Chapter 419: An Appointment (Fifth Update)

Based on Rong Xiu's strength, as long as he wished, he could absolutely arrive here at maximum speed without attracting anyone's attention.

But not only was he this late, he was even traveling in a carriage?

This did not suit his style of doing things at all.

Unless he was doing this for another purpose.

And the greatest possibility was... to mislead the public.

Looking at Rong Xiu, Chu Liuyue felt as if her heart were suspended in mid-air.

Deep in her heart, there was a vague suspicion.

But it was too absurd, too remote, that she didn't want to expend the energy to investigate it further.

Yet at this moment, the late-arriving Rong Xiu sitting inside the carriage...

Everything about it seemed to be signaling something.

Rong Xiu tightened his grip on her hand.

"I was delayed by some matters."

Chu Liuyue raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? What matters?"

Rong Xiu said calmly, "The Empress has passed away."

Chu Liuyue was startled.

The Empress was actually dead!?

"When did it happen?"

"The news broke today, but the exact time has not yet been determined. Currently, Lord Chu Ning is handling the matter within the palace. It seems Father has already ordered a news blackout, but for some reason, rumors have still leaked out into the Imperial Capital."

Hearing that Chu Ning was in charge of this, Chu Liuyue's brow furrowed even deeper.

Emperor Jiawen currently harbored a deep hatred for the Empress; Chu Liuyue believed he must have wanted her dead.

But it definitely shouldn't be now.

Moreover, the Empress was, after all, the Mother of the Nation. Her sudden passing would surely cause a massive upheaval.

Chu Ning's previous investigation into Seven Corners Alley was already entangled in this; if any further mishap occurred regarding the Empress, I'm afraid...

"Does Your Highness know who leaked the news?"

Rong Xiu shook his head.

"The area outside the Empress's palace has always been heavily guarded; there are many who know of this. With so many people and so many rumors, it won't be easy to clear things up immediately. I have already sent people to suppress the news, but... it won't be suppressed for long."

Chu Liuyue nodded in understanding.

There are no walls in this world that don't leak, let alone news of such a shocking magnitude.

"How could the Empress pass away so suddenly?"

Emperor Jiawen had placed her under house arrest partly to prevent her from doing anything excessive again, but it was also an intentional move to preserve her life for the time being.

Now, with so many things still uninvestigated, her sudden death was truly suspicious.

"It seems to have something to do with the Third Imperial Brother." Rong Xiu's expression was subtle. "It is said that he was the last person to see the Empress. Shortly after he left, she died."

Chu Liuyue narrowed her eyes.

"Does Your Highness mean someone is trying to frame the Third Prince?"

Rong Xiu's thin lips curled slightly, and a galaxy seemed to shimmer within his deep gaze.

"Yue'er has always known my heart best."

Chu Liuyue suddenly tilted her head and asked with great interest, "Then does Your Highness know what I am thinking right now?"

Rong Xiu's eyes tightened slightly.

Chu Liuyue turned her hand to grasp his, leaning closer.

The two were extremely close, their breaths mingling.

She could even see her own tiny reflection in the depths of Rong Xiu's eyes.

"Mu Qinghe took me to the Sijin Peak Imperial Mausoleum today. Guess who I ran into in there—Rong Jin!"

A smile played on the corners of Rong Xiu's mouth, showing no sign of surprise.

"He did indeed leave the Crown Prince's Manor today."

Chu Liuyue was not surprised that Rong Xiu knew these things.

After experiencing so much, she had long realized that Rong Xiu was even more mysterious and powerful than she had imagined!

"But do you know why he came to the Imperial Mausoleum? Because... he thinks he is the Chosen One."

As she spoke the last few words, Chu Liuyue slowed her pace.

"Actually, he has known this for a long time, yet he chose to come to the Imperial Mausoleum specifically today. I didn't understand why at first, but after hearing Your Highness say the Empress has passed, I understand now. Most likely, after the Empress died, Rong Jin suddenly learned something, which is why he risked defying His Majesty's orders to come here secretly. However... from my observations, this 'Chosen One' doesn't seem all that impressive. On the contrary, another person I met was extremely familiar with this mausoleum."

Rong Xiu's sword-like eyebrows twitched slightly.

"Oh?"

Chu Liuyue looked at him, as if trying to see through the surging waves in the deepest part of his eyes.

"That person was just like you, possessing extraordinary strength, not inferior to Mu Qinghe in the slightest. It's just a pity I didn't see what they looked like."

As Chu Liuyue spoke, she gave a half-smile.

"I don't know why, but that person seemed unwilling to let me see their face. Your Highness, don't you think it's strange?"

Rong Xiu's expression was calm, and just as he was about to speak, a powerful aura suddenly approached rapidly from outside!

The horse suddenly let out a neigh and reared up its front hooves!

Yu Mo immediately grabbed the reins, forcing it to steady!

The carriage jolted violently and came to a halt!

Chu Liuyue frowned and was about to look, but her body fell forward due to inertia!

Rong Xiu reacted instantly! Their positions swapped!

*Thud!*

A muffled groan was heard.

Chu Liuyue felt as if she had bumped into something. When she opened her eyes, she realized Rong Xiu had partially fallen down, and she was currently sprawled in his arms!

There were only a few layers of clothing between them.

Just as she was about to speak, Rong Xiu's finger suddenly landed on her lips.

The moment they touched, both were stunned.

In truth, the two had shared a bed many times before, but for some reason, in this small, enclosed space, such closeness unexpectedly birthed a hint of ambiguity.

Chu Liuyue's heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly sat up.

Rong Xiu sighed inwardly at the missed opportunity, but his face showed nothing. He merely propped himself up and lifted the curtain with one hand.

Chu Liuyue turned her gaze, following his line of sight.

She saw a familiar figure standing not far in front of the carriage.

Seeing that person's face, Chu Liuyue exclaimed in surprise

"Second Master Yan? What are you doing here?"

The newcomer was actually Yan Ge!?

Seeing Rong Xiu beside Chu Liuyue, Yan Ge inexplicably shuddered.

Why was there such a murderous intent...

The enthusiastic and eager smile on his face stiffened.

"Miss Liuyue, that... that our Great Chief said he had business today and left first. The previous agreement still stands; he will come to find you when the time is right. Please do not take it to heart."

Chu Liuyue was stunned.

"Your Great Chief has already left?"

Yan Ge nodded. "Yes! I just saw the Great Chief off and rushed here to see you!"

Chu Liuyue's brow furrowed slightly.

Was her previous assumption wrong?

Rong Xiu leaned back, his tone languid.

"So, while in the Imperial Mausoleum, Yue'er not only met someone unexpected but also had an appointment with someone?"

A performance of a married couple!

(End of Chapter)