From the moment Yan Yihuan heard Shen Zhaoquan’s voice to the moment he got off the carriage and knelt to accept the decree, his mind was utterly blank and filled with unease.
According to the staff at the guest residence, the other young nobles that stayed there too had either left the capital immediately after last night’s banquet or hurried off before dawn.
The Emperor did not detain anyone, so all their prior anxiety seemed unnecessary. Besides, Yan Yihuan hadn’t even seen the Emperor in person, so why was he the only one receiving an imperial decree?
In a daze, he accepted the decree. Shen Zhaoquan bent forward and helped Yan Yihuan to his feet with a courteous smile.
“The imperial sedan chair is ready. May the Third Young Master please proceed.”
“Eunuch Shen!” Yan Yihuan exclaimed softly, his body instinctively resisting. “I’m in good health and don’t require treatment. Please relay my gratitude to the Emperor and inform him that I wish to return to Linjing.”
“If the Third Young Master refuses to board the sedan, it would be considered defying an imperial decree. This humble servant could not possibly bear the consequences,” Shen Zhaoquan replied with an exceedingly kind smile and a gentle tone. However, his hands betrayed him as he firmly pushed Yan Yihuan into the sedan chair without giving him a chance to resist.
“Young Master!” A-Ying cried out in desperation but dared not intervene. Leaving aside everything else, the mere accusation of “defying an imperial decree” was too grave for anyone to bear.
One called out “Young Master,” and the other called out “A-Ying.” Their cries made it seem like a life-and-death separation, causing onlookers to exchange puzzled glances.
“Ahem, Third Young Master, there’s no need to worry. This trip isn’t to the palace, but to a private retreat the Emperor has specially granted for your recovery. Your attendant is permitted to accompany you.”
The two, master and servant, who had been clutching each other’s hands with tear-filled eyes, suddenly stopped. After exchanging a glance, they resignedly let go.
Seated in the sedan chair, Yan Yihuan couldn’t make sense of it. Why would the Emperor suddenly decide to keep him in the capital under the pretense of recovering his health? It was true that he had been frail as a child, so much so that he had nearly died shortly after birth. That’s why his father and mother has always cherished him so dearly.
But as he grew older, by the time he was about eleven or twelve, his health had steadily improved. He became so lively and energetic that even he had almost forgotten the days when he had to drink medicine like water.
For the Emperor to use his supposed frailty as an excuse to send him to a retreat now, could something have happened at the Residence of King Yan? But even if that were the case, why detain him, an inconsequential youngest son? This… this doesn’t make any sense.
With Yan Yihuan’s intellect, even if he were given a few more days, he likely still wouldn’t figure out what was going on. He decided to take things one step at a time. After all, if he didn’t return, his father would surely find a way to intervene.
The imperial sedan, however, was undeniably impressive. Regardless of the road conditions outside, the ride felt as smooth as walking on flat ground.
Yan Yihuan discreetly lifted the curtain to peek outside. The sedan wove through bustling markets and narrow alleys, but despite traveling for quite some time, they still hadn’t exited the city gate. It wasn’t until the view turned lush and green, with greenery filling his vision, that the sedan finally came to a halt.
This was the only private retreat located within the capital, situated beside the royal Daoist temple, Qingxiao Temple. Unlike the bustling inner city, this place was one of rare tranquility.
As Yan Yihuan stepped out of the sedan, he was greeted by a crowd of palace servants who knelt in unison, loudly exclaiming,
“Our respectful greetings to Third Young Master Yan!”
Yan Yihuan calmly gestured for everyone to rise, he came from a royal background after all. Shen Zhaoquan, who had always been smiling in Yan Yihuan’s presence, now turned solemn as he addressed the palace attendants,
“Be vigilant at all times. If anything happens to the Third Young Master, you will be held accountable.”
The lead eunuch quickly bowed and replied, “This servant, Li Jiang, will strictly heed the senior eunuch’s teachings.”
Shen Zhaoqian then turned back to Yan Yihuan, seamlessly switching to a warm smile, and said, “The Emperor also had this servant convey a message to the Third Young Master. The Emperor knows you enjoy lively settings, so if you wish to stroll around the city, you are welcome to do so. However, for your safety, you must be accompanied by guards and servants.”
Upon hearing that he could go out, Yan Yihuan’s eyes brightened, and the anxiety in his heart eased considerably. After all, if he were truly a hostage, they wouldn’t allow him to leave. He happily saw off Shen Zhaoquan, but upon entering, he immediately saw someone who made his face drop.
The person in front of him, bowing respectfully, was none other than the cold-faced guard who had escorted him to the palace for the banquet.
“Who exactly are you?” Yan Yihuan’s mind raced with alarm, and he instinctively looked around. “Aren’t you one of Zhao Chufeng’s people?”
“I am Han Zhen,” the man replied. “Indeed, I am… one of Lord Zhao’s subordinates.”
“Then how come you’re here?”
“Although I am a subordinate of Lord Zhao, I am also a member of the inspectorate. I have been assigned here to ensure the Third Young Master’s safety.”
Although Yan Yihuan found it odd, he knew this guard was extremely strict and formal, and it would be pointless to ask further. He could only obediently allow them to escort him into the villa.
Although this place was royal property, its proximity to Qingxiao Temple gave it a tranquil and refined atmosphere, almost like a celestial palace removed from the mundane world.
However, Yan Yihuan noticed that those seemingly unremarkable furnishings were all extraordinary pieces, and his every need had been carefully attended to. Even the tea, when he wished for some, was always at the perfect temperature.
Yet, every meal was accompanied by a bowl of medicinal soup, served with much ceremony. Yan Yihuan could tell at once that these were merely common herbs used to replenish energy and calm the mind. This was just for the emperor’s excuse to keep him in the capital.
This act was truly well-executed.
Though inwardly grumbling, Yan Yihuan knew he had to play along with this charade to avoid bringing trouble to the Residence of King Yan.
For two days, Yan Yihuan treaded carefully, closely observing the palace servants at the retreat. They truly seemed dedicated to serving him, attentive to every detail of his comfort. Testing the waters, he also tentatively explored the entire villa, and by the third day, he finally decided to try stepping beyond the main gate.
“Young master, are we really allowed to go out?” A-Ying quickened his steps to walk beside Yan Yihuan, his eyes darting about uneasily.
“I don’t know either.” Yan Yihuan’s heart wavered with uncertainty. Although the Emperor had said he could go out, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as he approached the gate.
When they were just a few steps away, the imperial guards stationed at the main gate suddenly turned to face him in unison. The clinking of their armor startled Yan Yihuan so much that he immediately halted.
“Greetings to the Third Young Master.” One of the guards stepped forward slightly and asked, “Is the Third Young Master planning to go out?”
Before Yan Yihuan could reply, he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He turned to see Han Zhen and Li Jiang following close by. As expected, this gate was not so easy to pass through.
“This area is rather remote. If the Third Young Master wishes to go out for a stroll, this servant can arrange a sedan chair for you.” Despite appearing to be in his early twenties with an unremarkable appearance, Li Jiang had a very pleasant demeanor, and his actions were always carried out with careful propriety.
Seeing him, Yan Yihuan’s expression softened into a natural smile. “Then I’ll trouble you, Eunuch Li.”
The master and servant duo did not expect to be able to leave so easily. There was no rain or wind today, and the sun was shining brightly, giving a refreshing autumn feeling. It was a perfect day for an outing.
“Where does the Third Young Master wish to go?”
Li Jiang asked as he walked alongside the sedan chair, leaving Yan Yihuan momentarily speechless. Other than inquiring about those entertainment places previously, he knew nothing else in the capital.
“Well…” After racking his brain for a moment, Yan Yihuan suddenly had a flash of inspiration and asked, “Do you know where the Protector General’s residence is?”
Li Jiang’s body trembled, and the astonishment in his eyes was undisguised as he turned to look at Han Zhen. Han Zhen frowned slightly too, shaking his head at Li Jiang in confusion.
Li Jiang exchanged a meaningful glance with Han Zhen before responding in his usual respectful tone.
“This servant knows.”
