Chapter 169 (2/2)

The tricky issue was the Eighth Prince's right to meddle in the decisions of the court, granted by his a.s.signment to oversee the kingdom. The Emperor could not retract his a.s.signment in time, and the Eighth Prince's misuse of it threw the entire court into chaos.

And with that, the kingdom was thrown into disarray as well. Though there were no major wars on the borders of the kingdom, minor conflicts happened many and frequent. That, coupled with the natural disasters that ravaged the lands and the lack of any effective relief policies, displeasure with the court amongst the people quickly rose. It would not take long for the dissent to simmer into anger.

In Situ's memories, this was the same situation the kingdom was in when he was but a young child. The internal problems of the kingdom were solved by the time he came of age, and the external threats were quickly quelled following his donning of the general's mantle. Only then, could the people of the Xuan kingdom live in peace.

But the peace only lasted that long, and now the kingdom was in chaos again. In short, it was a mere result of the neglect of those that had power; too engrossed in their tussle for more power, the prosperity of the kingdom was left forgotten. What they overlooked, was the fact that the kingdom could not afford such chaos any longer.

Situ's mouth curled upwards into a helpless smile as the thoughts ran through his head. Even at such times, there are those who are trying to lodge complains against me: of having too much military in my hands and should be guarded against.

The situation in the North was not looking good, and he would have to return again with armour and suit in not more than three years. It was his realm, and he was needed there - but many in the court did not want him to be there.

The Emperor was suspicious of everything, and he had known it for a long time. The Situ clan had served as generals for generations, and any wrong move could result in the downfall of the clan at the hands of the Emperor himself - an opportunity he could not afford to give to the Emperor. He would do it at all costs, even if he had to bow down to the Emperor's unreasonable demands. The court was in chaos, and he worries most for the First Prince. The maniacal actions of the Eighth Prince have exposed too much of their plans, and any of them could backfire against them.

Many things required his urgent attention, but all he wanted was to see Feng Luodi. In court, he was a follower of the First Prince, but all of his heart belonged to the woman before him. He had tried so many ways to keep her by his side, but now it was a dangerous place to be.

Feng Luodi was surprised to not receive a reply from Situ. Spying the growing strands of facial hair growing out from his face, Feng Luodi slowly raised a hand in habit, reaching for the familiar object. Before her hands could touch Situ, she was pulled into that familiar and warm embrace again.

”Luodi. Please don't ever leave me.”

His voice was not indifferent, nor cold, nor commanding, nor gentle, but pleading. His tone and his words instantly caused Feng Luodi to regret her actions.

I am no longer myself, ever since I'd met him. Will I be able to return back to my world after I've received Sonorous and Ringing Tunes? Can I really cut off all of these things that have happened here?

Feng Luodi did not know the answer. Have I made a mistake?

Situ wrapped his arms tightly around her, his words carrying the weight of an oath. ”I'll support whatever you want to do; just promise that you wouldn't leave me.” The only thing he regretted about her, was to promise that he would respect her decision when she came to it; he would let her go if she saw desired.

How can I ever let go of her?

Feng Luodi's heart skipped a beat, and her frame shook. She quickly regained her composure, and placed her hands on Situ's arms, keeping silent.

Beyond the walls of the courtyard, the clouds were low and bathed in the light of dusk, and snow flew about wildly in the wind. The gentle dripping of the water from the edges of the roof carried the scent of the plum blossoms. A cold gust of wind blew through the drapes, and brought with them the slightly sweet air of winter.