Ji Fenhua

"Both of us got a trace of an unknown element when we were out in the forest. Changmin decided to immediately follow the trail. He would have most probably even found something crucial. But, on his way he happened to come across a woman, who decided to spar with him without any reason. And you know what was the most interesting? Your brother, who is easily capable of taking down a dozen royal guards at once within a few moments, couldn't win against her even after a long time."

Jiyanyu expected Huiqing to urge him to continue, as he has tried his best to elaborate the event in a catchy way as he always does.

"Hold on! So you just watched my brother struggle from the sidelines instead of helping him?" Huiqing asked in an accusing tone.

"Umm.. well..you see…" Jiyanyu was tongue tied. Now he can't tell her that it was a rare sight to behold and he was unwilling to let go of such a golden opportunity.

"Ah right! If your brother couldn't handle her, how could I deal with her?" He finally found a convincing enough excuse.

He saw another bunch of questions coming up from Huiqing and before she could voice them out he interrupted.

"I just remembered that I have to attend sword practice today. So I am off to that. See you later and don't trip!" He didn't even let her mouth a bye in return and almost fled as fast as he could.

'Now that was a close escape! She is such a tough girl. Whoever marries her is going to suffer hell!' He muttered as he patted his chest to calm his poor heart down.

"No worries, that person won't be you anyways."

Jiyanyu frowned. It was clearly a person he had never seen before. A stranger's arrival in the castle isn't something rare. But he shouldn't be unaware about it.

"So you shouldn't worry too much, young duke." The person spoke up again. He was adorned in a royal silver robe and a two piece posh suit. His pale face made him appear like a sickly prince who was out in the sun for the very first time in his life.

"Lord!" A guard called out to the person.

Jiyanyu didn't get the chance to ask about the person's identity as he turned around and walked away, not bothering to pay any attention to him.

Li Jiyanyu felt nothing but pity for himself. First his own best friend ignored him, then his best friend's sister started interrogating him and now an unknown person just insulted him. Why does it seem like the entire universe has teamed up against him?

—-----------------------------------------------------------

"Young master Ji, could you please explain the reason behind your abrupt visit?" Yan Lingyun asked the person sitting opposite him.

The youngest prince of the northernmost region was known for his weak and sick health. His parents were worried about him all the time and therefore restricted him inside the palace. In his twenty years of existence this is the very first time he was allowed to leave the castle.

His poise and grace however were unmatched. As expected of a royalty. Even with his pale appearance he could easily make people have their guards up.

"Elder Yan,considering your influence and power I would assume you are aware of the recent war that broke out in the eastern part. A few of our trained red scorpion soldiers mysteriously disappeared just a while before the war. The crown prince's army also lost some soldiers from his secret training base."

Ji Fenhua spoke slowly.

"Are you suspecting that the crown prince is secretly rebelling against the peace treaty along with those soldiers of red scorpion?" Yan Lingyun asked in a grave manner. This was a serious accusation. If the crown prince was suspected of rebelling against the treaty the entire Yan clan would be cornered by the union. Without evidence pointing fingers at him is nothing but an insult!

To his surprise, Fenhua merely chuckled. "Elder Yan, I am afraid that you are being a tad bit too cautious. I never hinted at something like that. Moreover, the crown prince has my respect for building his own strength at such a young age. Why would I falsely accuse a righteous person?"

After a pause, he continued, "What I suspect is that since some of the most trusted soldiers in both our armies could rebel in this manner, there might be even more hidden spies and betrayers waiting for the right opportunity. Unfortunately I got the report that the crown prince has decided to join the academy. But, I heard that Princess Huiqing is well versed in healing spells. I would like to ask her to join me along with my army in the camp in the warzone for a few months to assist me in treating the wounded soldiers. After which we can interrogate them."

He waited for Yan Lingyun to respond as he elegantly took a sip from the cup of tea in front of him.