Bang!!
A loud explosion sounded in the inner room, and a slender figure uncontrollably flew out, smashing the fragile wooden door to pieces, and landing amidst the rubble.
The person moaned softly, propped himself up from the ground, then knelt again and said in a deep voice, "I have failed in my duties, deserving of death."
"You deserve to die!!!!" A furious roar came from the inner room, shaking everyone to their core.
Another voice urgently said, "Please, young master, forgive me. I have already sent people to track him down, and we will have news of him in a few days."
"You've managed to mess up a well-arranged plan!! You even lost the person who was right in your hands!!!! What can you possibly do!!! Useless trash!!!"
"...Young master..." The person kneeling on the ground, blood on the corner of his mouth, wanted to say that he was only half an hour late, but he thought better of it, fearing it might provoke even greater fury.
"Young master, please give me three days, just three days, and I will definitely find Jin Xiaobao!"
The speaker was kicked to the ground, and a white figure flashed out of the inner room.
Bereft of historical continuity, expressing the elegance of snow in the courtyard.
No amount of praise was too much for this person's appearance, but his ferocious expression at the moment was truly off-putting.
He grabbed the kneeling person by the arm, "Less nonsense, I will find him myself, you go and deploy the troops." Without stopping, he walked briskly towards the door.
His foot had not yet stepped out of the threshold when a low, hoarse voice easily stopped him, "Huai En, you've only been back a few days, and you're already tearing down the house?"
The young man in white stopped in his tracks, frowned, stepped back, thought for a moment, then stepped forward again, "I need to leave, no time to explain."
"When have you ever explained your actions? But just because you don't explain, do you think dad doesn't know?" The leading figure, dressed in white like Huai En, was strikingly handsome and elegant, with a naturally commanding aura, though his figure was slightly thin, making it hard to guess his age. His gaze was sharp and cold, his eyes seemingly burdened with a deep, undissolvable sorrow. This man was the former second prince, now the leader of the Unified Teaching, Zong Zheng Yu Zhan.
Huai En said coldly, "Since you already know, don't block the way. I've completed everything you asked me to."
"Yes, you did beautifully, even better than I expected, but your affair with the young master of the Jin family surprised me even more."
Zong Zheng Yu Zhan spoke with an indifferent expression and a calm tone, as if completely flawless, cold and detached. Although he didn't look fierce or particularly authoritative, he made one feel inherently uneasy.
Huai En snorted coldly, "You know, so you know. I must go now, what will you do about it?" The people accompanying him always had his father's spies embedded among them, so nothing reaching his ears was ever surprising, and he was not secretive about his dealings with men. He and Zong Zheng Yu Zhan never had the usual father-son considerations, let alone affection; between them, there were only orders and obedience.
"Huaien, you've really grown wings and dared to do such things with a man, feeling completely justified. You really don't respect your father." The atmosphere conveyed by these words was already very displeasing, but Zong Zhengyu Zhan remained completely calm, both in expression and tone, appearing increasingly eerie.
"I got involved with a man, but it didn't concern you. Why do you care so much?" Huaien was already very impatient. Every second spent here delayed seeing Xiaobao by one second. Su Yinxing was meticulous and prudent in his actions. If he wanted to hide someone, how much effort would it take to uncover them? Xue Lianqing had hidden for three years without being found.
Because everything had been arranged in advance, the guards responsible for escorting them thought they were coming to rescue someone according to the plan, so there was almost no resistance or pursuit. They disappeared in a short time. Huaien needed to head to Jiangnan as soon as possible.
These past few days, he had been inexplicably anxious, unable to sleep at night, thinking about Xiaobao's reaction to these matters. Although the escort personnel said Xiaobao's condition hadn't changed much except for being thinner and mentally strained, he still felt uneasy. He felt he must see Xiaobao immediately. He didn't want to wait another moment.
He thought that as long as he put aside his pride, Xiaobao wouldn't blame him. In the future, after settling Xiaobao, he could continue his extravagant young master lifestyle, having whatever he wanted. Everything would be the same as before, and under his protection, the Jin family would actually be safer and more secure than before.
At the moment, he was burning with anxiety. He was afraid that Su Yinxing would instill something in Xiaobao. Xiaobao was already easily influenced, and he trusted Su Yinxing quite a bit. If Xiaobao resented him and stopped talking to him, what would he do?
He absolutely couldn't let that happen!
Huai en's anxiety was written all over his face. Zong Zhengyu Zhan raised an eyebrow, his expression changing slightly. "Your father has arranged a marriage for you since you were young. Have you forgotten?"
Huai en angrily retorted, "When did I agree to it?" That barbarian's princess, he hadn't even met her, let alone remembered her name. In the past, he had been indifferent, not bothering to show any interest. Now, he absolutely couldn't let his father manipulate him.
"Your agreement isn't necessary. Just comply," Zong Zhengyu Zhan stated.
"I followed your orders before because there was no need to disobey, but don't even think about it this time," Huaien coldly replied.
"Huai en, your father always thought you were sensible, but now you seem to have lost your sense of proportion. If you like that boy and want to bring him back, it's not impossible. You're of age, and I've never stopped you from taking concubines. Do you really want to defy me for him?"
"Humph, if you want descendants, why don't you take some concubines yourself? No one's stopping you."
Zong Zhengyu Zhan's face stiffened momentarily, a strong aura emanating from him, his voice heavy, "I've been loyal only to your mother all my life. If you dare to compare your filthy affairs with your mother's affection, you're seeking death!"
Huai en swiftly drew his sword. "In your eyes, there's only the so-called love between you and mother. Everyone else is just disposable. Whatever you think is your business. I must go find him. If you insist on stopping me, I'll destroy this place today."
Zong Zhengyu Zhan glared angrily at Huai en for a moment, then suddenly his oppressive aura dissipated into nothingness, and he returned to his previous indifferent demeanor.
"Put away your sword," came the command.
Huai en arched an eyebrow but made no move to comply.
"Your sword, Huai en. Do you still see any semblance of respect for your father in your actions?"
Despite the stern warning, Huai en remained resolute. "I must find him," he asserted.
"You're young, just dipping your toes into the complexities of life. Do you truly believe it's love?" the question hung in the air.
Huai en scoffed lightly, sheathing his blade before striding away confidently. Passing by Zongzheng Yu Zhan, he didn't even spare a glance.
"Stop!" the command rang out.
"There are still educational matters that require your attention. If you leave now, how much will be delayed? Instruct Shadow to find the individual; you stay here," came the order.
But Huai en pressed on, undeterred.
Suddenly, a white blur blocked his path, and Zongzheng Yu Zhan stood before him, his demeanor cold and unwavering. "Huai'en, your father has indulged your whims. Don't push your luck. He's already relented. We can discuss marriage later. If you fancy that lad, it's your prerogative. But for now, leaving is not an option. Reflect on this: if your father forbids it, can you still depart?"
Huai en's emotions flitted across his face, his fists clenching and relaxing within his sleeves.
His father's words rang true. If his father truly opposed his departure, escaping the palace would be a near-impossible feat. The sect was brimming with formidable martial artists, and even his father alone was a formidable adversary. He rarely defied his father, who was known for his unwavering authority. His father's compromise was a rare occurrence. After careful consideration, delegating the task to his Shadows (right or left) seemed the most viable option. Despite his urgency, he had no better alternative.
But the weight of uncertainty burdened his heart.
"Xiao Bao, just wait a little longer. I'll come for you soon. Please understand; I'll take care of you. We'll be together forever, just a little longer..."