NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Farewell to Mingzhu Village
Ruyun Palace - Residence of Noble Consort Wang Meiling
The delicate scent of jasmine lingered in the air as Noble Consort Wang Meiling sat on her cushioned chair, gripping the handle of her porcelain teacup with more force than necessary. Her eyes burned with fury, her long nails tapping against the wooden armrest in irritation.
Her personal maid, Chu Chu, stood beside her, cautiously observing her mistress's reaction. The news of Crown Prince Xu Yuheng's return had come unexpectedly, sending waves of displeasure through her heart.
"How could this happen?" Wang Meiling's voice was dangerously low, her frustration evident. "The Crown Prince was supposed to be away for much longer. Who informed him of the flood fund robbery?"
Chu Chu hesitated before replying, "Your Highness, it is said that he received news through his spies. The moment he heard, he immediately turned back."
Wang Meiling exhaled sharply, setting her cup down with a loud clink. "Tch. So he thinks he can return and claim what belongs to my son?"
She turned to Chu Chu, her voice dropping into a whisper. "We must act before he regains his full strength. Go to Lingyun Pavilion and bribe one of his servants. There is an item he has had for decades—the old thing given to him by the late Empress. It is time he loses it."
Chu Chu's eyes flickered with understanding. "Yes, Your Highness. I will make sure it is done discreetly."
Wang Meiling smirked, the corners of her lips curling upward in satisfaction. "Good. Let's see how long the Crown Prince can hold his ground."
Zhonghe Court
(Inside )
In the dimly lit Zhonghe Court, scrolls and pieces of silk fabric covered the long wooden table. Lord Xu Zixuan's trusted subordinate, Cheng Li, was scrutinizing a particular piece of evidence—a small scrap of Golden Cloud Pattern fabric found at the robbery scene.
Cheng Li narrowed his eyes. "This fabric is not common. Only certain high-ranking officials and noble families use this pattern. If we find the one who recently purchased it in the capital, we might be able to trace the culprit."
Another investigator beside him nodded. "I've already checked a few records, but there are still many shops to search."
Cheng Li straightened his back and made a swift decision. "Then we'll go to the largest fabric shop in the capital. If anyone knows who bought this fabric recently, it will be them."
The men exchanged determined glances before setting out on their next step toward uncovering the truth.
Cangqiu - Mingzhu Village
Path to The healer's house
The morning mist clung to the earth as the four travelers—Feng Xiangling, Feng Yichen, Lin Liangchen, and Zhou Jinyu—stood outside the healer's humble residence. The air was filled with an unspoken reluctance, for their journey together had come to an end.
Feng Xiangling looked at the village healer with deep gratitude. "We are forever in your debt, Senior. Without you, my brother wouldn't have survived." She bowed respectfully.
The old healer chuckled, stroking his beard. "Little girl, the true debt you owe is to yourself. You fought for your brother's life. That is what matters."
Feng Yichen, still slightly weak but determined, clasped his hands in respect. "Thank you for everything."
Lin Liangchen patted Feng Yichen's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Yichen. Don't go getting into trouble before we meet again."
Zhou Jinyu smirked. "And make sure your sister doesn't bully you too much."
Feng Xiangling rolled her eyes. "Hmph! As if I would."
The four shared a light chuckle before their expressions turned serious once more.
"It's time," Lin Liangchen finally said.
Feng Xiangling nodded. She and Feng Yichen turned towards the path leading east, while Lin Liangchen and Zhou Jinyu prepared to go their own way.
As they walked away, the wind carried their unspoken promises—to meet again, to continue their separate paths, and to face whatever fate had in store.
Lingyun Pavilion - Residence of Crown Prince Xu Yuheng
Lingyun Pavilion was unusually quiet, save for the gentle rustling of silk curtains as Emperor Xu Tianguan entered. The scent of medicinal herbs filled the room.
On the large, ornately carved bed, Crown Prince Xu Yuheng sat upright, his face pale but his eyes sharp. Despite his weakened state, he exuded an undeniable aura of authority.
"Imperial Father," Xu Yuheng greeted, attempting to rise, but the Emperor raised a hand to stop him.
"Rest, my son. You have only just returned."
Xu Yuheng obeyed, sinking back into the pillows. His gaze darkened. "I had to return. The moment I heard of the stolen flood fund, I knew something was gravely wrong. How could this happen within our empire?"
The Emperor sighed, his expression heavy. "That is the question I have been asking myself. Those funds were meant for the people, and yet they vanished. Treachery is at play, but we have yet to uncover the culprit."
Xu Yuheng clenched his fists. "Have we found any leads?"
His father hesitated before answering. "Your uncle, Lord Xu Zixuan, is investigating. Evidence has surfaced that suggests this was not a simple robbery but something far more sinister."
The Crown Prince's eyes flashed with determination. "Then I must recover quickly. This is no longer just about the throne or politics. This is about our people."
Emperor Xu Tianguan looked at his son with rare softness, pride shining in his gaze. He placed a firm hand on Xu Yuheng's shoulder. "You have always carried the weight of this empire in your heart. But do not overburden yourself. We will uncover the truth, and justice will be served."
For a brief moment, the mighty ruler of Song was not just an emperor—but a father who cared deeply for his son.
A comfortable silence fell between them before the Emperor finally stood. "Rest well, my son. The capital needs you now more than ever."
As he left, Crown Prince Xu Yuheng's resolve only strengthened. He would not let this crime injustice. But he knows that his health was limited already.
Would his failing health keep him from fulfilling his duties ?
Only time will tell.
To be continue....