Demon Lord Gets Married

C56 – Losing a Man and Losing a Soldier

Yin Xu surveyed the imposing city wall before him, assessing its height and contemplating whether his current abilities would enable him to clandestinely traverse it.

Noticing Yin Xu’s gaze fixed on the city wall, Teng Yu presumed he was awestruck and proceeded to boast, “This city wall was erected by our esteemed Great Ancestor upon his ascension to the throne. Successive generations of emperors have fortified it further, rendering Liang Jiang Mountain as steadfast as ever.”

Yin Xu turned to face him, delivering a cold rebuke, “National strength and invincibility aren’t determined by the height of city walls. Moreover, what good does a staunchly built wall serve? Can it single-handedly defend an entire city and ensure its longevity? Furthermore, if everyone relied solely on the fortifications, who would bother honing their skills? ‘Long live the past…’ “

Teng Yu’s countenance soured, the joy on his face dissipating. Reflecting on Yin Xu’s words, he found the towering city wall now possessed a newfound brilliance.

Despite spending several days together, their interactions were minimal, even during their shared nights. Only when Teng Yu attempted to engage in conversation did Yin Xu douse his enthusiasm.

Slamming the door shut, he commanded in a stern tone, “Proceed into the city!”

In the carriage behind, Wu Sheng and the butler exchanged concerned glances.

“Uncle Wu, why not suggest to the young master that we rent a separate residence? It’s preferable to enduring others’ scrutiny.” Merely a few days into their stay, and already his young master’s favor seemed fleeting. It was evident the Third Prince posed a formidable challenge.

Since that morning when they had been discovered together, whispers that were once mere rumors gained credence. Consequently, the butler and Wu Sheng frequently admonished Yin Xu in private.

“I did mention it, you know. But the young master appears fixated on the Third Prince, disregarding counsel entirely.”

“Seems the young master is genuinely smitten with the Third Prince,” sighed Wu Sheng, resignedly.

Yin Xu and Teng Yu overheard their exchange. Perplexed by the notion of being “deeply in love” and its source, they exchanged looks.

Yin Xu shattered a porcelain cup, scoffing, “Absurd! How could the Demon Lord harbor affection for a mortal?”

Teng Yu chuckled, “They do seem quite solicitous of you, but… Accusing the prince is a grave offense.”

Yin Xu wordlessly tossed powder out of the window, declining to engage further.

The carriage proceeded into the city, the guards at the gate straightening only after it vanished from sight, swiftly spreading news of the Third Prince’s return.

“The lord has returned. The capital is sure to buzz with activity…”

At Rising Sun Lane’s entrance, Lai Jiquan halted Teng Yu’s carriage, assisting two young eunuchs. “Your Highness, why not accompany this old servant back to the palace? His Majesty awaits.”

“What’s the rush? I’m fatigued from travel and must first freshen up at my residence, then don clean attire before attending the palace.”

Ignoring any dissent from Lai Jiquan, Teng Yu ordered the carriage to the Third Prince Mansion. Despite reports along the way, he sought a thorough understanding of the situation before proceeding to the palace.

Lai Jiquan acknowledged the Third Prince’s longstanding disdain and disregard for authority.

He glared at the carriage, muttering under his breath, “Let’s see how long your arrogance lasts!”

Situated on the southern end of Rising Sun Lane, the Third Prince Mansion stood opposite the residences of the other two princes. Despite each prince having his own mansion, they still remained within sight of each other, a circumstance dictated by the Emperor, leaving them no room for objection.

Unfortunately, the location was decreed by the Emperor, leaving them no recourse for dissent.

As the horse-drawn carriage halted, the long-awaiting servants prostrated themselves one after another, chanting, “Welcome back, Your Highness!”

Without acknowledging the throng of attendants, he strode ahead. Following closely, Yin Xu appraised the Third Prince Mansion’s entrance with interest.

The vermilion gate stood ajar, allowing the passage of two carriages simultaneously. Adorning the door plaque, the inscription “Third Prince Mansion” gleamed with golden brilliance.

“Not bad, not bad. With this golden plaque, one needn’t worry about poverty in the future,” Yin Xu appraised silently, eyeing the value of the signboard. Circling the pair of stone lions, he shook his head. “Stone lions at the entrance? No, that’s insufficient. We ought to have two Qilins at least. Ideally, they’d be crafted from jade.”

Surveying the gate’s surroundings, he recalled suitable array formations from his memories, a testament to his resolute mindset. Regrettably, it remained only a mental exercise.

Han Sen cleared his throat and beckoned him over to introduce him to the others. “Pay heed. This is Master Huo Qi, the benefactor who saved His Highness’s life. Treat esteemed guests in the palace with utmost respect, or face consequences.”

“Good evening, Master Huo Qi,” some braver servants greeted, stealing glances at Yin Xu, intrigued by his earlier remarks.

Yin Xu diverted his attention from the stone lions, gesturing to the kneeling servants. “Rise. You’ve not just arrived here. There will be ample opportunities for future encounters.”

A gentle smile graced his lips, initially endearing but ultimately betraying a hint of chill upon closer inspection.

Perhaps only Teng Yu recognized that beneath his seemingly benign exterior, this young man brooked no challenges. Any attempt to undermine him would be met with dire consequences.

Catching sight of onlookers from a distance, Yin Xu chuckled. “It’s good to have an audience. Some may grind their teeth occasionally, providing ample recourse.”

“Oh, and Steward Han, arrange for a physician to tend to the wounded in the carriage. Enduring such a journey without medical aid is no small feat.”

“Yes, this servant will see to it immediately.”

With his instructions delivered, Yin Xu strolled into the mansion with an air of ownership.

Following behind, Han Sen pondered the appropriate accommodations for this young master. While staying in the backyard seemed logical after sharing quarters with His Highness, it appeared that the prince valued his capabilities even more.

As they departed, the servants rose from their kneeling positions, hastening to enter the mansion and attend to their duties. Only those at the rear exchanged hushed whispers.

“Is he truly the Third Prince’s savior? Can someone with such refinement wield a sword or spear?”

“You can’t judge someone solely by appearances. Marshal Huo is reputedly exceptional. Could he still not excel in battle and vanquish foes?”

“Tch, how can you even compare the two?” But didn’t Steward Han mention his surname was Huo?”

“I heard that too. Could it be…”

“Psh, don’t let your mind wander. How could it be as you imagine? I suspect it’s likely your highness…” “Hee hee…” The speaker’s smirk hinted at something lewd. Others exchanged knowing glances, joining in the laughter.

They all presumed the young lad was probably the Third Prince’s newfound favorite. They couldn’t fathom how someone so young could resemble a savior.

“Hey, why haven’t those who accompanied the Third Prince returned?” A voice in the crowd exclaimed.

“It seems… Not a single guard has returned.”

“I heard the Third Prince encountered assassins on the way. Those companions might be in dire straits.”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely. Steward Xiong from the First Prince’s Mansion spread the news. It’s already circulating up there. Doubt me? Go ask around in the streets.”

“Hmm…”

The jovial atmosphere from earlier dissipated momentarily, leaving the crowd somber and devoid of mirth.

Within the imperial harem, the First Prince received the news with a furrowed brow, questioning the messenger, “Is it truly him? Weren’t his meridians said to be naturally obstructed? Even with brute strength, how could he have rescued Teng Yu from the Yun Family’s Death Soldiers?”

“I didn’t witness it personally, but General Kou mentioned, judging from the circumstances and the condition of the body, it’s highly probable.”

The First Prince, torn between belief and skepticism, directed, “Dispatch someone to An County to delve deeper into Huo Tian’s background. Additionally, send word to Marshal Huo Yiloong. I doubt he’ll remain passive.”

“Yes.” The individual nodded, feeling reassured, then departed after saluting.

“Hah, does Ol’ Three truly believe that merely associating with someone from the Huo Family grants him favor?” A striking lady reclining on a lavish bed sneered coldly.

The First Prince approached Imperial Consort Yun, dismissing the palace eunuchs, and whispered softly, “Royal Mother, if this Huo Tian truly lacks innate meridians, as rumored, how could he have saved Teng Yu? Either he’s concealing something, or there’s more to it.”

“Even if he’s hiding something, what can a rustic lad accomplish? Moreover, wasn’t there talk that he’s a forbidden descendant of Ol’ Three?” Imperial Consort Yun conjectured casually. “In my opinion, saving Teng Yu is just an excuse concocted by Ol’ Three.”

Imperial Consort Yun’s speculative remark hit the mark, albeit with a twist—the excuse was genuine, but the forbidden lineage was false.

“If it wasn’t him, then who intervened to rescue him from the clutches of those Death Soldiers from the Yun Family?”

“It must be remnants of the Liu Family! Don’t underestimate the depleted state of your Liu Family’s military strength; it may appear feeble, but your vitality persists. It’s not surprising to find a few skilled individuals under your command.”

“That’s undeniable… Regardless, this situation does not bode well for us. Uncle’s maneuver was excessively bold.” The First Prince seethed with fury, his words dripping with anger.

Imperial Consort Yun also acknowledged that her Yun Family had misjudged the situation this time. However, ultimately, it was her own brother acting in their best interest, so she couldn’t fault him for it.

She sighed, “Don’t blame your uncle; he acts for our benefit as well. If we can eliminate Teng Yu, our position will be even more secure.”

The First Prince’s expression darkened. “Hmph, what happened? Not only did they fail to eliminate him, but they’ve also incurred Royal Father’s suspicion. It’s been days since our son returned, yet he hasn’t even had an audience with Royal Father.”

Imperial Consort Yun reassured him, patting his hand, “Don’t fret; Royal Mother understands your temperament best. Royal Father was merely momentarily angered. Given a few days, when you demonstrate filial piety, his anger will naturally dissipate. You know well that regardless, he wouldn’t pass the succession to Third Brother.”

Of course, the First Prince understood, he was merely containing his anger. “Then why resort to such extreme measures?”

“Sigh, as long as Royal Father doesn’t officially designate Royal Mother as his successor, Teng Yu will remain his firstborn. Those old-fashioned senior officials prioritize tradition above all else.”

Teng Yu’s resentment had been a constant presence since childhood due to this term “Shu,” yet the First Prince doubted Teng Yu’s chances of success. Even if the emperorship were bestowed upon a crippled son, would he possess the capability to maintain it?

“If he intends to strike, his target should be Teng Ji. Just look at how smug he’s been lately!” Mentioning his second brother soured the First Prince’s mood even further.

Imperial Consort Yun’s expression shifted, anger coloring her words, “That scheming Yang Bixuan, I underestimated her. Who knew the usually reserved one harbored such ambition.”

The First Prince found this unsurprising. Emperor Dechang had only three sons; Teng Yu stood no chance against a mere rival.

“Don’t blame Royal Mother; Concubine Yang lacks support. How could she compete with us? We need only be wary of Teng Ji.”

Imperial Consort Yun sighed, clutching her chest, “Royal Mother’s ire is directed solely at Royal Father. If he would readily appoint an Empress, why would she concern herself with the fate of concubines?”

Since the passing of Empress Liu, outsiders believed Emperor Dechang remained enamored with Empress Xiao Xian, unaware of his efforts to prevent the Yun Family’s ascent.

He could clear the path for the woman he loved or nurture his son, but he wouldn’t blindly surrender everything.

Despite not holding the title of Empress, Imperial Consort Yun managed harem affairs, her status akin to an Empress.

“Fear not, Royal Mother. During this year’s birthday celebration, I will broach this matter. Choose the opportune moment, and even if I initially resist, I will comply.”

Relief washed over Imperial Consort Yun upon hearing this.

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