Chapter 549: Isn't it a dead end to help him?
At first, when everyone knew that Dongchu wanted to invite the Crown Prince of Dajin, they thought Dongchu wanted a hostage to better control Dajin. But the current situation...
Bai Yu'an felt that Dong Chu might not have that intention now, but why did they call them here? The most likely possibility was an alliance, and Wei Changkong's goal was to destroy this alliance.
He looked at Yuan Xiaonian with a serious expression. As soon as their eyes met, they understood each other's thoughts. It was obvious that they were thinking the same thing.
"If this is really for the alliance," Yuan Xiaonian said in a cheerful mood, "then we must seize this opportunity."
After all, Da Jin didn't know Dong Chu's current situation. If he could return to Da Jin alive with some of Dong Chu's things, then his status in the palace would definitely be different from before.
"Indeed, if that's the case, it's actually a good thing, but..." Bai Yu'an considered it cautiously, "We have to find out what happened to the royal family first. Can we... help Zi Tong deal with Wei Changkong? Otherwise, if the alliance fails and everyone else gets involved, it will be more trouble than it's worth."
He was naturally reminding Yuan Xiaonian by saying this. After all, the success of the alliance was the result Yuan Xiaonian wanted to see most, but he did not want this result to sacrifice any of them.
"Of course." Yuan Xiaonian understood what Bai Yu'an meant.
In fact, to put it bluntly, he was alone in this operation. At most, Xiao Jingwen could be considered his man, and the others... even the Bai brothers in the dark, were all members of the Bai family.
Therefore, no matter when, he could not ignore Bai Yu'an's thoughts.
But no matter who it is, no one can stop him from getting what he wants. He will never return empty-handed on this trip to Dongchu.
The next day, after everyone had breakfast, Zi Tong finally showed up.
"I heard something went wrong yesterday," Zi Tong said with a look of annoyance. "General Wei came to the palace last night to explain to me that it was indeed a misunderstanding. I think I disturbed you. I apologize on his behalf."
"Prince Zi Tong is too polite. We understand." Yuan Xiaonian naturally knew that Zi Tong was lying, but he did not expose it and continued to play along.
"Okay, let's go into the palace now?" Zi Tong said with a smile, "My father was very happy to hear that you were coming. He has already prepared a sumptuous banquet in the palace to welcome you."
"Sorry to bother you these few days." Yuan Xiaonian led everyone and followed Zi Tong onto the carriage, and the group set off for the Dongchu Palace.
However, what everyone did not expect was that after they entered the palace, they did not go to pay homage to the Emperor of Dongchu immediately, but were arranged to stay in a palace called Yunzhao Pavilion.
"This Yunzhao Pavilion was built under the personal supervision of my father, specifically for entertaining distinguished guests from foreign countries," Zi Tong enthusiastically introduced. "From the top floor, you can take in the beautiful scenery of our Dongchu capital. You can even see Tian'en Temple to the east."
"Thank you, Emperor Chu, for your concern." Yuan Xiaonian said politely.
"It's nothing. You are all distinguished guests invited by my father. No matter how much I try, it's not enough." Zi Tong directed the servants to bring a lot of fresh fruits, various beautiful clothes and jewelry.
After everything was arranged, he spoke awkwardly, "My father just sent a message saying that he has something important to deal with and may not be able to summon you right away. However, the dinner will be held as scheduled. When the time comes, I will personally take you to see my father."
"It's okay. We can stay in Dongchu for some time this time. The King of Chu doesn't need to summon us in a hurry. It's more important to deal with state affairs." Yuan Xiaonian always looked calm and unhurried.
"That's good. Then...you can do as you please. Just let the servants lead the way wherever you want to go. If you need to find me, just let them notify me." Zi Tong left quickly.
Everyone gathered in Yuan Xiaonian's room. The repeated delays and postponements of the meeting with the Emperor of Chu always made people feel that something was wrong.
"Will I really be able to meet this mysterious Emperor Chu at tonight's dinner?" Xiao Jingwen shook his head speechlessly. "What a pretentious guy."
Bai Yu'an felt that they should be able to see us. "They shouldn't delay any further. I just don't know why they are so shameless as to repeatedly find excuses to avoid seeing us."
No one spoke, and it was obvious that they really couldn't figure it out for a moment.
Bai Yu'an turned to look at Yuan Xiaonian, "Second Prince, before coming to Dongchu, did you research the deeds of the Emperor of Chu?"
There must be records related to the royal families of various countries in the royal family of Dajin. Bai Yu'an and others cannot see them, but Yuan Xiaonian should be able to see them.
"Well, I read some, but to be honest, there aren't many records."
Yuan Xiaonian is a cautious person. Since he chose to come to Dongchu, he will not fight an unprepared battle.
"Emperor Chu, Zi Yunlai is here. He is said to be an extremely handsome man..."
Everyone's expressions were speechless.
Little Dumpling couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, "Actually, you can tell from looking at that brother Zi Tong that his father is definitely a beauty."
Yuan Xiaonian also knew that this was useless information, but he chose to say it out loud. Firstly, there were indeed not many records about Zi Yunlai, and secondly, because... he also wanted everyone to stop being so nervous.
He continued, "He was already over thirty when he ascended the throne. It's said that he was the heir chosen by the previous Emperor of Chu. However, during his reign, he was always lenient to the people and was willing to accept criticism from officials. He never made any major achievements, but the people of East Chu lived in peace and had a good opinion of him."
Everyone nodded in understanding, and couldn't help but picture in their minds the image of a beautiful, good-tempered emperor.
"By the way, this Emperor Chu is a natural born romantic. He only has one concubine in his harem. Two years after he ascended the throne, he gave birth to the current Crown Prince, Zi Tong. After that, the Empress also had no children."
Yuan Xiaonian looked at everyone's expectant gazes and spread his hands helplessly, "That's all."
"An emperor who is easy to talk to and has a good temper can indeed easily make his ministers develop rebellious thoughts." Xiao Jingwen concluded helplessly.
Bai Yu'an nodded in agreement. "Especially that Wei Changkong, he's an arrogant and domineering person. It seems that he has been secretly accumulating strength for so many years. Now... I'm afraid he can't sit still anymore."
"I wonder if the Emperor of Chu and that Prince Zi Tong have been completely sidelined. If they have, wouldn't it be a dead end for us to help him in this foreign country with only a few of us?"
Xiao Jingwen looked at everyone with an uneasy expression.
Bai Yu'an shook his head. "That shouldn't be possible. They want to seek help, but it's impossible that they're already in a dead end. There's no point in dragging us down with them."
Yuan Xiaonian sneered, "It's not meaningless. If we die, Dajin and Dongchu will go to war, and it can be regarded as revenge for them and their son."
When everyone heard this, they were all speechless.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
