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Chapter 64: Murong Ding
Murong Ding had been very pleased recently.
Firstly, his exceptionally talented younger brothers had met an untimely demise in a valley. One of them was Murong Zhan, the most talented amongst them, and the other was his wealthiest younger brother, Murong Jing.
Subsequently, Duke Sheng faced his downfall at the hands of the united forces from the four great clans, resulting in a significant number of members from the imperial faction defecting to align with the eldest prince’s faction. This shift in loyalties further bolstered the eldest prince’s growing influence and power.
With the sixth sister, once the apple of their father’s eye, committing such an act, it was inevitable that she would now be cast aside. As for his eighth brother, being still young, he posed no immediate threat, and moreover, he held valuable information about their third brother, a weakness that could be disclosed to their imperial father at any given moment.
Indeed, among all the contenders, only Murong Xing was perceived as a legitimate threat to the throne in his discerning eyes.
Yet, the military forces lending their support to Murong Xing were presently preoccupied with quelling the widespread chaos and mutiny that had engulfed the nation. He harboured no doubts that their strength would be significantly depleted due to these ongoing predicaments.
With the recent passing of the previous emperor, his imperial father was expected to step back from the frontlines in a few years. By that opportune moment, the resources of both the clan and the imperial court would tilt heavily in his favour, paving the way for him to ascend the throne with certainty!
Naturally, Murong Ding skillfully concealed his emotions behind a carefully crafted mask of indifference.
Amidst the Murong clan’s period of grieving over the recent loss of his grandfather and the nation embroiled in turmoil, Murong Ding recognized that he couldn’t act according to his own desires without considering the current situation.
At that very moment, Murong Ding’s loyal and trusted aide, Lu Shao Hua, made his way into the hall. Upon noticing Murong Ding, who was seated at the highest level as he calmly savoured his tea, Lu Shao Hua promptly offered his respectful greetings, “Your Highness, Tang Can and Lu Hai Miao are at the door, seeking an audience with you.”
As Murong Ding’s hand froze in midair, he cast a peculiar gaze upon Lu Shao Hua, “Tang Can, the disciple of the Old Poisonous Ghost, and Lu Hai Miao from the Zong Xiang Gang? What could possibly bring them to my residence?”
Tang Can’s silhouette was everywhere Lu Hai Miao went, wherever he ventured, she was never far behind, and the same was true in reverse. This had sparked widespread speculation among the citizens of the capital, with the prevailing belief that the two were entwined in a passionate romance.
One was nothing but the disciple of the Sky Reaching realm expert, Old Poisonous Ghost, and the other was the daughter of the Zong Xiang Gang’s leader, third on the wanted list. They made quite a match.
Now that the two of them had visited his residence together, Murong Ding was curious about their intentions.
Despite his slight puzzlement, Murong Ding chose not to dwell on it and simply gave his approval, “Please, invite them in.”
After a slight bow, Lu Shao Hua excused himself and invited the two in.
As Lu Hai Miao stepped inside the grandeur of the eldest prince’s manor, she couldn’t help but be enamoured by its lavishness. Her gaze was drawn to the exquisite display of flowers that adorned the entire residence, a breathtaking sight that captivated her attention like that of a curious young girl. However, her focus seemed fixed solely on the floral beauty, and she failed to observe anything else in the surroundings.
As Tang Can discreetly observed the back of Lu Shao Hua, a series of thoughts raced through his mind: Everyone knew that Lu Shao Hua held a position of utmost trust and proximity to Murong Ding. In the event that the mastermind behind the unfolding events sought to supplant someone, it was only logical to consider targeting Lu Shao Hua for such a crucial role.
Despite his thorough examination of Lu Shao Hua’s attire, gait, mannerisms, and speech, Tang Can couldn’t find anything strange.
But suddenly, a gust of wind blew past them, carrying the scent on Lu Hai Miao’s body as it inadvertently entered Tang Can’s nose. A subtle change in his expression betrayed his momentary surprise, but he swiftly regained his composure.
He engaged in small talk, “I didn’t expect mister Lu to be a man of the west frontier.”
Upon hearing Tang Can’s comment, Lu Shao Hua’s expression took on a hint of puzzlement. He turned his head to respond, “This servant is not a person from the west frontier. I was born and raised right here in the capital.”
Tang Can was visibly perplexed, then apologetic, “Is that so, I seem to have made a mistake in my assumption.”
Indifferent, Lu Hai Miao continued to lead the two to the hall before excusing himself.
Deep in thought, Tang Can’s gaze lingered on Lu Hai Miao’s back for a moment before he approached Murong Ding with a composed expression:
“Tang Can pays his respects to Your Highness, the Eldest Prince.”
Observing the respectful greetings from Tang Can and Lu Hai Miao, Murong Ding promptly rose to his feet and waved off the formality, “Aiya, no need for this, come, let’s all take a seat and have a conversation.”
The three sat down, with Tang Can and Lu Hai Miao seated to Murong Ding’s left.
“I’m curious to know the reason behind your visit to my residence today,” Murong Ding inquired courteously.
Lu Hai Miao looked towards Tang Can, who responded respectfully with cupped hands, “Your Highness, I have come here with an inquiry. Have you noticed anything unusual or peculiar about the Third Prince?”
A subtle change in Murong Ding’s expression was quickly concealed, but not without being noticed by Tang Can, who keenly perceived the shift in emotions.
Maintaining his composed tone, Murong Ding replied, “Oh? I wasn’t aware of anything unusual. Could you please enlighten me on what you mean by ‘unusual’? What sort of peculiarities are you referring to?”
Tang Can was taken aback by Murong Ding’s response.
It became clear that Murong Ding had indeed noticed something peculiar about Murong Lin, just like Tang Can had.
Tang Can hurriedly continued, “For instance, his actions, and the behind-the-scene plans. Your Highness, I sense that you, too, might have observed something peculiar about him, haven’t you?
Murong Ding gazed at the youthful and overeager young man before him, feeling a sense of bewilderment. Despite his young age, Tang Can’s fair countenance bore an expression that surpassed his years, displaying a profound depth of emotions.
He thought silently: Anyways, there is definitely something peculiar about Murong Lin’s behaviour, and if this young man is so suspicious of Murong Lin, why not allow him to conduct an investigation and potentially reveal any hidden schemes?
If Tang Can’s efforts succeeded, it would mean that I wouldn’t even have to take any direct actions to deal with Murong Lin.
After a moment of deliberation, Murong Ding feigned a solemn expression as he lowered his voice to speak, “Given that you share the same suspicions, I won’t withhold any information from you.
I’ve received reports suggesting a possible connection between Murong Lin and the Blood Spirits. Though I can’t accept this without verification, I must admit that my third brother’s recent behaviour has indeed been peculiar.
Additionally, the timing of the Blood Spirits’ supposed annihilation is highly suspicious. It raises questions about whether it was a scheme to silence them instead.
I am quite worried about my third brother currently, I don’t believe that he was such a person.”
Seizing the moment, Murong Ding dramatically clutched his chest, simulating a heartache as he spoke with a sorrowful tone, “If your investigation reveals anything, do not hold back or show mercy. Maintain your impartiality and expose the villains without hesitation!”
The two continued to exchange a few words, but with the lack of information possessed by both parties, they couldn’t delve any deeper into the topic.
Before leaving, Tang Can cupped his hands towards Murong Ding with a courteous smile, “I am thankful to Your Highness, the Eldest Prince, for helping to clarify my uncertainties. The fragrance of the west frontier flowers in your manor is truly delightful, I thank you for your hospitality!”
Murong Ding waved his arm as he smiled, “Do not worry about it! They are all harvested by my servants.”
As Tang Can led Lu Hai Miao out of the palace, his previously composed expression underwent a dramatic transformation.
Lu Hai Miao asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Did something happen? Didn’t he also think that Murong Lin was strange? He’s just like us!”
Tang Can shook his head, “Not that.
Did you see the fresh flowers within his manor?”
“I saw it, is there a problem with them? No way, are they poisonous?” Lu Hai Miao inquired with a tinge of apprehension, considering how Tang Can’s expertise in poisons could have played a role in uncovering something unusual.
“No! It’s not poison, those are poisonless flowers. But, they’re all rare, peculiar plants of the west frontier. Even my master would have difficulty gathering enough of these flowers to fill such a vast manor.”
“Ah? Well, I don’t think that it’s beyond the realm of possibility for the eldest prince?”
“Oh? Then how do you explain the 3 ‘White Heart Tea’ flowers that only grow on the White Mountain, the ‘Little Golden Glow Bell Flower’ and the ‘Broken Flower’? These are plants that are monopolised by the ‘White Mountain Bandits’, and even an expert like my master had only seen them once in his life.”
“You mean, the eldest prince is a man of the ‘White Mountain Bandits’?”
“He is definitely the backer of the ‘White Mountain Bandits’. Do you recall that guy, Lu Shao Hua?”
“I do, he seems refined.”
“Hah, I detected the unique scent of the ‘White Mountain Bandits’ from him, a scent I had once smelt on the ‘Eighteenth Day Sky Wolf’.”
Lu Hai Miao was perplexed, “How is that related?”
His expression was dark, “The ‘Eighteenth Day Sky Wolf’ was once gravely injured by the leader of the ‘White Mountain Bandits’. I detected the same scent from his wound afflicted by their leader on Lu Shao Hua, it’s identical!”
“Sii~ You mean?”
“Yes, Lu Shao Hua is the leader of the ‘White Mountain Bandits’!”
Lu Hai Miao was still confused, “Are you sure?”
“I am certain, the cultivation method I employ will never deceive me.” Tang Can spoke with certainty. However, his expression darkened again as he thought of something.
“You’re saying that the eldest prince established the ‘White Mountain Bandits’, and the third prince created the ‘Blood Spirits’? Fuck, does that mean that the secret organisations of all the princes are all on the wanted list?”
“Anyways, Murong Ding also sensed something unusual from Murong Lin. Therefore, I think that there’s only one undeniable truth in this perplexing affair.”
Lu Hai Miao asked, “What?”
Tang Can stared at her as he pressed down on her shoulders, “That Murong Lin had been replaced secretly!”
Translator’s note
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