Chapter 225 (1/2)

Chapter 225: Confession

Eastern Wu sent another diplomat to Northern Qi the next day and accepted Jun Huang's conditions. However, there weren't a lot of beautiful women in Eastern Wu, so the condition was changed from fifty women to thirty. Qi Yun considered it a good enough outcome; he signed the treaty without further argument.

He returned to the imperial city triumphant. The sheer amount of spoils he won from Eastern Wu was impressive. Qi Chen and the third prince couldn't be more jealous. They used to think of Qi Yun as a useless prince who lived in his own world. The task the emperor a.s.signed him and the success he achieved prompted the two brothers to reconsider Qi Yun's importance. He was someone both of them would like to ally with.

The third prince was the first to invite Qi Yun. He couldn't wait any longer. The day after Qi Yun returned, the third prince held a banquet to celebrate the success. Qi Yun didn't want to go at all, but he had to show some respect for his brother.

The third prince was never a tactful person. He bluntly told Qi Yun that he wanted his support. Qi Yun appeared to be a little drunk. He glared at the third prince and said, ”Royal Father is still alive and healthy, and second brother is a.s.sisting him in ruling the country. Who told the third prince that a country needed more than a couple rulers? Even by himself, Royal Father would be able to take care of all the state affairs. He's not yet impeded by his age.”

Qi Yun's argument was valid and to the point. The third prince's ears flushed red in mortification. His words were spread to outside the walls. Qi Yun came to be known and respected as a royalist.

Qi Yun had made sure to speak up for Qi Chen in his retort. Qi Chen couldn't be more pleased when he heard the news. His informant had described to him how the third prince's face contort that day. He was still laughing about it even in his sleep.

Qi Yun's protectiveness reached the emperor's ear. Delighted, the emperor awarded him a jade scepter. Qi Yun was garnering more and more respect. Teaming up with him would win Qi Chen considerable support from the court.

Qi Chen went to Jun Huang with his idea, asking her to introduce them. She pretended to be hesitant, saying that she was unfamiliar with Qi Yun, and that Qi Yun might not listen to her.

However, Qi Chen was sure that Qi Yun would agree to her invitation. He heard that she'd heroically saved Qi Yun during the battle. Qi Yun was a sentimental one. He wouldn't say no to someone who'd saved his life.

Jun Huang scoffed inwardly, but kept up a respectful expression. She nodded in agreement.

Back to Nan Xun's manor, she told Nan Xun about Qi Chen's request. He nodded. He'd antic.i.p.ated the reaction from Qi Chen. He asked her what she was going to do.

She lowered her eyes in contemplation. In the end, she shook her head. ”This is out of our hand. Qi Yun has rejected the third prince openly and got commended as a result. Since Qi Chen intended to gain his support, we should see what Qi Yun thinks himself. It may not be a bad thing to let him take charge this time.”

”We'll let them meet,” said Nan Xun.

Jun Huang nodded.

The next day, Qi Yun, Qi Chen, and Jun Huang went to the most luxurious tavern in the city. Jun Huang remained quiet as Qi Chen poured wine for Qi Yun with a fake smile. Qi Yun was perfectly polite and calm.

”I heard that third brother has invited you to a banquet,” Qi Chen said, playing ignorant.

Qi Yun looked up at him and nodded with a smile.

”What does fourth brother think of third brother?” asked Qi Chen, his neutral tone betraying none of his thoughts.

Qi Yun snuck a glance at Jun Huang, who had been drinking tea without a word. After a brief pause, he said, ”This brother is a n.o.body. I'll obey anything the emperor says. I have no intention to infringe upon the emperor's authority.”

Qi Chen was the crown prince. He would become the emperor one day. He therefore a.s.sumed that Qi Yun was pledging his loyalty to him, the future emperor. Satisfied, he exchanged a few more words with Qi Yun.

When half of the jug of wine had been finished, Qi Yun stood up and claimed to have business to attend to. Qi Chen didn't stop him from leaving.

Once Qi Yun was out of earshot, Qi Chen turned to Jun Huang and asked, ”Do you believe what he said?”

She looked up at him and chuckled. ”Your Highness already knows the answer. Why are you asking me?”

Qi Chen nodded. ”Qi Yun is a clever one. He's accepted our offer to form an alliance. The third prince is a nuisance. We should get rid of him as soon as possible.”