Chapter 469: Unyielding
Yu Luo gifted Xiahou Feng with many specialties from Luo City. However, the moment Xiahou Feng and his entourage left Luo City, the kindness on his face completely vanished.
“Send someone to investigate and find out where those people from Feng City are hiding now.”
“Your Highness, do you seek revenge for your brother?”
Hearing this, Xiahou Feng’s eyes turned ice-cold.
“My brother cannot be humiliated by the likes of those from Feng City. Who knows, maybe his descent into madness was their doing. I will not let this slide so easily.”
As expected, the system’s prophecy came true.
Not long after Xiahou Feng left, a city gate guard reported that someone was seeking an audience with Yu Haojie.
Father and daughter arrived at the city gate, and upon seeing the noble-looking man before them, Yu Luo felt a sense of familiarity.
“This is our master, the Crown Prince of the Lan Yue Dynasty!”
Noticing the doubtful looks in their eyes, the prince’s attendant promptly introduced him.
Upon hearing this, Yu Luo and Yu Haojie exchanged glances, unable to conceal their shock.
“So, it is Your Highness. Forgive me for failing to recognize you. Had I known of your arrival, I would have welcomed you properly. Please, do come inside.”
Since he was still technically a citizen of the Lan Yue Dynasty, Yu Haojie pretended to know nothing and warmly invited the prince into the city, leading him to the guest quarters.
What Yu Luo knew, Yu Haojie naturally knew as well.
The current Crown Prince position had fallen into the hands of the Second Prince, son of the Virtuous Consort—one of the Emperor’s four concubines. The Crown Prince must feel bitter about this, and the Empress certainly must be discontent.
Even as her father spoke, Yu Luo still found it hard to believe that the system’s so-called noble benefactor was actually the Crown Prince of the Lan Yue Dynasty.
Back then, the Empress did everything she could to prevent her mother from treating the Emperor’s illness, likely hoping that once the Emperor died, during the ensuing instability, she could secure the throne for her son.
The Crown Prince was the Empress’s son and, as the legitimate eldest prince, should have been the rightful heir.
Recalling what her mother had told her upon returning from the capital, Yu Luo now looked at the Crown Prince with heightened vigilance.
Upon entering Luo City, the Crown Prince, much like Xiahou Feng earlier, couldn’t take in enough of his surroundings.
He was surprised by the city’s orderly streets, newly built houses, open shops bustling with business, and the relaxed demeanor of Luo City’s people as they leisurely sat in tea houses and taverns.
But the Empress could never have predicted the appearance of a doctor like her mother, who ended up saving the Emperor’s life!
Rumor had it that the Empress hated her mother for it. But what did the Crown Prince’s visit mean now?
He had assumed Luo City would be similar to Feng City—filled with lawless ruffians and chaos.
But he never expected that this frontier settlement would appear more peaceful and prosperous than even the capital of the Lan Yue Dynasty.
Children ran freely through the streets while watchful mothers kept an eye on them, their faces filled with contentment and security.
Everything he saw completely overturned his perception.
At this moment, he couldn’t help but think—this trip was definitely worth it.
In the guest hall, guests and hosts took their seats. Yu Luo obediently stood beside her father, eager to see what the Crown Prince’s true intentions were.
“It is said that the wilderness is filled with violent criminals, yet under Lord Yu’s governance, Luo City appears to be a peaceful and prosperous place. Even in the dead of winter, the common folk are warmly dressed, and their faces bear contented smiles. It seems that the rumors about you in the capital were not entirely trustworthy.”
“Your Highness flatters me. Luo City is merely a temporary refuge for the homeless. One day, they will return to their homelands.”
With that, Yu Haojie decided to skip the pleasantries.
Setting down his teacup, he spoke again, “Your Highness did not travel all this way just to see my city, did you? Speak plainly, for I am not one for beating around the bush.”
The Crown Prince was displeased by Yu Haojie’s lack of deference.
By status, Yu Haojie was a mere commoner. Before the prince, he should be bowing in submission.
But remembering that he carried his mother’s hopes, the Crown Prince swallowed his irritation.
“If you are so straightforward, then I will be as well. I know that you and the Yu family have had differences in the past. Now that Yu Zhengqing has returned to the capital thanks to the Crown Prince, leaving you behind, does this not trouble you?”
First, sow discord. Then, attempt recruitment?
Yu Luo listened quietly, inwardly scoffing.
If she could see through the ploy, how could Yu Haojie not?
He chuckled and sighed dramatically.
“Your Highness, this is merely a family matter. I did not expect you to be so invested in the affairs of the Yu family. I appreciate your concern, but while the world may see it as injustice, I do not.”
“So you are content to remain here, ruling over a single frontier city, with your descendants forever mingling with outlaws and wanderers?”
The Crown Prince chuckled, then continued without waiting for a response,
“And even if you are satisfied with this life, do you not fear that one day, multiple nations might launch an attack on Luo City? When that day comes, and the city falls, have you considered what will become of you and your family?”
Everyone knew such a day would eventually come.
But now that the Crown Prince had spoken of it outright, it was a blatant threat.
Faced with this intimidation, Yu Haojie saw no reason to be polite.
“If that day truly arrives, and Luo City disappears into the wilderness, then it is simply my fate. But I appreciate Your Highness’s concern.”
The Crown Prince was running out of patience. He never expected that the once-weak and cowardly member of the National Guardian Marquis family would become so resolute—completely immune to both persuasion and threats.
“Lord Yu, you are a smart man. I will not waste any more words.”
(End of Chapter 469)
