The guards at the posthouse had increased severalfold, ostensibly for protection but actually a form of confinement.
Yu Chengxuan stood by the window, watching the misty drizzle gradually turn into a downpour. The rain hammered down, large drops exploding into spray upon hitting the ground, quickly accumulating puddles.
The wind rustled, and the rain roared.
Lightning, tearing through layers of dark clouds, illuminated the sky, its thunderous roar like the growl of a giant dragon.
Ji Wu, his expression hurried, crossed the archway and hastened towards Yu Chengxuan's room.
"Your Highness!"
The fierce wind and rain had soaked Ji Wu's clothes. He had put away his umbrella, but his dash hadn't alleviated the damp chill clinging to him. He noticed Yu Chengxuan was only wearing a thin garment, and the open window, buffeted by the wind, clanged and rattled. The cold, damp air poured into the room, causing even his thickly-clad body to tremble. He was worried Yu Chengxuan might catch a chill. "Why are you dressed so lightly? What if you fall ill?"
"It's nothing!"
Yu Chengxuan felt no cold. The blood and qi within him burned like the midday sun, making him impervious to such minor chills.
As he spoke, he closed the window with a flick of his wrist and opened the door.
Ji Wu hurrying over in this weather must mean something urgent.
Ji Wu placed his umbrella by the door, shaking off the chill. Fearing his damp, dirty shoes might soil the bedroom floor, he remained in the outer area, not entering.
Yu Chengxuan walked to the table in the inner room, gathered his robes, sat on a chair, picked up a teacup, poured two cups of tea from the teapot, and then beckoned to Ji Wu. "Have some tea to warm yourself."
Ji Wu glanced at his shoes. Yu Chengxuan smiled and said, "It's fine!"
He wasn't without maids in his courtyard.
Ji Wu had rushed, stepping in mud. If he walked in directly, the floor would likely be ruined. Ji Wu bent down and took off his shoes.
He walked to the table and sat down, his feet resting on the floor without truly touching it. He raised his hand to cup the teacup, warming his hands before eagerly beginning, "Your Highness, this border conflict seems rather strange!"
Yu Chengxuan appeared calm and composed, showing no sign of the frustration or fear of a caged bird. He took a sip of tea, and only after the aroma had faded from his taste buds did he exhale, looking at Ji Wu with a hint of displeasure. "Why are you still so agitated?"
Ji Wu paused slightly, recalling the rebuke he had received from His Highness when he first heard about the border incident. His heart grew solemn. However, the matter he had heard this time was truly unsettling. He wished he could remain as unfazed as His Highness, as if the sky were falling, but truthfully, he couldn't. Facing His Highness's dissatisfaction, Ji Wu took a deep breath, attempting to suppress the rising emotions within him. He picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Seeing that Ji Wu had calmed himself, Yu Chengxuan said, "Did you hear that the Lin Yuan official gazette's content differs from the earlier received information?"
Ji Wu nodded. "Yes!"
Yesterday, the gazette arrived in the capital, and the populace rioted. He had initially thought it was merely because Da Li had massacred the Lin Yuan border troops. Today, he learned that the gazette circulated in Lin Yuan actually stated Da Li was invading!
But His Highness's previous intelligence clearly indicated Lin Yuan was the aggressor!
Therefore, if the Lin Yuan border troops hadn't altered the gazette, or if Lin Yuan hadn't deliberately concealed the truth to erase the shame of initiating the invasion and subsequently losing hundreds of soldiers, then there must be a hidden hand behind the sudden border conflict between Da Li and Lin Yuan.
"So what?" Yu Chengxuan countered.