1764: No Chance

No Chance

A servant approached Xie Yan, delivering a report about what he had witnessed.1

Upon hearing the news, Xie Yan couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. Junyi was considerably younger than him. When Xie Yan had already matured into a man, Junyi was still a mere child. They had both been disciples of the same master, and Xie Yan had watched Junyi grow. Although he harbored no fondness for Junyi, they were, after all, classmates. Xie Yan believed that their master wouldn't have wanted Junyi to meet such a fate.

That was why he had extended an opportunity to Junyi.

Now, at this crucial juncture, Xie Yan realized his previous mistake. Nevertheless, he was still willing to ensure Junyi's well-being, allowing him to live as an ordinary strategist.

However…

Junyi had not returned to the previous Crown Prince's Mansion but had chosen to depart with Gu Ruxue. It appeared that he had no intentions of experiencing regret.

Xie Yan understood Gu Ruxue's true identity.

She was the younger sister of Elder Miss Gu, who had always been at odds with her. Gu Ruxue had caused harm to Elder Miss Gu on multiple occasions.

Their alliance boded ill intentions.

Yet, to Xie Yan's astonishment, Junyi had decided to join forces with her.

Junyi remained unchanged. He failed to recognize his own mistake, stubbornly clinging to his old ways.

Disappointed, Xie Yan shook his head before turning away and making his way into the court.

By imperial decree, Xie Yan entered Fengxian Palace.

Gu Chaoyan was garbed in autumn attire within the courtyard, with tea and some simple pastries laid out on the stone table—her preferred treats.

Upon seeing Xie Yan's arrival, Gu Chaoyan poured the tea and gave him a playful wink. "Took you long enough. Did you get lost in the palace?"

Her tone conveyed both concern and amusement.

Elder Misguided, though bearing a cold demeanor, treated others with kindness and gentleness. Her benevolence had to be savored subtly.

Glancing around, Xie Yan took in his surroundings.

Although it was Fengxian Palace within the court, the decor mirrored that of Xinlin Mansion. Only a few familiar-looking servants attended to Gu Chaoyan, and there were no new faces in sight. She was dressed in simple yet elegant attire, devoid of extravagant grandeur.

Observing the presence of trusted individuals around them, Xie Yan spoke candidly, "I encountered Junyi on my way here. My messenger informed me that he departed with Gu Ruxue. As far as I recall, neither of them holds favorable sentiments towards you. I believe their intentions may be dubious. Be cautious not to fall into a trap, understood?"

With the demise of the previous Crown Prince and the absence of Xie Yan's former master, he felt a sense of liberation. He could now provide this warning to Gu Chaoyan without the weight of past obligations on his shoulders.

Even if the previous Crown Prince were still alive, he would have implicitly issued this reminder.

"They left together?" It wasn't difficult to comprehend. One was the former Crown Prince Consort, while the other was the Crown Prince's strategist. It was only natural for them to have some level of interaction.

Gu Chaoyan responded confidently, "No need to worry. Nothing will happen. I have hidden guards working for me throughout. Even without them, I have no fear of those two."

Nodding in understanding, Xie Yan recognized that she had grasped his message.

Just as Gu Chaoyan was about to speak further…

A sudden interruption occurred.

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