I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!-Chapter 388 - 302: Down on Luck

Four days later, Xie Yun went to the Second Prince’s Mansion to give Rong Qijun a lesson, as usual.

Song Zhi also arrived as promised, but not to attend Rong Qijun’s banquet; he agreed to give him some guidance in martial arts.

The faint sound of reading came from the inner hall, and Song Zhi sat silently in the backyard of the Second Prince’s Mansion.

While waiting for Xie Yun to finish the lesson, he looked up at the drifting white clouds, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility.

Unknowingly, the sky had darkened.

Song Zhi wasn’t in a hurry, but he was a bit surprised that Rong Qijun would attempt to win him over.

Currently, the Crown Prince Faction and the Second Prince’s Faction were openly and secretly clashing in court, yet no one dared to lay a hand on him. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

The principle of the imperial guard is to always be just a blade in the Emperor’s hand, to be wielded at his command.

No matter which prince ascends the throne, it doesn’t concern the imperial guard. Likewise, the guard will only be loyal to the victor.

However... he was different.

Song Zhi sat on a stone chair, a blade of grass between his lips, his deep, sharp phoenix eyes slightly narrowed.

Beside him on the stone table was a treasure sword adorned with gold and tiger eye stones on the scabbard. Its hilt, inlaid with a golden gem, emitted a brilliant golden light in the dim twilight.

Such a sword, at first glance, appeared flashy and impractical, a stark contrast to his status and demeanor, yet he cherished it like his life depended on it.

Because this sword was a reward from Rong Jing when he ascended the throne.

A warrior dies for the one who knows him. From the moment Rong Jing bought him, a young beggar, off the streets of the Capital City for just three liang of patterned silver, he swore undying loyalty to him.

His life was given by Rong Jing. He was solitary, with nothing to offer but his all to Rong Jing.

This is what makes him different from the previous commanders of the imperial guard. Others were loyal to the Imperial Family and the Emperor, whereas he only cared about Rong Jing’s wishes.

In other words, the reason Song Zhi agreed to come to the Second Prince’s Mansion today wasn’t because he feared his status, or sought to take sides for personal gain, or admired him. It was because the Second Prince was Rong Jing’s son, and Rong Jing had already told him he planned to depose the Crown Prince and establish the Second Prince.

Thus, the Second Prince was the Crown Prince-to-be, prompting him to offer guidance in martial arts to the future emperor.

Song Zhi looked up, and in the dim sky, a pair of enchanting and profound eyes seemed to appear, their peony-like hue causing a tremor within him and compelling him to close his eyes.

Upon reopening, a hint of gentle warmth flickered in his deep, dark phoenix eyes.

He was indifferent to the thoughts of others; all he wished was... to ensure Rong Jing’s safety. This was his only obsession.

A leaf fell, and Song Zhi caught it in his open palm, carefully examining the slightly yellowed veins on the leaf. One fallen leaf heralds autumn; summer was almost over.

At this moment, the sound of footsteps approached from afar. Song Zhi frowned slightly but remained still.

"Cough, cough."

Xie Yun, dressed in white, with ink-black hair tied in a blue crown, had a handsome appearance, as if stepping out of an ink painting of an immortal. Surprised to see Song Zhi, he raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded gently: "I didn’t expect Commander Song to be here."

Song Zhi caught sight of Rong Qijun behind Xie Yun. Instantly, his previously relaxed demeanor vanished, his expression sharpening as he resumed the cold, unyielding look of the imperial guard commander.

"Greetings, Lord Xie, Second Prince."

He stood up, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture toward the two, his voice as icy as ever.

Rong Qijun was long accustomed to Song Zhi’s demeanor and took no offense.

This man retained his icy facade around everyone, be it the Prime Minister or a prince, except for his father.

He saw no point in arguing with him, planning that once he took the throne himself... the first thing would be to get rid of Song Zhi, and appoint someone else as the imperial guard commander.

Xie Yun frowned slightly, though for some reason, he keenly sensed Song Zhi’s tone was a bit softer when greeting him.

How could that be! Xie Yun quickly dismissed the thought from his mind.

It must have been the absurd discussions he’d had recently with Gu Lan and the others, almost making him suspect Song Zhi was a Xie Family illegitimate child, leading to such a bizarre misperception.

Rong Qijun pointed to a chair in the distance and said:

"Jingqi, just sit beside me. I really can’t memorize this book. Let me practice some swordplay with Commander Song to clear my head, then we’ll have dinner together, and I’ll resume my studies with you."

Xie Yun curled his lips, too indifferent to expose him.

He felt a flicker of irritation in his eyes. Rong Qijun was becoming arrogant lately; although not particularly close, he casually addressed him as "Jingqi," seemingly viewing the Crown Prince position as already his.