jdhmnovel Chapter 116 Undercurrents
Chapter 116 Undercurrents
Xiao Yanzi and Hongli strolled in the garden of the Prince's Mansion. The flowers were in full bloom all around, but they could not dispel the gloom in their hearts.
Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly and said softly, "Your Highness, although the Shadow Pavilion suffered a defeat last time, they are not giving up. They must be secretly plotting a new conspiracy. We must not let our guard down!"
Hongli nodded solemnly and replied, "What my beloved consort says is absolutely right. I have already instructed Su Peisheng to send more people to closely monitor any movements in the palace and the capital. If there is any unusual activity, report it immediately."
Consort Fucha, the primary consort, approached with light, graceful steps, her expression revealing a hint of worry. She said, "Your Highness, I have heard that the concubines in the palace have been discussing this privately lately, and it seems to be related to the Shadow Pavilion incident. However, I do not know the specific details. I only feel that the undercurrent is growing stronger, as if a storm is brewing."
Little Swallow hurried forward and asked in confusion, "Sister, what are they talking about?"
Fucha shook her head slightly and said helplessly, "I only heard some snippets of information, and I really don't know the specifics."
At this moment, Hongzhou entered the palace to visit Hongli and saw that Xiaoyanzi was also there. A complex expression flashed across his eyes for a moment, but it was gone in an instant.
After bowing to Hongli, Hongzhou said, "Fourth Brother, I have a feeling that the Shadow Pavilion incident is not so simple. There is probably a much larger force behind it, like a giant beast hidden in the deep sea, secretly watching us."
Hongli frowned slightly, lost in thought, and after a moment said, "Hongzhou, what you say makes sense. I have also been pondering this matter, wondering just how deeply this force is hidden and what its purpose is."
Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuhang said to Lord Lin with a determined look, "Father, after this ordeal, I am keenly aware of my own lack of martial arts skills, making it difficult to protect my family. I want to strengthen my martial arts training so that I can better protect the Prime Minister's residence and safeguard my family in the future."
Lord Lin nodded approvingly and said, "Hang'er, your idea is excellent. I will definitely find a renowned teacher to guide you carefully."
Lin Yuxuan jumped up and down beside him, shouting, "Brother, I want to learn too! I want to protect my sister and parents with you!"
In the palace, Niohuru Zhixi sat on a couch, attended by Rong Mama. Zhixi was filled with displeasure and complained to Rong Mama, "Mama, look at him! The Prince is getting closer and closer to Xiao Yanzi these days. It's like my heart is being scratched by a cat; it's so painful. If only the Shadow Pavilion could make another move and get rid of Xiao Yanzi!"
Upon hearing this, Rong Momo was greatly alarmed and hurriedly advised, "Madam, you must not mention such things again. The incident at the Shadow Pavilion last time has already made the Prince wary. If you act rashly again, you may bring trouble upon yourself, and then you will regret it too late."
Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan summoned Hongli to the inner palace and solemnly warned him: "My son, the matter of the Shadow Pavilion has caused quite a stir in the palace, and your relationship with Xiao Yanzi has also attracted much attention. You must act cautiously, balance the relationships with all parties, and not be used by those with ulterior motives, lest you fall into an abyss of no return."
Hongli respectfully replied, "Mother, I understand. I will be extremely careful, as if walking on thin ice."
When Xiao Yanzi returned to her room, Xiao Tao said with a worried expression, "Miss, look at the situation now, isn't it getting more and more dangerous? I'm so worried, I can't feel at ease."
Little Swallow gently patted Little Peach's hand and comforted her, "Little Peach, don't be afraid. As long as the Prince is here, we will surely overcome this danger and get through this safely."
A-Zhu chimed in, "Miss, no matter what, we will stay by your side and never abandon you."
Su Peisheng rushed over to report to Hongli: "Your Highness, this old servant has discovered that Gao Wuyong has been in frequent contact with a mysterious person recently. The mysterious person looks like an official in the court, but despite my investigation, I still cannot find out his identity. This matter is very strange."
Hongli's eyes narrowed, and he said in a deep voice, "Continue the investigation! I want to see who is stirring up trouble behind the scenes and trying to disrupt the peace of the palace."
Fuheng entered the palace to discuss border defense matters with Hongli.
Fu Heng respectfully said, "Your Highness, although there is no war on the border for the time being, I am worried that the Shadow Pavilion may collude with foreign enemies and provoke conflict again, plunging the people on the border into misery. We must take precautions in advance; being prepared is the best policy."
Hongli nodded slightly and said, "Fuheng, what you say is absolutely right. You should immediately begin to arrange border defenses and strengthen vigilance. I will also keep an eye on the movements of all parties in the court and will never allow any villains to succeed."
Xiao Yanzi decided to visit Qing'er, hoping to find out some information about the Shadow Pavilion in the palace from her.
When Xiao Yanzi saw Qing'er, she said anxiously, "Qing'er, have you heard any new news about the Shadow Pavilion in the palace? I'm really worried. I feel like an invisible net is coming towards us."
Qing'er sighed softly and said, "Little Swallow, although I heard some snippets of information, none of it is accurate. It feels as if the palace is shrouded in a layer of mist, and the matter of the Shadow Pavilion is like a ghost hidden in the mist, making it impossible to understand."
At the palace banquet, all the concubines gathered together, their elegant attire and graceful bearing concealing a hidden agenda.
Niohuru Zhixi deliberately made things difficult for Xiaoyanzi, saying in a sarcastic tone, "Miss Lin, I've heard that you've been quite the big shot in the Prince's mansion lately. Don't forget your place and don't lose your sense of propriety."
Little Swallow was not about to back down, and immediately retorted, "Princess Zhixi, the Prince and I have acted with integrity and have a clear conscience. Unlike some people who only resort to underhanded tricks and despicable methods behind the scenes."
Seeing that things were not going well, Hongli quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Today's banquet is for everyone to enjoy themselves. Let's not talk about these disputes and cause trouble."
Hongzhou watched Xiaoyanzi and Hongli's interaction quietly, his heart filled with unspeakable bitterness, like a mute eating bitter melon, unable to express his suffering. When he returned to the manor, Princess Dilireyao greeted him.
Princess Leyao noticed his troubled expression and asked with concern, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Why are you so worried?"
Hongzhou smiled wryly and replied perfunctorily, "Princess, I'm just a little tired, it's nothing."
Meanwhile, the Shadow Pavilion was secretly regrouping its forces. Its leader, his eyes cold, said viciously to his subordinates, "The last defeat was merely a temporary setback. This time, we will cleverly exploit the conflicts within the palace to launch another fierce attack. We will ensure that Hongli and Xiaoyanzi suffer a crushing defeat, utterly destroyed!"
Amidst the turmoil of the palace and the martial world, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli strive to maintain a delicate balance. Their love, under the weight of power struggles and conspiracies, appears all the more precious and fragile. The Prime Minister's residence works hard to recover, various factions within the palace secretly vie for power, and the Shadow Pavilion shrouds itself in conspiracy. The road ahead is uncertain—will it be a storm or calm? Can they hold fast to their principles and break through the fog? Fate turns, and the story continues.