"Tomorrow we head to the capital. Upon arriving in two days, we will split up. Shangguan Lin, you will take the tiger tally and secure the Ministry of War. Remember, Lan Qinglun is likely a fake. If he is, execute him on the spot. Yu Xuan, take the Jade Dragon Talisman to the Commander of the Imperial Guards and mobilize five thousand imperial troops into the palace. The Yun Prince, Prime Minister Sima, and I will storm the court and apprehend that wretch. Anyone who resists shall be killed without mercy."
Murong Chong's bloodthirsty command was arrogant and domineering.
Everyone responded in unison, "Yes."
"Remember, speed, ruthlessness, and swiftness are paramount. Occupy each location immediately."
"Yes."
His arrangements were precise and flawless, leaving no room for error. Now, the Jade Dragon Talisman and the military tally were in their hands, along with the Yun Prince and the Prime Minister.
These two were important ministers of the court, and their involvement would carry significant weight. Coupled with Shangguan Lin, who was still a prince, the plan was foolproof.
After Murong Chong finished assigning tasks, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to rest and depart at the first hour of the rooster on the following day.
The individuals withdrew.
Murong Chong stood up and stretched, then walked to the window, gazing at the round moon that resembled a jade plate. A faint pain bloomed in his chest, though he didn't know why. He furrowed his brow.
He picked up his beloved jade flute and leaped onto the glazed rooftop, sitting against the wind.
His dark hair danced in the night breeze, and the round moon, like water, softly illuminated him, making him appear like a piece of exquisite jade.
The melodious flute music rose, piercing the wind and clouds, swirling in the air, elegant and melodious, like roses blooming in fiery crimson.
He dissolved into the night, appearing aloof and ethereal. Despite his arrogant demeanor that seemed to disdain the world, he carried a sense of solitary detachment, as if abandoned by everyone. Listening to the flute and watching him, one couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Shedding his cold exterior, he was like a banished immortal descended to the mortal realm, wandering through heaven and earth, ethereal and intangible.
Suddenly, from a corner of the wall, a black shadow leaped up swiftly, flashing to his side in an instant. He didn't move, having known who was coming all along. He remained immersed in his flute music, the pain in his chest deepening. Had he truly forgotten something?
What could it be?
As the melody concluded, his deep, charming voice slowly resounded, "Lin, I feel as if I've forgotten something truly important. Whenever I try to recall it, this ache appears."
With his arms crossed, he gazed steadily at the moonlit night, as if trying to discern from it what he had forgotten.
"Imperial Brother, what are you thinking about? You're so melancholic; it's not like you. Tomorrow's affairs are the most important. Haven't you always wanted to reclaim the Shangguan family's throne?"
Shangguan Lin felt a pang in his heart. If he could, he would have immediately told him what he had forgotten. But he couldn't. If revealing that matter were to cost his Imperial Brother his life, not only would he himself be unforgivable, but Yun Xiao would also never forgive him.
"Yes, Lin speaks wisely. Reclaiming the throne is the most important matter."
Murong Chong let go of his thoughts, regaining his composure. He nodded calmly, stood up from the glazed rooftop, and descended gracefully. Shangguan Lin leaped down right behind him.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Mm," Murong Chong returned to his chamber to rest. For now, he pushed everything else aside, believing that reclaiming the throne was indeed the most crucial task.
At this moment, Yun Xiao found herself in a luxuriously appointed room.
Inside, several women clad in colorful silk robes attended by the side. When the person on the bed stirred, everyone around watched her tensely. Only when she abruptly opened her eyes, her gaze cold and sinister, did she unleash a curse and shift her body, then rub her forehead, pointing at the women surrounding her.
"Where is this? Who are you people?"
The women in silk robes, led by their foremost, knelt down and respectfully replied, "This is the Li Prince's residence, and we are the residence's maids."
"Li Prince's residence?"
Yun Xiao frowned, trying to recall when the Eastern Qin gained a Li Prince, but nothing came to mind. Instead, she remembered the black-clad man who had taken her away that night.
That person possessed unfathomable martial arts skills. More importantly, he could use the mesmerizing incense, appearing to be a master of poisons. Not only was he skilled in poison, but his martial arts were also formidable. It was normal that she couldn't defeat him, but how did he have her portrait?
As Yun Xiao was struggling to recall, footsteps sounded from behind the screen. Before she could react, the maids in the room quickly turned and said, "Greetings to His Highness the Li Prince."
"Rise."
His voice was gentle, as if bathing in a spring breeze, bearing a slight resemblance to her brother Yun Zhen. Who was this person?
Yun Xiao quickly raised her head, her eyes lighting up. The man was tall and slender, his hair tied with a golden crown. He wore a dark blue robe embroidered with python patterns, over which was a light yellow outer garment. A gentle, scholarly smile graced his handsome features.
However, from his slightly narrowed eyes, it was not difficult to discern that he was a cold and ruthless individual; his appearance was merely a facade.
The moment Yun Xiao saw him, she knew he was the one who had taken her that night.
She spoke harshly, "Who are you? Where is this place?"
She belatedly realized that this was definitely not the Eastern Qin, as the Eastern Qin had no Li Prince. She seemed to have been drugged and unconscious for a long time. It appeared she was no longer in the Eastern Qin. She wondered how Murong was.
The thought of him brought a flicker of worry, followed by anger. She glared at the man standing by the bedside, wishing she could bite him.
"I am Ji Qingge, the Li Prince. This is still the Western Liang Kingdom."
Although she knew she wasn't in the Eastern Qin, she hadn't expected to end up in Western Liang. Western Liang was the sworn enemy of the Eastern Qin. What was his purpose in abducting her here? Yun Xiao pondered, but then her mind drifted to another matter.
Her absent mother also bore the surname Ji, and was reportedly a princess of Western Liang. Could this Ji Qingge have any relation to her mother?
Upon realizing this, Yun Xiao felt a slight sense of relief, but she remained cautious. She didn't understand why the Li Prince, Ji Qingge, had abducted her all the way from the Eastern Qin to Western Liang.
"What do you want?"
Ji Qingge smiled faintly. His smile held a certain allure that gently spread across his cheeks, neither the previous gentleness nor the hidden coldness, but a different kind of charm.
Yun Xiao marveled inwardly that a man could possess so many facets, but she continued to watch Ji Qingge warily.
It was best to be cautious of royalty. Beneath the guise of imperial power, intentions were often murky. These people were likely not simple individuals.
Ji Qingge observed Yun Xiao's wary expression without taking offense. He moved to the side and sat down, waving his hand. The maids in the room all withdrew, leaving only the two of them.