Chapter 384: No Progress with Basic Necessities

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The two of them went to find Crown Prince Qi Tianyou.

Qi Tianyou was busy with official duties and was currently reporting to the Emperor in the palace.

They changed their path and headed towards the palace.

This time, they had achieved great success, and even the palace attendants treated them with much respect.

One of the palace attendants went to inform him.

Before long, Qi Tianyou emerged from the palace, still wearing the armor he had on during the citys defense, clearly too busy to change.

Mr. Lan, Miss Gu, what brings you here?

Gu Qingluan stated their purpose.

Qi Tianyou furrowed his brows upon hearing this, Well Xiao Jingye is currently a criminal of the court, detained in the royal dungeon. Without my fathers permission, no one is allowed to see him.

Gu Qingluan calmly explained, Were here to inquire about Yin Qings situation. He has escaped. If we dont capture him soon, we cant predict what he might do. He might try to rescue Xiao Jingye, or worse, he might take matters into his own hands. Do you trust leaving such a dangerous person outside?

Qi Tianyou furrowed his brows in surprise, Yin Qing has escaped? This is a matter of great significance, and we need to act swiftly. Heres what we can do: you can take this palace token and interrogate Xiao Jingye in the dungeon. Ill inform the Emperor immediately.

He removed a jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Gu Qingluan.

Very well.

Gu Qingluan accepted the jade pendant and set off immediately.

Qi Tianyou rushed into the palace to inform Emperor Xuanzong.

Inside the dungeon.

Xiao Jingye was held in solitary confinement in one of the cells.

Gu Qingluan and Feng Tianlan were led to the cell by a jailer. When they saw the young man lounging inside the cell with his legs crossed, Gu Qingluan teased, Well, it appears that Young Master Yun is having a rather relaxed time here in Chengyuan Countrys dungeons.

Xiao Jingye recognized Gu Qingluans voice. He turned his head, looking at them from inside the cell.

Its indeed quite relaxing here. Miss Gu, would you like to come in and experience it? Of course, if youd like to stay, theres plenty of s.p.a.ce. 1 wouldnt mind making room for you.

The cell was surprisingly well-furnished, resembling a guest room. Chengyuan Country had treated this enemy and spy from another nation remarkably well.

Gu Qingluan stood outside the cell and replied calmly, No need. I prefer my own accommodations.

Xiao Jingye turned his head back and gazed upwards, a piece of straw dangling from his mouth. Oh, then why are you here? Youre not a court-appointed official, so theres no need for you to conduct the interrogation, is there?

Yin Qing has escaped.

Xiao Jingye chuckled. Isnt that great? Are you here to check if I ran away with him? Dont worry; he wont take that risk. The dungeon is not an easy place to break out of.

No, we want your a.s.sistance in capturing him.

Xiao Jingye spat out the straw from his mouth, sat up, and couldnt believe his ears. He rubbed his own ears, Did 1 hear that right?

You heard correctly. We want your help in capturing Yin Qing.

Why should I help you?

Gu Qingluan looked at him and calmly said, To offset your deeds.

Xiao Jingye sneered and glanced at both of them, Is this your idea, or is it that old man Xuanzongs idea? If he wants me to betray Yin Qing to seek leniency for myself, shouldnt he send Crown Prince Qi at least? Moreover, 1 am also a victim here. The Duke of Dingbei, who was the supreme commander of millions of troops in your Chengyuan Country, abducted me from the Kingdom of Dingyang. We havent settled the score with your Dingyang Kingdom yet! Do you think Chengyuan Country dares to harm me?

Gu Qingluan raised an eyebrow.

So, this was the reason he felt so confident?

Everything youre saying is just your side of the story. Duke Dingbei is no longer here, and theres no concrete proof. However, the fact remains that you led the Dingbei Army in the attack on Tianjing. Even if representatives from Dingyang Kingdom were to arrive, they wouldnt be able to clear you of your involvement.

Xiao Jingye shrugged. Thats a matter for the envoys to worry about. I only need to spend some time in the dungeon. Ill be free sooner or later.

With his nonchalant att.i.tude, it seemed like he was completely unaffected by the situation.

Gu Qingluan silently stared at him for a while.

Xiao Jingyes eyes sparkled with cunning. What do you think of my previous proposal? If you agree to go to the Kingdom of Dingyang, I can tell you everything I know about Yin Qing.

Gu Qingluan responded with another question, Arent you afraid of dying now that Duke Dingbei has poisoned you?

Xiao Jingyes expression slightly stiffened.

Gu Qingluan scrutinized him with a piercing gaze. Or perhaps, Duke of Dingbei never poisoned you at all. Are you just making up stories?

Xiao Jingye immediately retorted, Of course, he poisoned me. If you dont believe it, come in and feel for yourself.

He extended his hand forward.

Gu Qingluan motioned for him to come closer.

Xiao Jingye remained seated on the bed. If you want to come in, go ahead. With that man behind you, I doubt I could escape even if I wanted to.

His gaze s.h.i.+fted to Feng Tianlan, and suddenly he became enthusiastic, Hey, whats your name? Do you have any intention of serving our Kingdom of Dingyang? We offer the best treatment to Saints

Gu Qingluan couldnt help but smirk. This guy was always trying to gain an advantage.

He actually wanted Feng Tianlan to serve the Kingdom of Dingyang?

Could their Kingdom of Dingyang afford it?

She was curious to see Xiao Jingyes reaction once he learned about Feng Tianlans ident.i.ty.

But she couldnt see it for now.

Feng Tianlan paid no attention to Xiao Jingyes recruitment efforts and spoke indifferently, 1 heard that Consort Yun is critically injured, bedridden and unable to get up. Despite inviting countless doctors, they are powerless to treat her illness. If you stay in Chengyuan Country for a while longer, you might not even get to see her one last time.

Gu Qingluan looked at Feng Tianlan in surprise.

How did he know all this?

Could he have investigated it beforehand?

No, he had been with her all this time. There was no way he could have found out about Xiao Jingyes situation.

Was he bluffing?

The smirk on Xiao Jingyes face disappeared abruptly, and he asked, What did you say?

(T/N: Crown Prince Qi tian You will be rewritten as Qi Tianyou from this chapter onwards.. ill separate his first and last names for better recognition)