The following days from the hunt the Royal Capital was bustling.
The news about the how the Si Second Young Master's true identity and the upcoming royal wedding filled the streets of the capital.
Stories about the deep love between Zhao Song and Gu Yuxie as well as many conspiracy theories of why the crown prince had to hide his identity were constantly heard and retold among the common folk, leading to many versions of each being spread.
With the stories spreading like wild fire, the reputation of both princes began to change.
Zhao Song started to be depicted as an infatuated prince. Rumors about he vowing to only have Gu Yuxie as his only woman were the most popular especially among young girls.
On the other hand, Zhao Yifeng's reputation of douche began to be questioned. Maybe the Crown Prince hid his true nature just like his identity- for safety.
With all the rumors around Zhao Yifeng, commoners started to guess and even bet on what was the Crown Prince true temperament.
But not only was the common folk busy with these two news, officials were also deeply concerned about them.
Regarding the two news being released at the same time, most officials deeply expressed their confusion to what message the Emperor was trying to pass.
Did he favor the new appointed Crown Prince? But if that's the case why would he grant the marriage with the Gu family to Prince Song? The same question stands for his favor to Prince Song. If he truly favors Prince Song why would the Emperor give Prince Yifeng the title of Crown Prince? Although it is true that Prince Yifeng has an hierarchical advantage over Prince Song for the title, but if the Emperor didn't really wished to give the title he could not granted it. It was not like the Empress's family was strong enough to force the Emperor otherwise.
However a few officials still knew some internal news and knew that the situation was way more delicate than their colleagues thought.
The marriage granted by the Empress, was a veiled warning to Prince Song by both the Emperor and the Empress. Apparently the Emperor found out that the Gu Family and Prince Song had long been in cahoots behind his back. Coupled with the incident in the Wang Mansion and rumors about Prince Song and the Young Miss from the Xiao's, Prince Song was actually walking in very thin ice right now.
Plus there's still rumors that Prince Song was the one behind the new Crown Prince's assassination attempt.
"Rumors are such a beautiful weapon don't you think?"
Yifeng said after listening to a discussion about the upcoming wedding.
"They are only useful if you add some evidence to them, otherwise they would die rather quick"
"Don't worry. I'm confident that evidences are going to appear in the near future"
Zhao Yifeng said drinking his tea.
"I did what you asked about Gu Yuxie and my little brother. What about my recompense?"
He asked looking at the girl across him.
"Flustering Zhao Song's plans is not enough for you?"
Ming Shu asked indifferently but Yifeng only answered her with silence.
"Sigh. All right, what you want?"
"How about not visiting the Red Lotus anymore?"
"Not possible"
Just kidding she still has much to learn here. Although they have some xxxx knowledge (which Ming Shu pretend not to be interested, but when the old lady is teaching she focus 1000% of her attention), they also knew some interesting things like how to read body language.
"... a kiss then"
This time was Ming Shu's turn to silently stare at him.
"Haha, just kidding~"
Or not. But it was worth a try.
"Hmmm... I want a dance from you"
"Are you sure?"
Zhao Yifeng nodded.
"I want you to perform it. I want a soft dance not a sword dance"
"Urgh. Okay, give me a week"
"Sure, I'm waiting anxiously"
Imagining how wonderful would be seeing the ruthless girl being all coy and soft, chills of excitement ran through his body.
"Are you okay?"
Ming Shu asked noticing that the young man's breathing starting to get rough.
"Cough. I'm fine. I also have some exciting news do you want to hear?"
Yifeng said in embarrassment trying to cover up his reaction and diverting her attention.
Ming Shu looked at Zhao Yifeng and after not finding any indication is illness, she nodded her head.
"My little brother sent his people to follow my aides these days. He is especially interest in your brother. I heard that two days ago Peng 'coincidently' met Songsong"
"...Songsong?"
"A cute nickname for an adorable little brother"
"Oh"
Crown Prince, does your brother who is trying to kill you knows you think him as adorable and even gave him a nickname?
Ming Shu averted her eyes so that she could block the stupid grin in Yifeng's face, trying to barely save his dignified image in her head.
Zhao Yifeng didn't see any surprise in her face like he had plan and decided to take his trump card.
He wants to show her that he can be as interesting as his subordinates in the Red Lotus so that she quit visiting that place.
"There's one more thing. Your friend began to approach me"
Ming Shu looked at him in confusion. What friend? Did Meihui disgust on him diminish after doubting his true personality?
"Friend? Who are you talk-"
A name other than Meihui flashed in her head.
"...Fangyi?"
Yifeng nodded.
Ming Shu opened and closed her mouth many times until everything she wanted to say transformed in a sigh.
"I guess that's it"
"That's it? What kind of reaction is that?!"
Zhao Yifeng asked with indignation. Where was his promised surprise and maybe even a little jealousy?
"What else for you want me to say? There's no way that she could be Zhao Song's main wife unless Gu Yuxie disappears. Knowing her, there is no way that she could pull it off without leaving evidence behind, so she chose the next best- another candidate. Not surprisingly you're the one she picked since you're the strongest contestant to the throne. Although I could predict that she would choose to do this, I must say it happened earlier than I though"
Ming Shu shook her head. At least her main objective is now done. She managed to breaking down the connection between Fangyi and Zhao Song like she promised Madam Wang. Whatever Wang Fangyi chooses to do after that, is entirely up to her.
"You don't have any surprise though. Nor jealous either"
"Why should I be jealous?"
Yifeng pointed at himself.
Ming Shu laughed.
Although she must admit she indeed have feeling for him, they are not enough to make her step on the Empress road again. So why bother?
"Are you saying I should be jealous because she has some second agenda with you?"
"Of course"
Yifeng answered as if it was only obvious for her to feel so. Unfortunately for him Ming Shu only smiled and didn't answer his inquiry.
"She would be a good Empress. She has a strong background which could help you in your reign and is very loving"
"She's not a virgin anymore"
"And whose fault is that?"
Ming Shu said with a bit anger in her voice making Zhao Yifeng have no come back for her.
"I think as an apology for the idiocy you made you should give her a chance. Wait hear me out"
Ming Shu said raising her hand to stop whatever he was about to say in opposition.
"I'm not saying to marry her, I only want you to give her a chance to show you what she got. The Empress must be someone you can see walking by your side for a lifetime so it should be chosen carefully and not just to atone your guilt or for a fleeting feeling"
Ming Shu said with a serious look staring at Zhao Yifeng's eyes. What she wanted to say is give up on me, but the words didn't leave her mouth.
The two became silent. Just as Zhao Yifeng was about to open his mouth Ming Shu got up, and after saying 'I have to go' she left without waiting for him to answer her back.
Seeing the fleeing back, Zhao Yifeng sighed. To think that the little girl though his feelings for her were so shallow. Maybe he didn't express himself enough.
But it doesn't matter, from now on he will make sure she understands his mind clear.