Unraveling Plans

Da Yi took the initiative to rent a room for both his master and the lady next to their current room. They were going to spend the night in this inn. The innkeeper showed them to the rooms, and Da Yi ensured everything was in order.

Pei Yuan, the loyal general who protected the crown prince, arrived in secret to secure the perimeter. His mission was to ensure the safety of the future emperor of the Dayu Kingdom. He silently communicated with his men, placing them strategically around the inn to guard against any threats.

Meanwhile, in a lavish mansion across the city, Gu Wan Niang clenched her fists in frustration. Her plans to become the crown princess were crumbling before her eyes. Bai Jue had vanished from his planned route, and none of her father's subordinates could locate him. She paced back and forth, anxiously awaiting news.

"This can't be happening," Gu Wan Niang muttered to herself. "I've invested so much to become the crown prince's chosen one."

Her thoughts were interrupted by a servant's arrival. "Miss, we've just received word from the palace. They are going to hold a selection for the crown princess. All prominent and upper-class daughters are eligible."

Gu Wan Niang's heart sank. She knew the crown prince always took precautions to avoid getting close to any girl. That was why she had used an aphrodisiac poison, hoping to catch him off guard during his inspection. She never expected that Bai Jue would be accompanied by his loyal general, Pei Yuan, and Chang Er, who had already apprehended the perpetrator.

Back in the inn, Da Yi spoke quietly with Tan Qi. "We'll need to stay alert. Pei Yuan has secured the perimeter, but we can't let our guard down."

Tan Qi nodded. "I'll keep an eye on my lady's safety and well-being." She needs to rest, but she'll want to know what's happening.

As night fell, Minister Gu seethed with anger. His daughter's clumsy methods had almost exposed their schemes. The culprit had been silenced in jail before interrogation, but the minister knew he had to act quickly to cover their tracks. He couldn't afford any mistakes.

"Clean up this mess," Minister Gu ordered his most trusted advisor. "Ensure no one traces this back to us. We can't let anyone discover how we've monopolized the grain distribution."

The advisor bowed. "It will be done, my lord."

The next morning, Yang Mi awoke shyly, looking at the handsome man lying next to her. He was still sleeping, his face peaceful and regal, resembling the Jade Emperor of the heavenly realms. She felt a strange familiarity with his features but couldn't place it.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She quickly got out of bed and dressed, opening the door to find a tired Tan Qi.

"Tan Qi, what's going on?" Yang Mi asked with worry after seeing the tired Tan Qi.

"Your mother is furious, my lady," Tan Qi replied, glancing nervously down the hallway. "Your uncle, the God of War, has conveyed her wrath. You must return to Kunlun Mountain immediately," she whispered. No one knew about their position as immortals in this mortal world, and Kunlun Mountain is the gate to the immortal world.

Yang Mi's heart sank. She knew she had no choice but to face her mother's anger. She glanced back at Bai Jue, who was still sleeping. The events of the previous night felt like a dream, but she knew it was all too real.

As Yang Mi prepared to leave, Da Yi entered the room quietly. "Your Highness, we need to talk," he said softly, not wanting to wake Bai Jue.

Yang Mi nodded, stepping into the hallway. "What is it?"

"We've secured the inn, but there's still a threat. Pei Yuan is outside with his men, ensuring no one can get close," Da Yi explained. "You should leave quickly and quietly."

Yang Mi sighed. "I understand. Thank you, Da Yi. Please take care of him."

Da Yi bowed. "Of course, my lady. We will protect him with our lives."

Yang Mi and Tan Qi made their way out of the inn, blending into the early morning crowds. As they left, Pei Yuan gave a subtle nod to his men, who followed at a distance, ensuring their safety.

Back at the mansion, Gu Wan Niang was fuming. She had just learned that the crown prince was seen at the DongBo Inn, and her spies had confirmed he wasn't alone. Her jealousy and anger boiled over.

"This isn't over," she hissed. "I will find a way to win his heart and secure my place as the crown princess."

Minister Gu, hearing his daughter's resolve, entered the room. "Wan Niang, you need to be more careful. Your actions nearly exposed us. We can't afford any more mistakes."

Wan Niang glared at her father. "I know what I'm doing. Just make sure the selection goes in my favor."

Minister Gu sighed. "I'll do what I can, but remember, the crown prince is not easily swayed. You'll need to play your part perfectly."

Meanwhile, back in the inn, Bai Jue stirred, waking to find Yang Mi gone. He sat up, feeling the lingering effects of the love poison but also a strange sense of calm.

"Da Yi," he called out, and his loyal steward entered the room immediately.

"Your Highness, how are you feeling?" Da Yi asked, concern etched on his face.

"Better, much better," Bai Jue replied. "Where is the girl?" he asked, having forgotten to ask her name.

"She had to leave, Your Highness. Her mother is demanding her return to her house," Da Yi explained as he had overheard her speaking with her maid.

Bai Jue nodded, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "I need to find her again. There's something about her… something important."

"We will, Your Highness," Da Yi assured him. "But for now, we must focus on your safety. Pei Yuan has secured the area, but we can't stay here for long."

Bai Jue stood, his resolve firm. "Then let's move. We have much to do, and I won't let anything stand in our way."

As they prepared to leave, Pei Yuan entered the room. "Your Highness, the area is secure, but we should move quickly. There are rumors spreading, and we can't risk being found."

Bai Jue nodded. "Thank you, Pei Yuan. Let's go."

The group left the inn, blending into the morning crowds just as Yang Mi had. Their paths were now set, intertwined by fate and bound by the trials they would face together. The journey ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but their hearts were steadfast, ready to face whatever the three realms would throw at them.