Chapter 2: Alluring

His eyes, like polished black, with a slight upward tilt at the corners, carried a smile that seemed to be there yet not, causing the snowflakes in the sky to pale in comparison.

When he addressed her as “Your Highness,” it indicated that this person must have met her brother.

As Zhao Yan was impersonating someone else, she naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to ask directly, “Who are you?”

Casually parting the curtain, she lowered her voice and said, “Fishing alone in the snow, Your Excellency has a refined taste.”

The man placed his crossed legs down and lightly tapped the book in his hand against his palm, “Your Highness strolling here in the snow, such elegance, I can’t compete.”

The Crown Prince did not possess the robust physique needed for strolling in the snow.

Zhao Yan felt a twinge of caution: Could it be that she had said something wrong? Impossible. She had imitated her brother’s temperament perfectly, maintaining the appropriate tone in their conversation, so there should be no flaws.

Only when he stood up did she realize how tall he was!

Although Zhao Yan considered herself not short, she could only reach his shoulder. Looking up, the vermilion court attire complemented his pale face, making him as handsome as an immortal.

As the man reached out, the obsidian ring on his finger reflected a faint cold light, causing Zhao Yan to instinctively step back. However, the distinct knuckles of his large hand only brushed past her ear, gently removing the snowflakes on her shoulder.

The man smiled warmly and gracefully said, “Your Highness jests. Under the heavens, all lands are ruled by kings. Wherever Your Highness wishes to seek shelter from the snow is acceptable.”

He turned out to be a modest and courteous gentleman. Zhao Yan relaxed slightly, nonchalantly turning away and finding a place to sit out of the wind.

After a moment of silence, she couldn’t help but ask, “Can you actually catch fish in such cold weather?”

The man’s voice was deep, with a hint of amusement, “Those who are not too clever often fall into traps willingly.”

Knowing that saying more would be a mistake, Zhao Yan smiled and brushed it off.

Estimating that it was almost time, she stood up and said, “The snow has eased, I must take my leave.”

The man smiled benignly and nodded slightly, gesturing for her to go. Just as she stepped out, the warmth she had acquired was chilled by the north wind. This time, Zhao Yan didn’t need to pretend to be weak as she sneezed repeatedly from the cold.

Passing through the corridor, she saw Liu Ying returning with a cloak.

Putting on the moon-white fur-lined cloak and pulling up the hood, Zhao Yan said to Liu Ying at her side, “I met someone in the warm pavilion just now, very young and remarkably handsome.”

After a moment of thought, she instructed Liu Ying, who was holding the umbrella, “Judging from his attire, he is at least a prince. Send someone to find out his surname, name, and identity to avoid any mistakes.”

Liu Ying didn’t dare to delay and immediately replied, “This servant knows many people, I will personally go and check.”

In the warm pavilion, General Zhang Cang pushed the door open and saw his master standing by the railing, his exquisite profile bathed in the cool light of the snow. Just by looking at his handsome appearance, who could have guessed that he was a prince from a different lineage who wielded immense power?

“Your Highness.”

Zhang Cang closed the door and whispered, “I didn’t expect the Crown Prince to still be alive, which is fortunate. But now, he will inevitably block our path…”

Seeing his master’s silence, Zhang Cang suggested, “Should my men take action?”

“Interesting.”

Wen Renlin looked in the direction the Crown Prince had left, contemplating, “The intelligence under my command has never failed.”

“Does Your Highness suspect… deception?”

The bodyguard hurriedly asked, “But I have observed him in secret, and the Crown Prince’s demeanor seems as weak as usual…”

Just as he spoke, a low chuckle was heard.

“Weak, as usual?”

Wen Renlin’s voice was light, repeating the words.

Zhang Cang felt embarrassed and immediately bowed his head, “This subordinate is dull, please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

Wen Renlin half-closed his eyes, hinting at something, “This little Crown Prince… surprisingly, doesn’t fear me.”

As the wind and snow swept over the pond, a tiny piece of tile fell from the eaves, emitting an extremely subtle sound.

In the flicker of the firelight, Wen Renlin casually grabbed the fishing rod beside him and flicked it, the silver thread twisting like a snake, aiming directly at the eaves.

The cold light reflected off the fishhook, and the eunuch hiding under the eaves was entangled by the fine fishing line around his neck. Before he could even scream, he plunged into the cold pond with a gulp.

The wind ceased, and the crimson color of blood rose from the bottom of the pond, swirling and dissipating.

There was actually a master hiding on the eaves, waiting for an opportunity to strike, yet he hadn’t noticed at all. Zhang Cang couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat, clasping his fists and kneeling down, “I’ve failed in my duty, please punish me, Your Highness!”

“That’s enough, clean up this place, and find out who sent that dog.” The man’s voice was indifferent as he wiped the thin layer of snow on the railing with his hand. “Go and meet with the Emperor first. As for this troublesome little Crown Prince…”

His lips twitched slightly. “He’s blocking not only me.”

“…Yes.”

Zhang Cang picked up the broken fishing rod, attempting to make amends. “This fishing rod was a tribute from Nanyang. I will have it repaired to its original state.”

“No need.” Wen Renlin crossed his hands leisurely.

Who would have thought that today, he would catch an even more interesting prey?

…

The Eastern Palace.

As soon as Zhao Yan got off the carriage, before she could catch her breath, a court lady hurried over with a solemn expression, “The Empress commands you to go to the main hall immediately.”

Hearing the name of the Empress, Zhao Yan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. “They’re fast.”

The main hall of the Eastern Palace was tightly closed. The dim light of the lanterns reflected on the spotless floor tiles, which in turn reflected the lazy and tired expression of a young boy with his head lowered.

At the high seat in front, a woman in luxurious phoenix robes sat with her hands resting on the table, her red lips and long eyebrows giving her a cold and dignified air, despite the faint wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, her beauty was still undiminished, exuding an aura of unyielding majesty.

She frowned as she stared at the “Crown Prince” sitting below, as if seeing through his face to another person.

“Who allowed you to speak out and confront the courtiers?” Empress Wei tightened her fingers, getting straight to the point.

The young boy propped up his chin, his long eyelashes casting shadows over the faint mole at the corner of his eye.

“I decided it myself. The matter in the Taiji Hall was clearly incited by someone. If I remain silent like a puppet, it would be giving them a handle. By then, the mastermind behind the scenes will not relent until they pressure Father to intervene, putting pressure on the Emperor…”

Without deliberately lowering his voice, Zhao Yan’s voice revealed a hint of girlish softness. “By then, would Mother still be able to keep it hidden?”

Empress Wei’s eyes narrowed slightly, her icy voice lowering even further, “Even so, you cannot act without authorization! Do you know what your identity is now?”

Identity?

Yes, she had to play the role of the most beloved son to her mother. After so many years apart, her mother still treated her the same, always scolding and reproaching her, never willing to talk nicely…

No, she wasn’t so harsh on Zhao Yan. Fifteen years ago, the twin born with her, she was never valued or loved.

“If it were Brother who made the same decision today, would Mother still blame him like this?”

Unable to contain her emotions, Zhao Yan finally asked.

The Empress’s voice was cold, “Yan’er acts with prudence, kindness, and goodness, never resorting to such opportunistic actions.”

Even though she didn’t have any expectations, Zhao Yan’s heart still felt a subtle sense of disappointment.

She felt that today’s performance as the “Crown Prince” was quite diligent, feeling a bit aggrieved, but she didn’t want to argue with her mother under the guise of her brother Zhao Yan’s identity, so she stopped defending herself and just stared at the faint mist swirling on the table.

The crimson mole that resembled Zhao Yan’s appearance seemed to come alive, vibrant and vivid. The Empress’s throat tightened, but she still sat proudly, showing no signs of weakness.

Silence prevailed.

“Your Highness, it’s time to take your medicine.” Liu Ying’s shadow appeared on the door, breaking the silence at the right moment.

A dark brown herbal soup was placed in front of Zhao Yan, emitting a strong bitterness.

Unlike her own sturdy and stubborn nature, the Crown Prince was born weak and sickly, almost raised on medicinal soup. Now, Zhao Yan naturally had to follow suit, pretending not to arouse suspicion.

But the herbal soup in front of her had been secretly modified and had no effect on strengthening the body, but it could temporarily change her voice to make it deeper and more akin to a young boy’s.

Zhao Yan furrowed her brows imperceptibly, lifting the herbal soup in the complex gaze of Empress Wei, and drank it all in one go.

Bitter!

Bitter enough to make her stomach ache.

Empress Wei’s gaze softened, and as usual, she signaled for Liu Ying to bring over the prepared sweets. The sweet scent wafted into her nostrils, and Zhao Yan’s lips twitched, drawing out a smile that seemed mocking yet not mocking.

When she spoke again, it was in a slightly hoarse teenage voice, “Mother forgot again, I dislike eating sweets.”

Empress Wei was taken aback.

It was her son who loved sweets.

“Your Majesty, I take my leave.”

Without waiting for Empress Wei to speak, the slender and beautiful youth bowed slightly from his seat, bidding farewell.

With her naturally gifted face and the deliberate imitation of the late Crown Prince’s appearance, Empress Wei couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions, and her thoughts surged uncontrollably as she blurted out:

“Fortunately, it was the unruly group from Prince of Yong who came today. If it had been Prince Su who saw you, you would’ve been dead by now, do you know that!”

A stern warning came from behind, and Zhao Yan’s steps faltered slightly. This was the second time since her secret return to the palace that she had heard Empress Wei mention Prince Su, Wen Renlin.

She wondered what kind of ruthless and terrifying person he was to even evoke fear in someone as proud and resolute as Empress Wei.

As the thin figure disappeared through the palace doors, Empress Wei couldn’t help but slump as if exhausted, pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing deeply. Her pair of twin children, like water and fire, had completely different personalities.

Back then, after such an accident, it was her, as the mother, who heartlessly drove her daughter out of the palace, not seeing her for many years. If there had been another choice, she would not have banished her daughter back at such a time.

“My lady, please don’t be angry.”

Liu Ying came over to massage the Empress’s aching chest, comforting her, “Actually, the little prince’s temperament is just like yours back then.”

“Liu Ying, keep an eye on her for me.”

Empress Wei closed her eyes, exhausted, “Now that the wolves are circling, I… cannot afford to lose.”

Meanwhile, outside the Taiji Hall.

The Emperor stood barefoot in the thin snow, his robe billowing in the wind, while the old Taoist with the yellow crown and feather fan counted and chanted beside him.

Wen Renlin, in a red robe, arrived just in time, catching the tail end of this divination ceremony.

“Prince Su, you’ve arrived just in time.”

The Emperor pointed to the sky, his sleeves filled with wind. “Look, this is a auspicious sign from Heaven!”

Wen Renlin faced the Emperor directly, not performing the courtesy of kneeling, just giving a slight bow. “The snowfall from Heaven, the rebels in Shu cannot endure the cold, indeed a godsend opportunity.”

The Emperor was very confident. “They won’t be rampant for long.”

“Your Majesty is wise, but…”

Wen Renlin’s tone shifted, seeming hesitant. “There have been many rumors in the court recently, disturbing the people’s hearts.”

The Emperor opened his eyes, pondering for a moment before making up his mind. “Since the heavens favor Great Xuan, these people’s mouths should be shut. Anyone who mentions ‘relocating the capital’ again should not be spared.”

After saying this, he looked at the seemingly gentle young man in front of him. “This matter, I entrust to you to handle.”

With a slight curl of his lips, Wen Renlin replied softly, “Your will, I shall obey.”

Life and death, he remained gentle to the point of cruelty.

The Emperor was in a good mood, gesturing to the old Taoist beside him. “Give him the Immortality Pill.”

The old Taoist finished his ritual, presenting a palm-sized red lacquered box. “May Prince Su live a long and prosperous life, free of taboos.”

Wen Renlin accepted it calmly, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Handing over the task of purging the court to Prince Su, the Emperor was naturally reassured.

Despite objections, he appointed Wen Renlin as an adopted prince of another surname, bestowing upon him boundless power, making him the sharpest and most terrifying weapon in his hands—

Because he knew very well that among all the civil and military officials, only this child absolutely, absolutely would not betray him.

“Never betray?”

Sitting in the carriage heading home, Wen Renlin propped up one leg and sat, the exquisite sleeve robe winding around his knee. His meticulously articulated fingers toyed with the small lacquered box on the desk, rotating it slowly.

With a soft click, he pressed down on the box, his eyes filled with a smile as enchanting as ever.

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