Chu Yun took note of the unusual timing of the Crown Prince's departure but said nothing. Could the cloaked figure Hua Nanyi saw leaving Chu Yun's inn, and the Crown Prince be the sa person?
The token she found belonged to soone either in the employ of the royal family of Su, or a mber themselves.
All signs pointed to Chu Hean having a deep connection to Su...sothing that had probably been going on for so ti, and that Chu Yun was completely ignorant of. Sohow, it must be connected to that academy in the mountains.
The remote location, the blind master, and the excuse of a secluded retreat where ogas could quietly refine their artistic abilities was perfect for all kinds of political manoeuvring -- especially if it involved the usually inconspicuous Su humans. Ogas and Alphas had fine tuned senses, but betas, especially beta humans, barely registered.
But what was Chu Hean's role in it all? The heartbreak at his brother's deception was still fresh in his mind. Chu Hean's had accused him of making everything about himself. Clearly he thought there was a higher purpose to his actions.
Chu Yun had to find out what.
The First Princess might know more, she had looked surprised to see the Crown Prince of Su.
In the anti, he could still try to get sothing useful out of Xiao Yuan. "Did his Majesty ntion anything about the Crown Prince's visit?"
Xiao Yuan snorted, nuzzling in deeper against Fan Jiang, who looked embarrassed to be touched with such familiarity in front of Chu Yun. "My father doesn't talk with unless it's to criticise or ridicule ."
Chu Yun grimaced. He desperately wished he had brought his folding fan to hide behind. But using a folding fan while it was snowing outside required a level of affectation far beyond his capabilities -- although many in Zui were unbothered by it.
The problems of the Zui royal family were many and varied, but Chu Yun had no interest in discussing them with Xiao Yuan -- it was unfortunate that he had such a terrible father, but his ill-advised feelings for Gu Wei were a kind of misery he brought upon himself.
"What about the First Princess? I noticed she wasn't present for the hunt," Chu Yun asked, trying to change the subject as tactfully as possible.
"Her? My sister always finds a way to disappear when things are about to beco uncomfortable." There was a hint of bitterness to his words, but then, Xiao Ziyi did occupy an enviable position. "She found so really urgent training exercises to do with the garrison the mont she heard about the miscarriage."
Very smart of her. "And where does the garrison usually train?"
Xiao Yuan gave him an odd look. "How am I supposed to know? In so forest outside of Haolin, I imagine."
Chu Yun was sure he could find out where. More importantly, he had co here for a reason. "Well, I won't inconvenience his Royal Highness any longer and will take my leave," he rose to his feet, smiling agreeably. "However, I want to extend mine, and the Second Prince's assistance, should his Royal Highness ever need it. The events of the past week were a tragedy, and we would be remiss in not extending our support."
Xiao Yuan interrupted him. "I'm sure my brother didn't agree to any of that, nor is he aware that you're saying it."
The First Prince had gotten so used to drinking in excess that he was even capable of coherent thought while completely inebriated. Chu Yun had to give him credit for that at least. "Well, it seems we all might have a common enemy, so it would be in our best interests to join forces."
Their common enemy was the King, as Xiao Yuan very well knew. Chu Yun wasn't going to say anything else on the matter and let the thought take hold in his mind for so ti.
He bowed to the First Prince, and then, looking at Fan Jiang said, "I think it would be best if Fan Jiang rested here for the next week. He must still be overwheld from the events of the hunt."
Fan Jiang lowered his eyes bashfully. "His Grace is very kind."
Xiao Yuan didn't say anything but his eyes never left Chu Yun as he walked to the door, his intoxicated mind trying to arrive at a conclusion regarding what exactly Chu Yun was offering.
What Chu Yun was offering him was very simple: Xiao Yuan knew, as well as anyone, that he wasn't fit to rule. And while Chu Yun could never give him Gu Wei, if Xiao Zai beca king he could give him Fan Jiang.
Xiao Yuan could either continue following his father's orders and end up married to won he didn't like as a form of humiliation for daring to covet the King's property, or he could take his brother's side and support Xiao Zai's claim to the throne, and at least find so happiness with a person who genuinely cared for him.
---
The satisfaction of a task accomplished carried Chu Yun through the carriage ride all the way back to the estate. He hadn't seen Xiao Zai since their indulgent morning together. He wanted to convince him to go with him to pay his sister a visit, but he might need so positive encouragent to agree. Luckily for him, Chu Yun was feeling generous -- and creative.
His good mood evaporated the mont he saw a carriage with the royal family's seal inside the estate's gates.
The mont the coachman pulled the horses to a stop, the door of the palace's carriage flew open.
The King stepped down the steps leisurely, smiling up at Chu Yun through the window.
"Why the surprised look? Can't this King visit his son and son-in-law? It's only right we spend so quality ti in family," he chuckled in grim amusent and then turned his head towards the dark interior of the carriage he had just exited. "Isn't that right, Bailiu?"
Gu Wei stepped down the carriage gingerly. Chu Yun's eyes went wide when he saw the raw split in his lower lip.
He ca to a stop at the King's side, his expression unreadable and his lovely eyes completely opaque.. "Yes, your Majesty, it's only right."
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