AYM Chapter 65

Yan Yihuan, who had been splashed all over with tea, didn’t actually go to change his clothes. It was only water stains anyway, the wind would dry them soon enough. What mattered most right now was taking advantage of the moment when everyone was too busy to notice, to find Gao Yu and get a clear answer.

 

He lifted the hem of his robe and fanned it back and forth as he walked, glancing around. After searching behind the hall, he finally spotted Gao Yu in the boiling-water room.

 

Seeing Yan Yihuan appear so suddenly startled Gao Yu. He sprang to his feet instinctively and, in his haste, knocked over a towering pile of firewood behind him. The clatter drew shouted scolding from afar as someone started heading their way.

 

Gao Yu did not even bother to wipe the stove ash from his hands. He grabbed Yan Yihuan and ran outside, circling around behind the boiling-water room to a secluded corner before he dared to whisper nervously,

 

“Why has the Third Young Master come to look for this servant?”

 

Yan Yihuan was also still shaken, but knowing he couldn’t stay long, he got straight to the point, “Where exactly was that jade pendant found? Where is Xu Xinyao’s servant now? And is His Highness also in the capital?”

 

“His Highness was here originally, but when the Northern Di attacked the city and the situation in Changyun Prefecture became urgent, he went back,” Gao Yu said hurriedly. “The jade pendant was found outside the capital. His Highness feared something might happen to the servant as well, so he had him hidden first.”

 

“Hidden where?”

 

“Uh…” Gao Yu looked troubled. “This servant was only passing along a message. I do not know anything beyond that.”

 

“But since Third Young Master was close with Young Master Xu, perhaps you can think it over carefully.” Gao Yu glanced around and lowered his voice again, “When this servant heard the news, I chatted a bit with the messenger. We mentioned that Young Master Xu is just a merchant, and it was his first time coming to the capital to do business. What kind of enemies could he possibly have?”

 

Yan Yihuan’s heart jolted. He did not know whether Xu Xinyao had any enemies. All he knew was that the Emperor disliked him greatly, even having Han Zhen threaten him with a sword.

 

“Third Young Master, this servant can’t be away for too long. I’ll take my leave first.” Gao Yu was so nervous that sweat covered his forehead. He did not even bother with formalities and hurried off.

 

Yan Yihuan nodded absentmindedly. After Gao Yu left and the outside fell quiet, he began walking subconsciously, his steps unusually heavy.

 

It couldn’t be… It shouldn’t be…

 

He(LXM) was the Emperor. If he truly wanted to kill someone, he would have done it that very night. He could have used any excuse, and no one would dare question it. There was no need for secrecy. But if it wasn’t the Emperor, then who could it be?

 

It was all his(YYH) fault for trying to avoid the issue. Because of that, Xu Xinyao had remained in the capital instead of returning home, and this disaster had followed.

 

Xu Xinyao was the eldest son of the Xu family. If something truly happened to him, how could Yan Yihuan bear the responsibility, and how could he ever live with it?

 

But what was he supposed to do? How could he even begin to find out Xu Xinyao’s whereabouts?

 

Thinking it over, Yan Yihuan suddenly realized that everyone around him belonged to the Emperor. There was not a single person he could turn to for help.

 

Countless thoughts buzzed in his ears, his body growing more unsteady by the moment. Guided only by instinct, he drifted toward the front of the hall. As he staggered along, his arm was suddenly seized. The unexpected force snapped him out of his daze, and he nearly cried out in shock.

 

Li Xuanming looked at Yan Yihuan, whose face had gone deathly pale. The joy he had felt at finding him was quickly replaced by confusion, and Yan Yihuan’s terrified gaze made his brow twitch at once.

 

Just as Shen Zhaoquan had said, he seemed to have been badly shaken by something, especially the fear in his eyes, which appeared to be directed at Li Xuanming himself.

 

Li Xuanming’s gaze swept the surroundings at once. Aside from those following behind him, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Yan Yihuan’s reaction was far too unusual to be explained simply as lingering anger over what had happened earlier.

 

“What were you doing back there?” he asked.

 

“I…” Yan Yihuan averted his eyes guiltily. “I was bored. Just wandering around.”

 

“If there’s something, say it directly.” With one matter piling on top of another, Li Xuanming no longer had the patience to question him slowly and asked outright.

 

He had no idea that such an ordinary remark sent a chill down Yan Yihuan’s spine. Yan Yihuan still hadn’t figured out how to deal with this at all. He had meant to fumble through with a few evasive answers first, but he hadn’t expected the Emperor to be so direct.

 

He couldn’t afford to panic any further. Pinching his palm inside his sleeve, Yan Yihuan forced himself to speak in his usual tone. “Your Majesty, I want to leave the palace.”

 

Li Xuanming was slightly surprised, even more certain that something had happened. He deliberately softened his voice, making it even gentler,

 

“Still angry?”

 

Huh? Angry about what?

 

Yan Yihuan had almost forgotten about being chased out earlier. The reminder gave him an idea, and he nodded quickly. A trace of grievance rose in his chest, and he pursed his lips, choosing not to say anything.

 

“Leaving the palace isn’t impossible, but things are chaotic inside the palace right now, and it’s even more dangerous outside. You need to clearly state where you intend to go.”

 

The Emperor being so accommodating caught Yan Yihuan off guard. Hope stirred in his heart.

 

“I’ve missed several chances to go out and enjoy myself, and I’ve always felt regret over that. And I haven’t seen Cheng’en… oh, no, Commander Du, in a long time. I’d like to catch up with Commander Du.”

 

“Going out for leisure is fine, but Du Cheng’en must depart for war immediately. He won’t have time to drink with you.”

 

“What?” Yan Yihuan’s eyes widened in surprise. After turning it over in his mind, the only person he could think of asking for help from was Du Cheng’en, yet he was about to go to war. Yan Yihuan said dazedly,

 

“Then what about General Du?”

 

“Du Yunsong?” Li Xuanming had not expected him to be so set on seeking out the Du family. A lead began to form in his mind, and he roughly guessed whom Yan Yihuan might have run into earlier. Perhaps it’s related to King Qin?

 

“Du Yunsong is staying in the capital. Are you familiar with him as well?”

 

“When I first went to King Qin’s residence, Cheng’en ge and the others would deliberately tease me until I cried. Back then, Uncle Du carried me over to find them and even beat up Cheng’en ge.” Recalling the past, Yan Yihuan finally relaxed a little. His expression softened, and he showed his first smile. “I’ve been in the capital for so long already. It would be right to go and visit General Du.”

 

He knew the Du family had a deep connection with the Residence of King Qin. Since Du Yunsong was someone Jing ge had saved and taken under his care, he should be willing to help.

 

To Yan Yihuan, this reason seemed perfect. As soon as he said it, he visibly relaxed, sneaking a glance at Li Xuanming’s face. Seeing him as calm as ever, and even slightly gentler than usual, Yan Yihuan guessed it was because the Emperor felt guilty for having sent him out earlier. Encouraged, he leaned a little closer and pressed his advantage.

 

“I’ve been outside alone in the wind for an hour, and looking at these pastries made me remember that day when Your Majesty bought honey cream pastries I didn’t get to try. I couldn’t help but feel even gloomier.”

 

“So, you want to go out right now?” Li Xuanming asked, cutting straight to the point. Seeing Yan Yihuan nod vigorously, he added, “It’s not impossible, but Han Zhen must go with you.”

 

“No!” At the thought of Han Zhen’s murderous intent at Xu Xinyao, Yan Yihuan instinctively refused. He looked around and happened to see Ming Zhang standing nearby. “Could… could Lord Ming come with me instead?”

 

After all, Ming Zhang had at least eaten with Xu Xinyao once and could be considered somewhat acquainted. Besides the Emperor, he was probably the person Yan Yihuan knew best in the capital, there seemed to be no more suitable candidate.

 

Li Xuanming couldn’t help but rub his brows. Ming Zhang was currently extremely busy, and sending him to accompany Yan Yihuan on a stroll might drive him mad.

 

Still, whoever went with him would need to be discreet. After all, anyone able to get their hands into the imperial study so freely couldn’t be ordinary. 

 

With that in mind, Li Xuanming smiled and nodded. “Very well, then. Ming Zhang will accompany you.”