It was one thing for Bai Taining to speak carelessly on ordinary days, but if it were brought to light, he could easily be accused of spreading rumors about the heir to the throne. If taken seriously, the punishment could be as severe as beheading for public display, or at the very least, the confiscation and disposal of his family’s property.
The hastily arriving Ting Wei Bai, upon hearing this, turned pale with shock and glared fiercely at Bai Taining, quickly saying in a placating tone, “Your Highness, we meant no offense. This subject is here to apologize on behalf of my son. Bai Taining, you hurry up and get over here!”
Saying this, the Ting Wei couldn’t help but have some doubts.
Even if Bai Taining bullied men and women, he did so with discretion. Even if he had a hundred times the courage, he would never dare to provoke the King of Beining. Why then had he angered this highly favored and capricious figure in the Imperial City, who was unpredictable and uncompromising?
At the sight of the newcomer’s identity, Bai Taining trembled with fear.
The King of Beining had truly been on the battlefield. With just a casual glance, his pleasant demeanor was accompanied by an aura of killing intent that struck fear into the hearts of those who faced him.
His father gave him a way out by lowering himself, and Bai Taining immediately knelt on the ground with a thud, not caring about the injury on his face, thoroughly frightened.
But Yu Beizhou didn’t even look at him.
He rested his chin on his hand, his gaze falling into the distance.
The prince in white was completely unaware of the commotion. Standing beside him was the proton from Wei Country, meeting with Mu Yuanlong and Zong Ruichen, seemingly whispering something to each other.
The warm light from the floor lanterns cast a divine glow on his gentle and clear side profile, making it impossible to look away.
“Your Highness, he is ignorant of your stature, and today…”
“Get lost.”
Yu Beizhou suddenly felt his interest waning.
He casually threw the whip in his hand, and the attendant by the side hurriedly crawled on the ground to catch it, ending up covered in dust.
On the other side, Zong Luo had just gotten off the carriage and had only exchanged a few words with Ye Linghan when Mu Yuanlong, who had been waiting with Zong Ruichen, came up with his people.
“Your Highness,” Mu Yuanlong greeted with a fist and palm salute, drawing the curious gazes of many.
After the news of the Third Prince’s return, everyone thought of Mu Yuanlong.
Although the Xuan Cavalry were the personal soldiers of the Third Prince, they had a splendid record of military achievements and were well-known. Mu Yuanlong had been a deputy general for many years, and after the death of his master, he should have been incorporated into other armies. Unexpectedly, Emperor Yuan promoted him exceptionally to general, and thus the Xuan Cavalry were preserved.
Now that the master had returned, the situation had become awkward.
Power was something that was truly held in one’s hands, especially now that the Third Prince was obviously unable to command troops. Many were waiting to see how Mu Yuanlong would react, whether he would hand over military power or turn a blind eye.
Hearing the voice, Zong Luo nodded and said, “You’ve worked hard these days. Ruichen, are you getting used to living in the barracks?”
“Third Brother,” After coming out of the palace, and more than a week of training in the barracks, Zong Ruichen’s spirit was rejuvenated, finally giving him some of the looks he should have at his age. “General Mu has treated me well, I get up early every morning to practice martial arts, and the roasted lamb made by the Xuan Cavalry brothers is delicious!”
He spoke excitedly, and inadvertently caught sight of Ye Linghan standing next to Zong Luo, his expression immediately became wary.
Mu Yuanlong also said, “The Eighth Highness is diligent in martial arts and has a foundation. This subject, at his age, did not have such a temperament.”
“Now that the Eighth Highness has been delivered, this subject has urgent matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first, Your Highness.”
The larger the palace banquet, the more these generals have to be responsible for the security of the Imperial City. Later, Mu Yuanlong would have to take the Xuan Cavalry to patrol the outskirts of the capital, just after bringing Zong Ruichen over.
Zong Luo nodded, watching his former deputy general leave, then whispered, “Ruichen, just stay by my side later. There’s no need to pretend to be foolish or mute, just speak less.”
Emperor Yuan had already made it clear last time that Zong Ruichen’s affairs should go with him, so now that Zong Luo had returned, he naturally wouldn’t make his Eighth Imperial Younger Brother play the fool any longer.
Zong Ruichen sniffled and said, “Okay.”
Although he always listened to his imperial elder brother, he couldn’t help but ask, “Third Brother, what about him…”
“It wasn’t Young Master Ye who snitched on us last time, we misunderstood,” Zong Luo patted Zong Ruichen’s head.
Sure enough, after hearing Zong Luo’s explanation, Zong Ruichen’s guard came down.
He obediently ran to Zong Luo’s side and stood there, his expression somewhat conflicted.
Ye Linghan, seeing this, knew that Zong Ruichen had something to say that he didn’t want him to hear, so he obediently stepped back two paces, his expression calm and silent.
Remembering that strange and terrifying dream, Zong Ruichen couldn’t help but shiver.
He hesitated for a long time before finally whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear.
“Third Brother, it’s not that I don’t trust him, but I had a strange dream the day before yesterday.”
“I dreamed that I died at this banquet.”
No, baby, you are safe now. I hope.