By the river was a small lake, teeming with lotus flowers, a expanse of emerald green, their fragrance wafting through the air.
"Second Brother," Xuanyuan Moyu called out to Yun Lang, stopping him.
"What is it?" Yun Lang asked.
Xuanyuan Moyu was silent for a moment, then said, "Last night, thank you."
Yun Lang raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. He hadn't expected Xuanyuan Moyu to say this to him. But then he thought, Xuanyuan Moyu must not be holding a grudge against him anymore!
"Heh heh, you're welcome. I was just going with the flow," Yun Lang smiled faintly.
"Yes," Xuanyuan Moyu nodded. "By the way, why did you think of holding the hunting competition at the royal hunting grounds?"
Upon hearing this, a look of pride appeared on Yun Lang's face. "Those ministers are all fools. They only know how to fight for power and profit, how to bully the weak. Their minds are clouded with greed. If we don't take this opportunity to suppress them, should we just let them bully the common people?"
Xuanyuan Moyu nodded in agreement. "You're right, we must act before they can react! Otherwise, they will sooner or later become public enemies of the entire Southern Xia Kingdom!"
Yun Lang nodded, then said, "Indeed, even if these old foxes die, I won't let them off!"
"If that's the case, then let's join forces," Xuanyuan Moyu said with a beaming smile.
"That's what I was thinking. But, Second Brother, have you ever heard of the Three Kingdoms' Hegemony?" Yun Lang's gaze fell on Xuanyuan Moyu as he asked.
Xuanyuan Moyu blinked in confusion. "Three Kingdoms' Hegemony? What is the Three Kingdoms' Hegemony?"
Yun Lang curved his lips, his eyes full of amusement.
"I get it! Second Brother, you're so smart!" Xuanyuan Moyu slapped his forehead and said with a smile, "Eldest Brother, you are truly wise! This Three Kingdoms' Hegemony refers to the triennial imperial examination conference."
"This conference is jointly organized by the three Prime Ministers. Each of them possesses unique talents, and their scholarship can be described as far-sighted and deeply strategic."
"Therefore, only by passing this conference can one attain official positions and fame."
"However, this conference is not held every time. Each session only has one hundred spots. So, I believe, if we two form an alliance, we can definitely win!" Xuanyuan Moyu declared with conviction.
Yun Lang smiled and nodded. "This method is feasible. What do you think we should do?"
"I know a few friends who are influential officials in the court. We can leverage their influence!"
"Oh? Who?"
"They are..."
The two of them discussed strategies in the woods.
"Your Highness, why are you here?" a man in a black robe suddenly appeared behind Yun Lang.
Yun Lang turned around and, seeing him, a hint of disgust flickered in his eyes.
He glanced coldly at the man in black. "What business do you have?"
"This servant is here on his master's orders to convey his command."
"Oh? Speak," Yun Lang said indifferently.
"My master wishes to see Your Highness." The man in black continued.
"This Prince will not go. Tell your master that this Prince will not meet him," Yun Lang refused outright.
The man in black frowned. "Master's command is that if Your Highness refuses to attend, he will kill the Princess Consort. If Your Highness refuses to see him, he will disfigure the Princess Consort, causing Your Highness to regret it for a lifetime!"
"What?" Yun Lang's eyes became sharp. "You dare to threaten this Prince?"
"This servant dares not. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
"Get out!" Yun Lang roared.
"Yes."
With that, the man in black vanished from the spot.
Yun Lang clenched his fists, the joints cracking. "Yun Lang! I will settle this score with you slowly!"
"Your Highness."
"Yes," Yun Lang responded.
"Your Highness, your subordinate has investigated the matter of the Princess Consort as you instructed. She is indeed an orphan with no background," the guard reported.
"Very well, this Prince knows."
"Yes."
Yun Lang returned to his residence and found that Xuanyuan Moyu and his two brothers were no longer there.
Yun Lang frowned.
"Where did you two run off to? Didn't I tell you not to go out today?" Yun Lang asked.
As soon as Yun Lang finished speaking, he heard a clear and melodious voice. "Second Brother, are you looking for us? We've already left."
Yun Lang looked up and saw Xuanyuan Moyu, dressed neatly, standing not far away, waving at him with a mischievous smile in his eyes.
"Second Brother, what a coincidence, we meet again! This time, you won't blame us for acting first and reporting later, right?" Xuanyuan Moyu winked playfully.
"You..."
Yun Lang was about to lose his temper, but when he saw the smile on Xuanyuan Moyu's face, he suppressed his anger.
"Second Brother, we'll be going back first," Xuanyuan Moyu said, pulling Yun Lang's sleeve and smiling. "Second Brother, we're going to take the imperial examination later."
"Take the imperial examination? You're going to take the exam?" Yun Lang asked in surprise.
"Mhm, mhm," Xuanyuan Moyu nodded.
"Have you considered the consequences of this matter?" Yun Lang said worriedly.
"Oh, Second Brother, don't worry! My Third Brother and I have already thought of a fallback plan!" Xuanyuan Moyu looked full of confidence.
Yun Lang looked at Xuanyuan Moyu's confident expression, his heart wavering, but he decided to stop them.
"You two are not allowed to mess around."
"I know, Second Brother. You go and be busy!"
Yun Lang looked at Xuanyuan Moyu, feeling a surge of helplessness. However, thinking of his sister still lying in bed, he had no choice but to sigh and say, "Then you must be careful and don't cause any trouble."
"I know!" Xuanyuan Moyu waved his hand.
Yun Lang gave Xuanyuan Moyu a few more instructions and then turned to leave.
After Yun Lang left, Xuanyuan Moyu turned to the man in black and said, "Please give this letter to Father."
"Yes, Master."
Xuanyuan Moyu watched the man in black disappear from sight, a slight smile curving his lips, a look of triumph in his eyes.
He knew Yun Lang wouldn't let him off so easily, so he deliberately had the man in black deliver the message.
Night fell, and a bright moon hung high in the sky, its pure moonlight blanketing the entire land, illuminating the entire capital as if it were daytime.
The shops lining the streets were lit up, and the entire street was bustling with activity.
In the largest restaurant in the capital, in an elegant private room, Xuanyuan Haotian sat by the table, laden with various delicacies.
"Your Highness, please don't be shy. Try this shark fin, this abalone, this bird's nest. Their taste is no less than that of the palace!" A middle-aged man solicitously served Xuanyuan Haotian.
Xuanyuan Haotian's gaze fell on Yun Lang and he said, "Third Brother, did you go to see the Seventh Prince today?"
"Yes, Father," Yun Lang replied respectfully.
"You're truly going backwards in your old age. You are a dignified Prince, yet you go to visit someone outside the royal family. What kind of conduct is that!" Xuanyuan Haotian reprimanded.
Yun Lang lowered his head and remained silent.