"Elder Yan, you were looking for…" Before Li Jiyanyu could finish his sentence he was greeted by the sound of the cheerful laughter of Yan Lingyun.
Ji Haoyu was the first one to notice him. The glimmer in his eyes was evident. He was holding a scroll in his hand, seemingly taking note of a long list of objects.
The poor young man sitting opposite to the emperor was at his wit's end. He thought this would be merely a single long game of chess, where he would admit defeat after stalling enough time for his lord.
But no. To his surprise, or more like shock, every two moves led the old man to corner him into a checkmate. This is the so-called guidance in chess he was promised? He was tricked into betting half of his fortune.
"Haoyu read the list. I am not in the mood to play anymore. Sorry for not being able to entertain you any longer." Yan Lingyun said, getting up from his seat leisurely and firmly patting Yufei's back.
"The MoonHill Ginseng
Silver Fox Fur Cloak
Blood Orchid Dagger
Enchanted Bamboo Flute
Starlight Lotus Mirror
Dragon's Breath Incense
Sacred Silk Robe"
Haoyu read the list in a breath. These were all rare treasures, only found in the north. The emperor had his eyes set on them for a long time. And he was the unfortunate one who was constantly sent to various corners of the kingdom to seek treasures similar to them. Now that his majesty has gotten his hands on the original ones, it seems like he would be able to idle around for a while now.
Jiyanyu for a moment felt bad for the man who was still seated.
"Ahem, Elder Yan." He spoke up again entering the room.
"Oh, Ah'yu, check this. Seven rare treasures. Hahaha, I couldn't be any happier." He said out loud without caring for the heartbroken expression on Yufei's face.
"Then I must congratulate you. Oh right, you were looking for me, right? Is there any urgent matter?"
"When did I call…
"Elder Yan, the princess, has agreed to accompany me to the war camp. We can set off within three days. This is quite an emergency, so I hope you could approve this?" Ji Fenhua asked politely.
"Ah, 3 days? Isn't that…"
"Here's a tribute from me as a token of gratitude." Fenhua bowed slightly before taking out a shiny pendant to present it before Yan Lingyun.
"The soul stone pendant?" Yan Lingyun held it in front of his eyes to examine its authenticity. The crimson-red drop at the center of the pendant almost hypnotized him. Indeed this is the authentic soul stone pendant carved from dragon blood obsidian.
"Well, she is a princess now. She has her own duties. It's time for her to learn the ropes. You both can set out the next day if possible." Yan Lingyun said in an authoritative voice, hardly holding back the glee in his voice.
'Master, if the young princess gets to know you sold her out for a mere treasure, I wonder how she would feel.' Haoyu thought to himself.
"In that case, I would be here tomorrow with the sedan to pick the princess up. I would take my leave today then."
—------------------------------------
"Lord, weren't you supposed to meet with Elder Xuan tomorrow?" Yufei probed.
"That can wait."
"But your injury? It would be hard to handle if the news reaches the hidden rebels." Yufei couldn't help but interject.
"Huh, you have started doubting my abilities."
"I dare not Lord."
Yufei averted his eyes, lowering them to the ground. The lord was young and appeared sickly. But one would be wrong to be deceived by his appearance. Every single person who has worked under him to date is well aware of his ruthless ways.
Fenhua massaged his temple gently, furrowing his brows as Yufei propelled forward the chariot.
—-------------------------
'I guess I am not really needed here.' Jinyu sighed, taking in the rare view of Elder Yan gleefully setting aside the pendant in a secure box.
"Hey, Changmin!" He shouted, finally spotting his best friend who abandoned him in the face of trouble.
"Oh, you already greeted the northern prince, huh?"
Changmin said while skillfully defending the attack from Baichan with his sword. Lunging backward in a swift thrust, Baichan sidestepped.
"You can leave now." The graceful man commanded in his magnetic voice.
"Yes, your majesty."
As Ai Baichan walked away, Jiyanyu spoke up again,
"So, you knew it beforehand? And yet decided to abandon me?! Shame on you Changmin. What a good friend you are. He almost killed me."
"Killed you? Really? With what? He didn't enter with any weapons. Oh and of course I am a good friend who likes to pay the favor back."
Yan Changmin darted a meaningful look at him.
'He really does hold grudges. Childish.' Jiyanyu thought to himself.
Changmin's expression turned somber. "I am setting out after a few days. In the meantime, investigate the palace properly. Contact me immediately if you find any link between the red scorpion and the palace guards."
He turned to leave.
"Erm, wait." Jiyanyu asked.
Changmin looked back with arched brows.
"That northern prince…can Huiqing be trusted with him?"
"She would be more than safe with him." Changmin said resolutely.