Chapter 209 (1/2)

Chapter 209: Diverging Thoughts

These were all factors Jun Huang and Nan Xun had taken into consideration. She believed that with Nan Xun's and Qi Yun's help, she would be able to keep the damage under control. Besides, she now had the House of Heavenly Fiends on her side. The tiger had acquired a pair of wings. She would not let things go according to Eastern Wu's plan.

Still, there was a lingering doubt in her heart. The civilians were the ones who would pay the ultimate price. She could only do her best to minimize the casualties.

Nan Xun didn't tell Jun Huang what Qi Yun had said. It would do nothing but to make her feel bad. It was better to let it be forgotten.

Seeing Jun Huang's furrowed brows, Nan Xun took her cool hands and said, ”Don't worry. Northern Qi is not an easy prey, and Eastern Wu doesn't always win. I've beaten them once. I can beat them again. Moreover, I've gained permission from the emperor to stock up military supplies in secret, while I myself have been training the soldiers. We are prepared for this fight.”

”And the emperor agreed?” Jun Huang asked in surprise. The emperor had been avoiding getting into wars with other countries. On one hand, he was reluctant to let Nan Xun back to doing what he did best. On the other hand, the emperor was worried that he would lose his life. In the end, he was but a man who was afraid of death.

Nan Xun nodded. ”The emperor would like to left a mark in history. No emperor is willing to be known as a leader who had achieved nothing. When I brought it up, he agreed readily. Preparations are being made. We only hide our efforts to cheat those from Eastern Wu. The more chaotic the circ.u.mstances seem, the better we can catch Eastern Wu off guard.”

Jun Huang considered the issue. So that was why the emperor agreed to let his sons investigate the spies. He wanted to use this opportunity to eliminate Eastern Wu once and for all. She didn't expect the emperor to make such a bold decision.

”Then I'll stop worrying too much,” Jun Huang said with a chuckle.

For the longest time, her only goal was to eliminate Eastern Wu. When she talked about her ambitions to unite the world, she was merely humoring other people. Now that the end was getting closer, and everything was happening quickly, she realized that she must not leave Qi Yun to deal with Qi Chen alone. It was time that she took care of Qi Chen.

It was, however, easier said than done. Qi Chen was after all the crown prince. He was the candidate for the throne. Even though his biggest supporters had been eliminated, there was still a secret force behind him. She had to be careful and looked for an opening.

At night, Nan Guyue stayed in the garden waiting for Qi Chen to come. She had heard about how angry Qi Chen was today. Even though she didn't think she would be able to help with his problems, she hoped that Qi Chen would come and let her comfort him.

Unexpectedly, Qi Chen came to visit. Nan Guyue shot up to her feet with a smile. ”Your Highness.”

Qi Chen threw Nan Guyue a glance and gave her a nod before entering the building. She caught up with him and helped him take off his outer robe. She then ordered a servant to prepare some hot wine to warm Qi Chen up. Qi Chen, though, waved a hand to stop the servant.

Nan Guyue couldn't go against his will. She dismissed the servant and took a seat at Qi Chen's side.

”I've heard what has happened during the meeting. That – ”

”Don't you know that women should not get involved in matters in the court?” Qi Chen cut in harshly.

Nan Guyue fell silent. She knew Qi Chen was in a bad mood, but she didn't expect him to lose his temper on her. Other than the time Qi Chen mistakenly suspected her of having an affair, Qi Chen had always been gentle with her. They had treated each other with respect. What happened to make him change?

Nan Guyue was p.r.o.ne to overthinking. Wei Lanying could never rise up again. Rou'er was merely a n.o.body who didn't care about power. Nan Guyue was the only one who could be considered Qi Chen's wife. Qi Chen, however, had been more and more distant to her. She wondered if Qi Chen had acquired another lover.

It was normal for men from the royal family to have a few serving concubines. Wei Lanying and Rou'er had come to the manor before her. There was nothing she could do to change that. Without the child, though, Nan Guyue didn't want another woman to come into the manor. What was she going to do then?

Nan Guyue curved her lips into a smile and pushed her thoughts away. ”If Your Highness is tired, I'll help you sleep.”

Qi Chen was exhausted. He rubbed at his forehead and walked toward the bed. Nan Guyue took off his clothes for him, her fingers gliding across his body seductively.

The red candle by the bed dripped tears of wax over its base. The bed veil next to her cast a faint shade of pink on her cheeks. With her head lowered, she looked like a bashful bride waiting for her groom on their wedding night.