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Chapter 790: The Return of an Old Acquaintance
"This is my only chance." If he failed to seize it, there would be no room for a comeback.
"Is it not better to withdraw now and live a life of wealth and honor?" Xiao Changgeng asked.
In truth, Xiao Changyan had another path—to abandon his claim to the throne. Although he had conflicts with the Eastern Palace, as long as he no longer threatened its interests, the Eastern Palace would not settle scores with him afterward. He would forever remain Jing Wang.
"It's too late." Xiao Changyan sighed deeply. "Nor would I ever be content with that."
"Eighth Brother..." Xiao Changgeng looked up at Xiao Changyan. "Did Eighth Brother truly scheme against the Crown Prince?"
Having stayed by Xiao Changyan's side, Xiao Changgeng had a rough estimate of how much influence Xiao Changyan still wielded. These forces were not insignificant, but it was nearly impossible for any of them to get close to Xiao Huayong.
Like the Crown Prince, he doubted whether Xiao Changyan had actually plotted against the Crown Prince...
Upon hearing this, Xiao Changyan smiled but did not answer Xiao Changgeng. "This is a matter between me and the Eastern Palace. There is no need for Twelfth Brother to concern himself. You may leave."
Xiao Changgeng frowned slightly. Seeing Xiao Changyan pour himself a drink, he knew he would say no more.
Xiao Changgeng silently accepted the item Xiao Changyan had given him and left the prince's residence. However, the moment he stepped out of Jing Wang's residence, a figure that had been lying in wait for who knew how long swept past him like a swift gust of wind. Before Xiao Changgeng could react, the item in his hand was snatched away!
The guards of Jing Wang's residence were alerted and rushed out in a swarm, but the figure moved with extreme speed, landing on the rooftop opposite.
The guards of Jing Wang's residence drew their bows and aimed their arrows. The figure, masked and cloaked in darkness, had deep-set eyes. With a flick of his wrist, he shot out a dart.
Xiao Changgeng dodged, and the dart embedded itself in the main gate of the residence, pinning a letter in place.
By then, Xiao Changyan had also arrived upon hearing the commotion. He personally retrieved the letter.
On the envelope, the words "For the Eyes of Jing Wang" were written in a familiar handwriting, causing Xiao Changyan's eyes to sharpen.
"Stand down." Xiao Changyan waved his hand, dismissing the residence guards, but showed no intention of opening the letter—or at least, not in front of Xiao Changgeng.
"Eighth Brother, it is my incompetence..."
"If it is truly him, even I would struggle to guard against what he seeks to take." Xiao Changyan did not blame Xiao Changgeng. "Twelfth Brother, do not trouble yourself over it. Return to your residence for now. If the item has fallen into his hands, it should be safe."
Xiao Changyan's words made it clear that he knew who the figure was. Xiao Changgeng was puzzled and began to wonder: Was this person sent by the Crown Prince? Or had someone acted before the Crown Prince?
However, he remained expressionless in front of Xiao Changyan. If something unexpected had occurred, leaving early would allow him to discuss countermeasures sooner.
Xiao Changgeng's residence was not far from Xiao Changyan's. After returning to his residence, he waited for a while, but no one came seeking him out. This meant that the person was indeed arranged by Xiao Huayong.
Whether Xiao Changyan had been deceived or there truly existed someone whom Xiao Changyan did not guard against, Xiao Changgeng had no way of knowing.
Xiao Changyan turned and reentered his residence, dismissing all his servants. Alone, he opened the letter. The bold, forceful handwriting matched that on the envelope, and it contained only one sentence: "An old acquaintance has returned. Meet at the hour of Hai."
The letter did not even specify a location, but it was precisely this that convinced Xiao Changyan. If it were truly that person, he would know where to wait for him.Hibiscus Garden was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, a gracious gift from His Majesty for the grand wedding of Shen Yingruo and Xiao Changfeng. With the ceremony set for the following day, the entire garden was lavishly decorated with vibrant blooms and intricate ornaments. Red silk ribbons fluttered everywhere, and at night, rows of lanterns swayed in the breeze, casting a shimmering, crystalline glow.
Yet, even in this resplendent place, aglow like a celestial palace, there existed desolate corners.
Xiao Changyan trudged forward through the overgrown weeds. This area had not always been so barren; over a decade ago, a bizarre incident had nearly claimed his life and that of Xiao Changying. At the time, Xiao Changying was saved by Xiao Changqing’s fearless rescue, while he himself, trapped in despair, believed his end was near—until another person came to his aid.
Afterward, His Majesty investigated but found the fire had sparked inexplicably, with no human cause. Following the advice of a mystic, it was decreed that the land must be left to decay to ensure the royal family’s prosperity. Otherwise, it would hinder the continuation of the imperial bloodline. The following year, their eldest brother died mysteriously here, forcing His Majesty to abandon the area to neglect.
“Eighth Brother.” Lost in thought, Xiao Changyan was startled by a soft call beside him.
Turning, he saw a face both familiar and strange.
Familiar, because this person was his own flesh and blood, having grown up with him for over a decade and even saved his life once. Strange, because the man before him lacked the noble composure and steadiness expected of royalty. Dressed in sleek black martial attire, he carried none of the carefree air of a wandering knight.
He radiated vitality and contentment, his beaming face a clear reflection of a life lived with ease.
“Sixth Brother.” Xiao Changyan stared dazedly at the newcomer.
It was Xiao Changyu, his sixth brother, who was said to have died four years ago, lost in the Tianshan Mountains.
He was alive!
Standing before him backlit, half of Xiao Changyu’s face was veiled in shadow, obscuring his expression. Xiao Changyan took a step forward. “Why have you come, Sixth Brother?”
Why had Xiao Changyu faked his death? Why appear now? And why had he stolen his belongings, deliberately luring him here?
Truth be told, even without taking those items, had Xiao Changyu simply sent a letter, Xiao Changyan would have come.
Xiao Changyu replied, “I act on another’s behalf, honoring a commitment.”
“On whose behalf?” Xiao Changyan had a sinking suspicion but refused to acknowledge it.
Hadn’t Xiao Changyu journeyed to Tianshan in search of the Snow Lotus because of the Crown Prince? Even if they weren’t enemies, they could hardly be allies!
As if reading his thoughts, Xiao Changyu smiled faintly. “Eighth Brother, the world is ever-changing; nothing remains constant. Just as I once leaped into the flames to save you, today we must cross swords.”
His words put Xiao Changyan on high alert. The foreboding he had felt was not unfounded—this half-brother, who had once risked his life for him, had now come to take it.
Xiao Changyu extended a hand from behind his back, holding a small box. “Royal families are cold-hearted. Among us brothers, aside from Fifth Brother and Ninth Brother, our bonds are mere facades, masking deadly rivalries and endless strife. You and I share some history.
When that sudden blaze erupted, I happened to be here. Had I not saved you, I would have faced condemnation. If you or Ninth Brother had come to harm, I would have incurred the wrath of Noble Consort Rong and Virtuous Consort Pei. Saving you was not out of brotherly affection.”Therefore, I have no face to claim any favors today. After all, our relationship differs from that of ordinary brothers—there is truly no need for a fight to the death.
Let us instead stop when enough is shown. Within ten moves, if Eighth Brother can retrieve the object from my hand, you win. Otherwise, I win.
If Eighth Brother wins, you may leave with this object. If I win, you will follow me and depart.
(End of Chapter)
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