Chapter 130 (1/2)

Chapter 130: Return of the Men in Black

Jun Huang nodded. She didn't think much about Qi Yun's request. Nan Xun, on the contrary, was displeased. He knew Jun Huang wasn't helping Qi Yun simply because he was her old friend, but also because he was the best candidate for future emperor Northern Qi had now. Nonetheless, he couldn't help feeling jealous.

Nan Xun quirked his lips up. ”It seems that the fourth prince only has eyes for gentleman Feng. Despite the fact that I am here as well, you only invited gentleman Feng to dinner. This brother is feeling left out.”

Nan Xun had spoken in a lighthearted tone, but Qi Yun couldn't let that accusation slide. He got to his feet and forced himself to smile. ”This brother is glad that you have the time to share a meal with us. Let us go to the tavern now.”

Jun Huang threw a brief glance at Nan Xun before standing up. They left for the tavern together.

They had arrived early. The food therefore had not been prepared yet. A clerk brought them a pot of premium Longjing tea. Jun Huang felt the urge to try some, but Nan Xun took away her cup and told the clerk to bring them a pot of water. The clerk nodded and walked out of the booth.

Qi Yun expected Jun Huang to protest, but she simply leaned against the window and looked outside. The tavern was located at the center of the imperial city. From the booth one could overlook half of the entire city. It was an awe-striking view.

”I didn't know the gentleman is so close to my brother,” Qi Yun said with an awkward smile, trying to fill the silence. ”I'm envious.”

Jun Huang looked over at Nan Xun before quickly turning away. She had done so on reflex and wasn't trying to convey anything. Nan Xun was staring at Jun Huang with a mysterious smile. Qi Yun wondered what he was thinking about.

Once the meal was ready, they took their seats. There was a table full of different dishes, but Jun Huang didn't say anything. Nan Xun thought back to the last time he had invited Jun Huang to share a meal with him. They had an argument because his page boy ordered too much. He had thought Jun Huang would say something this time as well, but Jun Huang started eating without a word.

Qi Yun invited Jun Huang to show her his grat.i.tude. He moved his chopsticks to the fish and picked up a piece, intending to drop it on Jun Huang's plate, but Nan Xun stopped his attempt with a hand, his eyebrows furrowed.

Qi Yun was puzzled and a little upset. He was trying to show Jun Huang his appreciation! And yet Nan Xun had taken the spotlight as if he was the host.

”What does brother Nan mean by this?” Qi Yun asked through clenched teeth.

Nan Xun glanced at him and said, ”Gentleman Feng doesn't eat fish.”

Nan Xun pulled his hand back. Qi Yun too dropped his chopsticks in mortification. He raked through his memory, trying to remember Jun Huang's preferences.

Vaguely, he remembered a young Jun Huang telling him that she didn't eat fish, that she was born with an aversion to the taste and couldn't even stand the smell.

When Jun Huang looked up, Qi Yun's eyes were glued to her. She smiled. ”Please forgive this gentleman, Your Highness. There are many people who don't eat fish. I happen to be one of them.”

As if waking up from a dream, Qi Yun dropped his gaze and gave Jun Huang an apologetic smile.

Jun Huang chewed absentmindedly. She wondered how much Qi Yun remembered from their time together as children.

Seeing that Jun Huang was distracted, Nan Xun changed the subject and said, ”Have you made any progress in your investigation on your mother's death, Qi Yun?”

Qi Yun's face fell. He pursed his lips and shook his head. With a deep sigh, he said, ”There are people trying to stop me from finding the truth. I still haven't found a good lead.”

Nan Xun was quiet for a moment. In the end, he offered some words of comfort. ”Take your time. Don't be too hasty. The truth is out there. You will find it sooner or later.”

Qi Yun nodded. They ate in silence.

After the meal, they started talking about what they should do next, but their conversation was interrupted by Qi Yun's page boy. The page boy entered the room after knocking and whispered something into Qi Yun's ear. Qi Yun's expression changed and he shot to his feet.

”I have urgent business to attend to in the palace. Please excuse me for leaving early.” Qi Yun cupped his hands before turning to Nan Xun. ”Please walk gentleman Feng back, brother Nan. It may be unsafe to be alone on the street at time like this.”

Nan Xun nodded. ”Of course. Leave that to me.”