“What conditions?” Wen Ningwan asked nervously. Working for a powerful minister was truly dangerous, especially when the person before her was known for ruthless methods.
“From now on, you will work for me, follow my orders, and prioritize my affairs above all else, treat them as the most important matter in your life.”
“Ah?” Wen Ningwan stared at the composed state preceptor in shock.
“What? Unwilling?” The state preceptor’s voice was cool and detached.
Wen Ningwan immediately shook her head, stepping out from behind the chair with a playful grin. “Of course I’m willing to work for you! But this whole ‘prioritizing your affairs above all else as my life’s greatest duty’ thing, it sounds an awful lot like wedding vows, doesn’t it?”
“What?” The state preceptor looked puzzled.
Wen Ningwan quickly waved her hands and bowed respectfully. “What are your orders, Your Excellency?”
The state preceptor studied the unexpectedly lively Wen Ningwan, raising an eyebrow in surprise. “Go close the case now.”
“Got it!” Wen Ningwan chirped, looking up at her with a mischievous smile.
The state preceptor remained expressionless. Feeling her enthusiasm dampened, Wen Ningwan immediately straightened up and bowed again. “This humble official will see to it at once.”
The state preceptor gave a faint hum and turned to watch as Wen Ningwan skipped out.
You Ran peeked in from the doorway. “Your Excellency, are you really planning to recruit her?”
The state preceptor didn’t answer, stepping out while watching Wen Ningwan’s retreating figure. She glanced at the two of them. “Attend to your duties.”
“Yes!” they replied in unison. As the state preceptor left, the usually reticent You Qi muttered, “A mere vice-minister of the Court of Judicial Review, what use could she possibly be to the state preceptor?”
You Ran tilted her head, grinning curiously. “No idea, but I think Vice-Minister Wen is quite interesting.”
“If cowardice counts as interesting, then sure,” You Qi retorted.
On her way back, noticing the sky darkening, Wen Ningwan quickened her steps.
The original novel had mentioned that pheromones were barely detectable during the day sometimes not at all. But once night fell, they surged uncontrollably.
Especially for Omegas. Without suppressants, their pheromones would grow intensely potent. The higher the Omega’s quality, the stronger the scent.
If an Alpha were nearby, they’d be instantly drawn in. In severe cases, it could even trigger an Alpha’s rut, causing them to lose control and act unpredictably.
This was one reason the imperial court forbade Omegas from holding office. What if an Omega inadvertently induced an Alpha’s rut at night? What would become of the court? How could they govern the people?
Wen Ningwan’s heart sank. She had originally thought that if she were an Alpha, she might have had a chance to enter the imperial harem as a consort. But now? An Omega!
She rolled her eyes in frustration. In the original story, the queen was a high-quality Alpha who had concealed her Omega identity since childhood. If she was an Omega, how could she possibly fall for Wen Ningwan?
Taking a deep breath, Wen Ningwan lifted her head and saw the gates of the Court of Judicial Review ahead. Squaring her shoulders, she strode inside.
Better keep her Omega identity hidden and focus on staying alive! Forget about becoming a royal consort. Though being the state preceptor’s wife wasn’t a bad idea.
Her expression turned dreamy as she recalled that kiss until Miao Shiyi’s voice startled her. “My lady!”
Wen Ningwan jumped. “Wh-what is it?”
Shiyi hurried over. “Chief Clerk Liu has drafted the closing statement for the case. He needs you to review it before submitting it.”
Wen Ningwan absentmindedly hummed in agreement, then suddenly glanced at Miao Shiyi again: “Did you see Cai’er’s body?”
“No, they said the State Preceptor’s residence buried it.”
“Why? Shouldn’t the Dali Temple handle it?” Wen Ningwan looked puzzled.
“They said there was some affection between her and people from the State Preceptor’s residence, so they took care of it together.” Shiyi looked incredulous.
“That’s just how the State Preceptor’s residence operates. Once they decide something, no one dares object. Even if you went to beat up the Emperor now, it wouldn’t change anything.”
“No no no.” Wen Ningwan shook her head repeatedly. She had no intention of opposing the State Preceptor and bringing trouble upon herself.
Besides, although the State Preceptor was a powerful minister, she belonged to the righteous faction. Going against the protagonist’s group would be suicidal.
Right now, she still wanted to become the State Preceptor’s wife and live a leisurely life in the residence.
Miao Shiyi looked suspiciously at the dreamy expression on Wen Ningwan’s face before continuing: “By the way, I heard today during court, the State Preceptor denied your relationship in front of all the officials?”
“What relationship?” Wen Ningwan looked confused.
“Your incident at the Beauty Workshop.” Shiyi snorted disdainfully. “As a minister, to speak such treasonous words in court and still walk away unscathed this court might as well be Feng Lielan’s personal court!”
“Wait what? You’re speaking too complicated. Simplify it.” Wen Ningwan pressed urgently.
Seeing her curious expression, Shiyi shrugged: “In court, the General questioned the State Preceptor about her relationship with you, the Assistant Minister whether it was improper. The State Preceptor replied that you were merely bewitched by Cai’er and lost your senses, and that she had no interest in you whatsoever.”
“Oh.” Wen Ningwan felt a pang of disappointment.
“Actually, this was to protect you. You won’t be demoted or dismissed because of your connection to her. She showed some conscience at least.”
Wen Ningwan nodded. It made sense, improper relationships between court officials could lead to demotion or dismissal, with severe cases even punishable by death.
“But the State Preceptor didn’t stop there. In front of all officials, even the Emperor, she actually said…”
“Said what?” Wen Ningwan looked curiously at the suddenly hesitant Miao Shiyi.
“She said, she, she,” Miao Shiyi gritted her teeth: “She said she would marry none but Her Majesty the Queen!”
“…” The corner of Wen Ningwan’s mouth twitched. The sudden feeling of losing two wives at once left her dazed. She waved her hand: “Forget it, forget it. Let’s just focus on staying alive and not get involved with them.”
“…” Shiyi looked completely bewildered.