Chapter 13

Chapter 13

The Military Camp of Xuancheng City, within the General's tent.

"Father, there has been a recent influx of refugees into the city, all coming from the surrounding towns and villages. I've had people investigate for a few days, and the news has just arrived today."

"What does it say?"

"On the surface, it appears to be mountain bandits."

Su Huan paused with his teacup in hand. "According to what you're saying, there's more to it?"Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com

"Yes. According to reliable information, this group of mountain bandits is well-trained. Each time they loot and pillage, it's highly organized and carried out swiftly. They plunder and then immediately retreat. And before the civilians can recover, they launch a second wave, on and on in a cycle. The people in the surrounding towns and villages have been suffering immensely, to the point that they have no choice but to flee with their families."

Seeing no reaction from his father, Su Li continued, "Moreover, I have men who have infiltrated these refugees, and they've observed a very strange phenomenon. Initially, these refugees were not headed towards Xuancheng City, but whenever they tried to go elsewhere, they were intercepted by the mountain bandits. Only by heading in the direction of Xuancheng City could they travel smoothly. So I believe there's someone deliberately guiding them here."

"Yu, what do you think?" Su Huan asked, turning to his nephew.

Su Yu had been silently listening to his uncle and grandfather's conversation. But upon being addressed by his grandfather, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Grandfather, is the Second Prince still residing in the palace?"

Su Huan looked deeply at his grandson.

The eldest son Su Li was straightforward and skilled in military tactics, commanding great prestige in the army. However, he did not have as thorough an understanding of the situation in the Imperial Capital as this grandson.

"The Second Prince still resides in the palace due to his illness and has not established his own household."

"The Second Prince is now eighteen years old, at which age he should be able to establish his own household according to protocol. But due to his chronic illness, the Emperor has not arranged a marriage for him, so the matter of him leaving the palace to establish his own household has not been brought up. However, now that the border conflicts have concluded and the Emperor has decreed our Su family to return to the Capital... it seems someone has grown restless."

Su Huan nodded in satisfaction and set down his cup. "Ever since the enemy nation surrendered, our Su family has been repeatedly afflicted with incidents. Domain was simply touring outside the city when he encountered trouble with martial artists and was poisoned. Righteousness befell misfortune for no reason. It seems they don't want us to return to the Capital."

"Is it the Crown Prince's faction?" Su Li guessed.

"The current Emperor has few offspring, with only these two sons. And it has been thirteen years since... there have been no more princes born in the palace. Although the Second Prince is currently weak and the Emperor does not seem to pay him much attention, as long as no heir is established, they cannot rest at ease."

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. Su Huan paused, seeming to recall something, his eyes filling with sadness. Seeing his father's state, Su Li did not know how to console him, as he was ineloquent and unable to find comforting words despite his heartache. He could only stand by his aged father's side.

Observing their reactions, Su Yu also seemed to realize something and let out a soft sigh before continuing, "Especially since the Emperor nearly disbanded the Imperial Harem for the sake of the Empress those years ago. Everyone knows how much the Emperor doted on her and pinned his hopes on her children. Although the Second Prince has faded from people's view over these years, the Empress and her faction undoubtedly still harbor resentment toward him. Especially now that our Su family is returning to the Capital, it gives the Second Prince military support."

Big White: Master, you've finally come in.

"These past few days, I've been hurrying day and night with my senior martial brother. I didn't have a chance to come in. But as soon as I arrived, I found an opportunity to see you."

Big White happily nuzzled against Su Yue.

"Let me go wash up first. These past few days have been dusty and dirty."

Su Yue soaked in one of the hot springs, nibbling on fruits from the inner space as she took a deep breath. "So relaxing. These past few days have been exhausting. I miss White Cloud Mountain."

Big White: You've only been away from the mountain for a few days, and you already miss it.

"I just like being on the mountain. What's so great about being down here, with all this mess?"

Big White: But weren't you coming down to find your relatives?

"I did, I saw my paternal grandfather today. He's a formidable general, strict in his command of the army, with a commanding presence."

Big White: Did you reveal your identity to him?

"Not yet," Su Yue said, frustratedly ruffling her hair. "There are many issues. My elder cousin was poisoned, my third paternal uncle was seriously injured, and it seems there's a faction targeting them with ill intent. It's all very complicated."

Big White: When do you plan to reveal yourself to them?

"I'll wait until after my third uncle's surgery. Ah, I don't know if I'll end up shocking them."

Big White: It'll be fine. They'll only be overjoyed. You're so talented and capable.

"I think so too. But if they find out my mother passed away thirteen years ago, they'll be heartbroken. Mother said she was their family's most cherished youngest daughter."

Big White: With you there, perhaps they'll be less sorrowful.

"Ah, let's talk about it after my uncle's surgery. There's still a lot going on. After this is settled, I'll need to go to the Capital City as well."

Big White: Why do you need to go to the Capital City?