novelraw Chapter 814 - 792: High Priest
Chapter 814 - 792: High Priest
Fang Chuning, with a cold expression, pulled Xie Jue and walked out. He didn’t care if Han Ziqi saw through them and mocked them, nor did he care if Han Ziqi spread rumors about them behind their backs. But he wouldn’t allow Han Ziqi’s filthy thoughts to lead them to such a place of pleasure and entertainment; it was utterly nauseating.
They went to Chunfeng House first because Ying Yi had left a contact there, and Ting Feng needed to exchange information. Secondly, Fang Chuning had long heard of the famous music of Jiangnan. Among the six arts of a gentleman, Fang Chuning loved music the most. However, his hands wielded swords and guns instead of playing elegant tunes. Perhaps this was the first and last time he would visit Mudan City, and Fang Chuning simply wanted to admire the renowned Jiangnan music, not indulge in pleasures. But such a brothel was different—there was nothing beyond that sort of thing.
"Prince, Mr. Fang, calm, calm, it was my mistake. I apologize to both of you. You can scold or punish me as you wish." Han Ziqi, having spent the journey with Fang Chuning, knew he was smiling but hidden-minded. Except for the time Xie Jue was poisoned, he never got angry, always conversing with a light-hearted and amusing manner, never showing face flush. Now seeing him like this, Han Ziqi knew he had truly offended him and lowered his posture considerably.
Xie Jue, though also angry, didn’t express it but asked calmly, "You are the Heir of Sangnan; it’s not up to us to scold or punish. We are in the hostel with nothing to do, just came out to listen to music. The Heir surely has exquisite taste, leading us to such daytime indulgence."
Han Ziqi harbored some grievances internally but maintained a very sincere attitude, humble and submissive, "Yes, yes, it was just my momentary confusion. I hope both of you can forgive and not take offense."
Xie Jue asked, "When might the King of Sangnan meet with me? I am Prince Yan of Beining, and my time is precious. If the King of Sangnan wishes to delay, he should at least provide a suitable reason."
"Prince Yan has misunderstood. My father does not intend to avoid you. You were poisoned on the journey, which is a grave matter. My father has already ordered an investigation to find the real culprit and give you an explanation at the meeting."
"The poisoning incident has long passed, and I have not clung to it. This is your matter and unrelated to the peace talks. I will not raise issues at the meeting. The King of Sangnan may rest assured."
Han Ziqi smilingly apologized, "Yes, yes, I understand, I will certainly convey Prince Yan’s words to my father."
After offending Fang Chuning and Xie Jue, Han Ziqi surely had to thoroughly apologize and offered to host them at a banquet. Unfortunately, Fang Chuning and Xie Jue were both disturbed and refused his goodwill.
The two returned to the hostel in silence, clearly shaken.
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin happened to be returning from a stroll, and upon seeing them, respectfully saluted. Xie Jue waved a hand dismissively, offering no reprimand, and silently entered the hostel.
Fang Chuning followed closely behind, without even a glance at them.
Zhang Boxin hid the street food he bought behind his back, puzzled, "Did they argue again? Their faces look increasingly dismal."
Lin Xiao shook his head, equally puzzled.
"Maybe it’s because the King of Sangnan has delayed meeting them, making the Prince restless."
Fang Chuning stayed with Xie Jue all the way to the study. Xie Jue came to his senses and issued an order to leave, "Your guest room is opposite, why follow me?"
"Did Ying Yi mention this matter in the letter?" Fang Chuning asked probing, looking at Xie Jue’s reaction, seemingly unaware.
"Why bring up such customary matters?" Xie Jue replied with irritation, holding a suppressed anger inside without knowing whom to direct it at.
In Beining, Beiman, such taboo matters spread would bring disgrace to ancestors, scorn from society. Unexpectedly, in Sangnan, it was nothing—no wonder Han Ziqi saw through their oddity, and bluntly remarked that once he became the King of Sangnan, he could act freely. In Sangnan, it was acceptable!
Fang Chuning could roughly understand why Xie Jue felt frustrated. After all, what could be done in Sangnan was impossible in Beining. How could one not feel stifled?
Quickly, Xie Jue’s thoughts moved from this subject, "We’ve spent days in Mudan City, and the King of Sangnan hasn’t met us, there must be a reason. As Han Ziqi said, if the King of Sangnan urgently seeks talks, he would extend warm hospitality, not neglect us like this. What Han Ziqi mentioned today is even stranger; he firmly accused the eldest prince of orchestrating my poisoning. Upon returning to the palace, he’ll report it to the King of Sangnan. We haven’t heard of the King taking action against the eldest prince, indicating no evidence."
"So you mean, Han Ziqi’s claim that the eldest prince poisoned you is baseless. The King of Sangnan has not acted, which means either he favors his son or lacks concrete proof."
"Exactly, such a significant matter could jeopardize peace talks between two nations. The King of Sangnan, despite any favoritism towards his son, understands the weight and wouldn’t offend me. Unless he genuinely lacks evidence, where the eldest prince acted cleanly, leaving no trace, dead without proof, or unless Han Ziqi’s feigning innocence while secretly plotting."
"These minor internal conflicts in Sangnan are even more thrilling than those within the Yuwen Dynasty. Such a tiny land, why fight over it, even brothers vie for life and death."
"Precisely because their brothers fight over this little power, they measure others by themselves, assuming Zhixu and I would also battle fiercely. So, we might as well play along."
Unexpectedly, before seeing the King of Sangnan, the High Priest sent an invitation, voluntarily visiting.
Minister of Honglu Temple, Mr. Gu, opposed Xie Jue seeing the Sannan High Priest, not to impede his decision; but as the two nations negotiate peace, Xie Jue hasn’t met with the King of Sangnan yet. Meeting the High Priest first is improper.
Fang Chuning shrugged, "Mr. Gu, since the King of Sangnan avoids meeting us, neglects Prince Yan, clearly disregards formalities. Why should we strictly adhere, we are not the defeated nation, here to see his demeanor."
Mr. Gu, "..."
Fine, let Prince Yan do as he pleases, he has merely offered a reminder!
After all, this envoy is led by Prince Yan.
Moreover, he brought the direct line of Ningzhou Iron Cavalry. We bureaucrats are merely embellishments.
The High Priest, just past forty-five, robust, nurtured by Sangnan land, living in comfort, appeared no different from ordinary twenty-something youths. Were it not known the High Priest’s age and character, Xie Jue would mistake him for his son or brother.
The High Priest looked incredibly young, handsome, gentle-eyed, starkly contrasting the Beiman’s High Priest, appearing harmless, like a naive young noble.
Both Fang Chuning and Xie Jue were greatly surprised!
Zhang Boxin and Lin Xiao outside felt some jealousy seeing the High Priest. The noble sons followed Xie Jue in rebellion; these years spent either building roads or fighting wars, exposed to sun and rain. Zhang Boxin felt that the High Priest appeared younger than him—comparison brings exasperation!
"Sannan High Priest Du Fang pays respect to Prince Yan!" In Sangnan, the High Priest’s status equals the King of Sangnan, yet respectfully offered a bow to Xie Jue.