366 Please embark on the journey sixteen times

The Crown Princess has arrived. The First Prince, snapping out of his reverie, said, "Alright, please have my beloved consort wait a moment."

"Yes," the young eunuch said, taking his leave.

Eunuch Shi's expression remained unchanged; he smiled gently and congratulated her, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess's arrival must be due to your recent busy schedule with state affairs, causing you to neglect her."

The eldest prince nodded slightly.

After tidying up, we left the main hall.

In the back garden, there is a spacious and deep courtyard, surrounded by towering palace walls.

Various flowers and trees grow in an orderly manner: peonies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, pines, osmanthus, pine and bamboo. Each season has its own unique scenery, making the beauty of the world last forever.

In the center of the garden, there is a huge pond with a stream flowing through it. Water droplets flow down the stream, splashing out and dancing in the air, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky.

The ground appeared to be paved with jade, its crystal-clear surface reflecting a beautiful radiance.

Elegant birds flit among the branches, and in one corner stands a small pavilion, surrounded by beautiful flowers and the sound of clear flowing water, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

Tranquil, relaxed, peaceful—life is truly serene.

In the courtyard stood a young girl with tassel hair ornaments, a golden wing headdress, and a holy feather dress with purple lace trim on the cuffs.

Her elegance and cuteness conceal a touch of playfulness, a hint of intelligence and wit, and a restrained yet strong sense of justice.

With her long, wavy hair, delicate features, flawless skin, and long, slender legs, she seemed to be longing for the person in her heart.

The eldest prince slowly approached, his eyes filled with joy as he looked at the beautiful woman before him. He said in a low voice, "Yi'er, what brings you here? I've been so busy these past few days that I've neglected you."

When we have some free time in a few days, shall we go for a proper stroll together?

I haven't been out of the palace for a while now; ever since my father went into seclusion, I've had very little time.

Upon seeing the person they love, they instantly become like a floodgate opening, quickly pouring out their innermost thoughts.

Yi'er said happily and softly, "I had nothing to do today, so I thought I'd come to see Your Highness. Your Highness is busy with many things, but you must take good care of your health."

When Your Highness has some free time another day, we can go out for a stroll together.

She wanted to step forward and take His Highness's hand, but hesitated, as they weren't yet officially married. A woman's reserve also prevented her from doing so; though close, the moment was brief.

Seeing the hint of worry in Yi'er's eyes, she whispered, "Your Highness, is something troubling you? If it's convenient, you could tell me. I'm not very capable, but I can be a listener."

The eldest prince rubbed his temples. 'He Chen, have you heard?'

A sense of justice and pride flashed in Yi'er's eyes, an inexplicable emotion. 'I know that Bian Jinghe is Yun Su's husband, but he's been making waves lately and is quite audacious.'

He is ill-educated and unaware of the hardships of the world; such actions will inevitably lead to his downfall. If possible in the future, Your Highness might consider recruiting him.

He is indeed a rare talent for military command.

Listening to Yi'er's simple analysis, the Crown Prince nodded slightly, but he couldn't completely agree. After all, this was an Emperor-level cultivation, and he had the right to be willful.

As for taking it for one's own use, the price is considerable. If one is truly willing to use it for one's own purposes, any price is negotiable.

For a moment, he was somewhat dazed. Although he also had his own trump cards, he was still very envious. He was ready to fight anyone who dared to challenge him, and his sword would turn the world upside down.

Such boldness is truly enviable.

She said softly, "Yi'er is joking. A person of such talent is unlikely to submit to others."

He laughed and said, "This He Chen is also a restless fellow. He just arrived in the capital today and killed four yamen runners in the street."

However, these yamen runners deserved to die. It hadn't been long before they started wantonly abducting women; they were utterly audacious.

His face turned slightly pale, his chest heaved, and though he laughed, his anger had reached a point where it needed to be vented.

Such a test was merely a way of probing, and he felt a surge of annoyance. He thought it best to make an example of someone and let He Chen do it, so that the restless ones would all jump out.

Of course, I know in my heart that some won't jump out, but it doesn't matter. Just kill off some henchmen and keep them quiet. After all, we still need these people to govern the country.

Yi'er's eyes lit up, and she whispered, "Really, He Chen actually dared to come to the royal city and even kill the yamen runners. He's really bold."

I wonder where he is now? Has Your Highness captured him?

The eldest prince gently shook his head. "This Lord He is a man of integrity. He is now going to find the mastermind behind the incident. Such a righteous person should not be arrested arbitrarily."

It's not too late to deal with it after the matter is thoroughly investigated. Besides, with General Yun around, He Chen will surely return eventually.

On the other side, after successfully passing through the Second Ring Road gate, we entered the area where the number of people had decreased. Inside, we saw many young women dressed in cotton, silk, and brocade, as well as dashing young men.

The restaurant and teahouse were packed with people, and the aroma of meat and vegetables wafting through the air was truly delicious.

At this moment, Steward Chang tried his best to speak, "Young hero, we are right here on Fugui Street. Please, young hero, have mercy and let me go."

We were forced into this situation. Master Hou wanted to curry favor with Young Master Qi, so he sent us to search everywhere for beautiful young women.

I was forced into this situation. Please, young hero, understand.

At this moment, Steward Chang could no longer hold on. Along the way, many people had gathered to watch, but the inspectors and officials seemed not to have seen anything.

Even a blind man would know that something was amiss; he had kicked a hornet's nest. If he didn't beg for mercy now, he would certainly have no way out.

Besides, everything he said was true, but he also benefited from it.

With a light step, I arrived at the gate of the main street. There was a pair of stone lions at the gate, carved from pure white jade, with a robust and majestic appearance.

The lines are clearly visible, like the guardian of the gate, with a large plaque above the gate that reads "Hou Residence".

The handwriting is quite good; it must be the work of a master.

There were no yamen runners or patrols on the streets, and no soldiers on duty. I didn't pay much attention to it.

Seeing that the door was ajar, and not wanting to bother with anything, he tossed it lightly, and Butler Chang shot towards the door like a cannonball.

A deafening boom was heard, as if a hammer had struck, its force shaking mountains and rivers. The sound was so powerful that it seemed to shake the entire royal city. The gate shattered into pieces, and blood and flesh flew everywhere.

Before a scream could even escape, blood splattered, instantly staining the entire doorway red—a truly ominous sign.

"Who, who is it, who dares to be so insolent!" A fat steward stepped forward angrily, his belly round and his face full of wealth. Behind him were several guards wearing leather armor, holding clubs and knives, glaring angrily.

"Is your master or young master here?" she asked softly. If they weren't, it would be troublesome to search for them.