Zhan Shan returned and told Yong Yaxuan everything he had seen and heard. Sure enough, the real Ji Feiyu had gone to the Northern Cold Palace.
Yong Yaxuan listened to the details of the Crown Prince's entourage during his journey and said, "We no longer have the chance to get her out. We can only wait until we meet up with the main force."
Zhan Shan said, "So we can only face their schemes head - on."
Yong Yaxuan said impatiently, "They've detained my queen. What scheme could it be? They just want to threaten me to get some benefits."
Xi Zhuang reminded him, "Your Majesty's safety should always be a concern."
Yong Yaxuan sneered, "This is a formal invitation for diplomatic relations between two countries. If something goes wrong, the whole world can attack them. I'm sure they wouldn't dare." As he said this, a glint of hostility flashed in his eyes.
Zhan Shan said, "Your servant will defend Your Majesty to the death..."
Yong Yaxuan raised his hand, interrupting him. "I naturally trust you all. Since we can't act for now, just keep an eye on her for me. I hope she's all right."
Zhan Shan replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
Time passed quickly. In the past few days, Ji Feiyu had been taken around various places in the Northern Cold by the Crown Prince. Zhan Shan never found a chance to rescue her. He could only silently follow and watch, then go back to report.
During these days, Yong Yaxuan's entourage officially arrived in the Northern Cold. To avoid arousing suspicion, Yong Yaxuan and his men met up with the main force with the fake Ji Feiyu.
On that day, the entire Northern Cold royal family came out to welcome Emperor Yong.
Yong Yaxuan changed into his dragon robe, regaining his imperial aura. At this moment, with his sword - shaped eyebrows and starry eyes, he looked noble and magnificent. He was sitting in a carriage pulled by six horses. The carriage was inlaid with pearls, jewels, gold, and jade. Zhan Shan also changed into a military uniform, while Xi Zhuang put on the robe of a civil official. They stood on either side of the imperial carriage. There were countless guards and attendants in front of and behind the carriage, making a grand spectacle.
The Khan of the Northern Cold, accompanied by his queen, two sons, and other officials, came to greet them in person.
Yong Yaxuan got off the carriage and exchanged a few words with the Khan. Then he was led into the Northern Cold Palace by the Khan. The patterns and totems in the Northern Cold Palace were completely different from those in the Great Yong, and the maids' outfits were also different. As Yong Yaxuan walked in this exotic palace, all he could think about was where Ji Feiyu was at this moment.
Ji Feiyu was in a side hall, admiring the unique flowers of the Northern Cold. The maids passing by were in a hurry. From the tense atmosphere and snippets of conversation, Ji Feiyu learned that Yong Yaxuan had arrived.
The Khan of the Northern Cold prepared a sumptuous whole - sheep feast to welcome Yong Yaxuan. When the roasted whole sheep was served, there were singing and dancing performances. Yong Yaxuan sat at the banquet, chatting and smiling with the Khan, but his eyes couldn't help but look at the Khan's two sons.
Seeing this, the Khan asked, "Why is Emperor Yong looking at my two sons?"
Yong Yaxuan smiled faintly. "Your Highness the Khan is not being honest. When your envoy came to the Great Yong before, I thought only the Second Prince had come in disguise. I didn't expect the Crown Prince to be there too."
The Khan laughed heartily. "As the saying goes, the newborn calf is not afraid of the tiger. My two sons were a bit abrupt. Please don't take offense, Emperor Yong."
Yong Yaxuan said, "Your two sons are extremely brave, far surpassing ordinary people. It's a blessing for Your Highness the Khan."
"Where, where." The Khan forced a smile. He stared at Yong Yaxuan with a smile, stroking his beard, thinking to himself: This Emperor Yong doesn't look very old, but he speaks like an experienced man. He can't be underestimated.
Yong Yaxuan looked around and then said, "Why isn't Ran Wei here at today's banquet?"
The Khan had expected this question. He replied, "Ran Wei is not feeling well, so she didn't come. But it's nothing serious. If Emperor Yong is worried, after the banquet, I'll ask the Crown Prince to accompany you to see her."
Yong Yaxuan said, "All right."
As the cups clinked, the music changed. A puff of light smoke suddenly rose in the dance floor. It was time for the Northern Cold dancers to perform. The dancers all had voluptuous figures. As they swayed their bodies, they showed their charm. Their dance was much bolder than the dances in the Great Yong. Everyone in the Northern Cold cheered, but Yong Yaxuan found it rather dull. After all, once you've seen the sea, other waters seem unimpressive. After seeing Ji Feiyu's dance, he couldn't get interested in others.
After the welcome banquet, the Khan showed Yong Yaxuan around the Northern Cold Palace. After that, the Khan went back to rest and asked the Crown Prince to take Yong Yaxuan to see Ran Wei.
Ran Wei wasn't lying in bed. She just coughed slightly. When she saw Yong Yaxuan, she was very happy. She called out, "Brother Emperor!" and ran out.
Yong Yaxuan said, "If you're sick, why aren't you lying in bed?"
Ran Wei laughed. "It's just a minor problem. It's nothing serious. I'm still planning to compete with you during the autumn hunt!"
"You're so naughty!" Yong Yaxuan said indulgently.
Looking at his younger sister, he felt that she had really become much more cheerful. It seemed that the vast expanse of the Northern Cold could indeed broaden one's mind. He was happy to see Ran Wei's change.
The Crown Prince stood aside, saying nothing.
After they exchanged a few more words, Yong Yaxuan said, "It's getting late. I'll go back first."
Ran Wei accompanied Yong Yaxuan to the door. They had a very harmonious conversation just now, and neither of them mentioned Ji Feiyu. After Yong Yaxuan and the Crown Prince left, Ran Wei let out a soft sigh and said to the maid who had accompanied her in marriage, "Have you found out? Is Sister Feiyu really in the Northern Cold Palace?"
The maid replied, "Yes. I asked the other maids. She's been in the palace for some time."
Ran Wei said, "Good. Keep an eye on her situation for me. Remember to tell me if there's any change."
The maid replied, "Yes."
After Yong Yaxuan left Ran Wei's place, only he and the Crown Prince were left.
Yong Yaxuan said, "Now that it's just the two of us, Crown Prince, let's be straightforward. Is my queen in the Northern Cold?"
The Crown Prince raised his eyebrows upon hearing this. "Emperor Yong is really forthright. To be honest, Queen Feiyu is indeed a guest in the Northern Cold."
Yong Yaxuan's face immediately turned cold. "When can I see her?"
The Crown Prince said, "Why is Emperor Yong in such a hurry? Since she's in the Northern Cold, you'll meet her sooner or later."
Yong Yaxuan said, "Don't beat around the bush with me. I know how she came to the Northern Cold."
The Crown Prince couldn't help but shake his head. "Emperor Yong really misunderstands us. Queen Feiyu came to the Northern Cold voluntarily."
Yong Yaxuan sneered. "What's the point of saying this now? Crown Prince, if you want something, just tell me directly."
The Crown Prince said, "Isn't it a bit vulgar for Emperor Yong to talk to me about this? I think I've never treated her badly before. I respect her not only because she's the queen but also because of who she is."
Yong Yaxuan frowned upon hearing this. There was an underlying meaning in the Crown Prince's words. What did he mean? Did he have feelings for her?
Yong Yaxuan said, "Isn't it inappropriate for the Crown Prince to say this in front of me?"
The Crown Prince laughed. This couple was really interesting. Both of them had reminded him that some words were inappropriate to say in front of them, but he just did it on purpose.
The Crown Prince said, "There will be a bonfire party tonight to welcome our distinguished guest. I'll bring her there."
Hearing this, Yong Yaxuan looked at the Crown Prince.