Chapter 190: Very Familiar, Yet Unfamiliar

Bai Yunxian watched the interaction and small exchange of words between them, he was not that surprised that Yun Shu was able to catch that guy off guard so easily. Even though his blood boiled after watching that guy laughing and talking with others happily, without having any clues of racking a person’s life over and over again.

’He must be thinking of which girl to lock his prey on right now. His next victim would be decided at this banquet.’

Bai Yunxian felt sick in his stomach the more he thought about it, he felt nauseous as if he would vomit at any time. Regardless, he needs to be present for the medaling ceremony that started just now.

After a while, the banquet ended as the Emperor Yun called for Bai Yunxian to give a personal visit.

“Personal visit? Why is it me? Isn’t Lord Yun also going to attend?” Bai Yunxian asked the eunuch as he looked back to Yun Shu with a questioning face, who just returned after barely getting away from all the nobles and courtiers who were surrounding her after the medaling ceremony to make connections.

No matter what her reputation was at the Capital before this, everyone knows how powerful and influential the Yun family was right after the Emperor. They would’ve run after the other Yun brothers by now, but the problem was their disinterest to cooperate with other nobles or associating with them through marriage or anything.

There no marriage procession was also quite famous within the Capital as it has been the talk of the town for years, even now, people would discuss it occasionally. Though it doesn’t matter right after Yun Shu married the General’s daughter as the daughter- in- law of the Yun family.

Even if other brothers don’t marry, it’s fine. Since Lord Yun can take in other girls as his wives or concubines. It’s a great opportunity to make a connection with the Yun’s and the Imperial family, so it doesn’t matter even if they fought with each other over this potential son- in- law.

However, even if they put up a bloody fight, what does it matter to her?

Yun Shu was quite annoyed already by how they were buzzing around her like flies, she wouldn’t give a f*** even if they blew up the Palace and placed it down her feet, much less take an interest in ladies!

“Hmm, it’s about the prize His Majesty the Emperor promised to give you for your contribution. No need to be nervous and act normally.” Yun Shu tucked a strand of hair behind Bai Yunxian’s ear as she smiled, “Even if he tries anything funny, you have me to back you up, don’t forget that!”

“Yes, I’ll try.” Bai Yunxian’s face was red as he looked down and nodded his head. Without any further questions, he followed the eunuch who was waiting for him, showing the way to the Emperor’s study.

The Palace isn’t something he doesn’t know about. In fact, Bai Yunxian knew every nook and cranny of this place better than a eunuch who has been working in the Palace for a long time.

Because there were times when he desperately tried to memorize everything around this place, so that he could escape this hell, from that terrible madman.

Even so, Bai Yunxian didn’t make it too obvious that he knows the place around well. Instead, he followed the enunch’s instructions thoroughly until they reached the study.

Upon the permission being granted, Bai Yunxian walked inside the study and bowed immediately, showing proper courtesy.

“All hail to Your Majesty, the sun of the Empire.”

“Raise your head, no need to be that polite.”

Emperor Yun’s strong voice sounded throughout the hall as Bai Yunxian stood up properly, looking up.

’This virtuous and moral man had a son unworthy of being his successor, such a pity…’ Bai Yunxian had this thought when he looked at the Emperor Yun up close for the first time.

“Seems like you have something to say?” Emperor Yun saw the expression on Bai Yunxian’s face which made him feel uneasy for some reason as he asked him.

“It’s nothing, Your Majesty. Just that, Your Majesty’s great figure reminded me of my father.” Bai Yunxian smiled, “Your Majesty has a formidable presence which surpasses everything.”

“Cough, cough, child. You do have a sweet mouth just as Shu’er said…” Emperor Yun, for some reason, felt pretty shy to this unexpected praise, stroking on his nonexistent beard.

“I’m glad if Your Majesty is happy.” Bai Yunxian smiled faintly as he seemed pleased.

’I don’t know how you managed to convince my adorable niece into a trap and married her, but I can’t be an easy opponent!’ Yun Cheng thought as he peeked at Bai Yunxian through one eye open, watching him tilt his head to the side, confused as to what the Emperor was thinking.

“May I ask something, Your Majesty?” Bai Yunxian asked in a polite tone, his smile never fading.

“Ahem! What is it? Ask away!” Yun Cheng recovered and gathered his thoughts, asking with a serious tone.

“There must be something else aside from giving a reward for the achievement, right? May I know the reason, Your Majesty?” Bai Yunxian asked as he stared at the Emperor Yun who stared back at him.

’…!!!’

Emperor Yun was shocked by his perceiving talent and keen eyes to judge a situation thoroughly, if not, this child did have a good potential to be a great businessman.

’Sigh, only if he didn’t get married to my niece and become her crybaby husband, then I would’ve…’

“Yes, it’s good that you came straightforward. Then I shall settle the matter here right away.” Emperor Yun gave Bai Yunxian a look to read his expression before continuing, “I have a mission for you.”

Seeing Yun Cheng’s serious expression and hearing his words, Bai Yunxian naturally understood it was something of great importance.

“Considering your achievement in the war this time, I have decided to give you a new task. You shall leave for the East in an incognito visit, and solve the problems the county has been facing recently.”

“…! but, Your Majesty, I’m…” Bai Yunxian was about to say when Yun Cheng interrupted him.

“I know you are a man, Bai Yunxian. You don’t have to tell me that you can’t leave because you are a woman.” Yun Cheng declared which came quite shocking for him, but soon Bai Yunxian realized that the Yun family didn’t know about his situation, and yet His Majesty granted the permission for Yun Shu to marry.

“Shu’er came clear to me about not leaking any information to her family, but I care about my nie… I mean, my nephew! So, I need to see if you are really worthy of staying by my nephew!” Emperor Yun slammed his hands on the desk to hide his earlier fault by intimidating him.

“…”

There was no answer even after Emperor Yun finished his speech, so he opened an eye to sneak a peek at Bai Yunxian.

’Was it too much pressure? But if he can’t even endure this much… No, no, that’s not the problem here. If the child were to hear I intimidated him and scared him away, she would surely throw a fit!’

However, Emperor Yun became astonished to see the look on Bai Yunxian’s face, to the point of shock.

“Your Majesty, as you wish, I’ll finish this task you entrusted upon me and return gloriously.” Bai Yunxian put his hand on his chest, his eyes determined and full of vigor.

“In return, please do not distrust my loyalty to Lord Yun, I’ll always be his most faithful and loyal man. Even if, even if… we are not together anymore…”

’Oho? Look at this guy, there is something else going on, isn’t there…’

Emperor Yun was easily able to detect the change of voice in Bai Yunxian, the slightly pained expression he had seemed to be genuine?

“Ahem! Then it’s settled, you’ll leave for the East two days from now on. As for the investigation partner, you have probably met him today, it’s Mo Ling Yuan, Chancellor of the State who will accompany you on this visit. Make sure to get a good result after returning.”

Bai Yunxian’s expression changed the moment he heard the name of a certain individual, however, his expression quickly returned to normal as he swallowed up all the thoughts he had, as he remained silent and listened the rambling, his mind drifting off somewhere, in a far and distant time, in a desolate place.

.

.

.

Bai Yunxian didn’t return to the banquet hall anymore as he decided to return to the carriage and wait for Yun Shu there.

However, Bai Yunxian was struck dumb as he saw the person standing outside the carriage, crossing there arm on their chest as they leaned on it as they stood there.

In this cold moonlit night, this person somehow reminded Bai Yunxian of someone very familiar, yet unfamiliar.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep