Xu Yuehuai breathed a sigh of relief and silently withdrew from the main hall. She knew that her performance had satisfied Wu Hanqing, but that didn't mean she was completely out of danger.
In this treacherous place, she must be extra careful to ensure her safety.
Deep within the palace of the King of the Underworld Moon, Xu Yuehuai, having just left the palace, was stepping into her quiet little courtyard.
However, the tranquility was suddenly broken when a flute melody flowed out like a spring, causing her to stop and listen.
The sound of the flute was so familiar, yet it carried a hint of melancholy.
She looked around, but could only see that the sound of the flute was coming from the white-robed man in the tree in the corner. His jet-black hair contrasted sharply with his snow-white robes, and he sat cross-legged like a serene white crane.
His face was delicate, and his eyes held a hint of sorrow that was not easily detected.
As Xu Yuehuai approached, he discovered that the man in white robes was actually Wu Hanbai, the only surviving idle prince of the Mingyue Kingdom.
During these days, she repeatedly questioned the elders in the palace and finally learned the true identity of Uhan Bai.
He was not only Wu Hanqing's brother, but also the only remaining idle prince in the Mingyue Kingdom's palace.
Xu Yuehuai recalled the little princess who was still in the distant Wuling Kingdom. Wu Hanqing showed no mercy even to the little princess, and had slaughtered his other brothers and sisters, leaving only his compatriot Wu Hanbai alive.
These scenes of love, hate, and grudges seemed like events from a past life, yet they were so clearly etched in her heart.
As the song ended, Wu Hanbai gracefully descended, a smile on his face, and approached her.
His smile carried a hint of humility and gentleness, as if all his sorrows had been carried away by the sound of the flute.
Xu Yuehuai looked at him, her heart filled with a mixture of doubt and emotion, yet she was speechless.
“You’re back.” Wu Hanbai broke the silence, his voice as gentle as the wind.
Xu Yuehua nodded. "Your flute playing is so beautiful, it makes one feel as if they are in a dream world."
Wu Hanbai smiled. "Thank you for the compliment. Playing this flute is the only thing I can do." His tone carried a hint of self-deprecation, yet also revealed a deep sense of helplessness.
Xu Yuehuai was silent for a moment, then said, "I think your talent is more than this. Why don't you compete for that position?"
She knew this question touched a nerve with Wu Hanbai, but she couldn't help asking it anyway.
Wu Hanbai's gaze instantly deepened. "I am not suited for that position." His voice trembled slightly, as if he was trying his best to control his emotions.
Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but feel a little confused; she could sense the pain and struggle in Wu Hanbai's heart.
"Perhaps you could give it a try?" she said softly, hoping to offer him some encouragement.
Wu Hanbai looked at her, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, but decided to speak anyway. "I know you've always been unkind to my elder brother, but I want to tell you that I have no desire to compete for anything."
Wu Hanbai's tone was somewhat cold; he didn't want to get entangled with her on this issue.
Xu Yuehuai sneered and looked at him, saying, "Wu Hanqing is not worthy of being the king of Mingyue Kingdom at all. He simply does not have the ability."
There was a hint of mockery in her eyes, clearly indicating that she did not approve of Wu Hanqing's abilities.
Wu Hanbai frowned. He didn't want to get involved in this pointless argument, but he also didn't want Xu Yuehuai to continue slandering his elder brother.
"Miss Yue, please stop slandering my royal brother." Wu Hanbai's tone was somewhat stern; he didn't want this absurd talk to continue.
Xu Yuehuai didn't care about his attitude. She smiled faintly and said, "Wu Hanbai, I know you don't trust me for the time being, but I have evidence to prove that what I said is true."
Her tone was firm, clearly indicating she was very confident in her words. Wu Hanbai was stunned for a moment; he hadn't expected Xu Yuehuai to actually have evidence.
He looked at her, unsure of what to say for a moment.
Xu Yuehuai sighed, "If you've made up your mind, you can come find me anytime. I'll show you the truth." With that, she turned and went into her room.
Wu Hanbai stood there, stunned, his mind in turmoil. He didn't know who to believe, or whether the news was true or false.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
As night fell, Wu Hanbai left alone, destroying his own residence. He sat alone in his study, pondering Xu Yuehuai's words. He was torn between his brother, the emperor, and the future of the nation.
He didn't know what to do. The study was silent, broken only by the sound of the wind outside the window and the occasional chirping of insects.
Wu Hanbai's thoughts drifted away. He recalled the times he played with his elder brother in the palace when he was a child. Back then, they were inseparable brothers. But why had things turned out this way?
As time passed, Wu Hanbai's thoughts gradually became clearer. He knew that he had to face this fact, regardless of the truth.
The next morning, Wu Hanbai arrived at Xu Yuehuai's residence. She looked at him with a hint of surprise in her eyes.
“I want to hear your evidence.” Wu Hanbai’s tone was firm; he knew he had to make a choice.
Xu Yuehua smiled slightly: "Come with me." As she spoke, she turned and walked into the house.
Wu Hanbai followed her into a secret room, where a model of a burned-down ancestral hall was displayed. He looked at the model, a jolt running through him. He knew the history of this ancestral hall; it was a building erected by the former king to commemorate his ancestors. But why was it burned down?
Xu Yuehuai walked to the model, opened a hidden compartment, and took out a yellowed imperial edict.
She handed the will to Wu Hanbai: "This is the will left by the former king. It says that his successor is not Wu Hanqing." Her tone was calm, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.
Wu Hanbai accepted the will, his heart filled with mixed emotions as he looked at the handwriting. He knew he had to make a choice, but it wouldn't be an easy one.
He recalled his elder brother's usual care and concern for him, and the happy times they had spent together. But he also understood that as a ruler, he needed to be responsible and accountable, and could not only think of his own selfish interests.
This will concerns not only the succession to the throne of Uhan, but also a buried secret.
A few days ago, Bei Ye sent people to dig secretly for several days and finally found the imperial edict under a huge stone slab.
The will was tattered and worn, covered in dust. But the writing was still clearly legible, each character seemingly carrying a heavy weight of history.
The Bei Ye people carefully wrapped the will in a clean cloth and then, under the cover of night, quietly gave it to Xu Yuehuai.
When Xu Yuehuai handed the will to Wu Hanbai, both of their hands trembled slightly.
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