Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 781 Ah Feng (Second Update)
Xun Cheng smiled.

"Why are you asking me? Shouldn't this be asked of the Prince of Yannan?"

Otherwise, Ye Si should also know.

“You can even get information about the Southern Hu, so what are these things?” Ye Chutang said.

Xun Cheng smiled helplessly and raised his hand, "It's truly a misunderstanding. It's fine if I inquire about some trivial matters, but how would I know about the army's confidential affairs?"

Ye Chutang remained noncommittal.

The Prince of Yannan did not send a message back to the capital, but that does not mean he will not in the future.

“Tuoba Yu is dead, but Tuoba Shan will never let this go.”

Ye Chutang felt a vague unease.

We need to make plans early...

She whistled.

A dark shadow quickly appeared in the sky above the courtyard, then hovered and landed on the windowsill.

Ye Chutang came to the table, wrote down her thoughts, and then tied the copper ring containing the note to the eagle's leg.

"Go."

As soon as she finished speaking, the black eagle took flight again and quickly disappeared from sight.

Princess Qinyang couldn't help but say, "Even if they are brothers with deep affection, Tuoba Shan wouldn't dare to do anything, would he? With the strength of the Southern Hu, they are no match for us at all. Wouldn't that be courting death?"

Ye Chutang stared in the direction where the black eagle had disappeared, then suddenly turned her head and asked,
"Is there any news about Shui Xingqiu?"

This question was directed at Xun Cheng.

Xun Cheng paused, "Nothing else, but I heard that he did a poor job this time. Although Tuoba Shan didn't say anything on the surface, he hasn't seen him for several days. I guess he has lost the emperor's favor."

It's impossible for Tuoba Shan to be completely indifferent.

However, the Shui family has deep roots, and Shui Xingqiu did not show his true identity this time, so it is not appropriate to punish him openly.

Princess Qinyang rested her chin on her hand and pondered for a moment, "Speaking of which, why did he leave in such a hurry on that particular day? He is skilled in Gu poison and should also be knowledgeable in medicine. He shouldn't have risked Tuoba Yu's life... He left in such a hurry, as if someone was chasing him from behind."

She looked around and couldn't help but ask, "Everyone says that Xiao Lanxi died from Gu poison. Could it be... that Shui Xingqiu was responsible? If that's the case, wouldn't it mean that Shui Xingqiu and Prince Jing might also be connected?"

Ye Chutang raised an eyebrow. "He has already returned to Nanhu. There are many speculations, but there is no way to verify them."

Princess Qinyang reacted almost immediately, her eyes widening in surprise.

"You mean, they really—"

It took her a while to process the information in that sentence, but she was still shaken.

"But...why is Prince Jing doing this?"

First, she secretly communicated with Vajra, and then she became entangled with Shui Xingqiu...

Did they really disregard everything to win that position?
Xun Cheng glanced at Ye Chutang, only to find her eyes calm and unperturbed, as if she were neither shocked nor puzzled by the matter.

Ye Chutang met Xun Cheng's gaze and asked directly, "When do you plan to go back?"

Xun Cheng asked with a smile, "Going back to where?"

Ye Chutang paused, "...Louyang."

Before Xun Cheng could speak, Princess Qinyang couldn't help but interject, "Young Master Xun, perhaps you shouldn't go back for now? It seems the southwestern border is fraught with danger, and Louyang is unlikely to be peaceful either. You should stay in the capital and recuperate first."

Xun Cheng smiled slightly, "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Ye Chutang: "..."

Xun Cheng raised his hand and straightened the thin blanket on his legs.

"We've waited for years, what's a few more days?"

……

Nanhu, the royal palace.

"Your Majesty, the head of the Shui family has come to see you again."

The palace servants carefully served tea, observing Tuoba Shan's expression.

Since Tuoba Yu's death, Tuoba Shan was extremely saddened and did not attend court for three days.

In a short period of time, he had lost a lot of weight and looked extremely haggard. Tuoba Shan slowly opened his eyes, his eyes bloodshot.

These past few days, Shui Xingqiu has been coming to see me every morning, and I've been waiting all day.

They go back when it gets dark, and come back when it gets light.

Tuoba Shan harbored resentment towards him and had no desire to see him.

The palace attendant lowered her voice again, "The head of the Shui family and all the ministers are very concerned about the king's health..."

Tuoba Shan wearily raised his hand. "Let him in."

We can't stay out of sight forever.

The palace maid was delighted and quickly responded.

Soon, Shui Xingqiu walked in.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

He saluted respectfully.

Tuoba Shan, unwilling to say more, asked directly, "What brings you here?"

Shui Xingqiu raised his head and said, "Your humble servant has come to relieve the king's worries."

Tuoba Shan frowned. "What did you say?"

Shui Xingqiu said, "The king is heartbroken over the passing of Prince Su, and so are we. The only way now is to find a way to avenge the prince and let his spirit rest in peace."

Tuoba Shan's expression wavered for a moment. "What...do you mean?"

Shui Xingqiu reminded him, "Does Your Majesty still remember who injured the Prince? Now, only by killing Ye Yunfeng can we avenge the Prince!"

Tuoba Shan naturally remembered the name, and anger flashed across his face. "That's right!"

If it weren't for that person, how could his only younger brother have been captured? And how could he have suffered so much torture and died such a tragic death?!

Shui Xingqiu continued, "I heard that Ye Yunfeng has been promoted several ranks due to his military merits and has now returned to the southwestern border. He is leading troops stationed in Duzhou and is now in charge of a city. He is very prestigious."

Tuoba Shan's expression shifted, his mind in turmoil. "This man is indeed hateful, but with Yan Nan Wang and Feng Cheng joining forces to defend against the enemy, the border defenses are probably impregnable..."

"They've only been in Duzhou for a short time, and their supplies are insufficient. Moreover, he's young and has just taken office, so some people are bound to be dissatisfied. This is their weakest point! If His Majesty is determined to avenge the Prince and offer the head of Ye Silang as a sacrifice to the Prince, this is the best opportunity!"

Tuoba Shan was clearly persuaded, his brows furrowing. "But if he brings reinforcements, it might be difficult to handle. Besides, once war breaks out, the disparity in troop strength between the two countries is enormous..."

Shui Xingqiu suddenly revealed a strange smile.

"Your Majesty can rest assured about this matter."

……

After an incense stick had burned for a while, Shui Xingqiu came out.

The palace servants obeyed and went to see him off.

Shui Xingqiu turned her head and said, "Thank you very much today, Father-in-law."

The palace attendant smiled ingratiatingly, "Master Shui, you flatter me. You enjoy the King's deep trust, how could you possibly harbor any resentment?"

Recently, rumors have been circulating that Shui Xingqiu is disliked by the king because of Tuoba Yu's affair, and the king even refuses to see him.

And yet, only a few days have passed? Shui Xingqiu is still able to enter and leave the king's study as usual.

Shui Xingqiu glanced back, then turned and left.

……

As night fell in Duzhou, soldiers guarding the city were still busy working inside and outside the city walls.

Stones and logs were constantly being transported into the city, and barbed wire was buried everywhere except along the central road.

There are no stars or moon tonight, only the light of torches illuminates the ground, and faint glimmers of cold light can be seen on the ground.

"My lord, the defenses outside the city gates will be completely completed in three more days."

On the watchtower, Ye Yunfeng was listening to the report from the soldiers behind him.

He nodded upon hearing this, "We need to be quick."

The soldiers agreed, but couldn't help but say, "Sir, our Duzhou City isn't very big to begin with, and it's adjacent to the two important towns of Longcheng and Xiacheng. Why do you have to go to so much trouble?"