is word is law. And how he looks at you, anyone could see that he’s fond of you like nothing else. Whenever others mention you, his eyes are warm with affection. Tsk tsk! Truly, when people compare th...Chapter 42: Calamity of the World

Looking at that wooden sword, Yun Qianyue was momentarily at a loss for words.

Nan Lingrui had given this wooden sword to Ye Qingnuan with a certain mindset. But later on, why hadn’t Ye Qingnuan appeared in Nancheng after returning to the capital five years ago She thought that Ye Qingnuan might have returned to the capital for political marriage purposes but didn't expect them to have such a history.

"Senior Sister Yun, what's wrong" Seeing Yun Qianyue staring blankly at the wooden sword, Ye Qingnuan asked cautiously.

“Is this the only wooden sword” Yun Qianyue focused and asked.

Nodding her head, Ye Qingnuan played with the wooden sword and softly said, “There are two. He has another one in his hands. They form a pair of wooden swords.”

Yun Qianyue looked at her, "Prince Yi is a libertine who isn't an ideal match."

"She doesn’t act like a libertine; that's just his facade," Ye Qingnuan shook her head and earnestly said, “Senior Sister Yun, he’s not such a person. His libertine personality is a disguise. There must be some unavoidable reasons for him as the crown prince.”

Suddenly, Yun Qianyue laughed. They were at the corner of a street; she stepped back and leaned against the wall of an adjacent courtyard to say to Ye Qingnuan, "Qingnuan, have you ever considered what kind of political relationship necessitates a marriage alliance"

Ye Qingnuan lowered her head and didn’t speak.

"Previously, the Heavenly Saint Kingdom and the Southern Liang Kingdom did not require marriage alliances. The Southern Liang Kingdom only needed to pay tribute to the Heavenly Saint Kingdom with gold and silver or beautiful women. But now that a marriage alliance has been established, do you understand why" Yun Qianyue asked.

Ye Qingnuan nodded, "The Southern Liang Kingdom is becoming more powerful and wants to break away from the control of the Heavenly Saint Kingdom."

"It's not that they want to break away but have already done so. At present, natural disasters are rampant in the Heavenly Saint Kingdom, necessitating a marriage alliance to maintain its relationship with the Southern Liang Kingdom without breaking apart. The Southern Liang Kingdom has suffered heavily due to the flood at Fenghuang Pass and with Prince Yi ascending to the throne, it does not wish for any conflict with the Heavenly Saint Kingdom temporarily. Thus, both sides need a tie to preserve this balance. However, this is merely temporary and won't last long. Once the Heavenly Saint Kingdom and the Southern Liang Kingdom have recuperated, if the Southern Liang Kingdom declares itself an independent kingdom, the Heavenly Saint Kingdom will oppose it with military force, leading to war. At that time, as a result of this marriage alliance, what will become of you Have you considered" Yun Qianyue's voice was calm, "Perhaps this period may only last half a year until next spring, or even longer; but I guarantee it won’t exceed three years."

Ye Qingnuan's complexion paled as she spoke in a low tone, “Senior Sister Yun, though I am not smart, neither am I foolish. What you’ve said, I understand.” Then, softly, she continued, "But loving someone is beyond one’s control. If I could forget, I would have done so long ago over the past five years. Because of my inability to forget, it makes me wish for the impossible."

Yun Qianyue didn’t speak further; if her heart understood everything, what else was there left to say

"I am well aware that I am from the Ye family and a princess of the Prince of Virtue's Manor. The loyalty of the Prince of Virtue’s Manor to the imperial house and our blood ties cannot be altered even if it means death. Since returning to the capital these days, I have repeatedly wished that my last name was not Ye," murmured Ye Qingnuan. "I love Father, Mother, Brother, as well as Seventh Brother, you, Jing Brother, every single one of you. I want all of you to be happy and live in harmony like when we were in Nancheng. But since returning home these days, I have sensed the suppression and dissatisfaction from Seventh Brother, brother’s pain and helplessness, Father's white hair and sighs, mother’s worries over my marriage," she said.

Yun Qianyue silently watched Ye Qingnuan; on her young face was an anxiety and a conflict that did not match her age. This was vastly different from the cheerful smile she usually presented to others. She still liked the Ye Qingnuan who made people feel sunny, but returning to the capital had clearly upset her greatly.

"That day when Brother Jing fought with my brother for you in the Golden Hall and destroyed the dragon throne in front of all officials and Seventh Brother, I realized that your relationship had reached such a deadlock." Ye Qingnuan raised her head to look at Yun Qianyue; her usually bright eyes were dim. "Senior Sister Yun, can everyone not be happy"

"I fear it is impossible," replied Yun Qianyue.

“After I returned and you avoided me and didn’t want to have much to do with me, no longer calling me 'Little Daiyu' as in the past, was it because Brother Jing and Seventh Brother would eventually fight Back then, you must have stood by Brother Jing’s side. Right” Ye Qingnuan asked softly.

Yun Qianyue nodded. "Right!"

Ye Qingnuan lowered her head, “I knew it; even Brother Jing doesn’t want me to spend more time with you in case I soften your heart or something. If not for today’s funeral of my fourth sister-in-law, I wouldn’t have seen you and couldn’t speak to you properly!”

Yun Qianyue silently acknowledged.

"Since understanding the situation in the capital after returning home, I haven't felt good. I want to talk about it but realized these things can only be discussed with you," Ye Qingnuan continued, "My brother disagrees with Father bringing me back and had a few arguments with him; when he found out that it was my own decision to return, he has not been kind towards me ever since. He cares for me deeply, but doesn't know of this person I like. I have liked Nan Lingrui for five years now without forgetting."

Yun Qianyue wondered if her brother still remembered such a young girl who had feelings for him. This girl didn’t realize that the person she was speaking to was his sister and firmly said he wasn't a libertine. Could even Lan Yi or Luo Yao say something like this Her heart suddenly felt warm as she reached out to pat Ye Qingnuan’s head.

"Senior Sister Yun, you are only one year older than me; when we were little, you used to affectionately pat my head whenever you saw me," pouted Ye Qingnuan.

"Because you look like a little rabbit with your long ears. I can't resist wanting to touch them," Cloud Qianyue said with a smile.

Night Qingnuan hit her hand away, displeased and said, "You tease me just like Brother Jing does. I don’t resemble a little rabbit at all."

Cloud Qianyue smiled lightly.

"Sister Cloud, do you think… has he forgotten about me And this wooden sword" Night Qingnuan stroked the wooden sword softly and asked, "Even if he agrees to our marriage, even if I marry him as his wife in South Liang, will he cherish me"

"This wooden sword isn’t worth much, but he would give it to someone only if he cherished them at that time," Cloud Qianyue was unsure what Southern Lingrui’s thoughts were and had never heard her brother mention Night Qingnuan. But she knew this wooden sword wouldn't be forgotten by him. Why did he give the wooden sword to Night Qingnuan back then She didn’t know, nor could she guarantee anything.

Night Qingnuan’s eyes brightened upon hearing this, but immediately dimmed again, "But the princess of Donghai is extremely beautiful and also a princess. If there were an alliance between Donghai and South Liang, since Donghai is wealthy and powerful, he wouldn’t have any reason to agree with Tian Sheng's proposed alliance. Whether or not he will agree to my marriage to him isn't certain."

Cloud Qianyue nodded; Luo Yao indeed was a good match for Southern Lingrui. Her father and mother both liked her, she was nearly perfect in every aspect, had high standards for herself, was familiar with the workings of politics, and knew military strategies. If she could marry his brother, it would be the greatest benefit to him. But matters of love weren't something that others could decide.

"Sister Cloud, do you think I shouldn’t have agreed to come back at Father’s request" Night Qingnuan asked softly.

Cloud Qianyue looked at her; whether or not it was the right decision, asking her wouldn't help.

"To him, he may have forgotten about me. But I don’t want to just give up like this. If I were to stay in Warm City, maybe I would only hear of his wedding to someone else from teahouses or bookstores' announcements. Just like a few months ago when he was to marry the head of the Lan family, Lan Yi. At that time, my heart hurt so much; even after drinking two vats of Qinggui wine and being unable to sleep, I only became more awake." Night Qingnuan said softly: "Sister Cloud, I don’t want to miss this opportunity. Whether or not there is a possibility between us, whether the countries will fight in the future, I am just a woman."

"That’s right, you’re just a woman. The world's conflicts are men’s affairs. Don’t think too much about it." Cloud Qianyue stretched out her arms to hug her and said warmly: "Since you’ve made your decision and can’t let him go, then try. People need to live for themselves. Some people give up a lot but gain wealth, power, status, and fame; those are all superficial things. Emotions are the truest thing. If it works out well, hold onto happiness tightly. If not, forget about him."

Night Qingnuan smiled and hugged Cloud Qianyue back, "Sister Cloud, I knew you would understand my feelings if I talked to you."

Cloud Qianyue smiled, "Did you tell anyone that you like Southern Lingrui"

Night Qingnuan shook her head, "No."

"Then don’t tell them. Otherwise, this opportunity might not be there for you," Cloud Qianyue said softly.

Night Qingnuan nodded.

"Let’s go back to the manor! We’ve been out here all morning and evening in the cold wind, your face is turning purple from the cold. If you catch a chill, that wouldn’t be good. I’ll tell you if my father sends any news about his agreement," Cloud Qianyue said warmly.

Night Qingnuan happily nodded and waved at Cloud Qianyue, carefully putting away the wooden sword as she walked back to the manor.

Cloud Qianyue watched Night Qingnuan’s petite figure that looked like a cloud. She was light on her feet just like when she went to the plum orchard in Northern Mountain, hopping about like a little rabbit, clearly in good spirits. Probably because of what Cloud Qianyue had said There was something rare and genuine about her; under such circumstances, this genuineness was hard to come by. She turned around and continued walking forward.

Passing through the Ink Treasures Pavilion, a familiar voice came from inside, "Miss Shanyue!"

Cloud Qianyue turned her head towards the Ink Treasures Pavilion and saw Shen Zhao standing at the entrance looking at her. The person who had just called out to her was indeed him. There was a slight surprise in her heart as he clearly disliked her back then, but since she stayed at Rong王府, every day when she would meet him while coming out with Yong Jing for morning reading, he only showed respect to Yong Jing and never spoke to her. She didn’t expect that he would actually call out to her today. With a gentle pace, she walked over to him and said warmly: "It’s you, Mr. Shen Are you here to see the ink treasures"

Shen Zhao nodded, “Prince Jing told me to come here if I need something; I’m here to pick up a pen.”

"Have you chosen one yet" Cloud Qianyue looked inside and noticed that there were many people in the Ink Treasures Pavilion today. Everyone was looking at her from the entrance.

Shen Zhao shook his head softly, "They are all too precious."

Cloud Qianyue thought to herself that items from the Ink Treasures Pavilion naturally would be expensive; Yong Jing never bought cheap goods.

"Miss Shanyue, I am new in the capital. Since Feng Gongzi sent me to Rong王府 after meeting me, except for being pulled by Young Master Cang to Northern Mountain’s plum orchard that time, this is my first time stepping out of Rong王府. I’m not familiar with this place; can you help me find another place where I could buy a pen" Shen Zhao asked tentatively.

Yun Qianyue thought this must be the reason he stopped her. She smiled and said, "There's no need to go elsewhere; since he asked you to choose here, just pick something from here."

Ming Zhao frowned, shook his head, and said, "I've been staying at Rong王府 these days, already troubling Prince Shizhi too much. The calligraphy and paintings inside are far too precious now."

Yun Qianyue looked at him. Ming Zhao was indeed down-to-earth; he grew up in the mountains and relied on selling firewood for money. It was only a few coins, but now everything here costs hundreds of taels. He likely felt uneasy about it. She smiled reassuringly, "Rong Jing doesn't treat everyone like this. The fact that he asked you to come means you deserve such treatment."

Ming Zhao looked at her.

Yun Qianyue continued, "Don't you think the knowledge in your belly is worth even a single brush here"

The caution and discomfort on Ming Zhao's face instantly disappeared as he shook his head.

"If you feel it's worth it, then it surely is. Come on, let's go inside for me to help you choose." Yun Qianyue took a step towards the Calligraphy and Painting Shop.

Ming Zhao no longer hesitated but followed her in.

When the people of the Calligraphy and Painting Shop saw Yun Qianyue enter, they automatically made way for her. The shopkeeper immediately responded respectfully, "Miss Qianyue!"

Yun Qianyue smiled as she nodded, "I'm here to help Mister Ming choose a set of scholar's objects."

The shopkeeper hurriedly said, "Manager Rong Xi mentioned this morning when he went past Fourth Prince’s Mansion. I have already picked out something for him." As he spoke, he walked up to the counter and pushed a set of calligraphy and paintings towards Yun Qianyue, "Would you like to see this set"

Yun Qianyue opened the brocade box; inside was a modest but exquisite set. Clearly, it had been chosen according to Ming Zhao's tastes. Knowing that too expensive items would not be accepted by him, she selected something moderate for him. She nodded in approval and turned around to ask Ming Zhao, "I think this is quite good, what do you say"

Ming Zhao’s expression relaxed as he nodded back, “It looks fine to me.”

"Then let's go with this set!" Yun Qianyue closed the brocade box and turned around to hand it to Ming Zhao before walking towards the exit.

The shopkeeper hurriedly saw them off respectfully, "Miss Qianyue, please take your time! Mister Ming, please take your time too!"

Yun Qianyue waved her hand and walked out of the Calligraphy and Painting Shop, with Ming Zhao following behind. She turned to ask him, “Are you heading back to Rong王府 or would you like to go somewhere else for a while”

Ming Zhao looked at her as he held the brocade box and said, "Let's return to Rong王府."

Yun Qianyue understood that Ming Zhao was meticulous; he must have noticed she had been out in the cold for a day. She shook her head, “I’m not feeling the cold as I have inner strength protecting me. Since this is your first time outside, let’s take a walk around town. You need to be familiar with it since you will be living here.”

Ming Zhao shook his head and said, "It's fine if I come out another day."

"Let's go! With the sun shining today, it's not too cold." Yun Qianyue led the way.

Seeing her determination, Ming Zhao no longer spoke; he clearly wanted to learn more as well.

Yun Qianyue knew every street and alley of Heavenly Capital City with her eyes closed. She walked through the streets and lanes with Ming Zhao but had a purpose in mind. The four main streets of Heavenly Capital City led to the east, west, north, and south gates respectively; two major alleys were also very famous. After walking along these main roads, one could get an idea of Heavenly Capital City. She introduced him casually while they walked, speaking little but providing essential information. Through her casual conversation, she gave Ming Zhao a deeper understanding of the complex political landscape within the city. For instance, she mentioned who owned which shop and who lived in which mansion, as well as relationships and personalities among officials and their conduct styles. Besides acquainting him with Heavenly Capital City's streets and shops, she also introduced him to various officials.

After about an hour, Yun Qianyue stopped walking and smiled, "We can return to the manor now!"

Ming Zhao felt deeply benefited from her guidance; admiration shone in his eyes as he nodded.

Yun Qianyue and Ming Zhao headed towards Rong王府.

"Isn't that Miss Qianyue What’s she doing with Mister Ming" Cang Ting came out of a tavern, smiling at the two of them.

Yun Qianyue didn't respond. She ignored Cang Ting and continued walking forward.

Shen Zhao stopped his steps and said to Cang Ting, "I came out here to select calligraphy pieces and paintings. I happened to run into Miss Qianyue, so she kindly helped me pick a set of them. Then she showed me around the capital city."

"Miss Qianyue is such an enthusiastic helper" Cang Ting looked at Yun Qianyue with his fan blocking her path and said, "When I first came to the capital city, we were still old acquaintances, but Miss Qianyue wasn't as warm towards me."

Yun Qianyue glanced at him nonchalantly. "If you had been residing in the Prince of Honor王府 instead of the Regent's王府, perhaps I would have been this enthusiastic."

"Miss Qianyue truly thinks about Young Master Jing everywhere! To say that she is buying people over for Young Master Jing so straightforwardly, don't you think it's a shame to disregard your decade-long friendship with the Regent" Cang Ting said with a faint smile.

"This year, young master Cang also plans on taking part in the imperial examinations, doesn’t he" Yun Qianyue abruptly changed the topic.

Cang Ting's eyes twinkled slightly. "Of course!"

“It’s already close to the imperial examination now, if I may say so, young master Cang still hasn't grasped the significance of the imperial examinations. It is for selecting talent for the court and serving the country instead of benefiting oneself. If you don’t understand it yet, why not ask Young Master Shen I think he will be able to enlighten you.” Yun Qianyue glanced at him before waving her hand to open his fan and walked forward.

Shen Zhao glanced at Cang Ting when he saw that the latter didn't stop her anymore. He picked up his pace to follow Yun Qianyue.

Cang Ting laughed as he watched both of them turn a corner and disappear from sight before turning back towards the Regent's王府.

There was no further conversation on their way back to the Prince of Honor王府. Yun Qianyue and Cang Ting returned to the Prince of Honor王府.

Rong Xi saw that Yun Qianyue and Shen Zhao had come back together and was surprised. "Senior Sister Yun, Little Duke Liang has arrived in the front hall and has been waiting for you there."

Yun Qianyue nodded. "Has young master Rong returned yet"

Rong Xi shook his head. "Young Master Rong sent a message saying that he would return later."

Yun Qianyue nodded and headed towards the front hall.

Rong Xi saw Yun Qianyue leave, then leaned close to Shen Zhao and said inquiringly, "Why did Senior Sister Yun come back with you"

Shen Zhao explained it all over again.

Rong Xi expressed his envy. "Senior Sister Yun treats you really well. She even toured the entire Heavenly Saint Capital City for you. Ordinary people wouldn’t be treated like this."

"Young master Cang said that she did so in order to win over people’s hearts for Young Master Jing," Shen Zhao told Rong Xi.

Rong Xi snorted contemptuously. "Only you would believe something like that. Who is Senior Sister Yun Would she really need to do such a thing for her brother-in-law And who is my young master Does he need to win over people’s hearts"

"I don’t believe it!" Shen Zhao said.

“Good, you should believe that. Looks like you’ve got tired, go back and rest,” Rong Xi waved his hand at him in an adult-like manner.

Ming Shao nodded and entered the mansion. He had only walked a little distance when he heard the sound of a carriage outside the door, so he stopped to look around and saw that Prince Rong’s black carriage was returning. He didn’t move forward anymore but stood still waiting for Prince Rong.

Rong Jing slowly got down from his carriage and entered the mansion.

“Young Master Jing,” Shen Zhao greeted him with a bow.

Rong Jing smiled slightly, “Have you chosen some calligraphy pieces”

Shen Zhao nodded and reported truthfully, "Miss Qianyue helped me choose it and also took me around the capital city."

Rong Jing curled his lips. "She doesn't usually like to walk on the streets, so it's rare that she has an interest in leading you around today."

Shen Zhao seemed at a loss for words and lowered his head slightly without speaking further.

"Where is she now" Rong Jing turned back to ask Rong Xi who had followed up.

"Cold Little Prince came, so Sister Yun went to the front hall," Rong Xi immediately answered.

Rong Jing took a step toward the front hall.

Shen Zhao appeared to have only informed Rong Jing of this matter. Upon seeing that he didn’t mind it much, Shen Zhao relaxed and walked towards his residence.

Rong Xi thought that although Shen Zhao was raised in the wild, he was quite intelligent. He knew how much Lord Successor cared about Sister Yun; hence today’s movements should be well understood by him. Yet, he still hurriedly reported it to demonstrate his sincerity and honesty towards Sister Yun. How could the Lord Successor not understand

Rong Jing arrived at the front hall where Leng Shaozhuo sat with a worried face as Cloud Qianyue was sipping tea nearby. Upon seeing him return, Leng Shaozhuo turned his head while Yun Qianyue raised her eyes and said, "Rong Xi told me you would come back late tonight. I thought it might be very late but indeed when I entered the door, you returned."

"I had informed him an hour ago; you were late," Rong Jing walked in.

Cloud Qianyue poured a cup of tea for him and asked, "How was today’s matter about Xiyan"

"It's worse than yesterday. It seems the common people are planning to present a memorial requesting that King Xiyan Yue commit suicide," Rong Jing replied.

Leng Shaozhuo's already poor expression turned paler instantly.

Cloud Qianyue looked at Leng Shaozhuo helplessly and said, "I didn't realize you were so easily frightened."

Leng Shaozhuo was rather depressed. "My third brother’s nature is actually quite fiery; I’m afraid something might happen to him."

Rong Jing glanced at him and slowly remarked, "He's no longer your third brother but King Xiyan Yue and the daughter of the Guardian Deity. If he would commit suicide after hearing a few complaints from commoners, there’s no need for others to worry about him."

"But I’m still worried; I... I want to go to Xiyan," Leng Shaozhuo looked at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing raised his eyebrows and asked, "What can you do there Add another mark of disgrace to him Don’t forget that he once mocked you as the top courtesan in Wanting Spring House for three years."

Leng Shaozhuo’s thoughts were instantly shattered. "Then what should I do"

"You don't have to do anything." Rong Jing shook his head and then changed tone, saying, "Or you could take action. For instance, make the Regent King less aggressive; he shouldn’t escalate things too much. Today’s Holy Heaven is plagued with disasters everywhere, people are underdressed and hungry. It's not appropriate to mobilize troops."

Leng Shaozhuo nodded in understanding.

Rong Jing fell silent again and sipped his tea.

"The scrolls of incense fog at the Prince of Filial Piety’s residence are missing," Leng Shaozhuo said another thing.

Cloud Qianyue put down her cup of tea, leaned back in her chair somewhat tiredly and replied, "Of course! To most people, the Prince of Filial Piety's residence is an impenetrable fortress with hidden guards everywhere; but for some, it doesn’t matter."

Seeing her tired appearance, Leng Shaozhuo immediately stood up to take his leave.

Rong Jing smiled and nodded. Cloud Qianyue waved goodbye to Leng Shaozhuo who then left.

"Tired" Rong Jing put down his teacup and turned to look at Yun Qianyue.

"I walked all day from morning till night, do you think I'm not tired" Yun Qianyue glanced at him sideways and said without reservation: "Sir Rong, may I borrow your expensive hands to massage my shoulders for me!"

Rong Jing looked at his own hands, shook his head and refused with a smile, saying, "These expensive hands are too pricey. Miss Qianyue, are you sure about using them"

"I like it when things are expensive," Yun Qianyue also looked at his hands which were as fair as jade, almost perfect.

Rong Jing chuckled and stood up to walk behind her to massage her shoulders.

Yun Qianyue closed her eyes and in the comfort of it all, she recounted about Ye Qingnuan and Nan Lingrui’s matter, as well as what she had analyzed. When she finished speaking and didn’t hear Rong Jing respond, she asked, "Do you think Brother likes Ye Qingnuan"

"You can write a letter to him," Rong Jing suggested.

Yun Qianyue lowered her head in thought for a moment before shaking it. "When I first saw that wooden sword and realized he had known Ye Qingnuan back when they were both at Nuancheng, I wanted to write a letter asking him about it but now that I’m calm again, I don’t want to ask anymore. I do not wish to interfere in Brother’s matters of the heart. The previous two incidents involving Lan Yi and Luo Yao were actually because of my concern. For the former, I made Brother bewitch Lan Yi so as to steal the Southern Frontier Jade Seal from her body, while for the latter, it was Zi Shu who used Luo Yao to exchange back Mother due to his relationship with me. Now that Ye Qingnuan likes Brother and Father has gone to Southern Liang with this secret mission, if Brother also likes Ye Qingnuan, he must have a plan in mind. I don’t want my thoughts to influence or sway him."

Rong Jing reached out from behind her to embrace Yun Qianyue and rested his head on her shoulder as he said softly, "You like Ye Qingnuan but not Lan Yi and Luo Yao; your scales have tipped in favor of the latter. You’re afraid that if he listens to you, it might end up being a mess. No doubt, since Ye Qingnuan is the daughter of Duke Dede and younger sister of Ye Qingran, she bears the surname ‘Ye’. Should the balance tip towards Southern Liang or Heavenly Saint, she’ll be like a floating duckweed.

Yun Qianyue sighed and said, "Yes, her surname is Ye, how come all the people around me have something to do with the surnames ‘Ye’!"

"If Ye Qingnuan was like the seventh princess, maybe there wouldn’t be such a cause for worry," Rong Jing remarked.

“Unfortunately she isn't.” Yun Qianyue said in some distress. “The seventh princess was made to lose her heart by the old emperor and Lady Ming after acting as a fool under their noses for ten years, before finally breaking out of the royal family and marrying into Cloud Manor to be its daughter-in-law, seizing hold of her own happiness. But Ye Qingnuan loves her father Wang, Brother, even her seventh brother; she likes every single one of them. If one day all these feelings crumble, who knows what she’ll become She might turn out to be the wreckage of a wave in the sea instead of just floating duckweed. In which case, it could very well be Brother who’s heartbroken for life.” Yun Qianyue said somewhat troubledly: "If possible, I’d rather that Brother marries someone like Lan Yi or Luo Yao whom I don’t like than marry Ye Qingnuan. But at the same time, I wish he could find a person he truly loves. This really is contradictory."

Rong Jing reached out to massage her forehead and said, "Nan Lingrui is Uncle Yuan’s son and your brother. He has been Southern Liang’s Crown Prince for ten years and will soon ascend the throne as king of Southern Liang; in other words, he’s smarter than you are and knows what he wants. You don’t need to worry about him right now. What truly concerns us is our own marriage."

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes and said, “We have you for our marriage!”

"I really pamper you!" Rong Jing suddenly scooped her up from behind and walked out of the front hall towards Purple Bamboo Courtyard.

Yun Qianyue buried herself in his embrace and smiled quietly without making a sound.

The next day, news came back from Western Yan that its people had all poured into its capital city and gathered outside the gates of the city walls on their own accord, shouting out loud that West Yan Yue had committed suicide by cutting his throat. There were tens of thousands of people.

Western Yan Yue ordered to seal off the city gates so as not to harm any civilians, but he remained silent with no response.

During Heavenly Saint’s court session in the morning, although Prince Xian once again spoke about yesterday’s matter, his tone was no longer so resolute.

The third day, news came back from Western Yan that things were getting more and more severe; after seeing their shouting didn’t work, its people began to throw stones or slash at the city gates with large knives. Yet again, Western Yue remained silent.

During Heavenly Saint’s court session in the morning, Prince Xian only mentioned it briefly before going on to discuss his department of Household Affairs instead.

The fourth day, news came back from Western Yan that Lady Hong Ge and Chu Family Mistress appeared in its capital city. Standing at the top of the city walls, Chu Family Mistress took out West Yan’s Guardian Deity’s mandate and gave a speech with great enthusiasm as well, using the wind-adjusted seasons and stable livelihood under King Western Yan during his rule these years to set an example, successfully calming down the tens of thousands of people rioting outside the city gates.

After that, West Yan Yue ordered the city gates opened. He held the Guardian Deity’s statue and plaque before a multitude of civilians.

The people faced this much-loved guardian deity with whom their king looked so alike once again and could no longer bring themselves to harm him. They thought about how great she had been for them, how she might have been raised as the revered and pampered princess, able to marry someone she loved if she wanted, but instead gave up that life in order to bless all of West Yan’s people as its guardian deity, remaining unmarried her entire life because of it. She paid a huge price by working hard for West Yan’s people all her life; gradually the rioters outside the city gates fell onto their knees.

Among them were hundreds who had been stirring up trouble, but seeing how things had suddenly turned around and gone against them, they simultaneously drew out their weapons to attempt an assassination of Western Yan Yue. Before any of their knives or swords could reach him though, Chu Family Mistress struck and killed all hundreds of people in an instant. As such, the rebellion in West Yan was quelled.

The news made a huge stir throughout Heavenly Saint when it came back, shocking everyone in court; just the appearance of one woman managed to turn around the entire political scene and quell the chaos in Western Yan. The ministers were panic-stricken as several older officials quickly submitted memorials, stating that this female personage who had intervened in politics involving Southern Frontier, Southern Liang, and Western Yan, could no longer be allowed to continue staying, otherwise it would lead to disaster for all under heaven. things in the world Do I really think that I’m some saint who can save everyone If I stay far away from you and out of your sight, will it make you happy" Yun Qianyue shouted as she grabbed the curta...