At dawn, Prince Gong arrived early at Tai Academy. Ostensibly to study, his true destination was a wing room in the academy's backyard. There, gathered his closest friends, drawn from diverse fields and backgrounds. Some served his father at court, others bravely fought in the military, and one special figure was Yi San, the leader of a renowned assassination organization.
Yi San was not only the leader of an assassination organization, but also possessed extensive business networks in the capital, possessing considerable financial resources. He publicly presented himself as a dandy young man, frequently interacting with Prince Gong, yet remaining unnoticed by the emperor. This concealed identity enabled him to manipulate various forces from the shadows.
So, how did he become such a close friend of Prince Gong? This story has to do with an incident that happened several years ago. Back then, Yi San was locked in a thrilling battle with his only brother to inherit his father's organization. Unfortunately, he was shot by his brother and nearly died. In this critical moment, Prince Gong stepped in and used his status as a prince to save Yi San's life.
However, Yi San's injuries were so severe that he remained unconscious for seven days and nights. Prince Gong remained by his bedside, caring for him tirelessly until he regained consciousness. He remained by Yi San's side, helping him gradually reclaim what he had lost. This experience forged a deep bond between the two.
Yi San happened to be out of the capital at the time of Prince Gong's wedding, so he couldn't attend. When he found out, he was very upset and kept complaining, "Prince, you are so mean. You kept the wedding a secret from me, and I still haven't seen the princess yet!"
Seeing Yi San so excited, Prince Gong was a little amused and hurriedly comforted him, "San, this is a long story. When you have time, go to the palace to meet Yu'er. She will like you!"
Yi San nodded, then seemed to remember something and asked curiously, "Your Highness, I heard that the princess is as beautiful as a fairy. Is this true?"
Prince Gong smiled and nodded, "Yes, Yu'er is indeed very beautiful."
A flicker of envy flashed across Yi San's eyes, but he quickly returned to normal. Prince Gong then turned to Yi San and said, "By the way, how was your investigation in Danyang this time?"
Yi San's face darkened, and he said slowly, "That's not good. I think Chi Yang is going to go to war with Mi Yue. It will be another bloody storm."
He frowned, swung the folding fan in his hand, fanned it gently, and fell into deep thought.
Prince Gong also fell into deep thought. The whole room was filled with a solemn atmosphere. Everyone looked at Prince Gong silently, waiting for his decision.
At this moment, Prince Gong was weighing the pros and cons. If war truly broke out, he couldn't help but wonder which general his father would send. He understood the importance of this war and knew that only by achieving outstanding military achievements could he establish prestige within the court and lay a solid foundation for his bid for the throne. However, his wife, Yu'er, was newly pregnant, and he couldn't bear to leave her. Moreover, he knew full well that his father had harbored ill intentions towards Yu'er, and without him, Yu'er would be in grave danger. If he chose to forgo this opportunity to fight, he would lose the chance to establish meritorious service, and his future ascension to the throne would be even more difficult.
Faced with this dilemma, Prince Gong felt unprecedented pressure and confusion. He didn't want to disappoint the country's expectations, nor did he want to abandon his family's happiness. Deep down, his desire for the throne grew stronger, but at the same time, he was filled with worry for Yu'er. This decision, which affected his future, the fate of his family, and the country, plunged him into endless turmoil.
Yi San was the first to break the silence. He looked at Prince Gong with a firm and sincere look and said solemnly: "Your Highness, no matter what decision you make, Yi San will always stand by you, even at the cost of his life!" These words were like a warm current, warming Prince Gong's heart.
Then, the others also stood up, their eyes filled with loyalty and determination to Prince Gong, expressing their willingness to follow him to the end. They said in unison: "Your Highness, we are willing to follow you through life and death!" The voices were passionate and inspiring.
Prince Gong was deeply moved by this scene, his eyes moist. He knew that these people were not only his friends, but also his strongest supporters. Faced with their loyalty, he felt extremely comforted.
"Come, let's have tea instead of wine today. Let's toast to everyone." Prince Gong raised his teacup, tears glistening in his eyes, and said excitedly, "If I can ascend to a high position in the future, I will definitely provide you with fine clothes and splendid clothes. Then we can share the glory and wealth together."
Everyone toasted in joy, the atmosphere warm and touching. At that moment, their friendship deepened, their mutual trust and commitment as strong as steel. The road ahead might be bumpy, but they firmly believed that as long as they united, they could overcome all difficulties and move towards a glorious future together.
Prince Gong returned to the palace only after nightfall. Entering Huichun Pavilion, he saw Jiang Meiyu intently reading the notebook in her hands, her expression absorbed. Prince Gong approached and gently reminded her, "Yu'er, don't overstrain your eyes."
Jiang Meiyu looked up at the sound, and upon seeing Prince Gong, a delighted smile immediately spread across her face. She closed her sketchbook, trotted into Prince Gong's arms, and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, saying coquettishly, "Your Highness, where have you been all day? I've missed you so much!"
Prince Gong's eyes were filled with doting. He gently lifted Jiang Meiyu's cheek and placed a loving kiss on her beautiful red lips. He then replied, "I met with a few friends today and had a great time chatting. However, I will be free to accompany you tomorrow. By the way, there's someone I want to introduce you to!"
Jiang Meiyu was very excited when she heard this, and asked hurriedly: "Really? That's great! I haven't left the palace for a long time. It's just right, we can take this opportunity to go back to the Jiang Mansion. I haven't been back since I married into the palace!" She looked at Prince Gong with anticipation.
Prince Gong smiled and nodded, agreeing: "Of course, no problem. As long as you are happy, you can go anywhere. Everything is up to my wife."
The two of them strolled in the courtyard of Huichun Pavilion for a while, feeling the tranquility of the night and the gentle breeze, and their moods gradually relaxed. As the night deepened, the moonlight sprinkled into the courtyard, adding a mysterious and romantic atmosphere to the entire environment.
Afterwards, the two returned to their room, washed up, and retired. Lying on their bed, their thoughts drifted away, lost in their own world. However, they were unaware that the Cuiyu Pavilion was a completely different scene—a scene of chaos and turmoil.
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