The Lord God is kneeling on the washboard again

Chapter 127 Prince Xuan Ling

Old Master Nangong was sitting at the chessboard, concentrating on his next move. When he saw the familiar figure slowly approaching, a kind smile immediately appeared on his face. He held a chess piece in his hand and gently placed it down, saying to the newcomer, "Li girl, you're here! Come help me figure out where I should make my next move." As he spoke, he raised his head and looked at Xing Xuanli with anticipation.

Xing Xuanli leaned forward slightly, her slender fingers delicately tracing the edge of the chessboard, her eyes gleaming with a clever glint. "Grandpa, placing this move here will break the opponent's predicament and simultaneously create an advantage for ourselves."

Old Master Nangong looked in the direction she pointed, his eyes instantly brightened, and he laughed, "Haha, little Li is still smart." As he said that, he placed the chess piece steadily.

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) gracefully picked up the exquisite teacup placed beside him, raised his hand slightly, brought the rim of the cup to his lips, and gently took a sip of the tea that exuded a faint fragrance. After setting the teacup down, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he turned his gaze to the old man Nangong sitting across from him, and said slowly, "Grandpa, your chess skills are really improving!"

Hearing his grandson's praise, Mr. Nangong's face immediately blossomed into an amiable smile, and he said cheerfully: "Haha, this is all thanks to Li Yatou! If she hadn't given me advice from time to time, how could I have made such progress?" As he spoke, the old man did not forget to cast a doting look at his granddaughter-in-law Xing Xuanli who was standing beside him.

Meanwhile, within the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace in the capital, Crown Prince Xuan Ling lazily reclined on a throne chair, one hand supporting his head while the other casually fiddled with a string of delicate Buddhist beads. His eyes were slightly closed, his expression indifferent, as if nothing in the world could pique his interest.

Suddenly, Xuan Ling's fingers tapped lightly on the coffee table, making a crisp sound. He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and sharp, as if he could see through everything.

"What's going on in Prince Xiao's Mansion in recent days?" Xuan Ling's voice was low and magnetic, with an unquestionable majesty.

The attendant standing nearby hurried forward and replied respectfully, "Your Highness, as far as I know, Prince Xiao's Mansion has been keeping a low profile recently, and it seems they are secretly planning something."

Xuan Ling frowned slightly upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any specific information?"

The attendant shook his head and replied, "I haven't found out the specifics yet, but according to reliable information, people from Prince Xiao's Mansion have been frequently visiting some mysterious places recently. I believe they are carrying out some important activities."

Xuan Ling nodded, his expression growing more serious. He knew full well that the power of Prince Xiao's Mansion should not be underestimated; their every move could have a significant impact on the situation in the capital.

"Continue to pay close attention to the developments in Prince Xiao's Mansion, and report any news to me immediately." Xuan Ling ordered.

The attendant took his orders and left, while Xuan Ling fell into deep thought. He was secretly calculating how to respond to the possible actions of Prince Xiao's Mansion.

Meanwhile, across the capital, within Prince Xiao's mansion, silence reigned. Prince Xiao, Xuan Xiao, dressed in a black robe, stood tall and straight, his face stern, his eyes shone with a deep and mysterious aura. He stood in his study, his back to the window, gazing out at the scenery, seemingly plotting something.

Sunlight streamed through the window onto him, outlining his tall figure. He held a brush in his hand, gently turning it as if he were pondering something important. His brow furrowed slightly, and his eyes revealed a hint of worry and uneasiness.

The atmosphere in the study was solemn, with only the occasional rustle of a brush across paper. Xuan Xiao seemed completely immersed in his own world, his surroundings irrelevant. He seemed to have a grand plan in mind, one that could change the entire situation in the capital.

After a long time, Xuan Xiao finally put down the brush in his hand and turned around. A firm look appeared on his face, as if he had made up his mind. He walked to the desk, picked up a letter, and read it carefully.

The contents of the letter seemed to satisfy him. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a smile. He placed the letter on his chest, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled. His eyes revealed a sense of confidence and determination, as if he had already seen the moment when his plan would succeed.

At this moment, sunlight streamed through the windows into the lobby of Prince Xiao's mansion. Everything inside seemed so peaceful and tranquil. However, this tranquility was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps.

The guards hurried in with their heads lowered, their faces tense and serious. One of the guards walked up to Prince Xuan Xiao, knelt on one knee, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, a guest wishes to see you."

Hearing this, Xuan Xiao raised his head slightly, a puzzled look on his face. He nodded gently and said, "Let him in."

The guards quickly retreated, and a moment later, a man in a long robe and a jade crown walked in. He had a gentle and elegant expression on his face, and his eyes revealed wisdom and depth.

A man in black and gorgeous clothes appeared in front of Xuan Xiao and said with a smile: "Your Highness Prince Xiao, long time no see"

Xuan Xiao nodded and said, "So it's the Grand Prince of Dongling. I wonder what brings you here to visit Nanyuan Kingdom suddenly."

The eldest prince of Dongling smiled and said, "Your Highness Prince Xiao is too polite. I came here today to discuss cooperation with Your Highness."

Xuan Xiao frowned slightly and said, "Oh? I wonder what kind of cooperation the eldest prince wants to discuss with me?"

Xuan Xiao sat on the armchair, his right hand resting lightly on the armrest, his left hand tapping the table lightly, his eyes looking deeply at the man in front of him, his face calm.

He said in a calm tone, "The emperor's kingdom hasn't invited envoys from other countries to Nanyuan in recent days, right? I wonder why the eldest prince suddenly appeared in Nanyuan. I'm really not afraid of knowing and punishing you as a spy.

The eldest prince of Dongling smiled and said, "As long as Your Highness Prince Xiao doesn't tell me and I don't tell anyone, no one will know that I have quietly infiltrated Nanyuan." He had a confident look on his face, as if he had a plan well-planned. He spread his hands slightly and made a helpless gesture. "Your Highness Prince Xiao, look, isn't this really that simple? Why make it so complicated? Isn't it better for everyone to just live in peace?"

At this moment, a sudden sound of steady footsteps could be heard outside the previously quiet hall. Immediately afterwards, the chief officer of the Imperial Guards strode in, his figure as straight as a pine tree, his eyes as sharp as a sword.

The commander bowed respectfully towards the Grand Prince of Dongling and Xuan Xiao, saying, "Grand Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Xiao, His Majesty invites you."

Upon hearing this, the smile on the eldest prince's face faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his calm and confident demeanor. He nodded slightly and said, "Oh, I see."

Xuan Xiao frowned slightly, a hint of doubt welling up in his heart. He looked at the eldest prince of Dongling, then at the chief general. After a moment of silence, he said, "Since my father has invited me, let's go together."

After saying this, Xuan Xiao stood up first and walked out of the hall. Not to be outdone, the eldest prince of Dongling straightened his robes and followed Xuan Xiao.

The chief of the Royal Guards walked at the back, observing his surroundings vigilantly to make sure there was nothing unusual.

Outside the lobby, sunlight streamed into the courtyard, and everything seemed tranquil and peaceful. However, Xuan Xiao and the Crown Prince of Dongling were filled with mixed emotions. They didn't know why Emperor Nanyuan had suddenly summoned them, nor did they know what the outcome of this summons would be.

Xuan Xiao walked, musing to himself. He felt that the sudden visit from the Crown Prince of Dongling was definitely not simple, and the summons from Emperor Nanyuan made things even more confusing. He decided to remain calm during this summons, observing Emperor Nanyuan's attitude before making any plans.

The eldest prince of Dongling was mentally mulling over how to respond to this summons. He knew his identity and purpose; if Emperor Nanyuan discovered them, it would be troublesome. He had to find a way to dispel Emperor Nanyuan's doubts and win his support.

After a while, Xuan Xiao and the eldest prince of Dongling arrived at the Nanyuan Emperor's bedroom. They bowed respectfully and said, "Your sons pay their respects to your father."

Emperor Nanyuan sat on the dragon throne, gazing at them with a dignified gaze. He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Prince Xiao, Crown Prince Dongling, do you know why I summoned you?"