Chapter 70 Test the Water

The state banquet turned out to be a huge failure. Huo Liuyun had been humiliated in front of hundreds of people and he had no choice but to swallow his pride. Although Chi Kingdom wouldn't investigate the death of Lady Lan, the prestige of Can Kingdom declined.

It was common among the royalty to reap the benefits of any incidence that happened in a country, even the death of a woman. However, when the masses gained knowledge of such an instance, they felt disappointed and the country, as a whole, suffered a low morale.

A needless outcome of the state banquet was that Feng Yun'er, the owner of the Fengyun Firm, came out unharmed. In fact, she came across as the victim. The story, adapted slightly, became a joke among ordinary people.

His Crown Prince had instigated Lady Lan to hurt the owner of the Fengyun Firm, who, in turn, had her killed. He had then coerced Feng Yun'er to agree to more profitable trade terms in lieu of keeping the true story of Lady Lan's death under wraps.

After all, what matters the most for an emperor? The support of his people. He would be easily overthrown if the people didn't trust him.

In the Siyuan Palace

Yun Canglan was sitting in a chair and was almost asleep. She yawned continuously as she watched Yun Qin and Yun Qi packing up everything in an organized way. They walked quickly to and fro in the room to get everything ready in time.

"Pack up and run away. It is unsafe to stay here any longer, especially now that I have crossed Huo Liuyun. What a pity I can't sleep now. I usually sleep by this time. Now I have to refrain from falling asleep and watch two ladyboys packing up, " muttered Yun Canglan to herself.

In the distance, a lotus pool was in full bloom. The fragrance of the flowers, which the breeze wafted across to her room, smelt like the powder she used to hide her scent. Annoying insects had started chirping to replace the joyful singing of the cicada.

Yun Canglan leaned back in her chair to take a nap. But a voyeur disturbed her. She quickly opened her eyes and said, "Come out! Are you fascinated by my beauty?" Though, Yun Canglan appeared to be calm, there was a wariness in her eyes.

Hearing Yun Canglan's warning, Yun Qin and Yun Qi left everything and rushed to her side to protect her. 'Oh damn! We didn't notice an intruder. How careless we were!' they both thought to themselves.

Just then, a man appeared from the shadow outside the door. He was wearing a baggy robe that had rabbit hair sewed to its cuffs. Though unsuitable for the hot summer, the robe looked incredibly harmonious. The man was noble and unrestrained, just like a saint from an isolated snow-capped mountain. His dark eyes were deep like the star-studded sky, making his handsome face more approachable.

"Prince Xiaoyao! You have an eye for the beautiful, " said Yun Canglan with a smile when she realized who it was. Xi Zhiyao stopped in his tracks and awkwardly explained his presence.

"Sister-in-law, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I had no intention of offending you, " he said smiling.

"Sister-in-law?" Yun Canglan snorted, "I have divorced Feng Gui. Don't you remember, Prince Xiaoyao?"

'Is Prince Xiaoyao really free and easy?' Yun Canglan thought to herself.

Xi Zhiyao immediately apologized, "Miss Feng, I didn't mean to offend you. It was just a slip of tongue."

Saying that Xi Zhiyao reflected on himself, 'I have allowed my nose to lead me into a passive position. I should have kept calm.'

One could see the tension in

judging and sizing up the situation; she has a power to change the world and no one can beat her, ' he thought.

"Mistress Yun, " Yun Qi looked up at Yun Canglan and said, "The nine prominent figures are about to assemble together in a few days. Mister Liu Huo, Mister Zi Zhu and Mister Jue Sha have arrived and checked in Youjia Inn under the charge of Fengyun Firm. Mister Yang, Mister Feng Gui and Mister Wu Hen live in Can City and have done nothing strange to draw attention to themselves. Mister Yao Yan will arrive tonight. Only the whereabouts of Mister Yao Xi are unknown."

"You didn't find him?" Yun Canglan glared at Yun Qi who lowered his head and profusely apologized, "Forgive my inefficiency, Mistress Yun."

"Never mind. Even Buye Tower had no valuable information about him. He is as slippery as an eel. Pay more attention to the people passing through the gates of Can City. Anybody even remotely suspicious should be reported to me."

'It is possible that Mister Yao Xi has already entered Can City. If my guess is correct, then I need to consider his purpose very carefully.'

"Mistress Yun, in the General's House…" Yun Qi reported another important piece of information. 'His Lordship married a concubine. I bet Mistress Yun will handle her.' Yun Qi thought to himself.

A wicked but seductive smile appeared on Yun Canglan's fascinating face, "That woman is brave. Let's wait until it is time to give Huo Liuyun a surprise."

Yun Qin and Yun Qi judged from Mistress Yun's expression that someone would soon have a stroke of bad luck. They got excited because they would be dispatched to carry out interesting tasks.

"What about Wu Ci? Did he do something unusual?" Yun Canglan asked her subordinates.

"Grand Preceptor Wu Ci has been frequently meeting some officials. I am sure they would make waves during the gathering of the nine prominent figures. However, his second son, Wu Yunye has been staying with Zhu Shang in Yelaixiang Brothel."

"Wu Yunye?" Yun Canglan enjoyed bantering the Unibrow. It was fun. 'I haven't seen him for a long time and am curious to know if the Unibrow has two eyebrows now. Let's find out from Wu Yunye, himself, ' Yun Canglan thought. She thought of something and then ordered Yun Qin and Yun Qi to inform Yun Yu that Mister Night Phoenix would visit Yelaixiang Brothel the following night.