Days passed, then more. The soldiers at Fengyaguan were puzzled. Why hadn't Prince Shangguan left? The plague had subsided. The war was over. It was only natural for the noble prince to return to the capital immediately to claim his merits and rewards. Why did he linger in this impoverished border region?
Shangguan Lin stayed at the posthouse, his expression grim and displeased. He had tried to see Feng Guan several times, but each request was refused. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He, a prince of the blood, couldn't even secure an audience with a mere physician. He abruptly stood up and paced back and forth in the living room.
Mu Li and Qiao Chu, who had been waiting by his side, were bewildered by the prince's behavior. Why was the prince so insistent on seeing Young Master Feng? The latter was avoiding him, and now the prince was becoming enraged. Could it be that the prince was a pederast? Did he like Young Master Feng? Mu Li and Qiao Chu's eyes widened; they were both shocked. "My prince, how could you have become a pederast? You, such a valiant and imposing prince, have become a pederast." The two lamented.
Unfortunately, Shangguan Yao was unaware of his subordinates' distress and continued to fume. Suddenly, a subordinate flashed into the hall, holding a secret letter. He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Highness, a secret letter." Shangguan Yao was startled. Who would send a letter at this time, other than someone from the palace? He immediately scowled and waved his hand. Mu Li took the secret letter from the man and signaled him to withdraw.
"Your Highness, what is this?" Shangguan Yao had already taken the secret letter, torn it open, and began to read. His face quickly turned grim, and a biting chill enveloped him. He stood still, motionless. Mu Li and Qiao Chu did not know what had happened and cautiously asked, "Your Highness, what has happened?"
"It's His Majesty. The secret order is for us to bring Feng Guan back to the palace." Mu Li and Qiao Chu were startled and exchanged glances, not understanding why His Majesty wanted Young Master Feng to enter the palace.
Shangguan Lin's pupils were as deep as an unfathomable abyss, slowly revealing a hint of enlightenment. It was no wonder he had found the name Feng Guan somewhat familiar before. Feng Guan was the one who had treated the Empress Dowager. He remembered a eunuch mentioning it once, so he had some recollection but couldn't recall it immediately. But the Empress Dowager had recovered. Why did his imperial brother want Feng Guan to enter the palace? Could it be? Shangguan Lin's eyes widened. Feng Guan had used the Empress Dowager's illness to have the Emperor depose the Empress. This clearly indicated he was assisting the Yun Prince's mansion. Did his imperial brother intend to severely punish Feng Guan? The thought sent a chill through Shangguan Lin's heart, a feeling he couldn't quite articulate. He did not wish for Feng Guan to be harmed in any way, but this matter... His imperial brother had received news and knew he was at Fengyaguan. If he showed favoritism, he feared he would be reprimanded. After much deliberation, Shangguan Yao decisively waved his hand, "Let's go. To the Yun residence."
Mu Li and Qiao Chu exchanged glances and followed the prince's footsteps. Ten guards were waiting outside. They all headed towards the Yun residence.
The weather was fine, with birds singing and flowers fragrant. In a secluded corner of the Yun residence's back courtyard, Yun Xiao was comfortably reclining on a lounge chair, cushioned with soft agarwood. She leaned back lazily, her eyes slightly closed, basking in the warm, soft sunlight. Having often taken sunbaths, her skin was delicate, smooth, and elastic. Wanwan, inspired by her mistress, had also brought a lounge chair and lay on another, accompanying her mistress in sunbathing. A tea table was placed between them, laden with food and drinks. Wanwan, being naturally lively, would occasionally reach out, pick up something, and pop it into her mouth, exclaiming as she ate, "This simple life is too comfortable."
In the distance, Liu Xing and Jing Yun looked at the sky speechlessly. The sky was a vast expanse of blue, with a few sparse white clouds drifting gently in the wind. Warm sunlight streamed down from the clouds like thousands of golden threads. Although the weather was beautiful, these two women went out to sunbathe every day. Weren't they afraid of tanning their skin? They even called it sunbathing. Liu Xing and Jing Yun did not understand the concept of sunbathing. They only knew that women were afraid of the sun, but these two were exceptions. Liu Xing and Jing Yun walked out with expressionless faces, too lazy to pay attention to the two of them.
At the courtyard gate, the Yun residence's steward, accompanied by two servants, approached. Upon seeing two handsome men standing guard with swords blocking their way, he spoke cautiously and respectfully, "Prince Shangguan wishes to see Young Master Feng. He has come with great force this time. The master and young master are both in the front hall entertaining him. The master has asked Young Master Feng to come over."
Liu Xing raised an eyebrow. Jing Yun on the side curled his lips. Shangguan Lin was truly shameless. Could he really be a pederast? Was he infatuated with the young master and pestering him time and again? If only he knew the young master was still...? Liu Xing waved his hand, "You go ahead. I will go report to the young master." The Yun residence's steward dared not say anything and led the two servants away. To be honest, although these few men were handsome, they exuded a strong aura, clearly indicating they were not to be trifled with. Therefore, within the Yun residence, ordinary people dared not approach this back courtyard.
Liu Xing and Jing Yun turned and entered. Beneath the shade of green trees, the two women still had their eyes closed, completely unaware of the events outside. Especially their mistress, whose ink-black hair was scattered over the cushion, her three thousand strands of black silk cascading down. The wind blew, gently caressing her dark hair, making her appear cute and charming. In her thick, dark hair was a beautiful and delicate face. Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her long eyelashes resembling small fans. Her skin was as fair as the first snow. Under the sunlight, it was as if she had applied a layer of rouge, her complexion radiant and alluring. Her pink lips were incredibly tempting. Sleeping quietly in the sunlight, she was like a painting. Sunshine, a green lake, a beauty like jade.
Although Liu Xing and Jing Yun gazed at her with unblinking eyes, filled with admiration, they had not forgotten that Shangguan Lin was waiting in the front. Moreover, that man seemed to have some important matter that had even alarmed the prince and the young master. "Mistress, is something wrong?" Liu Xing walked over and asked in a low voice.
Yun Xiao's eyes suddenly opened. Her pupils were clearer than the green lake before the gate, shimmering with radiant light. A sweet, gentle smile played on her cherry lips. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Prince Shangguan has brought people to see you. I heard that the prince and young master have gone to entertain him. The prince ordered the steward to invite you, asking you to go to the front hall immediately." Yun Xiao's brows furrowed, and her expression darkened. A layer of darkness suddenly veiled her clear pupils, filled with icy coldness and the aura of looming conflict. "They've come so quickly. It seems the people from the palace have received the news. I knew Shangguan Lin would obey the imperial decree and bring me back to the capital." However, she would not pay him any heed. She moved her body and lazily rose to her feet. Wanwan had also already risen and came to help her inside to tidy up.