Chapter 127

Chapter 127: Return to the Capital The Crown Prince was in his study, writing something or other. Since Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng were returning, he had to make preparations for the welcome banquet well in advance. He needed to arrange the welcoming music, the ceremonial procession, and all the other formalities, and was busy enough to be utterly frazzled when the captain of the guards entered with news from Feng Yu. “Master, Feng Yu has sent word.” The captain of the guards entered with a letter and handed it to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince accepted the letter, opened it, and read it carefully. After finishing, he was so furious that he crushed the letter into a ball and hurled it hard onto the floor. “What does the letter say, Your Highness?” the captain of the guards asked. “Mu Yuyang is unbelievably bold! He actually dares to plot against Father during the welcome banquet, and even intends to drag the Seventh Brother, Ling Jiayue, and me into the mess! Such bestial conduct—he is utterly devoid of conscience! Utterly devoid of conscience!” The Crown Prince seemed enraged beyond measure and slammed his fist against the table several times. The captain of the guards was also shocked by the Crown Prince’s words. He knew that the Third Prince harbored rebellious intentions and planned to collude with the enemy and betray the nation, but he had never imagined that the Third Prince would be so brazen as to plot against his own imperial father. The captain of the guards could not help asking, “Then what should we do about the Third Prince? Should we simply report this to His Majesty and restrain him before he has the chance to cause trouble?” The Crown Prince fell silent at those words. Reporting the matter to his father was certainly possible. However, if they did so, they would lose the initiative. If they left the Third Prince’s fate entirely to his father, there was no guarantee that His Majesty would not show him leniency. Yet as long as the Third Prince remained alive, the Crown Prince would feel as though a thorn were lodged in his back. The Crown Prince sat quietly, and the captain of the guards, knowing that he was deep in thought, did not disturb him. He, too, remained silent. After a long while, the Crown Prince spoke. “Go and bring Feng Yu here. I have something to instruct him.” “Yes.” The captain of the guards acknowledged the order and left, leaving the Crown Prince alone in the study. Meanwhile, Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng had already reached a place not far from the capital. They would be able to return to the capital in another two days. It was already evening, and seeing how exhausted the soldiers were after their long journey, they ordered everyone to rest where they were and continue on the following day. After receiving word that the Crown Prince wished to see him, Feng Yu waited until late at night before quietly slipping out of the Third Prince’s Residence. He was still dressed in night-operations attire, blending into the darkness as he flew toward the Crown Prince’s Residence. Upon arriving, Feng Yu went to the Crown Prince’s study as usual. The Crown Prince was already waiting for him. “Your subordinate pays his respects to the Crown Prince,” Feng Yu said, bowing respectfully. “Rise,” the Crown Prince said indifferently. “May I ask why Your Highness summoned your subordinate here in the middle of the night?” Feng Yu asked. The Crown Prince did not answer at once. Instead, he said calmly, “What is your opinion on the Third Prince’s intention to assassinate His Majesty?” “Your Highness, although I am still the Third Prince’s attendant, I believe that his actions are ill-advised. If he proceeds this way, Dayi will certainly fall into chaos, and the Ye Kingdom will take advantage of the opportunity to erode our Dayi. This would be a disaster for the people of Dayi,” Feng Yu said righteously. “It is fortunate that someone as sensible as you remains at the Third Prince’s side. Seeing that there is still someone like you around him is somewhat comforting. If only the Third Prince were as clear-sighted as you, that would be ideal,” the Crown Prince said. “Your Highness praises me too highly. Your subordinate would never dare accept such praise,” Feng Yu replied humbly. “Enough. I summoned you here because I have something to discuss with you.” The Crown Prince took out a bottle of medicine. “I have prepared a medicine that will leave the user conscious but completely unable to move. After one incense stick’s time, its effects will wear off on their own.” “What does Your Highness mean by this?” Feng Yu asked. “As a son and a subject, I absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing while the Third Prince plots to assassinate the sovereign. However, if I do not let Father see the Third Prince’s ugly face for himself, I fear Father will not deal with him harshly enough. Do you understand what I mean?” the Crown Prince said to Feng Yu. “I understand. However, the Third Prince has also prepared guards in case his first strike fails. They are ready to kill the Seventh Prince and General Ling at any time.” Feng Yu hesitated for a long while, but in the end, he still told the Crown Prince. “Hmph! That Third Brother!” The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. “Very well, go. I have my own plans for this matter. Remember to replace the Third Prince’s medicine. Be careful and do not let anything go wrong.” Feng Yu suddenly dropped to his knees before the Crown Prince. Seeing this, the Crown Prince asked in confusion, “Feng Yu, what are you doing all of a sudden?” “Feng Yu wishes to ask Your Highness to spare the Third Prince. After the Third Prince’s actions are exposed, I beg Your Highness to spare his life.” Feng Yu bowed his head to the floor. “You are certainly loyal,” the Crown Prince said. “But I can only promise to do my utmost to preserve his life. After all, I imagine Father will not lightly forgive anyone who dares to plot against the sovereign.” “With Your Highness’s promise, your subordinate feels much more at ease. Your subordinate takes his leave.” Feng Yu tucked the poison powder into his clothing and returned to the Third Prince’s Residence. Watching him depart, the Crown Prince said calmly, “He is indeed utterly loyal.” Two days later, Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng returned to the capital with their troops. They had achieved a great victory, and when they entered the city, the common people lined the roads to welcome them, cheering Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng’s names with extraordinary enthusiasm. The first thing Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng did after returning to the capital was enter the palace. The Crown Prince led the other princes, civil officials, and military officers to Meridian Gate to welcome Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng. Seeing everyone waiting for them from afar, Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng dismounted and walked the rest of the way to Meridian Gate. When the Crown Prince saw that Mu Yuheng and Ling Jiayue had returned victorious, he stepped forward and greeted them warmly. “Seventh Brother, General Ling, your great victory is truly worthy of celebration throughout the nation. You have both worked hard.” The Crown Prince looked extremely pleased at the sight of the pair who had pacified the border troubles, and even his gaze toward Ling Jiayue became somewhat warmer. Mu Yuheng said, “Imperial Brother, let us first return to the palace and pay our respects to Father. The tiger tally we used to mobilize the troops should also be returned to him.” “Yes, look at me. I was so happy that I forgot everything else. Let us hand over the tiger tally first. Once that is done, the two of us brothers can catch up properly,” the Crown Prince said cheerfully, leading Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng toward the main hall. Inside the main hall, Emperor Mu Yuye sat upright upon the Dragon Throne, waiting for Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuheng. The two entered the hall and kowtowed to the emperor. “Your subjects have fulfilled their duty and returned victorious. We have come especially to return the tiger tally. Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long, long live Your Majesty!” Mu Yuye was delighted to see the two of them and praised them. “There is no need for ceremony. Rise. The two of you have done very well. Especially General Ling—I truly did not misjudge you.” Ling Jiayue replied, “It is thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings and protection that your subject has been able to fulfill her duty.” “Good. You have achieved victory without becoming arrogant. You should all return and rest for now. I will hold a victory banquet in the palace tonight. You must all attend. We shall celebrate properly today,” Mu Yuye instructed. “Yes.” Everyone acknowledged the order and withdrew one after another.