100 Motives and Speculations - 32.2 (2/2)

”Zeng Chang, what is it?” Jin Fa Chung asked him as soon as he straightened out.

”Apologies for the interruption, Your Highness but this old servant is here on behalf of Princess Ning to inform you that the princess wishes to return home and would like to request His Majesty to allow an escort be arranged for her return since the princess worries about the lack of guards she has.”

Hearing Zeng Chang's words, Jin Fa Chung's calm expression had flashed slight annoyance before it quickly disappeared like a passing cloud and only those who truly knew him would have noticed.

”This Emperor understands. Please convey my apologies and concern to Princess Ning. The matter about the escort can be arranged. When will you be leaving?”

”If possible, within three days Your Highness.”

”Very well... Anything else?” Jin Fa Chung asked.

Just before he opened his mouth to speak, Zeng Chang subtly darted a glance towards the Fan Family which Fan Song Xue noticed, making him frown.

”Yes, Your Highness. The princess hopes that Young Master Fan Li Jie may be included in the escort since she knows him and would feel more comfortable with him around.”

The request of the princess seemed understandable and simple enough but Zeng Chang's next words made the faces of the Fan Family go dark.

A tense atmosphere descended in the room and everyone could feel the dissatisfaction coming from the Fan Family.

”For my nephew; Li Jie, he is currently at the infirmary and might not be suitable to escort Princess Ning but since she is worried, This King will send some of my men to go along with your escort.” Fan Hui Zhong stated flatly.

Seeing that Zeng Chang looked as if he wanted to argue, Fan Hui Zhong shot him a cold smile.

”Please understand, my nephew; Li Jie is the heir of our Fan Family and will be the next head. Should anything happen to him, it's a loss we couldn't possibly take but since the princess trusts in our Fan Family so much, how about sending Yong Rui?”

When Fan Hui Zhong said this, his eyes met his father's and brother's who both nodded imperceptibly which Jin Fa Chung witnessed.

”This One thinks that's a perfect idea! Fan Yong Rui may lead the men that you'll be sending, Hui Zhong... This One has heard that Yong Rui has spent more time traveling outside the capital than Li Jie and he is also quite skilled in fighting. He should be good enough.”

Knowing that they have decided and that there's no way that the emperor will side with him over Fan Hui Zhong, Zeng Chang could only nod.

”As you say, Your Majesty. If His Highness will excuse this old servant then...”

”Go.”

When he left, the atmosphere in the room was a bit off and Jin Fa Chung was looking at the Fan Family with a curious smile.

”Care to explain?”

Shooting an annoyed glare at Jin Fa Chung, Fan Hui Zhong then rolled his eyes before he uttered one sentence that surprised everyone there.

”That brat from Spirit Valor Country is eyeing my nephew like a piece of meat.”

A moment of silence settled before everyone there burst into laughter, including the emperor.

”Ahhh, so it would seem as though young Li Jie has attracted a persistent butterfly.” Jin Fa Chung said with a laugh.

”More like an annoying fly.” Fan Hui Zhong retorted, eliciting another round of laughter.

After a couple of minutes everyone settled down once more and started discussing serious matters once more. The only good thing about it is that although everyone was still serious, the atmosphere wasn't as tense and stifling as before.