20demayo Chapter 56 The Snake's Tongue and the Invisible Blade
Chapter 56 The Snake's Tongue and the Invisible Blade
The leader had a fierce-looking face, with a scar on his left cheek that extended from the corner of his eye to the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
He clasped his hands and bowed to the two of them, his movements flawless, but the imposing aura that blocked their way made their hearts clench.
"Your Highness, Your Highness the Prince of Changning, please wait."
The voice wasn't loud, but it was full of energy and carried far across the empty square.
"How dare you!"
Several guards from the Eastern Palace reacted swiftly, drawing their swords instantly and surrounding Yang Yong and Yang Yan, protecting them in the middle.
"This is the Crown Prince's ceremonial guard. Who are you to dare block the Crown Prince's path?!" the Crown Prince's guards shouted sternly.
Yang Yong frowned deeply, his unease instantly turning into rage: "This is outrageous! This is Guangyang Gate! Who gave you the audacity?! Do you want to die?!"
However, the scarred warrior in the lead was not afraid at all, and simply stepped aside to make way for him.
"Brother, how have you been?"
A warm, magnetic voice, yet it sent shivers down Yang Yan's spine, drifted from behind the row of black-clad warriors.
The voice carried three parts laughter, seven parts mockery, and a kind of... hunter's composure as he looked at his prey in the trap.
Then, a well-maintained hand gently pulled back the curtain of the unremarkable blue cloth carriage next to it.
A handsome face, as beautiful as jade, appeared in the morning light. It was none other than Yang Guang, the Prince of Jin, who was known throughout the world for his "simplicity, benevolence, filial piety, prudence, and low profile".
His eyes were smiling, and he appeared humble and polite, but his long, narrow phoenix eyes held a deep, unfathomable chill.
Prince Jin! Yang Guang!
Yang Yan's pupils contracted sharply, and his heart skipped a beat.
How is that possible?!
According to historical records, Yang Guang was the governor of Yangzhou at this time and should have been stationed in Jiangdu. Without a clear imperial edict, he could not return to the capital without authorization.
How did he end up here? And right before the morning court session, the one crucial for deciding the strategy for the Liaodong campaign?!
Yang Yan felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
The butterfly's wings flapped.
His premonition last night that he had overlooked something came true.
The problem wasn't the event itself, but the person! It was the most terrifying and ambitious figure in the entire Sui Dynasty who returned to the capital ahead of schedule!
"Brother, I've been waiting here for quite some time!"
Yang Guang gracefully jumped off the carriage, even dusting off a non-existent layer of dust, like a caring younger brother who hadn't seen his elder brother in a long time and had come all the way to greet him.
Yang Yong was also taken aback, and then the expression on his face became extremely interesting.
Shock, bewilderment, disgust, and finally, a forced, fake smile from the older brother.
He pushed aside the guards blocking his way and stepped forward: "So...it's my second brother."
"You...weren't you in Yangzhou? Why did you suddenly return to the capital? You didn't even tell your elder brother beforehand, so I could have sent someone to pick you up."
Although Yang Yong was smiling, his displeasure was obvious.
Seeing that Yang Yong was still the same as before, without any change, Yang Guang smiled even more happily. He quickly stepped forward, grabbed Yang Yong's hand, and they were as affectionate as conjoined twins.
"Oh, brother, you're too kind. It's just that the imperial court is going to wage war against Goguryeo. A few days ago, Father Emperor sent an urgent imperial edict summoning me back to the capital to discuss matters."
"I just arrived and haven't even been back to the Prince's Mansion yet. I'm just waiting here for you, elder brother, to catch up with you."
Yang Guang abruptly changed the subject, his gaze passing over Yang Yong's shoulder, like a venomous snake finally locking onto its prey, and fixed intently on Yang Yan behind him.
There was no feigned kindness towards his nephews and nieces in that gaze, only a chilling scrutiny and...mockery.
"Yan'er, it's been a long time! I heard you're now able to attend court and participate in government affairs?!"
Yang Yan's heart skipped a beat, and the chill of being stared at by a ferocious beast instantly crept up his spine: "By the grace of my imperial grandfather, I have been granted permission to audit your classes. I am young and inexperienced, and my heart is filled with fear as if I were walking on thin ice."
"Like walking on thin ice? Well said, Yan'er is truly talented..."
Yang Guang's smile deepened, but his eyes remained icy cold.
"I've heard that Yan'er has been working very hard in Daxing City lately."
Yang Guang glanced at Yang Yong, whose face was stiff, with a half-smile, then fixed his gaze on Yang Yan's face: "You went to the drill ground to discipline those old, weak, sick and disabled soldiers, and you stormed the examination hall to 'rectify the imperial examinations.' Even I, far away in Jiangnan, have heard of your great name."
"Yan'er is so capable, daring and decisive. The Sui Dynasty has a worthy successor. I am very pleased with him."
These words sounded like a compliment, but to Yang Yan, they were like daggers to his heart.
Yang Guang was telling him: I know all about your little tricks. You think you're building up your strength? In my eyes, it's nothing but the antics of a clown.
Yang Yan forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart.
Being targeted by this man at this time is definitely not a good thing.
As a time traveler, he knew all too well the methods of this "Emperor Yang of Sui"—endurance, disguise, and then a decisive blow.
But he can't back down now. If he shows any weakness, the psychological defenses he just painstakingly built up for his cheap father will collapse instantly.
Yang Yan took a deep breath, stepped forward, and respectfully performed a junior's salute, his posture humble but his tone neither servile nor arrogant.
"Second Uncle, you flatter me. My abilities are meager; I merely act recklessly because of my grandfather's favor. When it comes to governing the country and commanding armies, I still have much to learn from you!"
"Hey—we're family, why are you talking like family! You're the eldest grandson of the Crown Prince, and the burden of the Sui Dynasty will eventually fall on your shoulders."
Yang Guang waved his hand, his magnanimous and tolerant demeanor so moving that if a historian were present, they would likely be moved to tears and record this heartwarming scene of humility and brotherly respect within the royal family.
"If you need anything, just come to your second uncle anytime! As long as your second uncle can help, he will never refuse."
He slowly walked up to Yang Yan, leaned close to the young face, lowered his voice, and said in a volume that only the three of them could hear, "When your second uncle came back from the south this time, he specially brought you a 'big gift'."
Yang Guang emphasized the words "grand ceremony" and a cruel light flashed in his phoenix eyes.
"I originally intended to deliver this gift directly to the Prince of Changning's residence, but since we've run into each other here..."
Yang Guang straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the Chengtian Gate not far away, and said meaningfully, "How about after the court meeting, your second uncle personally presents it to you in front of Father and all the civil and military officials? I think this will not only show the deep affection between us uncle and nephew, but also that my elder brother and Yan'er will definitely... like it very much."
A morning breeze swept by, bringing a biting chill. Yang Yan felt a chill run down his spine, and the sweat on his palms instantly turned icy cold.
A grand gift?
What kind of gift could Yang Guang consider a grand gift, and why would it need to be presented in front of Yang Jian?
Yang Guang is about to launch an attack in front of everyone at the grand court assembly!
Moreover, this "gift" is absolutely a fatal blow to the Crown Prince's palace! It is irrefutable evidence that can enrage the Emperor's grandfather and leave the Emperor's father speechless!
What is it?
Was it the dragon robe Father wore that night? Or the letters exchanged between officials of the Eastern Palace who were secretly forming cliques? Or perhaps... a bribed witness?