Chapter 167 Trapped

Chapter 167: Falling into the Trap

Prince Jing looked at his only son and felt his head ache even more, retorting in a displeased tone.

"That marquis's legitimate daughter comes from a prominent family, talented and beautiful, and of virtuous character—how is she unworthy of you? Just tell me, what exactly do you dislike about her?"

Zhou Yinyun heard this and actually gave it serious thought for a moment.

Then he turned to Prince Jing and said slowly, emphasizing each word, "She is not Caicai—"

Prince Jing: "..."

He nearly choked! He felt his temples throbbing violently, and his voice involuntarily grew louder.

"Caicai! Caicai! Can't you have any other interest besides going on about Caicai all day long?

You've been pining for so long, yet I haven't seen you bring the girl home for me to meet!"

Zhou Yinyun, annoyed by his nagging, scratched his head in frustration.

"I want to bring her back too! It's just that... I haven't found her yet!"

Prince Jing looked at his son, who wouldn't listen to reason, and grew even more furious.

"What if you never find her? Are you going to stay a bachelor for life? And let the Prince Jing Mansion have no heir?"

Zhou Yinyun immediately stuck out his chin and shot back, "Father, you've been single all along too! If you're not in a hurry, why should I be!"

"You!" Prince Jing, struck a nerve, darkened his face and sneered,

He went all out in his retort.

"Ha! I at least have an heir! Someone will carry my coffin and give me a grand burial!

And you? Wait until one day you drop dead, get wrapped in a straw mat, and be thrown into a paupers' grave to feed the wild dogs!"

Zhou Yinyun, provoked by his own father like this, didn't back down and made a reckless threat.

"If you keep pushing me like this, I'll burn incense tonight and go tell Mother!"

The word "Mother" made Prince Jing swallow the venomous words he was about to say.

He picked up his tea and took a big gulp, deciding not to say another word to this rebellious son.

Just then, the music in the hall ended, and the dancers and musicians quietly withdrew.

The chief eunuch of the Ceremonial Directorate standing nearby cleared his throat at the right moment:

"The auspicious hour has arrived—please, honored guests, proceed to the Moon-Gazing Terrace to admire the bright moon together!"

Everyone in the hall rose, adjusted their robes, and followed Zhou Mingqi to the Moon-Gazing Terrace.

Prince Jing gave a heavy snort, shook his sleeves, and stood up, refusing to look at his still-single son anymore.

Zhou Yinyun also breathed a sigh of relief and stood up, his gaze involuntarily drifting back to Cheng Ge's still-empty seat.

Where on earth is Caicai...

The Mid-Autumn Festival should be a time for family reunion, yet she, a delicate woman, is out there on her own, without family or friends, and must be struggling.

He wondered if she was being picked on. Did she have warm clothes now that it's getting cold? Did she have enough to eat?

At this thought, his heart sank again. He lifted his feet and followed the crowd toward the Moon-Gazing Terrace.

…

As soon as Zhou Zhan stepped out of the hall, the eunuch who had given him the Peachwood Talisman was already waiting in the shadows by the door, head bowed.

Seeing Zhou Zhan emerge, the eunuch immediately stepped forward, his voice low and urgent, guiding him.

"Your Highness, this way! Lord Cheng is waiting in the western side hall. Follow me!"

With that, he turned and led the way, his steps quick and silent, swiftly disappearing into the deep night and the shadows of the palace corridors outside.

The guide's steps were nearly flying, and Zhou Zhan followed closely without a word.

His face was as dark as a storm cloud, each step fueling his anxiety.

Zhou Zhan gripped the talisman that seemed about to burn into his palm, his heart pounding as if to shatter his ribs.

The deep palace was thick with night shadows, and a cloyingly sweet and sickeningly strange fragrance drifted like a guiding ghost, growing stronger and stronger.

Finally, they stopped before the door of a secluded palace chamber.

Two unusually tall, burly eunuchs stood guard, silent in the shadows.

When Zhou Zhan's figure appeared at the end of the corridor, the two eunuchs exchanged a quick, subtle glance.

One swiftly turned and pulled out a large copper key from his belt.

He deftly inserted the key into the lock, and with a click, it opened.

The other eunuch silently reached out, removed the heavy lock, and quickly tucked it into his wide sleeve.

Zhou Zhan didn't stop, almost rushing to the door. Just as he was about to ask the guards what was going on,

Unexpectedly, from inside came a woman's moan, muffled and broken, as if in unbearable torment!

The voice was bewitchingly alluring, husky with passion and an unspeakable desire.

Ringing out in the silent night, it made anyone blush and their heart pound!

Then came several heavy grunts, as if someone was barely holding back!

Immediately after, a voice that made Zhou Zhan's blood run cold rang out.

"Princess… don't move… just a little longer… it'll be okay…"

That was Cheng Ge's voice! With obvious panting and a kind of coaxing, husky tone!

Boom—!!!

Zhou Zhan's mind went completely blank. A deep-rooted fear and helplessness suddenly overwhelmed him.

And all the worry and fear turned at that moment into an all-consuming rage!

Cheng Muyu!!! I came rushing over in a panic, and you're here fooling around with someone!

"Damn it!!!" Zhou Zhan hissed the words through clenched teeth, his voice distorted with fury!

All reason was consumed by those sounds of lust! He suddenly lifted his foot and kicked the door with all his might!

"Cheng Ge: Since the little dark room is pretty cold, the author wrote a little something on Weibo. You guys can check it out... get it?"