Wolf King And His Fox Consort [BL]

Chapter 254: The Wolf takes the stage

It took a long time for any single voice to be heard over the cacophony of the riders, but in the end it was again Hui Liang who drove his horse right up to the stage and pulled it up a hairsbreadth away from a collision.

"If it was the Crown Prince of Su that told of our arrival I demand to see him," he bellowed, spittle flying out of his mouth, the dark moustache over his thin upper lip trembleing in fury.

"Naturally," Xiao Zai said, and then turned to nod meaningfully to a group of guards on the stage, who left at once, their steps purposeful.

Chu Yun walked away from Xiao Zai then and went around to the table where the Queen Consort and Third Princess were sitting in utter confusion.

"Everything will make sense soon," he told them with a pleasant smile.

He wasn't sure they were going to appreciate it -- but that wasn't his problem.

For now his words served to keep both of them in their seats, and lend credibility to Xiao Zai's words.

A few tense minutes passed, where no one spoke while the musicians and dancers resumed entertaining the crowd despite the tension choking the air.

If it wasn't for the shooting pains in his abdomen Chu Yun would be very amused by all of it.

Finally, the guards came back with Ru Long. He walked among the palace guards without being restrained, but the hatred in his dark gaze was palpable. However, there wasn't a single bruise on him, he was wearing fine robes, and his hair had been meticulously pinned in place. No one could say he looked like anything but an esteemed guest.

Soon, the hatred in Hui Liang's dark gaze matched the hatred in Ru Long's.

"It seems we were lured here under false pretences," he spit out the words through gritted teeth, glaring up at Ru Long.

"You fools, they're tricking you," Ru Long hissed, pointing an accusing finger in Xiao Zai's direction.

Xiao Zai nodded solemnly, hands clasped behind his back. The sun hit the glittering brocade over his robes and made him shimmer under the warm light. Chu Yun remained a few steps back, confident that Xiao Zai knew just what to say.

"It's true, you have been tricked," he said, looking into Hui Liang's eyes. "As have we."

He stalked towards Ru Long like a wolf who knew he'd caught his prey. He smiled when their eyes met.

"The Crown Prince of Su was trying to pit several prominent clans and noble families against me, and in doing so destabilise Zui." He looked away from Ru Long and towards Hui Liang with a smile. "To his own benefit, and no one else's."

From his periphery, Chu Yun saw the Queen Consort's fingers shake on her tea cup. The Third Princess' rapid breathing was making her veil flutter noticeably. Both of them were looking fixedly in Ru Long's direction.

"Of course his Majesty would say that." Ru Long shook his shoulders with an easy grace, affecting a clam he didn't feel. His lips were pursed tight, and his right hand was clenched into a fist. Primed for violence.

All Xiao Zai had to do was continue to conduct himself calmly.

The people of Haolin were riveted by the spectacle. Chu Yun had no doubt that watching state business involving national nobles as well as neighbouring royalty was more entertainment to them than any teahouse play.

"Actually, what would benefit me, and the people of all our nations would be peace in all our lands." He turned back to smile towards Lieba Chun. "Wouldn't the Wise Prince agree?"

Lieba Chun rose from his seat with a wine cup in hand. "Not only do I agree, I would drink to it and to his Majesty's health."

He downed the contents of the cup and sat back down with a careless sprawl, as if he was enjoying an intimate gathering between friends and not a tense standoff.

No sooner had Lieba Chun started pouring wine for Chu Hean than several Xiongnu joined the crowds of Zui onlookers below the stage. They were easily identifiable by their colourful dress and preference for pants over skirts.

It made it immediately obvious just how many of them there were.

And after Lieba Chun's cheerful toast -- whose side they were on.

The square was now almost boiling with people, all of them simmering with expectation. The sun beat down on the crowd, making curious faces shine with sweat, and the glimmering scales on the rider's armour ripple like water.

Ru Long's gaze was filled with malice, and once or twice he chanced a look behind him at where Chu Hean sat with Lieba Chun.

It must be maddening, to see how everything he'd hoped would bring him an advantage was now turning against him.

Hui Liang looked equally discomfited, he had thought he would storm into Haolin like a victorious General returning from war -- but now he had been reduced to the role of the inconvenient guest who interrupts a wedding ceremony in the middle and doesn't even know whose wedding it is.

His face was red with vexation. "Well, we seek answers," he bellowed, turning his horse to face the riders behind him. "The late King died in his cell without a trial, the circumstances of his death are murky, and His Majesty dissolved the harem and imprisoned several ministers under equally unclear charges!"

That got him a chorus of cheers, the confidence of the riders momentarily restored now that they had been reminded that there was more behind their long journey than Ru Long's traitorous promises.

Xiao Zai waited for the cheers to die down with an indulgent smile.

"No, in fact, those charges are very clear, and they trace back to the Crown Prince of Su, and the attempt on my life he orchestrated."

He paced the length of the stage but came to a stop once again in front of Ru Long.

"Using the same method as he used to render his father, the King of Su, comatose for so long."