Chapter 64: Meticulous Schemes

The news that the Prince of Southern Town was alive quickly made its way back to Wang City. When Zhan Yan learned that her father was still living, joy flooded her heart. Although she had never felt a father's love since birth and believed herself long accustomed to days without family, she realized, unexpectedly, how deeply she yearned for kinship. The moment she learned her father survived, she was more moved than she had ever imagined she could be.

She clutched Zhongli Yu’s hand tightly, her voice trembling: “He’s alive, he truly is alive.” It was almost unbelievable. Yan Kuan had impersonated the Prince of Southern Town for sixteen years, yet he had tolerated the real prince’s survival. Such a thing bordered on the miraculous. When they captured Yang Qi, it was little more than a gamble, a hope, and now, to hear with her own ears that her father lived, she could not help but be overwhelmed.

Zhongli Yu gently drew her into his embrace, feeling her body shiver, soothing her with a gentle pat on her back. “Yes, Yan’er has a father now. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“It is. I have a father now. It’s so wonderful.” Zhan Yan spoke with a hint of anticipation, wondering what it would be like when she finally met her father.

Looking at the pomegranate blossoms still blazing red in the courtyard, Zhongli Yu murmured softly, “Yan’er has a father, and one day we’ll have children of our own. Our home will only grow livelier.”

After a long while, Zhan Yan’s excitement slowly subsided. “My husband, I miss home. Once we’ve brought Father back, let’s return as soon as we can. I miss Grandfather.” Her voice was gentle, longing for her grandfather at the Duke of Chun’s estate, and also for the old master who had taught her skills. That old master must be worried for her as well.

“Very well, let us return home soon.” Zhongli Yu nodded. If they wished to go home, the war must end quickly. It seemed certain people ought to make their move now. Having schemed so well, it was time for them to emerge. “Yang Rui has been in Dongling long enough. It’s time for him to return, don’t you think?”

Zhan Yan raised her head to look at Zhongli Yu. Her husband seemed to have everything under his control. Even when Yang Qi wanted him dead, he managed to escape with a feigned death. Was there any problem he could not solve? “How does my husband plan to bring him back?”

Zhongli Yu smiled lightly and spoke with a casual air: “Why should I need to intervene? If he lacks even this much capability, he might as well abandon his struggle with Yang Qi and give up the throne altogether.”

Zhan Yan laughed softly. Indeed, the Crown Prince of Xiyuan could hardly lack ability. He was resourceful, winning the people’s hearts, then hiding in Dongling, letting Yang Qi contend with Dongling while he reaped the benefits. What a brilliant strategy. Perhaps, even when he collapsed before them, that too had been calculated. Otherwise, how could a hundred or so men have wounded him so badly?

Zhongli Yu gazed at Zhan Yan’s bright eyes, smiling quietly. How clever this woman was—he had said nothing, yet she seemed to anticipate everything. He took her hand and led her to his study.

Once inside, Zhongli Yu sat down and began to write a secret letter: “Crown Prince Rui, you have enjoyed Dongling’s peace for long enough. If you do not come forth soon, the throne will pass to another.” After this, he wrote another letter to the King of Dongling, urging him to release Yang Rui promptly. Prolonging this war benefited no one.

Yang Rui had been housed in Zhengyang Palace within the Dongling royal compound, close to the emperor’s private chambers for easier surveillance. These days, Yang Rui did little but quietly listen to the news from outside. Whenever he heard reports from the border towns, he would smile sardonically. He knew that in a conflict with Dongling, Xiyuan stood little chance. Dongling was prosperous and strong; Xiyuan was riddled with wounds. He did not need to ponder it to know Xiyuan could not defeat Dongling. The King of Xiyuan had spent years neglecting good governance, focusing only on gathering grain and soldiers, dreaming of invading Dongling and uniting the realm. The country grew weaker by the day. It pained Yang Rui, but he was powerless to stop it. Since that was so, let them struggle and fight.

When Yang Rui received the secret letter, he felt a pang in his heart. He had believed his plans flawless, his calculations perfect. He had always known of his father’s and brother’s ambitions, but he neither could nor wished to stop them. He only intended to wait until Dongling and Xiyuan were both exhausted, then reveal himself and tell the people that the King of Xiyuan and the Second Prince had attempted his assassination, stripping them of public support. He would then rightfully ascend to the throne. He was, after all, the Crown Prince and heir apparent. Over the years, he had won the people’s favor, and when he appeared to halt the war and bring peace, even a forced coup would be accepted.

That day, knowing Zhongli Yu was nearby, he had not resisted fiercely, allowing his father’s men to wound him heavily. His purpose was simply to be rescued by Zhongli Yu, who would then tell the King of Dongling that Xiyuan could no longer shelter Yang Rui. He had believed only he knew this, but Zhongli Yu proved even more astute, having already guessed his plan and willing to help, to cooperate. In that case, he would grant the peace Zhongli Yu wished for.

“Zhongli Yu,” Yang Rui murmured, realizing just how extraordinary the man was. Nothing seemed hidden from him; everything unfolded as if within his grasp. Fortunately, he had not regarded Zhongli Yu as an enemy, but as an ally. Otherwise, achieving all he desired would have been nigh impossible. He had heard of the woman who had risked everything to go to Wang City for him, of her martial prowess that stunned the realm, and his heart ached with a subtle pain. Such a woman belonged to another; even if he gained the throne envied by all, he would never have her. He envied Zhongli Yu, even felt a twinge of jealousy. He almost wished Yang Qi’s schemes would succeed, that Zhongli Yu would perish, for then he might have a sliver of hope. But for a man like Zhongli Yu, death was not easily won. Yang Rui slowly closed his eyes, trying to banish the image etched in his mind, but it only grew clearer.

Outside, the sunlight was bright, but Yang Rui’s mood was bleak and shadowed. He sighed deeply, forced himself to rally. It was time to return, time to reclaim all that belonged to him. In a low voice he spoke to himself, “Mother, I know you were murdered. I will avenge you. Those who harmed you, I will make each of them pay their debts to you.”