt the reliability of her information.

She pressed further: It’s that Yu Qingluo from the Dragon Boat Racing day. Don’t you remember?

Murong Ji blinked, his tone innocent: There were too many people. Ji’er didn’t remember them all.

Murong Wan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself: Fortunately Ji’er doesn’t remember. With Yu Qingluo’s fate being so formidable, what would we do if she truly affected Ji’er?

She pulled Murong Ji into her embrace, then suddenly recalled Chu Wangfei’s warning: By the way, you must also stop seeking out Yan Jingquan. With the Shizi Fei no longer here, Yan Jingquan will likely return to the Northern Desert soon.

Murong Ji wrapped his arms around her neck, his gaze fixed on the distant calm lake as he stated with certainty: He won’t be leaving.

Why? Murong Wan asked, puzzled. The Zhenbei Wang Shizi returned to the Northern Desert before the Dragon Boat Race. Now that the matters following Shizi Fei’s funeral have concluded, he should have departed long ago.

Unable to explain too much to Murong Wan, Murong Ji could only say: He lost to Ji’er during the Dragon Boat Race. In a few days, he’ll be entering the palace to accompany me.

Just as Murong Wan was about to inquire further, they suddenly heard an urgent cry: Young Shizi!

Ziyun rushed over in haste, her face showing rare panic.

Without regard for Murong Wan standing nearby, she directly handed over a blood-stained letter, her voice choked with sobs.

His Highness… he’s gone…

Murong Ji’s eyes widened in shock: What did you say!!!

Author’s Note:

———————-

Plot accelerating, soon entering the next stage [rainbow praise]

Thank you for all the lovely readers’ support [heart][heart][heart] Extra long chapter coming tomorrow for VIP release [fighting spirit]

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