latelenovela Chapter 128: The Prince of Dongling
Chapter 128: The Prince of Dongling
At that moment, within the imperial palace, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices onto the magnificent golden tiles of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, casting patches of mottled light and shadow. In the center of this hall, a symbol of supreme power and dignity, Emperor Nanyuan sat upon the exquisitely carved dragon throne.
He was clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, vivid and lifelike, its fangs bared and claws bared, as if ready to soar into the air at any moment. Emperor Nanyuan wore a purple-gold crown, inlaid with a large pearl that shimmered with dazzling light. His eyes, as deep as a pool of water, exuded a majesty that made one dare not look directly at him. He coldly gazed at the two men standing before him—Prince Xiao and the eldest prince of Dongling.
The entire hall was utterly silent, even the faintest breaths could be heard. In this oppressive atmosphere, Emperor Nanyuan narrowed his eyes slightly. After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly, "Prince Xiao, Crown Prince Dongling, do you two know why I have summoned you here today?" His voice, though soft, resonated like a bell in everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable aura.
Xuan Xiao, with his tall and handsome figure, bowed slightly, clasped his fists in salute, and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I really don't know why you summoned me!" His eyes, as deep as a pool of water, revealed a hint of confusion and innocence, as if he really had no idea about what was mentioned.
Emperor Nanyuan raised his head slightly, his gaze piercing as he glanced at the Grand Prince Dongling, who stood respectfully beside him. Then, he asked slowly, "I wonder if Grand Prince Dongling knows why I summoned you?" His voice was neither loud nor soft, but it carried an invisible pressure, as if the entire palace had fallen silent at these words. Emperor Nanyuan sat upright on the dragon throne, his bright yellow robe gleaming in the candlelight. The kingly aura he emanated was so dazzling that it made anyone dare not look directly at him.
The eldest prince of Dongling raised his lips slightly and replied in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "Your Majesty, I have only heard of the magnificent mountains and rivers of Nanyuan and have come here to enjoy them. I have no ill intentions."
Emperor Nanyuan snorted coldly, "For fun? As a member of the Dongling royal family, the eldest prince is entering another country's territory without permission. This reason is too far-fetched."
Prince Xiao listened quietly, secretly speculating on the true purpose of the Dongling Crown Prince. Although he had only met the Crown Prince a few times, he knew that he was more than he seemed.
The eldest prince of Dongling took a step forward and clasped his hands together. "If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, you can send someone to follow me and see if I have done anything inappropriate."
A flicker of doubt flashed across Emperor Nanyuan's eyes. Just then, a eunuch hurried into the hall and whispered something in his ear. Emperor Nanyuan's expression changed slightly, and he turned to the First Prince of Dongling and said, "Hmph, I'll trust you for once. But it's best that you behave yourself and refrain from doing anything that would undermine peace between the two nations."
The eldest prince of Dongling bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust." When he stood up, his eyes accidentally met with those of Prince Xiao. There was deep meaning in both of their eyes, and then they looked away.
Emperor Nanyuan, seated high atop the dragon throne in a bright yellow dragon robe, raised his right hand slightly, flicked his sleeve, and slowly said, "You may withdraw for now." His voice was low, but it carried an undeniable authority that seemed to silence the entire palace. Standing below, Crown Prince Dongling and Xuan Xiao bowed respectfully and then exited the hall in an orderly manner, leaving Emperor Nanyuan alone, staring thoughtfully ahead.
Xuan Xiao and the Crown Prince of Dongling walked side by side, neither of them speaking first. Only after they were far away from the Hall of Supreme Harmony did Xuan Xiao softly ask, "I'm afraid the Crown Prince's visit this time isn't just for fun."
The eldest prince of Dongling turned his head and looked at him with a smile: "Prince Xiao is indeed perceptive. To be honest, I came here to cooperate with His Highness Prince Xiao.
Xuan Xiao frowned slightly, "Cooperation? This prince and you have never had any dealings, why does the eldest prince say this?"
The eldest prince of Dongling chuckled, "As long as Prince Xiao can cooperate with this prince, the throne will be in the pocket of His Highness Prince Xiao in the future.
The eldest prince of Dongling looked at Xuan Xiao in silence, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing an imperceptible smile. He spoke again and continued: "Your Highness Prince Xiao, don't forget that His Majesty Nanyuan has more than just you as a prince! There is also the Crown Prince Xuan Ling sitting in the East Palace. Not to mention this legitimate Crown Prince of the East Palace, the other princes alone are also eyeing the supreme position of the crown prince!" After that, he deliberately paused, observing the subtle changes in Xuan Xiao's expression.
Xuan Xiao glanced expressionlessly in the direction of the Dongling Crown Prince, his eyes devoid of any emotion, as if the other person were an insignificant figure. He stared silently, his face still, the air around him seemingly frozen in the eerie atmosphere.
A moment later, Xuan Xiao suddenly swung his arm, his wide sleeves tracing a graceful arc through the air like a fluttering butterfly. Then, he turned and walked away, his steps firm and deliberate, each one steady and powerful. As he walked further away, his figure gradually vanished from everyone's sight, leaving behind only a lingering silence.
At this moment, in the magnificent Nangong Mansion in Beiyu City, with its carved beams and painted rafters, Old Master Nangong sat in his antique-style study, which was filled with the faint scent of ink. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices and cast patches of mottled light and shadow on the ground.
Standing in front of the old man was Yun Mohan (Nangong Han), dressed in a white robe as white as snow, which made his face look like a jade and his demeanor look handsome.
"Grandpa, tomorrow I will be leaving for the capital." Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) bowed slightly and said respectfully to the venerable old man in front of him. His voice was filled with reluctance.
Old Master Nangong patted Yun Mohan's shoulder and said earnestly: "Han'er, when you go to the capital, the situation will be unpredictable, so be careful in everything you do." Yun Mohan nodded seriously.
When Yun Mohan slowly stepped into the room, he walked straight to the window and quietly gazed at the moonlight outside, as bright as a silver plate. The moonlight fell on him like water, as if covering him with a thin veil, making him look hazy and mysterious.
At that moment, Xing Xuanli gracefully walked over to Yun Mohan's side. She raised her hand slightly and gently grasped Yun Mohan's broad palm. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through their bodies, sending a flutter through both of their hearts.
Yun Mohan felt the warmth of Xing Xuanli's hand. He turned, his eyes meeting hers. At that moment, time seemed to freeze, and the world seemed to be filled with only them. Xing Xuanli's beautiful eyes shone with a gentle light, like the brightest stars in the night sky, captivating Yun Mohan.