Chapter 262: Chapter 97: Why Is This Happening? (Please subscribe)_4
 

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As he approached Cheng Guang, a wave of tension washed over him, and he respectfully called out, “Princely Heir.”

At this moment, although Zhang Shunlong’s eyes still harbored hatred for the powerful, for this Town-Nation Duke’s Heir, he had already lost much of his objection.

Cheng Guang seemed to see, floating above Zhang Shunlong’s head, a row of words.

[Zhang Shunlong’s favorability +10]

So I’ve come to conquest a young man, huh?

Cheng Guang felt a peculiar sensation in his heart, shook his head, and without thinking further, said, “Let’s go.”

Cheng Guang turned and walked away.

Having left the Liu Family, Cheng Guang, with Qing Luan and others in tow, mounted his horse and sped toward the Capital city.

Zhang Shunlong and others from the Liu Family, including Liu Hao and Mrs. Wu, rode their horses close behind.

After boarding the carriage, Zhang Shunlong’s gaze was fixed tightly on the distant capital, a massive entity sprawled across the land like a huge beast.

That was Great Zhou’s capital, the place all nobility yearned for.

It was also where the woman he loved resided.

In just over a month’s time,

Yuting had already become another’s wife.

Zhang Shunlong knew that the Princely Heir bringing him to the capital might be planning to snatch Yuting back.

To take her back from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, to bring her to his side.

But he did not wish it so.

Firstly, even for the Princely Heir, the cost would not be light; there was no need to trouble himself over such an insignificant wretch as I.

Secondly, even Zhang Shunlong had to admit that Lin Yunzhen, son of the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, surpassed him greatly in status and identity.

If Yuting lived well in the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

No matter how painful he felt, he would not dare to hope for more – as long as Yuting was happy, that was good enough.

Being able to say a proper farewell, he would be content.

Given this, the Princely Heir had done so much for him; how should he repay the Princely Heir?

With my worthless life, what can I offer in return to the Princely Heir?

Zhang Shunlong sighed, his lean face slightly contorted in conflict, but after a moment, the conflicted expression was covered by nervousness.

Soon, very soon, he would reach the Capital city and see Yuting.

The last time they met was beneath the peach blossoms, the beauty clutching his hand, her eyes full of love, unmindful of nobility and family, wanting to leave with him.

But this time…

It was a changed world.

The beauty was now a wife to another, and he had become a slave.

Zhang Shunlong did not know how he should face Yuting with what demeanor, and nervously smoothed his robes, patting his stiff face due to tension.

He only hoped he could face Yuting in a good state.

In the same carriage,

Mrs. Wu beside Zhang Shunlong was also brimming with nervousness; some of it due to the impending entry into the Prime Minister’s Mansion, some due to the concern for her daughter’s situation at this time.

Liu Hao, on the other hand, regarded Zhang Shunlong with eyes filled with hostility,

Seemingly warning him with his gaze that once they arrived at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, he must not utter anything that ought not be said.

Yuting is no longer one you can approach.

Zhang Shunlong noticed Liu Hao’s gaze, simply furrowing his brow slightly without saying anything.

Everyone’s emotions were complex, and no one spoke.

Inside the carriage, it was exceptionally quiet.

The journey back seemed shorter than the journey there; in less than a few hours, they had reached the Capital city.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion was several streets away from Duke Zhen’s Mansion, on the other side of the imperial city within the Capital; Cheng Guang had not been there before.

When they arrived at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the sky had already begun to dim.

The great gates of the Prime Minister’s Mansion loomed, painted in a solemn vermilion, decorated exquisitely, with a pair of tall stone lions on either side, majestic and dignified.

Cheng Guang dismounted before the Prime Minister’s Mansion, standing at the gates where the guard, catching sight of Cheng Guang’s appearance, widened his eyes.

He quickly stepped forward and asked,

“Princely Heir, may I inquire if you are seeking the Prime Minister?”

Cheng Guang shook his head, “No, I’m looking for Lin Yunzhen.”

Hearing that Cheng Guang sought Lin Yunzhen, the guard quickly stepped aside and ordered the other guards to push open the great doors, respectfully inviting Cheng Guang in.

At the same time, it seemed the steward of the Prime Minister’s Mansion had been promptly informed of Cheng Guang’s visit, hurrying to greet him and respectfully asked him to wait in the main hall for a moment.

“Princely Heir, I have sent someone to call the Nobleman. He was at the Academy studying today and has just returned; please, rest for a while.”

Cheng Guang nodded faintly.

After speaking, the steward was about to summon servants to bring Cheng Guang some tea when suddenly he noticed the company following the Town-Nation Duke’s Heir.

Qing Luan and a retinue of guards were there—these, the steward of the Prime Minister’s Mansion did not question, but there were also several people exuding a commoner’s air.

Upon entering the Duke of the State’s Mansion, they became restrained, bowing their heads one by one.

“Princely Heir, who are these people?”

The steward of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Yang Tiexin, cautiously inquired.

Cheng Guang glanced sideways, “Do I need to explain to you?”

Hearing this, Yang Tiexin immediately slapped his own cheek, chuckling apologetically, “No need, no need…”

“Princely Heir, please rest for a moment,”

Yang Tiexin hastily retreated, leaving the main hall.

It seemed he was going to inform the Prime Minister and Lin Yunzhen.

Cheng Guang looked toward Zhang Shunlong.

He found that since entering the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Zhang Shunlong, unlike Liu Hao and Mrs. Wu, who were reserved, couldn’t help but look around as if searching for someone.