ebookland Chapter 316 A visit
Chapter 316 A visit
Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian rode together in a carriage, slowly making their way back to the Ninth Prince's residence. When they passed the Fifth Prince's residence, Murong Yi suddenly said, "Stop the carriage." She then got off the carriage first.
Seeing this, Lin Qianqian also got out of the car and looked at him with a lot of doubt.
Murong Yi turned around, looked at Lin Qianqian with gentle eyes, and said softly, "Qianqian, you go back first. I still have things to take care of."
Lin Qianqian's heart tightened, and she subconsciously asked, "Your Highness, are you going to find the Fifth Prince?"
Murong Yi nodded slightly and replied, "Mm."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian hurriedly grabbed Murong Yi's hand and earnestly said, "Your Highness, I'll go with you."
Murong Yi looked at her helplessly, her eyes filled with doting affection and worry: "Qianqian, you—"
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Qianqian hurriedly interrupted, "Your Highness, it's always better for two people to be together than for you to face this alone. I feel more at ease with me by your side. Please let me accompany you."
Murong Yi sighed softly, raised his hand to stroke her hair, and patiently advised, "Fifth Brother has always had a bad temper. I'm afraid that if a conflict breaks out, you might get hurt."
Lin Qianqian straightened her back, her face resolute, and grasped Murong Yi's hand in return, saying, "Your Highness, rest assured, I won't hold you back. With me here, I might even be able to help, and protect you in times of crisis. Let's go together, so we can look after each other."
The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with affection, both firm and warm. In the end, Murong Yi couldn't resist her and nodded gently.
So, the two of them held hands and walked steadily toward the gate of the Fifth Prince's Mansion.
The main hall of the Fifth Prince's mansion was solemn and dignified. On the central couch, the Fifth Prince, Murong Han, dressed in magnificent robes, could not hide his loneliness.
His brows were slightly furrowed, as if there was a faint sadness that could not be dispelled. Hidden between those slightly furrowed brows were thoughts that were difficult for others to see.
Murong Han held a delicate handkerchief between his slender fingers. Embroidered on the handkerchief was a faintly visible character that read "call." His gaze was fixed on that character, as if trying to see through it.
His eyes were somewhat unfocused, his thoughts seemingly drifting far away. He sat there quietly, completely absorbed in his own world, muttering to himself, "Who are you? Why haven't I heard from you for so long..."
His voice was low and slightly hoarse, a trace of being tormented by longing.
The air around him seemed to be infected by his emotions, becoming heavy and oppressive, with only his murmured whispers echoing softly in the empty hall.
Suddenly, a servant rushed in and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, the Ninth Prince and Ninth Princess have arrived."
Upon hearing this, Murong Han abruptly stopped, his brows furrowing unconsciously, his face full of doubt. He muttered to himself, "What are they doing here?" He pondered to himself that he hadn't had any business dealings with his ninth brother's family recently, and this sudden visit was truly strange. After a brief thought, he called out, "Let them in."
After saying that, he quickly put away the handkerchief in his hand and hid it in his sleeve. He also subtly straightened his clothes, sat up straight, and pretended to be calm and composed, as if the panic just now had never happened.
Murong Yi stood tall and straight, hands behind his back, and strode into the hall first, his expression revealing a touch of casualness and ease.
Lin Qianqian moved gracefully behind him, her face gentle and her expression respectful.
Murong Yi smiled faintly and cupped his hands, saying, "Fifth Brother, how have you been?" His clear voice echoed in the hall.
Lin Qianqian bowed slightly and said softly, "Greetings, Fifth Prince."
Murong Han nodded slightly, his expression calm, and replied, "Yes, get up!" His gaze then fell on Murong Yi, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes, and he asked, "Why did Ninth Brother come here?"
Upon hearing this, Murong Yi chuckled, raising an eyebrow with a hint of unruliness, and teased, "What, can't your younger brother come to see his fifth brother?"
Murong Han's expression remained unchanged, his gaze calm, and he explained unhurriedly, "Of course, that's not what I meant. It's just... we've never crossed paths before, and we don't keep in touch often. It's a bit awkward for me to come to visit you now." His tone was calm, but it subtly revealed a hint of probing.
Murong Yi threw his head back and laughed heartily. He waved his hand and said, "Hahaha, I went to see the Empress Dowager today and passed by Fifth Brother's place, so I thought I'd come in and sit down and chat with you."
A perfectly timed smile appeared on Murong Han's lips. He stepped aside and gestured for him to sit down, saying warmly yet politely, "In that case, please have a seat."
As he spoke, he personally stepped forward to help tidy up the brocade cushions next to the guest seats. Then he called out to the servants, "Bring tea. Bring out the finest tea from my collection to properly entertain the Ninth Prince and Ninth Princess." Once everything was arranged, he sat down in the main seat and waited for what was to come.