Chapter 210 (1/2)

Chapter 210: Disguise

Jun Huang was puzzled by her change of att.i.tude. She had been harshly demanding answers from Jun Huang. Why was she finding excuses for Qi Chen now?

Trying to force a thought into Nan Guyue's mind would be unwise, though. That Jun Huang recognized. She would risk giving away her intentions.

”The princess is right,” said Jun Huang, her tone earnest, but the gears in her head were spinning. ”The prince is fortunate to have you as his wife.”

Nan Guyue considered Jun Huang. Jun Huang had lowered her eyes in contemplation. Nan Guyue interpreted that as Jun Huang's admission to defeat. Her mood lightened considerably. She smiled. ”Let's not talk about the prince and me now. Let's talk about the gentleman. You've come to the imperial city for some time. Is there anyone you like?”

A lot of people have been spreading rumors about Jun Huang and Nan Xun, saying that they were involved. Jun Huang didn't believe that Nan Guyue would be oblivious to that. Perhaps she's simply asking, Jun Huang thought. Or maybe she's mocking me.

Jun Huang scoffed inwardly, but her tone was respectful when she said, ”This gentleman is already in love with someone. The princess doesn't have to worry. If the princess doesn't have anything else you want, you should go ahead and return. This place is too plain and humble for someone like the princess. I don't want your dress to be dirtied. Moreover, this gentleman has some personal affairs to take care of.”

Jun Huang was obviously asking Nan Guyue to leave. Nan Guyue would have to be spectacularly dense to not understand the subtext. She threw Jun Huang a glare that Jun Huang's lowered eyes had not seen. Nan Guyue refused to lose her composure for a mere strategist. She scoffed and got to her feet.

”I'll stop bothering the gentleman,” she said in a strained voice. ”The gentleman should go back to your business. Read books about morals such as The Way1 so that you won't ever do something disgraceful.”

Nan Guyue stormed away with her entourage in tow. Once she was gone, Nan Xun walked out of the room he had been staying in, his brows furrowed. His bad mood was obvious from his expression.

Nan Xun had noticed something unusual when Nan Guyue demanded to know if there was anyone noteworthy by Qi Chen's side. The rest of the conversation proved his speculation right. He wasn't going to tell Jun Huang though. It was an added burden on her shoulders, and he didn't want her to be upset for someone irrelevant.

Nan Xun scowled at the teacup Nan Guyue had used. He quickly schooled his expression and ordered a servant to clean up the table. Then he turned to Jun Huang. ”Have you found something about Eastern Wu?”

Nan Guyue's visit had caused Jun Huang to forget about what was important. Nan Xun's words jogged her memories. She cleared her throat and said, ”I have. There's an organization called Water Cloud in Eastern Wu. The man I sent out came back with the news that Water Cloud was behind the a.s.sa.s.sination attempts against you. After some deliberation, I came to the conclusion that we have to go to Eastern Wu to have a look. We must get to the bottom of this to avoid future dangers.”

Nan Xun had heard of the organization. He frowned. Jun Huang was right. Moreover, Eastern Wu had been making moves against Northern Qi lately. He had to do something now. A trip to Eastern Wu was a must.

”How about Qi Chen?” asked Nan Xun.

”He's too busy to pay attention to me. I'll go talk to him this evening. The rest we'll leave to Mister Ji Bo. The third prince is under his control. They only had to slowly take out Qi Chen's supporters. Then Qi Chen's influence would be destroyed little by little.”

Jun Huang's eyes were calm even when her words turned cruel. Nan Xun, though, didn't see it in a negative light. He admired her for her careful att.i.tude and her ability to keep things under control.

In the evening, Jun Huang left for Prince Chen Manor. This was the best time for a conversation with Qi Chen. In the morning Qi Chen often had a lot of work to do. Jun Huang knew enough about him to know when he was free.

When she arrived, Qi Chen was drinking wine outside. He must have been in a bad mood due to recent incidents. The housekeeper went up to Jun Huang when he saw her and said, ”The gentleman has come at the right time. The prince has been drinking for a while. No matter what other people said, he wouldn't be convinced. The gentleman is close to the prince. Please try to stop him.”

Jun Huang nodded and walked toward Qi Chen. Hearing the footsteps, Qi Chen thought that it was the housekeeper coming to preach him again. He was startled by Jun Huang's appearance.

”Brother Feng is here,” he said with a chuckle, pointing at the spot next to him. ”Don't be formal with me. Have a seat.”

Jun Huang sat down and gave Qi Chen a once over. She could tell that Qi Chen hadn't had enough to be drunk. He must have spent more time thinking than drinking. She relaxed and said, ”This gentleman has come to the conclusion that I should go to Eastern Wu myself. They have spies among our ranks who can send them information about Northern Qi, and yet we know nothing about Eastern Wu. This gentleman believe that we have to venture into the tiger den to catch a cub. We must find out how powerful their army is.”