Ch 282: Not falling into the hands of the East Sea.

Yu Nanqing finished speaking, and the entire hall fell silent.

Even the musicians stopped playing, and the dancers quickly and self-consciously withdrew.

This was no longer simply about silver; it had escalated into a contest between Great Jin and the East Sea, a clash between nations.

Since Yun Yi wishes to become a servant of the East Sea, then she shouldn’t take Great Jin’s things.

The Empress attempted to smooth things over, but the Yuanhe Emperor stopped her with a raised hand.

At this moment, everyone in the hall stood on the same side as Yu Nanqing. Anyone who spoke up to mediate now would be seen as betraying their own side.

Feng Lingxiao also understood the implication in Yu Nanqing’s words, and the atmosphere in the hall became tense.

Yun Yi never imagined that simply taking some silver would lead to this, and she looked to Feng Yao for help, her expression one of distress.

Feng Yao glanced at Feng Lingxiao, whose gaze rested on Yu Nanqing without responding.

Feng Yao pondered for a moment, then broke the tense atmosphere, smiling, “This silver was meant to be returned anyway. I was planning to have Miss Yunyi send it to the Prince and Imperial Concubine after today.”

After all, they were in the wrong, and she admitted it.

However, while admitting it, she didn’t forget to offer a sarcastic remark: “The silver is a minor matter. Prince Gong need only say a word. If this incident harms the harmony between the two countries, it would not be good. It’s not that big of a deal; it doesn’t deserve Prince Gong’s attention.”

“Seventeenth Princess doesn’t need to worry, you can return a bit more, consider it interest for the many days This King lent it out.”

“…” Feng Yao was speechless, completely at a loss for words.

Su Wanyan wanted to laugh, but couldn’t at this moment.

She lowered her gaze slightly, raised a hand to cover her mouth, and secretly smiled.

But because everyone in the hall was silent, her action was particularly noticeable. Feng Lingxiao and Feng Yao felt a knot of frustration in their chests.

Having said what needed to be said, Yu Nanqing didn’t wish to linger. He took Su Wanyan’s hand and slowly rose, “Such a pleasant evening, spoiled by this unpleasantness. Yan’er, let’s go.”

“Yes, my Prince,” Su Wanyan replied sweetly and obediently.

Thus, Yu Nanqing and Su Wanyan left Taide Hall in full view of everyone.

As they stepped out of the Great Hall, Su Wanyan glanced back at Feng Yao.

Feng Yao and Feng Lingxiao’s expressions were unchanged, but Yun Yi had her gaze lowered, seeming greatly affected, her whole being weak and covered in cold sweat.

Su Wanyan withdrew her gaze. Had she been mistaken?

The sky was dark, and the only light in the palace besides the candles held by the palace maids and eunuchs was from other sources.

Leading the way with a lantern was Qiuye, followed by Tian Zhong, then Huangye and Xiaobu.

Yu Nanqing seemed still lost in thought from the previous events, walking silently and a little quickly, holding Su Wanyan’s hand.

He seemed to notice this and slowed his pace.

Yu Nanqing didn’t speak, and neither did Su Wanyan. Yu Nanqing, still lost in thought, suddenly stopped and looked down at Su Wanyan.

Indeed, she looked focused and serious, lost in thought.

Otherwise, given what had happened in the hall, Su Wanyan would certainly have had something to say. That’s why she had remained silent.

Yu Nanqing felt a pang of regret; he felt that he was often swayed by emotions, and he wished he could be like Su Wanyan, calm and unfazed by anything.

With that thought, he pursed his lips and composed himself. “Yan’er, what are you thinking?”

“Hmm.” She knew he had stopped, but she didn’t want to interrupt her train of thought. “That Yun Yi, look into her further.”

Yu Nanqing frowned. “Is something amiss?”

“I don’t know how to say it.”

“Just say it.”

Su Wanyan glanced at him, looked around, pulled at his sleeve to bring him down, and whispered in his ear, “I never jump to conclusions, but I think Yun Yi is faking it.”

Yu Nanqing’s eyebrows moved slightly as he met Su Wanyan’s gaze.

Su Wanyan pulled him along, explaining softly as they walked. “Yun Yi is very contradictory, don’t you think?”

She enumerated, “She herself said that the East Sea invaded, Weng City fell, and she lost her parents, proving she knows the East Sea killed her parents. But after learning that Feng Yao is the princess of the East Sea, she still decided to defect. Why?”

Initially, she thought Yun Yi was an assassin disguised by the East Sea, but this makes her background inconsistent. Which assassin would make such a contradictory mistake?

Either she’s not the Yun Yi they investigated.

Or she might be trying to infiltrate Feng Yao’s side to avenge her parents.

But, then again…

Yun Yi’s behavior in the hall, and her shocked expression, was exactly what a helpless, naive girl would show.

So Su Wanyan found it strange, increasingly strange; everything seemed odd.

She thought Yun Yi was faking it; that was the only explanation. What was she hiding?

Or was her guess correct?

Su Wanyan lacked evidence, and there were too many contradictions, so she couldn’t be sure and could only ask Yu Nanqing to investigate further.

“I understand,” Yu Nanqing’s voice was gentle, “but… I’m afraid it’s too late.”

After all, Weng City was not a day’s journey away. Even with fast horses, news couldn’t arrive in a few days.

“Let’s not force it; investigate if possible. It’s important to prioritize the main issue,” But Su Wanyan added, “Yu Nanqing, I’m telling you, what we can see is easier to guard against. It’s what we can’t see that’s truly dangerous. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” It’s so good to have someone by my side; she truly pays attention to these details.

Suddenly, Yu Nanqing’s eyes darkened. “Yan’er…”

“Ah?” Su Wanyan looked up.

Then a flicker of light flew past Yu Nanqing’s head, and as he hesitated, about to speak, Su Wanyan’s eyes lit up. “Ah! Yu Nanqing, fireflies!”

She excitedly patted his arm, pointing above his head, “Look, look, fireflies!”

There was more than one.

Though few and scattered, they were like small lights, dancing in the dim, small stone path, contrasting beautifully with the stars above.

“…” These things are common in the wild.

Yu Nanqing calmed himself. “Yan’er has never seen fireflies?”

“I have,” Su Wanyan pouted, “So what? That doesn’t mean I can’t be happy! Fireflies! They’re always beautiful, peaceful and romantic.”

With that, she let go of Yu Nanqing, jogged forward, and reached out as if to touch the little lights.

Yu Nanqing, quick as a flash, used his wide sleeves to gently catch one in his palm and presented it to Su Wanyan, gently opening his hand.