Chapter 151 (1/2)

Chapter 151: Riot in Yunzhou

Nan Xun paused. His intimacy with Jun Huang most likely had sp.a.w.ned some gossips. He didn't take it as an insult. Instead, he saw this as an opportunity.

Nan Xun nodded and cupped his hands. ”This official has always been surrounded by men. I find women to be too frail for my liking. I hope Your Majesty can understand that I prefer men in armors over women covered in cosmetics. Please forgive me for straying from your expectations, Your Majesty.”

Despite hearing the news from Sir Shangguan beforehand, the emperor was still surprised by Nan Xun's admission. He sighed. ”If so, I won't impose this marriage on you.”

The emperor had his own reasons. It was a good thing for him that Nan Xun would not have any children. That way, Nan Xun wouldn't think about overthrowing the throne. The emperor let out a silent sigh of relief.

He couldn't just let Nan Xun off the hook, though. He had given an order. If he took it back simply because of Nan Xun's denial, he would lose his authority and others would start to ignore his orders as well. An emperor's words must not be taken lightly.

”Nonetheless, if you do not receive any punishment, there may be a public backlash,” said the emperor. ”It just so happens that there has been signs of unrest in Yunzhou. The local residents are greatly troubled. I order you to suppress the riot. What do you say?”

Nan Xun knelt down without hesitation. ”This official accepts the order.”

He was on his knees before the emperor, but his heart was already with Jun Huang. Jun Huang would be glad to have this opportunity.

The emperor sighed and helped Nan Xun up. They sat in the pavilion. The emperor had always considered Nan Xun a talented and handsome man. The one he fell for must have been an extraordinary man as well.

The emperor hadn't intended to ask, but his curiosity got the better of him. ”I've heard that the man living in your manor is handsome. Where is he from? How old is he?”

Nan Xun's eyes flashed. ”People talk. He is but a regular man. He came to Northern Qi two years ago. He's lost all his family and has been wandering around the world without a place to call home. This official believes he deserves better. That's why I provide a roof over his head. The rumors have been exaggerating.”

”Are you willing to give up on a bright future for him?” asked the emperor. ”Are you willing to give up Shangguan Yue? Everyone in this city knows that she is beautiful enough to topple a country. Have you never felt anything for her?”

”She may be beautiful,” said Nan Xun. There was no trace of awkwardness on his face. ”With someone occupying my heart, however, even the best of the best will not attract my attention. I hope Your Majesty understands.”

The emperor dropped his line of inquiry. Nan Xun had not rested for a day and a night. He waved a hand at Nan Xun. ”That's decided then. Go back and get some sleep. Make preparations for your trip to Yunzhou.”

Nan Xun had wanted to return to the manor for a long time. He got to his feet and cupped his hands at the emperor before rus.h.i.+ng away.

Nan Xun was worried about Jun Huang. He was worried that Jun Huang might stay up waiting for him. She had been training in martial arts, but her poison had not been cured yet. Her health wasn't how it had been.

It had rained the whole day yesterday, and it was still raining today. Not as harsh as the summer rain last night, but more of a soft drizzle that was often seen in spring.

Nan Xun hurriedly made his way to his manor, paying no attention to the splash of water brought up by his feet. It didn't take long for him to reach his destination. The servants let out a collective sigh of relief when they saw him.

”Your Highness has finally returned,” the housekeeper said in a concerned tone.

Nan Xun steadied his breathing. He looked over at the crowd of people waiting for him to return, but he didn't see the one he most wanted to see.

The housekeeper could tell who Nan Xun was looking for. He said, ”Gentleman Feng has waited a long time for Your Highness last night. An hour ago he was close to collapsing. This old servant talked him into taking a rest. Should this servant wake him up?”

Nan Xun let out a long breath. His heart softened knowing that Jun Huang had waited for him the whole night. His lips quirked up as he waved a hand and said, ”No, don't. His health has not been the best. That's more important. He must have been tired from last night. I haven't slept since yesterday either. I'm going to bed as well.”

It was way past noon when Jun Huang woke up. It took some time for her to blink herself awake. She pursed her lips. She had only intended to take a short break, but then she fell asleep.

She jumped off the bed and cleaned herself up before leaving her room. The servants in the manor had returned to their usual routine. She slowed down and stopped one of the maids pa.s.sing by her room. ”Has the prince returned?”

”Yes, the prince returned early today,” the maid said with a smile. ”He heard that the gentleman was still asleep, so he told us to leave you alone. He wanted to let you rest.”