Chapter 69: Majestic Anger

  Chu Qiyan took a deep breath of cool air.

  "County Master!" Li Lin saw his expression and the entire face's emotions changed instantly, holding his breath and lowering his head, not daring to say another word.

  Chu Lingyun stood on the steps of the door, with more than half of her face hidden in the lamplight inside the courtyard. Her expression was difficult to discern, but her voice was eerily cold without a hint of warmth.

  "What did you just say that has something to do with the East Palace?" Li Lin didn't speak, so Chu Lingyun took another step forward.

  Chu Qiyan's face also had a few shades of gloom, he originally didn't want to disturb Chu Lingyun, but since they had already bumped into each other, trying to hide it would only be counterproductive.

  "Tell me, what's going on?" Taking a deep breath, Chu Qiyan had already given up on the idea of hiding anything.

  Li Lin knew he was in trouble, and his nervousness was evident. He could only speak the truth: "I followed the orders of the Crown Prince to investigate, and there were no unusual movements on the part of the fifth prince of Mobei, however..."

  He said, his heart still racing, and he glanced at Chu Lingyun's face with the corner of his eye before continuing: "Yesterday at noon, the princess of Xunyang suddenly left the mansion and went to Wangjiang Tower. She stayed there for almost half an hour before coming out, as if... she had gone to see someone."

  Chu Qiyan's expression turned gloomy and she didn't say a word.

  Chu Lingyun suddenly let out a cold laugh through her nose, saying: "What do you have to say that you can't finish in one go? Why are you still hiding and concealing things from me?"

  Li Lin smiled wryly in his heart, seeing that Zhu Qiyan didn't seem to object, he could only continue with a stiff upper lip: "I think it's suspicious, and I specifically went to the post house to investigate. Yesterday, near noon, the fifth prince of Mobei was indeed not at the post house. However, his actions are extremely secretive, and he only brought one trusted guard with him. As for where he actually went, no one knows."

  Who is Chu Youyang?

  Is this thing done by her?

  But why would Tuoba Huai be controlled by her?

  Chu Qiyan's thoughts turned quickly in her mind, and she frowned, saying: "Is that all?"

  "Yes!" Li Lin said, "The identity of the fifth prince of Mobei is special. We can't investigate further at the post house, but judging from the current situation, it's highly likely that the person who met with the Marquis of Xunyang yesterday was her!"

  "Zhu Nanyang?" Chu Lingyun bit her lip, her face changing color, speaking word by word.

  Before he had even finished speaking, Chu Qiyan suddenly turned around and strode into the courtyard.

  With rapid footsteps, her skirt fluttered behind her, stirring up a thick and hoarse gloomy wind.

  Chu Qiyan looked at her back, but her eyebrows were getting tighter and tighter.

  This matter is probably irreconcilable no matter what.

  Li Lin was even more remorseful and immediately knelt down on one knee in front of Chu Qiyan: "It was subordinate's fault, just now——"

  "None of your business!" Chu Qiyan's lips curled up in a bitter smile, and she gave him a sideways glance. "If there really is something mysterious about this matter, she'll find out sooner or later."

  Chu Lingyun is a person who can't tolerate any sand in her eyes. This time, she suffered a great loss due to an unexpected disaster. Even if she doesn't investigate herself, she will still make a big fuss behind the scenes.

  Although that's what he said, Li Lin still felt guilty in his heart. He got up, and with a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face, he said: "If it's really the handwriting of the Eastern Palace, then it's not trivial. Young Master, what should we do now?"

  "The imperial edict for the arranged marriage will be issued tomorrow, what can we do about it?" Chu Qiyan sneered and asked back.

  If he had known earlier that it was the people of the East Palace who were secretly manipulating, then even if there were great benefits, he would never have persuaded Zheng Shi to ask Empress Luo. However...

  It's too late for regrets now.

  Li Lin was speechless, her face darkened and she lowered her head.

  "But I always feel that this matter is not as simple as it seems on the surface." Chu Qiyan was lost in thought, facing the moonlight rising in the sky, and slowly let out a breath.

  He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at Li Lin beside him and said, "Chu Jiu Yang, you've seen her before. In your opinion, if she really had ulterior motives, would she be so blatant as to leave behind evidence for us to investigate? Why does she want to see Tuoba Huai An? Why not secretly meet with him instead of doing it in broad daylight?"

  Li Lin was taken aback for a moment, and had never thought of this relationship.

  Chu Qiyan let out a bitter laugh, rubbed her tired eyebrows and shook her head, saying: "Forget it, we'll talk about this later."

  He took a step back, walked two steps forward and turned his head, instructing: "When you turn around, arrange for some suitable people to come over and keep an eye on this place."

  Chu Lingyun's temper he was most clear about, she originally didn't satisfy with this marriage, now that she sensed being plotted against, her heart must be resentful.

  But now it's too late, whether Chu Moyang deliberately planned or not, he has no way to retreat.

  The emperor bestowed marriage, and inside there was also the handwriting of Queen Luo. If this marriage cannot be successfully concluded, then the two emperors will simultaneously lose face, and this consequence...

  It's not something that Nanhe Wangfu can afford.

  "My subordinates know what to do, Your Highness can rest assured." Li Lin said, seeing the fatigue between his eyebrows, and couldn't help but remind him, "In order to rebuild the Western Regions trade route, you've also spent a lot of effort over this period of time, Your Highness should also take care of your own body."

  "It's just a small matter, no need to think much about it." Chu Qiyan said, thinking for a moment before adding, "Later on, you find an opportunity to let Ziyu come see me!"

  "Yes!" Li Lin replied.

  Chu Qiyan took a step ahead and turned around to leave.

  In the room, Chu Lingyun sat alone by the lamp, her delicate face reflected in the candlelight on the table beside her, making her look even more radiant. Her red lips were like blood, seductive and charming, but the expression at the bottom of her eyes was surging with cold and stern killing intent.

  Two maids stood on either side of her, each holding a small tray, and even though they knew she was in a bad mood, no one dared to take the initiative to comfort her.

  Chu Lingyun's fingers pressed on a box of rouge, her thoughts had long since drifted away, and with an uneven force, the sharp fingernails directly dug a hole in the middle of the rouge, the entire box of rouge overturned, splashing dots of residual red on her moon-white pomegranate skirt, under the lamplight, it was quite eerie.

  "Be careful, young mistress!" Ziwei hastily called out and rushed over to help her up, while adjusting her skirt, "Your skirt is dirty, let me help you change into a new one."

  "It's great, don't you think this color is auspicious?" Chu Lingyun suddenly smiled and gently pushed her hand away.

  She got up and walked into the inner room, with a casual tone floating behind her: "Didn't you say you were going to grant me marriage? You all go prepare, lest tomorrow when receiving the imperial edict, you lose courtesy and give others an excuse."

  In the desolate place, yet a flash of eyes, sharp as a knife ——

  Chu Nanyang, let's see who comes out on top! You think you can outsmart me? We'll see if you have what it takes!

  The two maids exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they both felt a chill run down their spines. However, at this critical moment, they both tactfully avoided the topic, not wanting to tempt fate.

  Zi Yu adjusted the clothes and jewelry in Chuxin's room, feeling that she should stay behind to help prepare the ceremonial attire needed for the next day's imperial edict.

  Zi Wei had just come out of the house when he was blocked by Li Lin, who had been waiting there beforehand, and was taken to Chu Qiyan's study.

  At that time, Chu Qiyan was sitting at the desk reading some letters, roughly about some important matters. His eyebrows were always serious, and his brow was slightly furrowed. The half of his face hidden in the dark shadow cast by the palace lamp seemed to give people a strong sense of oppression, even though he had a handsome appearance. Zi Wei hastily glanced at him when she entered the door, then quickly lowered her eyes and knelt down respectfully.

  Chu Qiyan spent a good while dealing with those letters, until Zi Wei's legs were almost numb before he pushed aside the things in his hand and leaned back against the chairback, saying: "Tell me everything that the young miss has done since returning from Chu Prefecture, no matter how big or small."

  Chu Lingyun and Chu Qiyan are biological siblings, the two have always had a good relationship, but there are also some things that cannot be shared.

  Ziwei's heart was pounding, but she was very clear that no matter who was backing Chulinyu, in this palace, there was absolutely no one who could go against Chu Qiyan's wishes. So without reservation, she voluntarily made a clean breast of everything Chulinyu had done during this time.

  From instigating Chu Yu Yao to give Ping Guo Gong Shizi a concubine, to colluding with Su Wu to crash into Chu Mo Yang's carriage in the market, and later hinting that Su Lin would kill Chu Mo Yang, to finally suggesting that Luo Huang Hou wanted to send Tuoba Yun Ji to be Chu Qi Hui's concubine on that day in the palace.

  Chu Qiyan silently listened, meanwhile Zi Wei kept noticing his expression with the corner of her eye. However, from start to finish he was calm and expressionless, not to mention revealing any emotions. It wasn't until after Zi Wei finished speaking for a long time that he seemed to be in a daze, half a day without reacting.

  "The Crown Prince——" Zǐwéi plucked up the courage to call out, "I've told you everything I know, not daring to deceive you in the slightest."

  Chu Qiyan murmured "en" and suddenly came back to her senses, waving her hand and saying, "You can go down now!"

  "Yes!" Zǐ Wéi crawled up, still holding her breath and being careful not to make a sound, pushed the door open and walked out.

  Chu Qiyan gazed in the direction of the gate, lost in thought, until the footsteps in the yard disappeared before he slowly withdrew his gaze and looked at Li Lin standing by the door with his head bowed: "What do you think?"

  Li Lin was shocked and could only smile bitterly.

  What Chu Lingyun did would have been fine if it hadn't been exposed, otherwise, whoever it was would have been infuriated by her and wouldn't rest until they were dead.

  "The prince's personality is low-key, but he is actually meticulous and unfathomable. The relationships he has grasped in the East Palace will not be worse than ours. It's not strange that they would know a thing or two about these matters." Li Lin said, maintaining an objective stance in his analysis, "Nothing else is out of the ordinary, except that last time at the temporary palace, Su Shizi openly made a move against the Marquis of Junyang. If she wants revenge, it's completely within reason."

  "Yes, the position of Changshun Prefecture is special. Whoever gets involved with it is equivalent to stabbing a thorn into the heart of the emperor." Chu Qiyan nodded in agreement, but his expression suggested otherwise.

  Li Lin was confused, and soon after, he heard him chuckle to himself and say, "Her way of getting revenge on Su Lin is to let Su Lin have his wish and marry her elder sister?"

  Although there is a premise in front of it, but this one behind is really making people laugh and cry.

  "Jiayang County Master is just a woman after all." Li Lin's thoughts were much simpler, and he said nonchalantly, "It can't be denied that this matter will likely become our county master's lifelong heart knot."

  If it's Chu Nanyang's doing, then if we want to connect it to the court politics, it would be a bit far-fetched. But if it's just between her and Chu Lingyun's personal grudge, then it would be much easier to understand.

  Chu Qiyan heard this and smiled again with an ambiguous meaning.

  His gaze fell on the octagonal palace lamp at the corner of the table, and his expression seemed to have also taken on the heavy night color. He slowly shook his head and said: "If it's just a coincidence, then that's fine, otherwise..."

  He didn't finish what he was saying afterwards.

  Li Lin and others stayed there for half a day, but in the end they saw him close his eyes with a tired expression and wave his hand lightly.

  Li Lin had a weight lifted off his mind, but he didn't ask any more questions and backed away with a bow.

  Chu Qiyan leaned back in his chair, motionless for half a day, his breathing steady as if he had fallen asleep. However, after a long while, the corners of his lips curved up into an arc.

  A slight smile, joy and anger indistinguishable.

  If Chu Liu Yang's move was just to vent her anger at Chu Ling Yun, then so be it. But if her true intention is to target the Nan He Wang Fu, then this young girl has already become a major threat to him and he must guard against her!

  This night, Zheng's family was almost sleepless all night, constantly asking people to pay attention to Chu Lingyun's side, for fear that she would really think of doing something stupid, while Chu Yimin's side was fully blocking the news, not letting today's events in Chu Lingyun's courtyard leak out.

  This opportunity to form an alliance with the Su family is not easy to come by, and no matter what, it cannot be messed up. Moreover, we cannot let Chu Lingyun's absurd behavior reach the ears of the Su family members. Otherwise, even if we do form an alliance, it will be difficult to avoid creating a rift in their hearts, which would ultimately be a loss.

  One evening, Zheng's family went to Chu Lingyun's place early the next morning, originally prepared to persuade her to accept the edict with a bitter heart. Unexpectedly, when she entered the door, she saw her daughter sitting in front of the copper mirror, dressing up as usual.

  Zheng and her mother exchanged a glance, both of their expressions as if they had seen a ghost, stunned at the door and forgot to react.

  Chu Lingyun saw her coming from the mirror and smiled as she turned around: "Mother Empress has arrived? Why so early?"

  "Ah!" Zheng's family came back to their senses, and with an uneasy heart, the smile at the corner of their mouth was a bit stiff as they walked over and said, "Your father stayed at my place yesterday. He got up early for court, so I also got up and came over to see you."

  She sat down and pinched Chu Lingyun's hand in her palm, but no matter how she looked at it, the calm smile on the other person's face was very piercing.

  Finally, Zheng still couldn't help but give a wink to Gu's mother and the others: "You take the kids out first, I'll have a couple of words with Yun'er."

  "Yes, Your Highness!" Madam Gu responded, waving her hand as she led several maids out.

  As soon as the outsiders left, Zheng's face quickly climbed up a worried look, holding Chu Lingyun's hand and saying, "Yun'er, Mother knows that this time is a hardship for you, but since things have come to this point, there's no way around it, you——"

  She said, her heart was pounding, and she suddenly grasped Zhu Lingyun's hand tightly, trembling with her voice: "You mustn't think of anything rash! That Su Shizi, even if you don't like him, but I see that he is sincere to you, you marry him——"

  Chu Lingyun's face sank instantly as she listened to her words, and she turned her head to one side, interrupting her by saying: "Empress Dowager, you don't need to persuade me anymore. Even if I don't like it, the weight of things is still clear. Since it was an imperial decree from the Emperor's grandfather, I have no choice but to agree."

  After all, she was still unwilling, and as she spoke, her eyes sparkled with tears again.

  "Then you——" Zheng said hesitantly.

  Chu Lingyun wiped away the tears from her eyes, and when she looked at her again, she forced a bitter smile and said, "Yesterday I was momentarily unable to accept it, did something that hurt your dignity, and also displeased you and Father. It's all because I'm not sensible, and Father is probably still angry with me, right? Mother, please help me persuade him, his body isn't well, don't let him have another relapse because of me."

  Zheng's original was still worried about her sudden change, and now seeing her so humble and compromising, she couldn't help but redden her eyes again, grasping her hand tightly and saying, "You're just fine if you've opened up, don't worry about your father the king, he's just talking out of anger for the time being. What's more important is that you yourself should open up a bit, this man..."

  "Empress!" Chu Lingyun impatiently interrupted her, and with a sorrowful and indignant expression, she turned her head to one side, "Don't say any more, I accept my fate!"

  "Alright, I won't say anything more. I'll go ahead and take a look. You get ready!"

  As he spoke, he grasped Zuo Lingyue's hand tightly again, and only then did he let out a sigh and stand up to leave.

  Chu Lingyun sat on the stool motionless, but in the instant Zheng turned around, she had already forced back the mist in her eyes and revealed a thin, cool smile to the copper mirror.

  Zheng's pulse was spot on, this play was so realistic that it had the most impressive effect, and for him, it was completely effortless.

  On this day's early morning, Chu Youyang was listless and idle, after finishing his breakfast he stood under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard staring blankly.

  After a while, I heard footsteps in the distance. When I looked up, Qing Luan rushed into the courtyard from outside: "Young Mistress!"

  "But is there any news from the South River King's palace?" Chu Jiu Yang nodded and asked.

  "Yes!" Qing Luan nodded, "The imperial edict for the marriage between the Southern River King's Manor and the Su family has been issued, and the date has also been set, it will be on the sixteenth of next month."

  "The queen favors her, and indeed it's not exaggerated. This move is really fast enough." Chu Jiu Yang smiled lightly, not taking it to heart at all, then pondered for a moment and said, "Next month? Isn't the appointment a bit rushed?"

  "It was Nanhe Wang who personally asked for the imperial decree, saying that Princess Anle's age had arrived and since the engagement was settled, it would be better to get married early." Qing Luan said.

  "I suppose he's doing this to avoid a long and sleepless night, afraid that Chu Lingyue will play some trick on him?" Chu Jinyang smiled wryly and turned his head to look at her again, "In that case, shouldn't their wedding be held directly here then?"

  "It should be done here, the time is too tight, thinking of rushing back to Changshun Wangfu's side will definitely not make it, it should be after the grand wedding that Su Shizi brings his new wife back to their hometown, or -" Qing Luan pondered and opened her mouth, "The Empress Dowager favors her, directly granting a county main mansion in the capital is also possible."

  Chu Youyang hooked the corner of his lips, neither affirming nor denying, and obviously had no interest in this topic. He only said: "What about Tuoba Huai'an? The two men proposed on the same day, and fulfilling the Su family would be equivalent to slapping Tuoba Huai'an in the face. The emperor must have made some indication, right?"

  "It is said that after the early court session, the Emperor went alone to the Imperial Study Room with the fifth prince of Beiyuan. He should be giving him some instructions." Qing Luan replied.

  Chu Nanyang thought for a moment, as for the emperor's mind, she actually didn't have a good grasp of it either, and since she couldn't get to the bottom of it, she temporarily gave up.

  "Your Ladyship, I dare to say one more thing. The marriage between the South River King's household and the Su family may cause the Emperor to feel uneasy in his heart, but neither of those two families are foolish. As long as they do not provoke each other, the Emperor will also not find a reason to take action." Qing Luan saw that she was no longer speaking, hesitated for a moment, and then expressed her inner confusion, "On the contrary, it's like this - through their marriage relationship, those two families are now thoroughly tied together on the same boat."

  The most embarrassed one in this matter is Chu Lingyun, but the others in the South River Wangfu are probably still secretly delighted.

  Qing Luan really couldn't understand, Chu Youyang wouldn't possibly disregard the bigger picture just to spite Chu Lingyun out of personal grievances. Yet, judging from Chu Yi'an's attitude in court, it was clear that he had intentionally pushed for this matter behind the scenes, helping her bring it about.

  "Did I design her to marry Su Lin, would she really marry Su Lin?" Chu Jiu Yang saw her worried and deep-frowning expression, couldn't help but laugh, and playfully pouted his mouth. "If she were so easily willing to sit and wait for death, then she wouldn't be Chu Ling Yun."

  "That princess of yours, when she went to see the fifth prince of Mo Bei that day, was it also intentional to expose her whereabouts to them?"

  "There are many talents in the South River Wangfu, is it not easy to investigate such a small matter? " Chu Jiu Yang looked at her with a smile on his face, but did not answer, instead asked back, and between the warmth and brightness of his smile, there was a kind of profundity that made people unable to grasp."

  She looked at Qing Luan, smiling in a particularly bright and moving way: "I'm not afraid that she'll know it was me who did it, on the contrary, I'm actually afraid that she'll be kept in the dark, holding back this breath of anger with no place to vent!"

  Chu Lingyun had no intention of marrying Su Lin, but with the imperial edict ordering their marriage, she was not allowed to resist. According to conventional reasoning, even if she herself was unwilling, Chu Yimín and Zheng Shi would force her into the wedding sedan chair.

  But now?

  Let her know that she was scheming against herself behind her back. With Chu Lingyun's character, who excels in everything, would she still obey obediently?

  Only fear——

  No way!

  "As soon as the Princess of Anle renounces her engagement, the Southern River Royal Manor and the Su family will inevitably become enemies. At that time, even if the Su family does not turn against us, it will be absolutely impossible to win over the Southern River Royal Manor." Qing Luan said thoughtfully, with an excited glint in her eyes.

  It's not that Chu Nanyang did this just to make things difficult for Chu Lingyun, what with urging Tuoba Huai'an to propose and provoking Su Lin to jump out. From the very beginning, she had no intention of letting Chu Lingyun marry into the Northern Desert, and as for the Su family, it was just a cover-up. What she really wanted to do...

  It's going to be interesting to see Su Family and Nanhe Wang Fu turn against each other!

  It's just that this bend is really too big, and it's actually made people unable to guess!

  The county master's move was indeed ruthless.

  I'm afraid by the time the people from Nanhe Wangfu react, it will be too late and nothing can be done to change the situation!

  "But is the county lord certain that Princess Anle will definitely make a move?" Qing Luan's heart had calmed down quickly after her initial agitation, and she worriedly said, "After all, it was an imperial decree for marriage, what if she really gets married..."

  "What if she really gets married..." Chu Mo Yang narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

  This plan, because of the big detour and too many arbitrary elements mixed in, is destined to bear a considerable portion of risk.

  Although she was confident in her understanding of Chulinyu's past and present lives, and deliberately exposed her whereabouts to provoke Chulinyu's temper, nothing is absolute, and it does not rule out a slim chance.

  Chu Youyang lowered his head and then raised it again, the expression on his face had returned to normal: "When husband and wife are not in harmony, the family is not peaceful. Su Lin is now thinking about it but can't help it, so he spoils her like a treasure, waiting for the long-standing conflict to come - both sides will turn against each other, and they can wait with bated breath."

  No matter whether Chuli Yun can marry Su Lin or not, how can the two families be tied together like a rope?

  Don't even think about it!

  Set his mind, Chu Sunyang looked at Qing Luan again: "Before the wedding of Chu Lingyun, arrange people to pay close attention to her movements, no matter how small, and report to me in time if there is any wind or grass movement."

  "Yes, I understand!" Qing Luan was also extremely concerned about this matter and didn't dare to be careless in the slightest.

  It's all over now, and next we just have to wait for Chu Lingyun to make her move, or...

  Can she really bear it?

  Chu Youyang couldn't help but laugh to herself, and seeing the sun rise, she turned around and went back into the house, continuing to pick up the needle and thread on the couch, sewing in a slow and intermittent manner.

  Her hands were not clumsy, but when it came to embroidery, she was a novice who had given up halfway. It was not easy to master in a short time, and every time she pricked the needle, she couldn't help but get hurt. This time was no exception.

  "Miss, I've told you how many times, just don't take out this kind of craftsmanship to embarrass yourself. What do you need? I'll do it for you. Why make things difficult for yourself?" Qingteng happened to be carrying the washed clothes in and saw the situation, her face turned red as she stepped forward and snatched the embroidered handkerchief away.

  Chu Sunyang, unaware of it, had a drop of blood on the tip of her finger fall onto the silk fabric. Instantly, she became flustered and angry, and turned around to grab it back, scolding, "You also know I'm having a hard time doing this, yet you're causing more trouble for me! Who knows if it can be washed clean or not!"

  Qīng Téng saw that heart-aching and frowning appearance, his mouth twitching straight.

  The young lady of the house had such a poor needlework skill that it wasn't that she was careless, but rather didn't dare to flatter herself. After struggling back and forth for nearly a month, she only managed to embroider a shapeless object about the size of a fingernail cover. Not to mention whether the final product could be identified as having a specific shape or not, just this progress alone——

  Nor does it know when it will be ground into a monkey year and horse month.

  The two masters and servants were red-faced and thick-necked as they confronted each other, when suddenly a servant girl came to report that the eldest grandson had arrived.

  Qingteng immediately composed himself and retreated to stand beside Chu Zhenyang.

  Chu Nanyang was stunned for a moment, then slightly curled up the corners of his lips and smiled, saying in a low voice: "Is it Big Brother?"

  "Yes!" The girl replied, but she was cautious and did not say a single extra word.

  Chu Youyang smiled and said: "Please ask Big Brother to go to the flower hall for tea first, I'll change my clothes and come over."

  "Yes, young mistress!" The maid replied, turned around and walked out with small quick steps.

  Chu Youyang got up and went to the inner room to change his clothes. Qingteng followed him with a strange expression, saying, "The Crown Prince is coming over, I'm afraid it's not good news?"

  It goes without saying that Chu Qi Hui would come uninvited, and it must be about the marriage between Nanhe Wangfu and Changshun Jun.

  Qingteng was reluctant to speak out of respect for his status, but in his heart, he really looked down on this noble and respected eldest grandson.

  This matter can be said to have been facilitated by Chu Mo Yang, but everyone who came with their eyes and ears could see that it was done with the consent of Chu Yi An. Since he had suspicions, why didn't he go ask Chu Yi An for clarification? Instead, he rushed straight to Chu Mo Yang's place?

  Chu Xiangyang just smiled and didn't speak, letting her serve him as he changed into formal clothes before heading to the flower hall.

  The tea in the hall has been served, but Zhu Qiying hasn't moved, standing with her hands behind her back, looking at a pot of narcissus on the shelf with a gloomy expression.

  Chu Youyang smiled slightly and stepped inside: "Big brother, why did you suddenly come over? Didn't even give a heads up?"

  Chu Qi Hui's eyes narrowed as she turned her head to see her calm and collected expression, but her eyebrows furrowed again.

  "I have something to ask you!" Chu Qi Hui said, although she didn't directly turn against him, but it was clear that her emotions were being severely restrained.

  "Oh?" Chu Nanyang walked over with a smile, sat down in the chair, picked up his tea cup and took a sip before slowly opening his mouth to say, "Big brother wants to ask something? Go ahead and ask, let's see if little sister can help you understand."

  Chu Qi Hui looked at her, a refined and elegant face also faintly revealing a few shades of gloom, carefully choosing his words before speaking: "The marriage between Su Lin and Chu Ling Yun, was it your doing?"

  Chu Youyang's action of sipping tea paused slightly, and he looked up to say: "Big brother, you said this matter..."

  "Don't rush to deny it!" Chu Qi Hui suppressed a belly full of anger, interrupting her before she could finish speaking. As if afraid that facing her calm and composed expression for too long would make him burst out in anger, he deliberately put his hands behind his back and took two steps to the side, saying: "I've sent someone to confirm it. The day before yesterday at noon, you secretly met with Tuoba Huai An at Wangjiang Tower. The person who delivered the message for you was Qing Luan. You had just met, and the next day he publicly went to the palace to ask for my sister's hand in marriage. Wasn't that your deliberate arrangement?"

  In the end, his tone was inevitably tinged with a few parts of severe questioning.

  Chu Youyang had always been good to these brothers and sisters, even if they were at odds with each other, they still maintained a superficial harmony.

  At this time, Chu Qi Hui's words had just fallen, but she suddenly turned her face, and with a solemn expression, coldly said: "Big brother, you suspect me?"

  Chu Qi Hui Yuan was too lazy to face her, but at this time, after hearing such a tone, she subconsciously turned her head back, only to find that Chu Mo Yang's expression had unknowingly turned cold and stern.

  Her eyes didn't show any hostility, but that rare coldness made Chu Qi Hui's heart tremble inexplicably.

  This girl, actually stared at him with such eyes?

  "You've gone too far!" Chu Qi Hui suppressed the unease in her heart and spoke coldly, "I'm asking you—"

  "Big brother, you answer my question first!" Chu Nanyang coldly interrupted him, and casually placed the tea bowl on the table.

  Then she stood up, standing unyieldingly in front of Chu Qi Hui, her expressionless face staring straight into his eyes as she repeated again: "Did you have someone investigate my whereabouts?"

  Chu Qi Hui had always known her to be arrogant and reckless, but this was the first time she had experienced such a forceful and aggressive stance from her.

  Will breaking through the sky have some guilty conscience?

  Because he was too surprised, his lips moved unconsciously, but then he regretted this inexplicable sense of guilt and coldly snorted: "I had someone investigate your whereabouts, also because I was afraid you would make a mistake that couldn't be undone. Previously I already told you not to get involved in court affairs casually, you——"

  Chu Qi Hui was really annoyed about the marriage between Nan He Wang Fu and Su's family, and now that she had found a vent for her emotions, she scolded fiercely.

  Chu Youyang silently stared at him, and in the silent moment, his eyes had already turned into a cold and lifeless sheet of ice.

  This person is the eldest son of his father, even if he has no kindness to her, and even if he will be unmoved by the fact that she was repeatedly plotted against, she had never thought of moving him before, but now...

  He actually went behind her back to investigate her?

  No, or more precisely, it should be tracking and surveillance!

  Qing Luan was very confident in her actions. If she hadn't been intercepted by someone on her way to meet Tuoba Huai'an at the post house, then afterwards, no matter who tried to investigate, they wouldn't have been able to find any valuable clues.

  But Que Qiu Hui actually knew!

  This shows what? This person had been prepared all along and had been setting up defenses around himself, monitoring his every move.

  She didn't consider him an enemy, yet he went so far as to use such despicable means to guard against and control his own sister?

  With such bravery and strength, he didn't charge towards the enemy, but instead turned his spearhead towards himself?

  There was a moment when Chu Youyang felt angry, but it only lasted for an instant before he smiled indifferently.

  Yes, such a person, in times of crisis, can even sell out his own father to save his life and status, what can you expect from him?

  "Yes, it was me who did it!" With that realization, Chu Youyang became nonchalant.

  She smiled and sat back in her chair, continuing to sip her tea leisurely, saying in a soft tone, "I went to see Tuoba Huai'an and had him go to the South River King's palace to propose on my behalf, all in order to force Su Lin to take responsibility for this matter."

  She said, and even more so with a pleased shrug: "Moreover, I did it. After the marriage between Nanhe Wangfu and Su's family, they will inevitably become the focus of Your Majesty's attention. This is good for our Donggong, isn't it, big brother?"

  "You——" Chu Qi Hui saw her so fearless and arrogant, her face turned bright red with anger.

  He pointed his trembling finger at Zhu Mo Yang.

  Chu Youyang's heart also had a burning fire, and his eyes suddenly turned cold, staring at his hand with sharp edges.

  Chu Qi Hui subconsciously took a step back, realizing she had lost her composure, and with a flick of her sleeve, walked to the side once again.

  "All these are just afterthoughts, let's not discuss them for now. Just focusing on this matter itself, do you really think you've done a perfect job? If I can easily find out about it, the South River King's side must also know about it by now. Even if our ancestors want to investigate, do you think you can hide it from them? Moreover, the South River King has always wanted to form an alliance with the Longshun Principality to expand his power. Your actions this time have fallen right into his trap! "Zhu Qi Hui said, her tone full of blame and anger, "I think Father really spoiled you too much. You've caused such a big disaster and he's still covering up for you, it's simply..."

  He spoke and became somewhat incoherent.

  Chu Youyang flew into a rage and with one swipe of his sleeve, he sent the two teacups on the table crashing to the floor at his feet.

  She stood up again, looking at Chu Qi Hui with a cold intention between her eyebrows, and said coolly: "Your Highness, the eldest grandson of the emperor, you really have a big fanfare, openly sending people to monitor me, your sister. I haven't even bothered to argue with you about this matter, do you want to frame my father's fault together?"

  "What am I watching you for? I didn't watch—" Chu Qi Hui's whole body shook, and she subconsciously retorted.

  "Enough, you don't need to put on an act in front of me. Since you've come looking for me, I'll remind you one thing out of our sibling relationship: in this world, no one can be ignored, but there's one person who absolutely cannot be ignored - your father. This time it was my doing, if you have any opinions about Father's handling, you can go talk to him directly. But as a child, how can you discuss your father's mistakes behind his back? If this gets out, Longsun, do you think you'll still be able to sit securely in your position?"

  "What tone are you using to talk to me?" Chu Qi Hui suddenly laughed incredulously, "Xun Yang, I'm your older brother, you——"

  "It's my brother, shouldn't he know that the Su family siblings have repeatedly plotted against me and remained unmoved? It's my brother, shouldn't he arrange for someone to secretly spy on my every move? It's my brother, today you shouldn't come uninvited and aggressively confront me without distinguishing right from wrong!" Chu Yu Yang didn't give him any chance to speak, and with a few words, he turned around and walked towards the door in big strides. "You're not welcome here, leave on your own!"

  Chu Qi's eyes widened in shock, and at this moment, she couldn't help but find the situation ridiculous, yet she couldn't laugh anymore.

  He stood woodenly in the hall, staring at the tea cups that had been smashed to pieces at his feet by Chu Yunyang, and thinking of the other's furious and intimidating demeanor, he was dazed for half a day without regaining consciousness.

  Chu Youyang stepped out of the door and walked two steps before suddenly stopping.

  Stop in one's tracks, yet without turning back.

  Only a cold and stern voice came down: "Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the eyes you have planted around me will withdraw on their own, otherwise——"

  She smiled and said with a chilling voice: "Before nightfall, I will collect their bodies for them and have someone send them back to you!"

  He didn't even bother to look at him again and disappeared into the courtyard with a dismissive attitude.

  Chu Qi stood blankly in the middle of the flower hall, feeling unenthusiastic. He walked out of the Jin Hua Tang in a daze and looked back at the scenery inside the courtyard, where the pavilions and buildings were elegant and refreshing. For some reason, he felt a chill run down his body, as if a cold aura was climbing up from the soles of his feet, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

  Chang Lin was startled and jumped: "Your Highness, what's wrong with you? Are you uncomfortable, I'll call the imperial physician for you?"

  "No need!" Chu Qi Hui shook her head, her face darkening slightly, and as she turned around, she suddenly swung her hand fiercely, "Withdraw all the people around us!"

  "Ah?" Chang Lin was taken aback, thinking he had misheard, "Your Highness, you said——"

  "The palace says - all withdrawn!" Chu Qi Hui gritted his teeth, word by word.

  Chang Lin saw that his expression was not like he was joking, and hastily instructed him to go down.

  Chu Qi Hui returned to Wang Yue Zhai and locked herself in the study for the entire afternoon, not showing her face again. At dusk, Chu Yue Yan somehow got the news and rushed over without caring about anything else.

  Digression

  Another person is going to get themselves killed, this is a rhythm of internal conflict!