Snow Dragon Guards
In the Forest of Longing, where the mist drifts endlessly, it still carries a hint of ethereal beauty, akin to a paradise on earth.
By the lakeside of Longing, within the pavilion, two individuals sit, indulging in the wine of longing. The foremost figure is none other than the Second Prince, Duan Wuya.
Seated next to Duan Wuya, the other man, also charming and handsome, yet now adorned in armor, exudes a certain dignity amidst his elegance. He is the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Yu Ji.
"How goes it?"
Duan Wuya takes a sip of the wine of longing, speaking lightly.
"Your Highness, I have already arranged everything beforehand. The key leaders of the Imperial Guards are all under our control. The restructuring and purge are underway. From today onwards, the Imperial Guards will be under Your Highness's command."
"Hmm." Duan Wuya nods gently, revealing neither joy nor sorrow, remaining silent.
At this moment, a figure clad in black swiftly approaches, arriving at the pavilion and bowing slightly to the Second Prince. "Your Highness."
"Sit, Nanshan."
Duan Wuya waves his hand with a smile, as if basking in a gentle breeze.
Nanshan nods slightly, then takes a seat beside Duan Wuya, opposite Yu Ji, and speaks, "Your Highness, Liu Canglan has returned to Bladebreak City but left the elite forces for Lin Feng. It seems he intends for them to follow Lin Feng."
"Interesting." Duan Wuya ponders for a moment, nodding. "Perhaps one day, this legion will prove its worth."
"Yu Ji, attend to the matters of the Imperial Guards. You may leave." Duan Wuya addresses Yu Ji, who nods respectfully before taking his leave from the pavilion.
Observing Yu Ji's departure, Nanshan offers his congratulations. "Congratulations, Your Highness, on securing the Imperial Guards."
Duan Wuya shakes his head lightly. "Today's achievement is not solely due to the Imperial Guards."
"Duan Tianlang and Monhan have disregarded Your Highness. With Monhan dead and Duan Tianlang mourning his son, the others should come to their senses." Nanshan continues, noting the lack of fangs in Duan Wuya's usual amiability. Having followed Duan Wuya for many years, Nanshan understands that those who underestimate Duan Wuya often meet dire ends.
Even the Crown Prince, the leader of the eight unrivaled and ruthless princes, dare not underestimate this royal brother.
"Not entirely." Duan Wuya still shakes his head, causing Nanshan's expression to slightly stiffen. Then he adds, "Lin Feng!"
"Yes, indeed, Lin Feng."
Duan Wuya nods slightly. "From today onwards, everyone will know that Lin Feng is loyal to me, Duan Wuya."
"Although the Imperial Guards are a crucial force in guarding the imperial city, they pale in comparison to that legion. That legion is my objective. As for Duan Tianlang, he's arrogant and presumptuous, a fool. He dared to lay hands on Xinye, not realizing that his fate was sealed the moment he decided to harm her. He thoughtlessly believed that he could act as he pleased because my brother and I were engaged in our own rivalry, but it's not so simple."
Duan Wuya's gaze loses its softness, replaced by a keen edge and a chilling intent. Duan Xinye is safe in Moyue's hands, but Duan Tianlang's attempt to kill both her and Lin Feng on their way back is unexpected. Nanshan senses a chill in the air; he knows that sparing Duan Tianlang is a matter of timing—someone does not want Duan Tianlang dead yet.
Duan Tianlang doesn't understand the concept of biding one's time. If Duan Xinye were to die, regardless of whether the Crown Prince or Duan Wuya emerged victorious in the end, Duan Tianlang would surely meet his end. With the princess's blood on his hands, he may think that Duan Wuya's silence now implies consent, but eventually, someone will be held accountable.
This is the art of intrigue behind the palace curtains—unseen and intangible, but fraught with peril.
"Nanshan, what do you think? How can I obtain that legion?" Duan Wuya speaks again, prompting Nanshan to cast a thoughtful gaze.
"I'm not sure, Your Highness."
Nanshan knows little about the legion Duan Wuya refers to—the Snow Dragon Guards. Whoever controls them controls the Snowmoon Kingdom.
"It's understandable that you're uncertain." Duan Wuya chuckles softly. "The old man has secluded himself in cultivation, no longer concerning himself with Snowmoon's affairs, leaving my brother and me to vie for power. The eight ministers and counselors who wield power have also forsaken their duties. However, the Snow Dragon Guards, he still tightly grasps. That legion is the true army of kings."
Nanshan remains silent. He knows little about the Snow Dragon Guards—only that they are formidable, exceedingly so.
At this moment, Duan Wuya's gaze lifts, peering into the distance.
"Your Highness, I shall take my leave." Nanshan rises, but Duan Wuya shakes his head slightly. "No need, stay here."
In the distance, the figure of Lin Feng approaches with measured steps, silent and ethereal, seemingly merging with heaven and earth, evoking a sense of wonder that leaves Duan Wuya slightly perturbed.
"Lin Feng, what realm have you reached?"
Duan Wuya ponders inwardly. At this moment, he can no longer discern Lin Feng's depth. Lin Feng seems to have undergone a transformation during his recent journey to Bladebreak City.
"His Majesty." After just a moment, Lin Feng's figure drifts into the pavilion, nodding slightly to Duan Wuya.
"Lin Feng, please have a seat."
Duan Wuya's face once again displayed a genial demeanor, like a gentle spring breeze, imparting a remarkably soothing sensation.
Lin Feng nodded and took a seat opposite Nanshan. Today, his entry into the Forest of Longing was unimpeded, undoubtedly orchestrated by Duan Wuya.
"Is there something Your Highness wishes to instruct Lin Feng upon summoning him to the Forest of Longing?" Lin Feng inquired.
"Lin Feng, there's no need for such formality. I invited you here simply to express my gratitude for safely bringing Xinye back," Duan Wuya said, raising his cup towards Lin Feng before draining it.
Lin Feng took another unused cup, poured himself some wine, and raised it to his lips, saying softly, "Your Highness, it was Lin Feng's responsibility to retrieve the princess when she went missing in my presence."
With that, Lin Feng also took a sip of the wine of longing, once again experiencing its unique sensation.
"How does it feel?" Duan Wuya asked with a smile.
"Although I'm not much of a drinker, I recognize the rarity of this wine of longing," Lin Feng replied with a smile.
"I was wondering if, while drinking, you thought of Xinye," Duan Wuya said, looking at Lin Feng with a half-smile. "Lin Feng, my sister seems to regard you quite differently."
Lin Feng's expression stiffened momentarily, and he forced a bitter smile. The wine of longing evokes images of longing, including the pure white figure of Xinye, as well as a teardrop, the princess's tear, and the words, "Lin Feng, I truly don't know."
It's evident that on that day in Zifu, Lin Feng's heart was genuinely moved, leaving an imprint of Xinye's image in his mind. Moreover, in a corner of his mind, there's also the fiery and tender figure of another woman.
This leaves Lin Feng somewhat conflicted; men truly are generous in their affections!
"Alright, I won't meddle in your affairs. Lin Feng, your formal appointment will come in a few days. When will you return to Yangzhou to take possession of your fiefdom?" Duan Wuya changed the subject, seeing Lin Feng's silence.
"At the end of the year, it will soon be the Snowmoon Festival. I'll return to Yangzhou then," Lin Feng replied. Last year, during the festival, he and his father were expelled from the Lin family. Now, almost a year later, he plans to return and see those uncles and cousins.
Perhaps he can also attend the Lin family's annual gathering.
"Very well, once the appointment is formalized, I'll send someone to the Tianyi Academy to find you," Duan Wuya said.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Lin Feng nodded slightly, then added, "Your Highness, I would like to ask for your help in finding someone."
"Go on," Duan Wuya nodded.
"Lin Hai, my father."
Lin Feng spoke slowly. Lin Hai came to the imperial city, but with all the commotion he caused, his whereabouts are unknown. Therefore, Lin Feng hopes Duan Wuya can help locate him.
"Your father, Lin Hai!" Duan Wuya pondered for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Lin Feng, I'll take care of this matter."
"Thank you, His Majesty." Lin Feng bowed slightly. "If Your Highness has no other business, Lin Feng will take his leave."
"Very well, you may go." Duan Wuya nodded and didn't detain Lin Feng any further.
Lin Feng's figure drifted away, walking out of the Forest of Longing. Outside the forest, a pure white figure stood silently, waiting. When Lin Feng emerged, she followed him out.