Chapter 68: The Heir Apparent Part 3

Xun Yitan smiled lightly, warmth in his eyes. He patted his younger brother’s cheek, eyes turning under his lashes. Casually, “You’re overthinking. It’s been years since she died—just a title. Whether Changqing’s legitimate doesn’t matter. She has deep standing with the Wise Noble Consort in the palace. Best not provoke her. Behave as Second Young Master.”

He turned to leave, but Xun Yibai blocked him. “You really don’t mind Father’s actions?”

“Father’s future—you know. Not for us to comment. Seeing him record Changqing under Ana Yanran shows his guilt toward her. He can’t bring her in—that’s his regret. We can’t interfere; better go along. A title, a girl—what’s to fuss? Treat her like Xun Luo. No need to compare. One grab from a sister’s things is enough—twice, and that girl came knocking. I won’t cover for you.”

His words mixed with laughter turned Xun Yibai’s face from red to white. He truly hadn’t known the horse had an owner. Later, the little maid confronted him, leading to words. If he’d known, he wouldn’t have touched the unlucky thing.

The brothers finished talking and returned to their courtyards. But the shadow hidden in the darkness lingered long, only emerging from the bushes after they were far gone, darting swiftly away.

The black shadow passed through the connecting side gate between the two mansions, not daring to stop, and ran back to her courtyard.

Summer cicadas chirped, adding nature’s melody. Western candles burned, moon waxing and waning.

The courtyard blazed with lights. Two lamps illuminated the stone table, making the chessboard strikingly clear. Wei Lingci, in snow-white robes, sat holding a black piece like the night. Hearing hurried footsteps, she sighed lightly and smiled. “Fine night, handsome lord—Xian Yun, you’re truly carefree.”

The one running from the dark wasn’t breathless. Xian Yun, startled, forgot to curtsy and nearly collapsed onto the stone bench. Panting twice, she said, “Miss, this servant overheard some words.”

……

Yesterday scorched with sun; next morning, all was white haze. Fine rain blanketed the sky. After an early downpour, rain pattered on windows, now slow, now urgent. The Imperial Capital seemed shrouded in misty clouds.

Xun Changqing went out the next day to buy gifts in the market. The trip to Ji Province loomed; better prepare.

But she hadn’t checked the almanac. In the garden corridor, she encountered Xun Yibai and felt uneasy, so she took a detour, extra steps. Yet at the gate, she saw him again. Unable to avoid, she greeted curtly and left.

After a few steps, she was called back. The one behind caught up, oddly saying, “What did you just call me?”

Xun Changqing turned, tilting her head, sizing him up. New clothes—why did his aura feel different? Before, arrogant; now, in plain garb, milder.

She opened her mouth. “Second Brother?”

As words fell, he flicked her forehead with a finger, laughing. “I’m your big brother.”

This was the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion Heir Apparent—Xun Yitan.

Xun Changqing was stunned half a moment, then rubbed her forehead belatedly, pouting. “Why didn’t anyone tell me you returned? You two are twins, look alike. First time seeing you—how to tell?”

Xun Yitan hands behind back, warm and refined, smiled. “I returned hastily, didn’t notify. First meeting, I brought a gift. Knowing you like horses, it’s apt.”

Xun Changqing smiled wryly. Another horse. But Xun Yitan seemed more tactful than Xun Yibai. Couldn’t refuse a big brother’s gift. She laughed. “Since Big Brother gave it, Changqing accepts.” Seeing the heroic air like Xun Yi’s between his brows, her heart stirred. Pretending casual, “Did Big Brother come from Kang City?”

Xun Yitan shook his head. “No, from the Southwest—didn’t pass Kang City.”

“I see. I thought Father just took Kang City, army unsteady, so left you there. My mistake, too chatty. Big Brother, I need to buy things—off I go.”

A carriage waited outside. Rain had lessened but persisted. Xun Changqing smiled descending steps, took the oil-paper umbrella from her maid. The man behind paused briefly, then returned to the mansion.

As she stepped down, her smile faded. Xun Yitan, as Heir Apparent, was far smarter than spoiled Xun Yibai. A few words, and he caught the implication.

Even if he didn’t tell Xun Yi, he’d investigate Kang City himself. She could head to Ji Province worry-free.

In the carriage, she held a chess manual. Seeing her enter, Wei Lingci set it down with a gentle smile. “What did you do now? Using the noble Heir Apparent as your chess piece—not afraid he’ll counter and checkmate you.”

“Just reminded him of Kang City’s issue. Like you reminding Mu Chen about Zhou Man—same logic. Right, tomorrow to Ji Province. Nothing here concerns me. Even if the Emperor dies, someone prevents chaos.”

Xun Changqing picked up the chess manual Wei Lingci set down. Higher chess skill came not from books but the heart. In that small square world, placing oneself often bound thoughts, trapped in advance-retreat dilemmas amid love, hate, passion.

Pieces like lives—losses were normal.

This was her realization after rebirth. One slip, full defeat. No second chance. Xun Yiran was now a cornered dog; the Pingnan Heir Apparent had status to expose him.

Moreover, Xun Yitan’s actions were Xun Yi’s intent. If they clashed, with the Emperor’s days numbered, likely only Xun Yiran spared—imprisoned or exiled. Up to fate.

Anyone killing Xun Yiran would oppose the Emperor. Depended on Xun Yitan’s smarts.

Wei Lingci saw her silent, pinched her rain-dampened cheek, laughing. “Your Highness, shall I send men to save Xun Yiran then? Lest the Emperor die of anger before you return.”

“Save him then. He’s His Majesty’s heir—I don’t want him truly angered to death.” Xun Changqing leaned crookedly in her arms, recalling the Emperor’s question that day. He wanted to preserve this bloodline. His attitude toward her was decent, but wrong trust. She didn’t want his path.

One lifetime, two people—enough.

A fresh smile like spring dawn. Wei Lingci stroked her silky hair, smiling. “Since you’ve arranged it, we go tomorrow.”

Wei Lingci’s smile held rare indulgence, very pleased. Such tender moment made Xun Changqing sweet as honey.

Murmured intimacies, hidden meanings—you know, I know, enough!