"Xiao'er, in four years, the military power in your father's hands is not as strong as it was initially. In fact, more real power lies with the Ye family. If your father is found and confronts the Ye family, it will surely lead to mutual destruction.
This will inevitably cause internal strife in Dong Qin, and once internal strife erupts, other countries will not stand idly by.
The Xiliang army, with the momentum of breaking bamboo, has breached Dong Qin's border cities. I will become a sinner of Dong Qin. Even if I obtain the throne, what face will I have to see my father emperor? Therefore, without a ten-tenths certainty, I will not take this risk."
"Mhm."
Yun Xiao pondered. It was indeed true. He had spent four years building the Divine Dragon Palace, and his father's military power was only half.
The Ye family must be protecting the Empress Dowager and the current Emperor. Otherwise, he would be a rebel, which would lead to chaos in Dong Qin and suffering for the common people.
"Then Lord Lan is still a member of the Divine Dragon Palace."
Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow. Thinking of Lan Qinglun's unfathomable demeanor every time, she became full of anger. It would be best if this brat didn't fall into her hands, or he would have a hard time.
Yun Xiao forced a smile, her expression grim. This made Yi Yuxuan and Shangguan Lin worry about Lan Qinglun. They exchanged glances, and Yi Yuxuan showed a slight smile.
"Yes, he and I are the Flower Plucker and Shadow Follower of the Divine Dragon Palace."
"A pleasure to meet you."
Yun Xiao pretended to cup her fists. Seeing that nothing else was going on, Murong Chong reached out and pulled Yun Xiao, "I'll show you around the manor."
"Okay."
Murong Chong took Yun Xiao out and turned to instruct Shangguan Lin and Yi Yuxuan, "Be careful, both of you."
"Yes, Palace Master," Yi Yuxuan replied. After their master left, he turned to look at Shangguan Lin and found that the man's eyes held a hint of entanglement, as if he were very uncomfortable.
Following his gaze, he saw the figure of Miss Yun. Yi Yuxuan was startled and leaned forward, speaking softly.
"Does His Highness like Miss Yun?"
Shangguan Lin jolted back to attention, his expression darkening, casting a chilling frost. He spoke menacingly, "What nonsense are you spouting? How could this king like that shrewish and insidious woman." xxs壹贰
His hand still couldn't move. Yi Yuxuan said nothing. He knew he hadn't misjudged, but his master had rarely liked someone, and he didn't want anyone to hurt him, which was why he had reminded Shangguan Lin.
Hearing the Crown Prince's attempt to cover up, Yi Yuxuan pretended not to know and smiled indifferently.
"I must have been overthinking it. I was afraid the Palace Master was overthinking."
Shangguan Lin immediately understood the meaning behind Yi Yuxuan's words. Since he could see it, it was likely that Yao would also see it. That would be troublesome, and how would Yao handle this matter? Therefore, from now on, he had to adjust his mindset.
"Let's go."
Shangguan Lin strode out, with Yi Yuxuan closely following him. He called out from behind, "Brother, let's go together! What's the hurry?"
The two quickly disappeared from the hall, busy with their tasks.
This manor was not in Yanjing City, but on the outskirts, nestled on a mountainside. It was surrounded by slopes and guarded by special personnel, making it difficult for ordinary people to reach.
From all directions, the place had a commanding view, and anyone climbing the mountain would be clearly visible, so there was not much danger. Moreover, others would most likely mistake it for an ordinary manor, not a secret residence.
Inside the manor, there were natural barriers everywhere, with large-leafed lush trees and plantains. Winding paths were interspersed among them, paved with stones brought from the surroundings.
These natural green trees were all existing trees on the mountain, and none were cut down. Instead, they were allowed to grow naturally. They were enclosed, and houses were built in the center, forming a natural green manor.
Yun Xiao followed Murong Chong on a tour and couldn't help but sigh at the meticulous planning. Beneath these natural barriers, there were hidden mechanisms that could shatter one's body if not careful.
"This place is truly excellent."
Yun Xiao marveled. Murong Chong smiled warmly, accompanying her as they moved through it. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting a warm glow on both of them. Looking up at the sky, it was getting late, and she still had things to do.
"Murong, let's go back. There's still something at the medical clinic."
Actually, she was concerned about her elder brother, Yun Zhen, and didn't know what he was planning. This time, she intended to have a serious talk with him about his intentions in staying in the capital.
"Alright, then let's head down the mountain."
Murong Chong agreed, then embraced her and flashed away towards his chambers.
Since Yun Xiao was currently dressed as a woman, she had to change back into male attire and disguise herself.
The two returned to their room, changed their clothes, disguised themselves, and sped down the mountain.
A carriage was waiting at the foot of the mountain. They got into the carriage and headed towards Yanjing City.
Murong Chong escorted Yun Xiao all the way to the entrance of the medical clinic before letting her down from the carriage and ordering the coachman in front to drive away.
Yun Xiao stood at the entrance until the carriage disappeared into the crowd before turning to enter the medical clinic. Wanwan and Yanmei were busy inside. There were quite a few patients today, so everyone had been working since morning.
Many of the patients in the clinic recognized Yun Xiao. Seeing him enter from outside, they raised their heads and greeted him.
"Young Master Leng, hello. Young Master Leng, hello."
Yun Xiao nodded to each of them. Wanwan looked up and saw her master, then rushed over, grabbed her, and pouted, saying unhappily, "Master, you left without saying a word, making me worry."
"I'm fine."
Yun Xiao glanced at Wanwan calmly, seeing that the girl was indeed a little anxious. But she couldn't help it. When Murong took her away, she was still awake. That man didn't tell her anything and took her to that manor.
"By the way, Grandma came to see you this morning. Seeing you weren't here, she left. She said she and Mochen and Jingyun would come to visit you tonight, as they were worried."
"Mhm, I know. I need to go out. Will you accompany me to the Yun Prince's mansion?"
"Certainly."
Wanwan knew her master was concerned about Young Master Yun, so she readily agreed. She turned to greet Yanmei, then went outside to hire a carriage and attended to Yun Xiao as she got into it.
The two of them left the medical clinic together and headed for the Yun Prince's mansion. Since it was daytime, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, Yun Xiao did not go directly to the Yun Prince's mansion. Instead, she sat down at a tea house not far from the Yun Prince's mansion and instructed Wanwan to go through the back door to invite Young Master Yun over.
There were not many people in the tea house. Yun Xiao went directly to a private room on the second floor. The waiter brought tea and then withdrew.
It was exceptionally quiet here. Because the street was secluded and the shop was small, there were very few people, making it less likely to attract attention.
Wanwan returned shortly and brought Yun Zhen over. The two of them went directly upstairs. Wanwan guarded outside, and Yun Zhen entered the private room.
Seeing Yun Xiao leaning by the window, looking out at the street, her demeanor as serene as flowing clouds, his heart couldn't help but tighten, like water flowing.
"Xiao'er."
Yun Xiao turned her head, her eyes with a hint of coldness. She pointed to the seat opposite and gestured for Yun Zhen to sit down.