Pa Chapter 22 (1/2)
Chapter 22: Lurking in the Shadows
Qi Chen had already returned when they went back. They could clearly see that he was in a great mood after his trip to the yamen. The corners of his eyes were creased with joyous smiles. Jun Huang looked at Qi Chen remotely. “Did Your Highness see the state of the city today? And for what matter does Your Highness smile so happily for?”
“What do you mean by this?” Qi Chen frowned, unhappy with Jun Huang’s tone.
“Your Highness naturally knows what I mean.” Jun Huang looked coldly at Qi Chen, completely undaunted.
“Feng Baiyu, don’t think you can act this way just because this prince favors you! You better remember who you’re talking to!” Qi Chen slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, pointing at Jun Huang, possibly stung by the directness of her words.
The corner of Jun Huang’s mouth tugged upwards, as if she’d heard the most ludicrous joke in the world. She knew what was appropriate, and that she should stop. She naturally hadn’t forgotten the purpose of her trip this time and didn’t go into details. Jun Huang left with a flourish of her sleeves.
It was well into night as this point, masking the turmoil of emotions in Jun Huang’s heart. Although she knew that Qi Chen wasn’t suited to rule, she hadn’t known it was to this degree. She felt rather sour at the realization.
Nan Xun was unable to sleep that night and rose to leave his room. He glimpsed from afar that Jun Huang was sitting on the steps, her head flung back to gaze into the vastness of the night sky. She looked uncommonly at peace with the starlight spilling onto her face. He was halted in his tracks for the moment.
She turned her heard when she heard footsteps and saw that it was Nan Xun. Jun Huang wiped the deeply troubled look on her face away and patted the s.p.a.ce next to her, trying to make her movements as open as possible. Her status was different now, after all, and she couldn’t invite suspicion. Nan Xun smiled inwardly but didn’t show any emotion, and didn’t call her out on her act. He made a beeline for her and imitated Jun Huang in sitting on the ground, not caring in the slightest that the dust and soil would dirty his brocade robe.
The moonlight imparted a desolate feeling to the scene as the cold wind whistled past them. Jun Huang hugged her arms tightly to herself. “Everyone says that Your Highness is prime talent for the nation. You have mastered both the civil and military subjects. What insights might you have on what’s happened today?”
“What we need to do now is to investigate where the imperial funds have gone to. Only then will we be able to resolve the situation.” Nan Xun responded seriously.
Jun Huang nodded in agreement and gave a long sigh. She didn’t speak again as she looked up into the starry heavens. It was rather Nan Xun who tilted his head and looked at the girl, his eagle eyes a.s.sessing her closely. Jun Huang coughed lightly and looked elsewhere when she detected his attentions.
“I’ve never looked so closely at you before. The gentleman is as exquisite as a lady,” Nan Xun joked.
Jun Huang reddened and appeared a bit off balance, but kept her composure with effort. She changed the subject, “Heh heh, Your Highness certainly likes to jest… what plans might you have?”