She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 439 Concealing Identity

A tall figure emerged from the alley, dressed in an ivory-colored Taoist robe, exuding an air of nobility with every gesture. His exceptionally handsome face revealed a gentle expression, making him appear very approachable.

The moment the man appeared, he instantly attracted everyone's attention.

The beggar was itching to act.

Suddenly, the henchmen hidden in the shadows stood guard beside the man.

Seeing the agile and valiant attendants, the crowd immediately lost their nerve and watched helplessly as the man entered the teahouse next door.

Jiang Mu naturally noticed it too, and said in surprise, "Prince Yu?" He asked in confusion, "Didn't Prince Yu return to the Great Zhou to welcome his bride?"

“Yongqing County is the only way back to the Great Zhou.” Zhao Yi looked at the teahouse and said in a low voice, “Now that Yongqing County is in turmoil, it is probably because the way has been blocked.”

Apart from that, there was no other reason for Prince Yu to remain in Yongqing County.

Jiang Mu felt uneasy, for in Prince Yu's heart, self-interest was paramount.

When the master was in the Great Zhou Dynasty, he posed a threat to Prince Yu, and Prince Yu secretly attacked the master.

Now that the master has come to Northern Qi, there is no competition between him and Prince Yu. In order to prevent the master from returning to Great Zhou, Prince Yu is secretly helping the master consolidate his position in Northern Qi.

Now that Prince Yu has married Princess Guangning and returned to the Great Zhou, he is staying in Yongqing County, which is a potential problem.

If Prince Yu were to have any wicked thoughts, it would be extremely detrimental to his master.

Jiang Mu cautiously asked, "Should we send someone to keep an eye on Prince Yu?"

“There’s no need to be wary of Prince Yu.” Zhao Yi explained to Jiang Mu, who looked completely bewildered, “My staying in Northern Qi will not only pose no threat to Prince Yu, but will also bring him no harm. If I successfully ascend the throne, Northern Qi and Great Zhou will become friendly.”

Before Jiang Mu could say anything more, a scream echoed through the silent street.

"Help--"

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw soldiers forcibly dragging the beggar away.

Crying filled the air, and the scene descended into chaos.

Jiang Mu gripped the scabbard in his hand, preparing to step forward.

"Jiang Mu." Zhao Yi saw the soldiers snatch the rough bowl from the beggar's hand, smash it on the ground with a "crack," and drag the beggar away. Shards of the bowl pierced the beggar's soles, leaving bloody marks with every step. He tightened his grip on his fingers and said in a low voice, "Drive the carriage."

Jiang Mu snapped out of his daze, realizing he had almost ruined everything, and immediately shuddered. He looked at the wailing beggar, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, took a few deep breaths, and forced down the anger rising in his chest before finally getting into the carriage and starting the journey.

The coachman, who had gone to inquire about the situation, trotted over, climbed onto the carriage shaft, and while driving alongside Jiang Mu, reported back: "Master, I asked several rice shops, and the grain is selling for a uniform price of fifteen copper coins per pound."

Zhao Yi understood the situation and looked at the rice shop again. All the beggars had been taken away, leaving only a mess.

The coachman stammered, "I also heard some news that the government sent people to arrest the beggar because you were coming to Yongqing County."

Zhao Yi frowned and raised his hand to tap the carriage wall twice.

Upon receiving the signal, Jiang Mu immediately reined in his horse, jumped off the carriage, and followed the soldiers.

-

Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of the teahouse, Prince Yu stood by the window, watching Jiang Mu lurking in the shadows as he left with the soldiers.

As he looked away and prepared to lower the window, he noticed that Zhao Yi's carriage had stopped again in front of the teahouse.

Prince Yu looked over and met Zhao Yi's cold and aloof eyes.

With just a glance, Prince Yu lowered the window.

The confidant asked, "Your Highness, won't staying in Yongqing County interfere with important matters?"

When they passed through Yongqing County, they heard of the uprising there, so His Highness decided to stay and postpone his return to the Great Zhou.

Prince Yu said calmly, "I know what I'm doing."

He recalled that in the past two days, the number of soldiers at the city gate had increased and the searches had become more rigorous, leading him to guess that the prefect was wary of Zhao Yi. But now Zhao Yi had entered the city without disturbing the prefect, seemingly having concealed his identity.

Zhao Yi is now concerned about the beggar who was taken away by the soldiers, but he is temporarily powerless to do anything about it.

Prince Yu seemed to be thinking of something, and with a slight smile, he instructed his trusted aides to carry it out.

Upon hearing this, the confidant looked at Prince Yu in astonishment, but dared not raise any objections and could only proceed with the task.