Chapter 426 How Did You Get in Sheng Sheng's Carriage?
Before long, all those dressed as imperial guards lay on the ground, dead.
Xie Yunyang breathed a sigh of relief and ordered four guards to examine the people. He then cupped his hands to Xiao Jiuzhu and said, "Thank you for saving us, Senior!"
Xiao Jiuzhu sheathed his sword and nodded slightly: "No need, I'm just passing by."
Xie Yun-yang thought it was just a polite remark; who would happen to pass by here?
Xiao Jiuzhu was originally a swordsman who roamed the martial world, so Xie Yun was not surprised that he was not currently in Yu Kingdom.
"Senior, I have long admired your name! We are so grateful to you this time, otherwise we would certainly be in grave danger."
"Um."
Xiao Jiuzhu responded to him, then turned around and started looking for someone, "Pei Ji?"
Xie Yun was stunned.
What, Pei Ji?
It wouldn't be surprising if Xiao Jiuzhu appeared anywhere, but why would Pei Ji appear outside the Yu Kingdom's palace?
Pei Ji was a hostage, and he could not leave the palace without a valid reason.
If Xie Yunyang was only feeling strange at this moment, when he saw Pei Ji emerge from their carriage, leading Sheng Sheng by the hand, Xie Yunyang felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
It felt like my mouth and nose were suddenly covered and I couldn't breathe, or like my eyes were covered and I couldn't see what was in front of me.
Xie Yunyang gasped, instantly forgetting all about his status as the crown prince, his gentle and refined demeanor, and his need to maintain a good image.
He rarely uses a sword and almost never carries one with him. If it weren't for this sudden situation, Xie Yun-yang probably wouldn't have used a sword even once on this journey.
But those who have learned swordsmanship will never forget the feeling of wielding a sword.
Xie Yun's eyes widened, forgetting all about thanking Xiao Jiuzhu or anything else. Before her mind could even process what was happening, the sword in her hand was already drawn, pointing directly at Pei Ji.
"How did you get into Shengsheng's carriage? When did you get in?"
For such a long time, could it be that Pei Ji was alone with Sheng Sheng in the carriage the whole time?
Xie Yun-yang felt that it was probably because she had a new understanding of Pei Ji that her view of Pei Ji was no longer just that of a prince from another country, but rather that her expectations had increased and she had become more demanding.
So that's probably why Xie Yun was so angry when he saw Pei Ji affectionately holding Sheng Sheng's hand and suddenly appearing in front of him.
They're not children anymore. Pei Ji is almost thirteen, and Sheng Sheng is about to become a young lady. She should understand the difference between boys and girls!
Sheng Sheng was startled by him, blinking her eyes in confusion: "Brother, what's wrong?"
Xie Yun paused, realizing he had lost his composure, coughed, sheathed his sword, glared at Pei Ji with a stern face, and beckoned to Sheng Sheng: "Come here."
Sheng Sheng let out an "oh" and skipped over, pulling Pei Ji with her.
Xie Yunzhang: "..."
Sheng Sheng asked him with some concern, "Brother, are you injured? You look terrible."
"It's nothing." Xie Yun-yang shook her head, her expression softening slightly. "What are you doing here?"
Xie Yun's second half of his sentence was clearly directed at Pei Ji, and because he hadn't decided whether to call him Ninth Prince or Young Master Pei as before, his tone sounded somewhat awkward.
"Yes, yes, Brother Pei Ji, what are you and Uncle Xiao doing here?"
Pei Ji replied calmly, "We are quite far apart, and I have not yet thanked the two princes for what they have done for me."
Pei Ji cupped his hands and gave a slight bow in gratitude.
Xie Yun: "Thank you? What's this talk of thanks?"
"Although no one has explained it, Pei Ji knows that the fact that Master Mo accepted Pei Ji as a student must be because the two princes were secretly pushing things along."
Pei Ji wore a gentle smile, as calm as if he wasn't the one caught leaving the palace without permission. "I came to Song with Uncle Xiao this time to see my teacher."
They had already learned about this matter from Emperor Ganzheng during the Jin Dynasty.
Xie Yun had guessed something, and Pei Ji's words confirmed his guess.
Xie Yun hadn't expected Pei Ji to act so quickly. Judging by the time, Pei Ji had probably already set off for Song State as soon as he received the message from Mo Wen.
"Really! Grandpa Mo has accepted Brother Pei Ji as his student! Congratulations, Brother Pei Ji! Grandpa Mo hasn't accepted students in a long time. Brother Pei Ji will definitely learn a lot by becoming Grandpa Mo's student!" Sheng Sheng happily congratulated him.
Pei Ji seemed pleased as well, nodding and saying, "Yes."
Xie Yunyang realized what was happening: "Wait, is it possible that your leaving the palace wasn't a secret? Did your second brother help you?"
"Indeed, it is thanks to the Second Prince's mediation on behalf of Pei Ji and His Majesty."
"Father actually agreed?"
"How could I disagree?"
Xiao Jiuzhu walked over unhurriedly with his hands behind his back. "The internal strife in Song has spread to Jin. If this continues, a war between Song and Jin will follow. Jin has been peaceful for several years, but in reality, it is very powerful. The only outcome will be the destruction of Song. Your father is truly a benevolent emperor. If I were the emperor of Yu, I would definitely take the opportunity to get involved and conspire with the emperor of Jin to destroy Song and get a share of the spoils."
Xiao Jiuzhu speaks boldly; if his words were overheard by someone with ulterior motives, they could potentially lead to several charges against him.
What disrespect? What insubordination?
But Xiao Jiuzhu didn't care at all, whether it was because he felt that everyone present was trustworthy or because he had never cared about such things due to his status.
Regardless of the possibility, Xie Yun felt somewhat helpless: "Senior Xiao, you should watch your words. You don't need to worry about these things, but I'm still here."
It was rather embarrassing for him to say such things in front of the crown prince.
Pei Ji was also somewhat helpless, and gently reminded him, "Uncle Xiao."
Sheng Sheng chuckled, "The words may be rough, but the meaning is sound. It's rare to see Uncle Xiao praising someone. Father Emperor is truly benevolent; even Uncle Xiao praises him highly."
Xiao Jiuzhu raised an eyebrow, tacitly agreeing with Sheng Sheng's words.
Xie Yun sighed: "Senior Xiao, please continue. How did my father agree to let Young Master Pei leave the palace? It's unprecedented for a hostage to leave the palace. Even with my second brother mediating and guaranteeing, my father wouldn't have agreed so easily."
"That's why I said your father was benevolent," Xiao Jiuzhu said. "Song is in turmoil. If Jin takes this opportunity to conquer Song, the people of Song will suffer greatly. Your father is ultimately soft-hearted and willing to try for the sake of the people of Song. However, he is not so simple. Pei Ji is now guided by experts in both civil and military affairs, giving him a significant advantage over the foolish princes of Song."
"Well, in addition, His Majesty knows that I am on good terms with the Princess. Out of consideration for the Second Prince's support and the Princess's reputation, His Majesty was willing to make an exception for me." Pei Ji looked at Sheng Sheng, "Speaking of which, this is all thanks to the Princess."
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