Although the common folks didn’t manage to pick up any copper coins, the Ninth Prince’s modest procession undoubtedly earned him a wave of public favor.
Hadn’t he once journeyed to the Southern Lands for Bai Junjun, thus acquiring the title of the Affectionate Prince?
Now that Bai Junjun was not dead, and he had not forgotten his initial resolve, still the same unassuming Ninth Prince as before, could it be that the reunion in the Imperial Capital signify a perfect ending to the love story of this talented man and beautiful woman?
By this time, the public had shifted the conversation from matters at the Imperial Court to tales of love and romance, to the point where storytellers in various taverns had begun fabricating storybooks about their love story, and some betting houses even took wagers on whether Bai Junjun would end up with Yuwen Jun or Li Wenli.
In short, the citizens of the Imperial Capital were having quite the lively time.
Meanwhile, the female protagonist of these swirling rumors, Bai Junjun, was at a tavern, eating melon.
Ever since she had gotten involved in the Affairs of His Majesty, she had stopped frequenting Dongsheng Tavern, to avoid being troubled by Zhao Xiaomiao.
However, she never expected that dining out would lead her to overhear dramatized tales about a fallen noblewoman and a prince, leaving Bai Junjun speechless.
Forget about rekindling past romances.
The awaited reunion of the Three Kings finally took place with the arrival of the two Princes.
The banquet was held in the palace, which Bai Junjun and Li Wenli attended by invitation.
Of course, they mainly served under Yuwen Luanfei, one in the capacity of a guest to protect Yuwen Luanfei at close quarters, and the other orchestrating soldiers in the shadows for Yuwen Luanfei’s protection.
No wonder Yuwen Luanfei was so cautious; tonight he meant to confront his kin with utmost sincerity. Who knew if the Fifth Imperial Uncle had spies around? What if, at this critical juncture, they were all taken out in one fell swoop?
Furthermore, what if those two foolish blood relatives mistook his good intentions for malice and attempted to assassinate him?
Although his heart yearned for peace, he couldn’t afford to risk his life in naïvité.
Thus, Yuwen Luanfei shamelessly spent a considerable sum to secure the assistance of Bai Junjun and Li Wenli, and fortunately, these two loyal friends did not turn him down.
Thus, when Yuwen Jun arrived at the banquet, the first person he saw was Li Wenli, standing guard at the entrance.
Seeing Li Wenli, Yuwen Jun offered a cold smile.
"How can someone like you be worthy of her?"
Li Wenli had been in a cold war with the young lady these past few days, and his mood wasn’t great. Now, provoked by another, he felt even more disgruntled as he ominously lifted his eyes.
"Do you have a death wish?"
When Yuwen Jun locked eyes with Li Wenli, he felt a palpable killing intent bearing down on him and was inwardly taken aback; he hadn’t expected that the sickly Young Master of the past possessed such an intimidating presence.
As it turned out, Li Wenli had not left the Northern Lands after delivering Bai Junjun there; instead, he traveled around with Ah Dao. Yuwen Jun had issued several assassination commands, but Ah Dao had thwarted those attempts.
Afterward, the two had vanished from sight.
Yuwen Jun had assumed they had died in the Northern Lands, for what other fate could a sickly Young Master and an injured guard have in such dire straits?
Yuwen Jun had never expected that after all this time, this man would reappear at Bai Junjun’s side.
And now, to use Bai Junjun to climb the high branch of Yuwen Luanfei.
However, it was laughable; what did it matter if he climbed a high branch? The suppressive force of social status was a chasm he could never cross.
For instance, at this moment, Yuwen Jun could sit at the banquet enjoying fine wine, while Li Wenli, like a guard dog, could only stand at the entrance. Even if a bone were thrown to him, he would have to obediently follow orders.
So, how could such a man ever be worthy of Bai Junjun?