147 Fan the Flames and Let the Residence of He Burn! (1/2)
It was a wonder to watch the changes in expression of those who were listening.
Aside from the issue of ”I just entered the palace”, in the eyes of the public, Young Master Yun was labeled a carefree person or a popinjay. The matter that had to be discussed with him was indeed worthy of much speculation!
There could only be one reason for someone influential seeking a popinjay for discussion – the power behind this seemingly inconsequential figure.
Han Wufei’s expression was beginning to turn livid for he had realized that if they remained entangled on this topic, Yun Yang might even spew out dangerous statements like the crown prince was planning to rebel.
”Why must Young Master Yun lash out like this? This involves His Highness’ reputation, don’t sabotage yourself in the process!” Han Wufei lambasted coldly.
”Still concerned about my welfare, are you? Can't you come up with newer threats? May I ask why would I lash out if the crown prince hadn't sent you to get me once I left the palace?” Yun Yang smirked. ”You look for me, threaten me openly, force me to comply, and disallow me to speak up. Once I lash out, I’m arguing, aren’t I? So, if I argue, I’m tainting the crown prince’s reputation. I can't dispute this at all, it is so very reasonable!”
Han Wufei was fuming with rage, hissing through gritted teeth, ”Truly, a bite from a thief sinks to the bone.”
Yun Yang cried out in indignation, ”I am a thief now, am I? Even if I did take a bite out of all of you, how can it sink to the bone if you didn’t come seeking for me?”
Han Wufei was sorely tempted to physically strike the fool in front of him. ”His Highness the crown prince has so sincerely…”
Yun Yang continued to portray a sense of shocked fury. ”Sincerely threaten me? Such sincerity is truly profound!”
Han Wufei could no longer hold himself back. ”Silence! Yun Yang, one more word from you and I shall…”
”What shall you do?” Yun Yang cut him off in anger. ”Could it be that you dare kill me?”
Han Wufei charged forward. ”Do you think that I wouldn't dare too?”
His tone was chilling, his murderous intent obvious.
Yun Yang chuckled. ”You’re threatening me again! This time, with death, no holds barred! If I don’t comply, it looks like my life is really on the line.”
The topic had gone a full circle and came back to threats once again.
Han Wufei was about to pass out from overwhelming anger. ”When have I threatened you? Don’t spew nonsense; this is related to the crown prince’s reputation, don’t sabotage yourself!”
”Oooh…” A wave of hisses and snickering emanated from the crowd.
The crowd looked at Han Wufei as if witnessing the village idiot at work.
It was just mere seconds ago that you loudly proclaimed that you wouldn't hesitate to kill him, and now you follow-up with an inane question like, ”When have I threatened you?”
Are you sure you care about the crown prince’s reputation? Your own actions are damaging his name already.
Wow, this man is really something!
It certainly looks like he's the one digging his own grave.
Han Wufei was an experienced official and reacted quickly, not mulling over his words uttered in his impatience as he said, ”But I didn’t threaten you just now!”
Yun Yang put on an exasperated front. ”Then tell me, what do you really want?”
”I…” Han Wufei said angrily, ”His Highness the crown prince has sent me to invite you…”
Yun Yang looked speechless. ”Does your residence make it a habit to invite their guests like this?”
The passersby were extremely amused by the proceedings – His Highness the crown prince had actually sent someone like this to invite his guest?
Did he intend to invite or offend?
Han Wufei's was unbearably muddled at how the situation had panned out.
Yun Yang looked at him sympathetically and said. ”Go back. First, I won’t go over; second, you’re not yet qualified to invite me like this. I, Yun Yang, am still a descendant of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds. How can I be at someone’s beck and call? Third, you’ve been threatening me all along, no two ways about it. I don’t know if it’s the crown prince’s or your own intention. If it’s yours, let His Highness invite me using someone else; if it’s the crown prince’s, how dare I still go?”
”Furthermore, the family of Marquis Yun has never been involved in the affairs of the imperial court. Based on what I have just said, please go back.”
Yun Yang smiled softly and turned to leave.
Han Wufei hollered angrily, ”Yun Yang!”
His voice rang loud and clear but Yun Yang did not turn back again, continuing to walk further away.
Those around them wore delighted expressions – not a single one of them had expected to witness such a show today.
Although it was more of a monologue, it was still a classic!
Yun Yang’s steps were unusually light as he strolled home.
It was never his intention to antagonize the crown prince all along. Han Wufei had said something accurate – the crown prince was the monarch while the rest were all officials. If it had not been necessary, Yun Yang did not wish to make an open enemy of the monarch; if he did, the ripple effect would be huge and might even sway an already shaky empire. This was not something the Nine Supremes would like to see. It was something that should not be done with Empire of Yutang’s current situation.
However, what Yun Yang had done was to complicate things further and make the situation even more confusing. Since the crown prince had sent Han Wufei over, he might as well use the hapless fellow.
Those who had listened to the farce in front of the palace were not common folk; all their attention must have shifted to the crown prince now that he made such a public outcry and fuss.
At the very least, the crown prince would have to fully think through his decisions before doing anything in for the time being.
This was only the beginning of a whirlpool though.
Yun Yang entered the third prince’s residence as the night turned cold, with a light breeze blowing through the sky.
He tossed over a forged document he had prepared earlier. ”The crown prince is secretly planning a rebellion, the evidence is irrefutable. Below are…”
Soon enough, the entire third prince’s residence was on guard for the entire night; aides and officials were coming and leaving as they discussed and tossed about ideas and strategies.
Yun Yang made his way to the fourth prince’s residence next. This time, he placed a confidential document on the fourth prince’s study table – ”Ol’third and ol’fifth have worked together in a conspiracy to first exterminate the fourth prince before they combined forces to go against the crown prince. Here is the evidence…”
Yun Yang did not forget the fifth prince’s residence. The water supply had inexplicably vanished after midnight even as Yun Yang set fire to the place.
The fire was ferocious as its blaze soared towards the sky, almost staining half the capital’s sky red.
Afterwards, the Residence of the Grand Commandant, the Residence of the Grand Tutor, Residence of Prince of Concord and many others had all received something different. A few of the residences were set alight as well.