Chapter 88: Lu Jue Grows Jealous

The smile on Feng Yewu’s face appeared quite different in Chen Pingwu’s eyes. Lu Jue, noticing the look Chen Pingwu gave Feng Yewu, frowned, his heart tinged with jealousy, and spoke coldly.

“The heir truly worries for His Majesty, but His Majesty is wise and will distinguish loyalty from treachery.”

Chen Pingwu, startled by Lu Jue’s words, hurriedly withdrew his gaze, fearing Feng Yewu might think him frivolous.

Feng Yewu glanced at Lu Jue, puzzled. Normally so calm and courteous, Lu Jue’s demeanor shifted with Chen Pingwu’s arrival, yet Feng Yewu couldn’t fathom the reason.

Setting aside his confusion, Feng Yewu addressed Chen Pingwu politely.

“The heir is overthinking. I am emperor now, but I remember well the days when the late emperor united the eight princes—such bonds are not easily forgotten. Without solid proof, I would never wrong a loyal subject.”

Feng Yewu did not directly mention his relationship with the Prince of Changwu, but subtly hinted at his appreciation for loyal men—whether the Prince of Changwu counted among them was for Chen Pingwu to discover.

Chen Pingwu was well aware of the grievances between Feng Yewu and the Prince of Changwu. Hearing Feng Yewu’s words, he could not help but smile awkwardly, feeling his own urgency quite laughable.

Lu Jue, seeing Chen Pingwu silent, seized the moment to give a gentle dismissal.

“If the heir has no further business, please return early. His Majesty has caught a chill these past days and has been working tirelessly for the realm—he needs rest.”

Chen Pingwu frowned, wondering what authority Lu Jue had to urge him away, his expression darkening as he retorted.

“You hardly look like a palace eunuch, and His Majesty hasn’t spoken. What gives you the right to interfere?”

Before meeting Feng Yewu, Chen Pingwu had been absorbed in military strategy and philosophy, with little interest in palace affairs. He had inquired a bit, and upon seeing Lu Jue outside the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, assumed he was merely a palace guard, thinking nothing more of it.

Now, faced with Lu Jue’s sharp words and plain attire, Chen Pingwu was not pleased.

Feng Yewu interrupted their dispute, revealing Lu Jue’s identity.

“He is Lu Jue, son of the former General of the Northern Garrison. I have assigned him to teach swordsmanship in the palace. If you have no business, please take your leave.”

With Feng Yewu’s intervention, Chen Pingwu could only bow and depart, taking note of Lu Jue’s name.

Watching Chen Pingwu leave, Feng Yewu turned to the indignant Lu Jue, puzzled.

“Why are you so reckless today?”

Lu Jue was taken aback, realizing his words had been too aggressive. Yet recalling the way Chen Pingwu looked at Feng Yewu, his heart remained unsettled.

Feng Yewu saw Lu Jue’s silence and felt no urge to blame him.

After all, the Prince of Changwu and the Prince of Beichang would eventually be allies; Lu Jue’s rashness was not ill-intentioned.

The weather was cooling, so the two returned to the imperial study.

Lu Jue, feeling guilty for his earlier impulsiveness, took the initiative to ask,

“When does Your Majesty intend to depart?”

Feng Yewu, knowing the investigation into Li Ru should not be delayed, decided to leave the palace at once.

After changing into simple clothes, they headed east.

Chen Pingwu left the palace, joined by Yang Guang, who had been waiting at the gate. Together, they strolled leisurely.

He had heard from Wang Jia that East Street in the capital boasted many teahouses where storytellers shared tales—many local happenings could be learned there.

Finding himself bored upon returning home, Chen Pingwu went with Yang Guang to East Street.

“Have you ever heard of Lu Jue?”

Halfway there, Chen Pingwu asked Yang Guang, curious since Yang Guang had served the Prince of Changwu for a long time and might know.

Yang Guang replied emotionlessly,

“Son of the General of the Northern Garrison. Skilled in martial arts. Once killed a master-level Tidi tribesman in the capital’s music hall. Beyond that, I know little.”

Yang Guang was obsessed with martial arts; his memory of Lu Jue was mainly due to that battle at the music hall.

Chen Pingwu’s brows furrowed upon hearing this.

“Killed a Tidi master? His martial arts must be impressive. How do you compare?”

Yang Guang was momentarily stunned by the question, his rare frown deepening as he analyzed carefully.

“In a contest, the outcome is uncertain. If it comes to life and death, I have a sixty percent chance of killing him.”

Chen Pingwu was visibly surprised by Yang Guang’s evaluation.

Given Yang Guang’s temperament, even master-level opponents rarely made him frown. His fierce, desperate fighting style was formidable—so much so that even the Prince of Changwu found Yang Guang’s attacks troublesome.

“Is Lu Jue really that skilled?”

Chen Pingwu’s interest in Lu Jue grew.

Yang Guang’s expression returned to calm as he replied,

“I focus on offense, nearly ignoring defense. Lu Jue’s swordsmanship is superb, famed for its speed. That fatal strike against the Tidi master—I couldn’t match it myself. Our duel would hang on a knife’s edge; my sixty percent chance depends on whether I can seize his sword.”

Chen Pingwu, hearing Yang Guang’s earnest explanation, grew dizzy. Uninterested in martial arts, he quickly laughed and changed the subject.

“Let’s find a restaurant and sample some local specialties.”

They tried several places, all crowded, and eventually wandered to the east city gate.

As Chen Pingwu turned, he suddenly spotted a figure whose silhouette was deeply etched in his memory.

“Your Majesty?”

Chen Pingwu exclaimed, scarcely believing his eyes—he had recognized Feng Yewu in disguise, thinking perhaps he was mistaken.

Yang Guang, hearing him, followed his gaze and frowned.

“You mean you saw the emperor?”

Chen Pingwu quickly gestured for Yang Guang to keep quiet. After confirming his suspicion, he smiled and approached.

Feng Yewu and Lu Jue, dressed plainly, had arrived at the east gate of the capital. To avoid detection by the Prince of Pingyi’s spies, they planned to wait until dusk to slip out of the city. As they pretended to admire the roadside stalls, a voice called out from behind.

“Gentlemen, Chen Pingwu greets you.”

Lu Jue frowned at the sound, turning with Feng Yewu.

Feng Yewu was surprised—how could Chen Pingwu be everywhere?

“What a coincidence. Are you strolling here as well?”

Feng Yewu nodded in greeting, then glanced at the expressionless Yang Guang behind Chen Pingwu, unable to resist a second look.

Chen Pingwu, noticing Feng Yewu’s attire, realized he was preparing to leave the city, and smiled as he asked,

“Are you planning to go out of town?”

Feng Yewu looked at Chen Pingwu but did not reply. Earlier, in court, the Prince of Pingyi had expressly called for a marriage alliance with Chen Pingwu; leaving by the east gate, if discovered by the Prince of Pingyi, would surely reveal his purpose.

Seeing Feng Yewu’s silence, Chen Pingwu smiled lightly.

“If you’re heading out of town, why not go together? It would be safer.”

His words were indirect, but the point was clear—if Feng Yewu didn’t trust him, they could travel together to prevent any leaks.

Feng Yewu asked, puzzled,

“You know where I am going?”

Chen Pingwu nodded confidently.

“The scenery eastwards is best in Dongyi. Given your noble status, it’s not easy to leave the capital. You must be visiting the Prince of Pingyi’s territory.”