Trying to stir up any trouble on his turf? It’s seeking death!
"Yes." Ling Feng clasped his fists.
"You may leave."
Ling Feng turned to leave, but before he could step outside, a scout arrived hurriedly outside the study, whispering a few words into Ling Feng’s ear. His expression changed slightly, and he re-entered the room.
"Master."
"What’s the matter?" Mu Houchu didn’t even lift his head.
Swallowing, Ling Feng said, "A dark line has reported that Duan Lan’s horse carriage is heading towards Pingyang Prince Mansion, possibly to pay a visit."
Mu Houchu’s eyes raised, revealing the icy depths, which made Ling Feng shiver. Hurriedly, he stood up straight and said, "By rights, when officials from the court come, it is only natural to pay a visit to the local prince."
Mu Houchu coldly raised the corner of his lips: "He certainly isn’t willing to keep quiet."
Of course, Duan Lan didn’t want to stay put. Ever since his arrival in Yu State had been noticed by Mu Houchu a few days ago, he had been under constant surveillance. Even if he wanted to carefully investigate the secrets hidden in Yu State, he had no way to do so, completely restricted.
Duan Lan realized that he had underestimated Mu Houchu. In just six short years, Mu Houchu was able to make Yu State ironclad. In the vast Yu State, who would dare to say that this was not Mu Houchu’s domain?
Now, even if the Emperor himself were to come, his prestige might not be greater than that of Mu Houchu.
The common people were supportive, and there were no weaknesses to exploit.
What was even more admirable was that Mu Houchu could win not only the hearts of the common people but also those of the nobles. These nobles’ intentions were not like those of the common people. They only hoped for their own better interests and the long-term development of their families. This kind of interest and development usually trampled on the common people. Mu Houchu could gather these two opposing groups, showing his skillful means.
And besides, Mu Houchu had scouts all over Yu State now. He was always under his watchful eye. If Duan Lan hadn’t revealed his trip to Yu State earlier, he could have taken the opportunity to investigate further. Now, he might as well enjoy the scenery and pass the time."
"Sir, the Emperor asked you to come to Yu State secretly to investigate. Now, sir, you are openly visiting Prince Pingyang, isn’t this revealing yourself to the world?" Qingyun couldn’t help but say.
With a casual air, Duan Lan rode his horse through the streets and said softly, "He already knew I came to Yu State. What is there left to investigate secretly? This visit is a gesture of sincerity. After all, we haven’t seen each other for many years, and we can be considered old friends."
Qingyun’s expression froze for a moment - old friends?
Qingyun couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth, but in the end, he didn’t say anything.
"If the Emperor were to find out, it might... raise suspicions." This was what Qingyun was really worried about.
"Suspicions of what? That I’m siding with Mu Houchu?" Duan Lan scoffed and raised his lip: "The whole world knows that he and I are mortal enemies."
Qingyun couldn’t argue with that and had to close his mouth, embarrassed.
Secretly watching his master, Qingyun knew that the young master just wanted to see Miss Ji.
After all these years, outsiders couldn’t see through the young master’s thoughts. Only Qingyun knew that his master did all these things just for her.
Qingyun couldn’t help but sigh in his heart; fate was indeed playing games with people.
At this moment, Duan Lan rode his tall horse through the streets. Perhaps because of his outstanding appearance, he attracted many more glances, and the crowd began to whisper.
"Has our town ever had such a handsome young master? Why does he look so unfamiliar? I’ve never seen him before. I don’t know which family’s young master he is!"
"He must not be from Yu State. I just heard him speak, and it seems he has a capital city accent."
"From the capital city? No wonder he looks unfamiliar. He’s really good-looking. With this impressive demeanor, you can tell he’s a rich young master. I just don’t know which family’s young master he is."
The whispers of the crowd quickly reached Duan Lan’s ears, but he didn’t care. Since his rise to fame in the capital city six years ago, he was constantly the subject of discussion and had grown indifferent to such things.
Qingyun looked at the scene, sighed and thought that, whether in the capital city or Yu State, his young master was always popular among the ladies. However, such a favored person insisted on hanging all his hopes on a single tree.
As Qingyun sighed, he suddenly saw a purse flying straight towards Duan Lan. Instinctively, he intercepted it.
From the teahouse by the side of the road came a shy female voice: "It’s for the young master next to you."
Qingyun was dumbstruck; the women of Yu State were so bold! Throwing purses at men in the street?
Qingyun looked at Duan Lan, who was also momentarily stunned, before saying softly, "It’s for you."
"Huh?"
Immediately after his words, several more purses were thrown.
This time, Duan Lan truly experienced the enthusiasm of the Yu State girls. Fearing he’d be pelted by more purses, he quickly urged his horse to speed away. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
No wonder, nowadays, Mu Houchu was getting more and more fond of taking horse carriages.
——
The servant came to inform: "Your Highness, Minister Duan is here for a visit."
Mu Houchu’s expression was still as cold as ice, looking down at the official document in his hand and not replying.
Feeling the pressure, the servant said awkwardly, "Then, should I go and refuse him first?"
Mu Houchu coldly glanced at him before putting down the document, "Invite him to the front hall first."
"Yes." The servant felt pardoned and left hurriedly.
Ling Feng said, "Duan Lan is not here with good intentions. If the master does not want to see him, just don’t."
Mu Houchu spoke calmly, "He has come all the way to Yu State. Do you think we can avoid meeting? Sooner or later, there’s nothing that can’t be settled. What am I afraid of?" He’s not scared of him, is he?
Ling Feng nodded, "Master is right."
"Moreover..." Mu Houchu’s eyes deepened, revealing a hint of murderous intent, "It’s time for me to have a talk with him."
Six years had passed. Any issue that could have been resolved by time should have been resolved. For problems time couldn’t solve, it was up to him to handle them personally.
However, although Mu Houchu asked Duan Lan to come in, he didn’t plan to see him right away. After all, he wasn’t someone who was particularly eager to meet.
——
When Duan Lan was escorted in, he didn’t expect to see Mu Houchu immediately. So he strolled leisurely, and from the moment he entered Pingyang Prince Mansion, an unusual emotion seemed to rise in his heart.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
