413 Scout

Within less than a few days, news that Pure Sea had gone missing and was suspected of having been murdered by the eldest heir spread everywhere as though it had grown wings.

By the time the news had spread throughout Yanlong Kingdom, it was gradually reaching various overseas lands as well. At the very least, people in the distant Divine Wind Kingdom and Fuyu Kingdom had also heard the rumors.

Most who heard the rumor had no thoughts beyond sighing in lament and marveling at the fierce backroom intrigues of Yanlong Kingdom's royal family.

As for the citizens of Yanlong Kingdom, they generally did not believe such claims. They held the eldest heir in extremely high regard and naturally did not think he would murder Pure Sea. His Highness the Heir was gentle and benevolent, and highly popular among the common folk. Pure Sea, on the other hand, had risen through his mother's favor and had a poor reputation in ordinary times. The people of Yanlong Kingdom held little fondness for him.

"What utter nonsense. Why would the heir kill Pure Sea?"

"If you ask me, this must be Lady Zhao'ai stirring up trouble again..."

"Exactly. I heard Lady Zhao'ai had been clamoring to replace the heir before this. Who knows what mischief she has cooked up now? In any case, whether Pure Sea is dead or alive is still uncertain. I'd say there's more to this than meets the eye."

Yanlong Kingdom had enjoyed peace on river and sea for many years, with few major incidents. Neither the court nor the common people held much taboo toward discussing political affairs. Moreover, with numerous seafarers and maritime merchants traveling north and south, people often discussed recent events in the royal family within the teahouses and taverns of the royal capital.