Chapter 176: Prince Rui

After Xiao Jingyuan left, he went to meet Pei Zhi, and the two discussed matters at the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

What Pei Zhi most admires about Xiao Jingyuan is that, although he clearly wishes to flay him alive, he can still discuss matters calmly with him.

"In this life I assist the crown prince: first, I don't want her to know my identity; second, I can't stand Prince Rui." Pei Zhi said expressionlessly, "You can rest assured—I would never harm her, and I will not let anyone who harms her go unpunished."

This is him plainly telling Xiao Jingyuan that he will never again be Prince Rui's hound.

Pei Zhi looked at the man in dark robes seated in the grand tutor's chair before him, saw his expression still calm, and added, "Moreover, I have promised her that I will not let Prince Rui be the one who finally sits on the dragon throne."

Having said that, Pei Zhi got exactly what he wanted—seeing Xiao Jingyuan's long brows slightly furrow.

When had Shen Shuangning ever sought Pei Zhi's help?

Xiao Jingyuan cared deeply.

Perhaps seeing what he was thinking, Pei Zhi gave a slight smile, provocatively saying, "Between her and me, there are many things the heir apparent does not know."

As Xie Yan, in his previous life he was still too kind; otherwise Shen Shuangning would already have been his woman, and how could this man before him get a turn?

Xiao Jingyuan narrowed his eyes; he wasn't provoked, merely his gaze turned colder: "I cannot kill you, but I have a thousand ways to make you vanish forever from before her. Try insulting me again?"

If it weren't that Pei Zhi still had some use, Xiao Jingyuan would not let him wander about in the capital at all.

Indeed, he had already devised countless ways to discard the mill and kill the donkey.

Pei Zhi also seemed wary of his methods, raised an eyebrow, said nothing more, only looked into his eyes and said, "The heir apparent still doesn't seem to trust me, Pei."

Xiao Jingyuan coldly said, "You are a poisonous snake; who knows if you won't turn and bite?"

Pei Zhi chuckled: "But the heir apparent has my weak spot in his grip."

Both are ruthless. However, Xiao Jingyuan appears gloomy and murderous but actually has principles; Pei Zhi appears breezy and bright but is actually black-hearted and uncontrollable.

Only half of what he says can be believed.

Today Pei Zhi took the initiative to seek cooperation; as a former lackey of the Heavenly Saint Sect and Prince Rui's hound, he is quite valuable to use.

Pei Zhi also clearly understands this, so he dares to attend the meeting alone.

"This is a deployment map of several important cities in the south from the Heavenly Saint Sect; the heir apparent can take it to verify its authenticity." Pei Zhi took out a folded sheet from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and continued speaking.

"The sect leader is named Ouyang Wenti, a Daoist; this old thing values life, is cautious, extremely paranoid, and skilled at disguise. I have seen him a few times, but he looks different each time; the portrait you have in the Embroidered Uniform Guard is also fake. However, while one's appearance can easily change, the eyes are hard to alter."

Pei Zhi raised his hand, his distinct knuckles pointing to his own left eye, and said, "Ouyang Wenti's left eye is blind."

That is a new discovery; Xiao Jingyuan then asked, "Where is he hiding?"

Pei Zhi: "A cunning rabbit has three burrows; I find it hard to give the heir apparent an exact answer. Gold Hill, Shu Land, Yong Prefecture—all are possible. If the heir apparent wants to catch him, it won't be easy."

Pei Zhi shifted his tone: "But I have a way to lure him out."

"Go on."

Pei Zhi said: "As far as I know, the old thing only wants to be emperor, so he pretends to cooperate with Prince Rui; once Prince Rui's rebellion succeeds, he will surely be unable to sit still, becoming the oriole waiting to strike after the mantis catches the cicada......"

Pei Zhi lifted the corner of his mouth, sharp light flashing in his eyes, hands braced on the table, staring straight at Xiao Jingyuan opposite him: "Why not force Prince Rui to rebel?"

Xiao Jingyuan gazed at him deeply, his heart already churning with stormy waves.

No wonder he's Xie Yan.

Though he changed his appearance and name, the ruthlessness and courage in his bones remain unchanged.

This plan is ruthless enough, yet also risky; once it gets out of control, it will be war spreading like wildfire, mountains and rivers overturned!

But if it succeeds...... it could overthrow Prince Rui in one fell swoop and eradicate the long-standing malignancy, and the realm of Liang will finally see true clarity!

Just then, a 'thud-thud' knocking came from outside the door.

Pei Zhi straightened up, his expression already back to normal.

Xiao Jingyuan's gaze lingered on his face a moment before he turned toward the door and said in a low voice, "What is it?"

Immediately after, Qingyun's voice came: "Reporting to the heir apparent, Prince Rui today not only refuses to eat, but also injured the jailer who brought his food. Should you go take a look?"

Prince Rui has been detained in the Embroidered Uniform Guard for about half a month already.

Xiao Jingyuan seemed to have forgotten him—neither interrogating nor questioning him, each day like feeding a dog, at the set time he would give him his meal.

Even the most patient person would lose their composure.

Moreover, being reduced to a prisoner—aside from being abducted by the Heavenly Saint Sect years ago and forced into a solitary cell for two days, he had never experienced this before!

Prince Rui was locked in the deepest cell; his splendid brocade robe was already stained, his hair disheveled and stuck to his forehead, yet the malice in his eyes had not diminished in the slightest.

Before even approaching, one could hear his lowly insults.

"Damned Xiao Jingyuan, you've got the guts to get out!" His voice echoed in the empty corridor, hoarse with fury.

Just then, a steady footsteps sounded from the end of the corridor.

Prince Rui immediately stopped his cursing.

The comer was neither hurried nor slow, landing light and steady. Prince Rui, who had practiced martial arts for years, could tell at once that this person was an expert with deep internal strength.

Xiao Jingyuan finally deigns to show his face? Perfect, he wanted to ask just what tricks this kid was up to!

Prince Rui plopped back down.

Soon after, the iron lock turned with a click, and the cell door slowly swung inward.

When Prince Rui lifted his head and looked at the comer, he was visibly stunned for a moment.

Standing before him was a young man in his early twenties, wearing a spotless moon-white long robe, his handsome features bordering on pretty, his brows hinting at a faint smile, appearing gentle and harmless.

It was not Xiao Jingyuan.

Prince Rui felt he knew him, but couldn't recall who, so he bluntly asked, "Who are you?"

"Your Highness truly is forgetful of noble people." Pei Zhi smiled faintly.

Only then did Prince Rui recall the other's identity; he glanced over and said bluntly, "Xiao Jingyuan is a tortoise pulling its head in—he won't show himself, so he sends you to judge me? How, he doesn't even have the guts to speak to me?"

"I, Pei Zhi, am not here to judge the Prince." Pei Zhi wore an appropriate degree of obsequiousness: "Your humble servant has come to escort the Prince out."

Prince Rui did not rise at once: "You and Xiao Jingyuan aren't on the same side, are you?"

When they first returned to the capital, the two of them had sat together to judge him. Prince Rui had only recently returned to the capital and was still unclear about some matters.

Pei Zhi revealed an embarrassed expression, lowered his eyes and said: "His Majesty ordered me to investigate this case; I am merely carrying out orders. The Guard Bureau has always been overbearing, and Xiao Jingyuan acts arbitrarily as usual. I, Pei Zhi, a Junior Tutor without real authority, how dare I defy?"

Prince Rui looked him up and down, then continued probing: "Was it the Crown Prince who sent you?"

Pei Zhi said: "Today the Crown Princess's funeral is taking place; the Crown Prince is busy presiding over the rites and does not know I have come here."

As he spoke, Pei Zhi slightly raised his head and added meaningfully: "From now on, he will not know either."

Prince Rui seemed to understand something, but did not give an immediate response; first he patted the dust from his brocade robe, then glanced at his already-soiled shoes, and finally lifted his eyes to look at Pei Zhi.

Pei Zhi immediately understood; he stepped forward two paces, bent at the waist, then used his clean sleeve to wipe the dust from Prince Rui's shoes, his motion humble.

Prince Rui looked down at him from above, the corner of his lips twitching slightly, then raised his hand and patted Pei Zhi's shoulder before striding out of the prison with his hands behind his back.

As soon as he left, the expression on Pei Zhi's face vanished instantly, leaving only an icy-cold calm like a frozen lake.

He stood still for a moment, then rose and followed after him.

Shen Shuangning rode in the carriage of Prince Yan's manor, intending to go straight to the Guard Bureau to wait for Xiao Jingyuan to return together.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she alighted from the carriage, she saw Pei Zhi and Prince Rui walking out one after another from the Guard Bureau, appearing to be chatting happily.

Suddenly, their eyes met.

Pei Zhi had not expected to meet Shen Shuangning here; he was visibly startled, and the smile on his lips froze.

He noticed Shen Shuangning's gaze sweeping between him and Prince Rui; when it finally settled on him, it seemed to carry a hint of disappointment, fleeting as it was.

Pei Zhi's hand, hidden within his sleeve, tightened slightly; as he lowered his eyes, he also gathered his myriad thoughts.

Since their parting in Jiangting County the last time, the two had not seen each other again.

At this moment, her gaze toward him was as if she were looking at a stranger.

Shen Shuangning lightly withdrew her gaze, bowed to Prince Rui, polite yet distant: "Your Highness, myriad blessings."

Prince Rui's attention had already been captured by Shen Shuangning's appearance, so he did not notice Pei Zhi's odd behavior.

It was truly rare for a woman of such beauty to appear in a place like the Guard Bureau, steeped in blood and slaughter; Prince Rui could not help but glance at her several more times.

Shen Shuangning harbored a psychological shadow toward Prince Rui; she avoided his gaze, wanting to go inside, but he raised his hand to stop her.

Prince Rui glanced sideways slightly: "I seem to have seen you somewhere; may I ask your name, miss?"