As Nangong Yi once said: What he wants, he never fails to obtain.
The Crown Prince had originally been suspended from court for five days. After today’s pleas from the princes and most civil and military officials, he would be allowed to attend court again in two days.
Those with clear judgment knew the truth behind the Sixth Prince’s death.
Consort Liang and her family had made a fuss with the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor, feeling guilty, bestowed many gifts upon both sides.
The Empress and her family were different. With just one statement—that Nangong Zhe had attempted to harm the Crown Prince first, and with solid evidence—both sides fell silent.
Firstly, the Crown Prince held immense power, and the Empress’s family was influential. Although the Emperor had handled the matter fairly, he ultimately favored the Crown Prince, and neither side could afford to offend him.
Secondly, since Nangong Zhe had been openly accused of plotting against the Crown Prince, they would be seen as the unreasonable party. Not only would they receive no sympathy, but they would also lose their last shred of dignity.
After the morning court, on the way back to the Imperial Study.
The Emperor, having just suffered the pain of losing a son and faced with displeasure in court today, was attended to by Eunuch Liu and his retinue with extreme caution, fearing they might inadvertently provoke his wrath.
Passing through the Imperial Garden, the Emperor paused and gazed at the towering parasol tree at the center. A warm breeze rustled the leaves, casting dancing shadows.
The Emperor felt a sudden daze, as if transported back to his youth. Just like this, after court, his children would play beneath the tree, their laughter filling the air.
“Liu Quan.”
Eunuch Liu hurried forward and responded, “Your servant is here.”
The Emperor remained silent for a long time before speaking, his voice suddenly aged. “I have grown old.”
Eunuch Liu was startled and dared not respond to such a remark. Bowing even lower, he cautiously replied, “Your Majesty is in the prime of life.”
The Emperor withdrew his gaze and said nothing.
At the Eastern Palace, the Seventh Prince paid a visit. He came to inform his elder brother about the events of today’s morning court and to discuss matters related to trade between Da Yuan and Mobei.
The Emperor had assigned Nangong Jin and other officials to handle the trade with Mobei.
Nangong Jin had always looked up to his elder brother since childhood and often consulted Nangong Yi on various matters. This time was no exception.
Since it involved court politics, Song Yao tactfully tried to leave but was stopped by Nangong Yi. Reluctantly (though actually quite willingly), she stayed as a listener.
The saying, “If you want to make a fortune in big business, follow the nation’s lead,” holds true even in ancient times.
The trade between Da Yuan and Mobei was not limited to official channels; citizens of both countries could also engage in business dealings to some extent. Many merchants were eager to seize the opportunity, and Song Yao also wanted a share of the pie.
The organization didn’t only take on assassination jobs; it also engaged in legitimate small businesses.
After all, the organization mostly targeted those who deserved to die, so its scope of work wasn’t that broad. They couldn’t rely solely on assassination to make a living, or they’d risk starving collectively.
The two brothers discussed matters while Song Yao listened.
They first talked about court affairs, then moved on to trade with Mobei. After reaching an agreement, they circled back to the events of this morning’s court.
Nangong Jin said, “This morning at the palace gate, I reminded General Xu about the two serious injuries you sustained in the northern border. Second Brother and Third Brother’s expressions were quite telling.”
“As expected, they changed their stance in court and even joined us in pleading for you. It seems Sixth Brother’s death has shaken them badly.”
The struggle for the throne among the princes began even before they were born. As the eldest son of the Emperor and Empress, and having been crowned Crown Prince at the age of thirteen, the conflicts targeting Nangong Yi were only bound to increase.
Song Yao was well aware that strife among princes was inevitable, but this was the first time she had learned the specifics so clearly. She lowered her long lashes and sipped her tea, suddenly understanding certain matters.
Nangong Yi had returned from the northern frontier with a temperament more ruthless than before—likely because of these very circumstances. While he, as an elder brother, fought enemies on the battlefield, his own younger brother was scheming against him behind his back.
Well, though she hadn’t personally witnessed Nangong Yi’s ferocious side yet.
Wait, she had—Nangong Zhe’s death.
She had thought it would take much longer for any outcome to unfold. After all, he was still a prince, one who feigned frivolity on the surface but was actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Yet, no sooner had the hunting expedition ended than Nangong Zhe was dead—all within a matter of days.
…Hiss, that seemed… somewhat terrifying.
Song Yao stole a sidelong glance at the man beside her, the wariness she had felt when they first married resurfacing. Yes, from now on, she should maintain a bit more respect.
“What are you thinking about?” Her hand was taken, and Song Yao snapped back to attention.
Meeting Nangong Yi’s phoenix eyes, which brimmed with tender affection, she instinctively wanted to respond with unrestrained coquettishness, but reason prevailed.
Squeezing his large hand gently, she shook her head, a dignified smile gracing her stunning features as she replied appropriately, “This humble servant was lost in thought. Please do not blame me, Your Highness.”
Nangong Yi watched Song Yao quietly for a moment, ultimately saying nothing. Instead, beneath the table where no one could see, he interlaced his fingers firmly with hers.
Song Yao: Oh no, I’ve overdone the respect.
Having grown intensely close during this period, she could still read his moods. Seizing the moment while Nangong Yi continued his conversation with Nangong Jin, her mind quickly devised a solution.
Using the only freely movable part of their joined hands—her thumb—she appeasingly rubbed the man’s palm, silently conveying her apology.
She soon received a response. Nangong Yi’s expression softened, a faint smile touching his lips as he spread his palm open, allowing the little fox’s fingertips to trace and wander freely across it.
Nangong Jin was a perceptive man. Though seated across from them and discussing important matters with his elder brother, he still caught the brief, unusual shift in his brother and sister-in-law’s demeanor, understanding it clearly.
Yet, he couldn’t comprehend it.
His elder brother’s move against the sixth brother hadn’t originally been part of their plan. The only reason he had acted was because Royal Sister-in-law had been present when that frenzied black bear charged out that day.
As far as he knew, Royal Sister-in-law hadn’t been injured, though according to their mother, she had been frightened.
While eliminating the sixth brother ahead of schedule hadn’t significantly impacted their overall plans, he privately felt that his elder brother shouldn’t have done it.
It was true that even heroes could be ensnared by beauty, but those destined for great achievements shouldn’t be swayed by a woman or hindered by sentimental attachments.
Moreover…
Nangong Jin glanced at Song Yao, offering a polite smile before lowering his gaze to sip his tea.
He truly couldn’t see what exceptional qualities Royal Sister-in-law possessed to warrant his elder brother’s affection. Their mother described her as gentle, serene, and quiet—
To him, it seemed more accurate to call her timid, cowardly, and overly cautious.
Such noble daughters were commonplace throughout Da Yuan; in fact, most outshone Royal Sister-in-law in various ways. Her only remarkable attribute was probably her appearance.
So, his elder brother placed such importance on looks. In all the years past, his brother had never shown particular interest in any woman, leading Nangong Jin to believe he wasn’t swayed by feminine charms.
Well, no matter.
As long as Royal Sister-in-law remained content in the inner quarters, bearing children for Royal Brother and avoiding foolish mistakes that could jeopardize their grand plans, it was of little consequence.
Nangong Jin thought this way, and when the opportunity arose, she said as much to Song Yao during Nangong Yi’s temporary absence.
Setting down her teacup, she spoke bluntly: “I don’t know why Royal Brother is fond of Royal Sister-in-law, nor do I intend to interfere in their relationship. However, I hope Royal Sister-in-law will refrain from doing things that might cause Royal Brother distress in the future.”
Song Yao, who had been elegantly sipping her tea: “?”