"I’ll do it myself," Chu Yan said, trying to avoid further irritation.
Qi Hong was pleased; even though Chu Yan was reluctant, the fact that he accepted the cloak was a good start. He wasn’t expecting immediate approval.
As Chu Yan donned the cloak, he found it to be a perfect fit. Qi Hong’s intense gaze made Chu Yan’s emotions run deep. Qi Hong had clearly put thought into this.
Despite this, Chu Yan remained resolute in his decision not to stay in Qi Nation. For now, he had no intention of provoking Qi Hong further. "Thank you," he said stiffly.
The cloak was indeed warm, a necessity given his injury. If he were to catch a cold, it could lead to a serious illness.
The simple words of gratitude seemed to pierce Qi Hong’s heart, bringing tears to his eyes. He sobbed like a child, "A’Yuan, if only you would call me ’brother,’ it would be even better..."
Seeing Qi Hong’s tears, Chu Yan frowned, instinctively taking a step forward. But he stood firm and replied, "It’s impossible. My brothers are in Mu Nation. I only acknowledge them."
Qi Hong felt a mix of sadness and anger. He wished he could immediately send people to eliminate the Chu family so that A’Yuan would only have him as a brother.
However, he realized that if A’Yuan discovered he had killed the Chu family members, he would hate him for life.
Qi Hong forced a smile and said, "It’s fine, A’Yuan. You don’t have to recognize me, but please don’t reject my kindness."
Chu Yan’s expression became even more complicated. Qi Hong’s reputation for cruelty and cunning made it hard for him to believe Qi Hong’s goodwill was genuine.
His resolve hardened again. He was determined to return to Qi Du and firmly refused to share a carriage with Qi Hong.
Qi Hong’s small heart suffered another blow. He sighed and instructed his guards to prepare another carriage. However, the makeshift carriage was rather plain, lacking comfort and shock absorption.
Chu Yan didn’t mind and was about to board when Qi Hong called out, "Wait, wait. Take the front carriage; it’s more comfortable."
"You’re the ruler of Qi Nation. It’s beneath your dignity to ride in this carriage," Chu Yan said.
"It doesn’t matter," Qi Hong replied. "If you refuse, I’ll ride with you."
Chu Yan hesitated but eventually acquiesced.
The guards, witnessing their emperor’s discomfort, felt a pang of sympathy. One suggested, "Your Majesty, he’s being ungrateful. Perhaps giving him a lesson would make him respect you more and comply with your wishes."
Qi Hong, irritated, slapped the guard with a surge of dark mist. His expression was severe. "What kind of terrible idea is that? Given the current situation, do you think I should harm the Chu family?"
The guard, now kneeling, begged for forgiveness. "I was wrong, Your Majesty. I deserve punishment!"
Qi Hong’s eyes narrowed. "Furthermore, if anything happens to the Chu family now, it will be blamed on me!"
Regretting his past actions, he thought he should have spared the Chu family from his previous attacks.
Feeling frustrated, Qi Hong paced back and forth, then came up with a new plan.
Once in the carriage, he took out a peculiar item--the Enchanting Jade created by the White-Browed Priest. This jade came in pairs, and the other half was in the hands of a spy in Mu Nation.
The jade could only be used once, so Qi Hong had been waiting for the right moment. Now was the time.
Determined, he activated the Enchanting Jade using the method taught by the White-Browed Priest. The jade’s faint glow flickered.
Soon, the voice of the spy in Mu Nation came through, filled with excitement. "Your Majesty?"
"It’s me," Qi Hong confirmed.
"Is there something urgent you need?" The spy guessed that with the activation of such a precious artifact, Qi Hong must be planning a major operation against Mu Nation.
However, Qi Hong’s order was unexpected: "Mobilize all available forces and ensure the safety of the Chu family members."
"..." The spy was confused. "Your Majesty, you mean to assassinate the Chu family members, right?"
Qi Hong, furious, roared, "Are you deaf?! I ordered you to protect the Chu family, making sure they are not harmed in any way, not even by a single insult!"
The spy, standing in the cold wind, was dazed. With limited time for communication through the jade, he quickly asked, "Is there any other task?"
He couldn’t believe that Qi Hong used such a valuable item just for this order.
"No, just this one task! It is crucial for my and Qi Nation’s future. Don’t take it lightly. Understood?" Qi Hong emphasized.
The spy, realizing the gravity of the situation, replied with conviction, "I understand! I swear on my life to complete this important task for Your Majesty and Qi Nation!"
"Then I’ll trust you."
As soon as Qi Hong finished speaking, the Enchanting Jade’s glow dimmed and shattered.
The spy’s jade in Mu Nation did the same. Understanding the importance of the task, the spy immediately mobilized hidden agents.
"Your Majesty’s orders are clear. Our top priority is to protect the Chu family at the Mansion of Marquis Anyang!"
"Anyone who dares to harm the Chu family will be dealt with severely!"
"Anyone who insults the Chu family will be punished!"
The spies exchanged glances, bewildered. They had narrowly escaped detection before and were now confused about why they were ordered to protect the Chu family after previously plotting against them.
The head spy, with a cold demeanor, said, "His Majesty’s plans are beyond our understanding. Follow orders without question. This is the mark of a competent spy!"
The spies, motivated, vowed to protect the Chu family with unwavering determination, guarding the mansion as if it were their own lives at stake.
However, one spy hesitated and asked, "What about Chu Hanming? Should we protect him as well?"
The head spy, pondering the question, realized it was a dilemma. Chu Hanming had been expelled from the Chu family and wasn’t considered a member anymore.
The uncertainty lingered as they prepared to follow Qi Hong’s unexpected orders.