Chapter 653: A warning from master (1/2)
The only clue that the Nether Clan had on their hands was the phoenix birthmark. They’d suspected Han Yunxi in the past, but Su Xiaoyu’s investigations had precluded that possibility. Chu Tianyin had already given up on ever finding remnants of the West Qin Dynasty again, but he wouldn’t tell the secret of the royal daughter’s birthmark to anyone, especially Ning Cheng.
If their Ning Clan couldn’t have it, Ning Cheng shouldn’t think of getting it for himself, either! While they were allied in the past, Ning Cheng had repeatedly expressed his sincerity for the royal clan, but Chu Tianyin only saw him as a hypocrite! He was just like the Chu Clan, a man who wanted to control the emperor and command the nobles in his name! Wasn’t he doing exactly that right now by acting as prince regent to Tianning’s infant prince?
Damn Chu Qingge and her baby. Both of them are completely under Ning Cheng’s thrall. The real master of Tianning’s long been Ning Cheng by now.
“No. If we had any clues, the Chu Clan wouldn’t be reduced to such straits today,” Chu Tianyin pretended to laugh at himself.
Ning Cheng observed him from up high. They’d spoken on a few subjects today, but just how much did the man believe versus what he suspected? Only Ning Cheng himself knew. He studied Chu Tianyin a while longer before remarking, “You should withdraw.”
“Then Empress Xue’s matters…” Chu Tianyin trailed off. He didn’t understand why Ning Cheng had suddenly told him to stop getting involved. Did the man suspect him?
“You don’t need to pay any mind to Empress Xue’s matters…”
“This case involves my Chu Clan troops. How can I ignore it just like that?” Chu Tianyin grew irate.
“Don’t worry. Your lordship won’t let the Chu Clan suffer any losses,” Ning Cheng said before waving a hand to dismiss him.
Chu Tianyin’s suspicions only intensified. But he didn’t dare to say anymore and simply left the scene. As soon as he was gone, Ning Nuo appeared from an inner room. Despite the chill lingering in the early spring air, he was still lazily fanning himself like some sort of refined and noble gentleman. Actually, he was in a wretched state. Ning Jing had been trying to hunt him down to teach him a lesson, so he’d resorted to hiding in his rooms as soon as he reached West Jing.
“Big brother, guess what Duanmu Yao went to do,” Ning Nuo said mysteriously.
“Speak!” Ning Cheng was impatient. Even though they were related, he never dropped his proud and lofty air. An elder brother was like a surrogate father; moreover, he was the head of an entire clan. He viewed Ning Nuo, Ning Jing, and Noble Consort Ning An like any other members of the clan without any special treatment.
“Duanmu Yao went to help Cang Qiuzi deal with the Tang Clan, but was injured severely by them as a result.” Ning Nuo broke into chuckles as he spoke, while Ning Cheng only looked cold.
“Finish your story, will you?”
Ning Nuo stopped keeping him in suspense and went on to outline the details, including how Tang Li had gone to express his apologies while Aunt Ru had injured the girl. Puzzled, Ning Cheng asked, “Is it that easy to injure Duanmu Yao?”
“That’s a mystery. Tang Zijin said Aunt Ru only made her move because Duanmu Yao badmouthed Ning Jin,” Ning Nuo explained. “They want to join forces with us to fight against Duanmu Yao. This way, it’ll help them suppress Cang Qiuzi as well.”
“You still want to provoke Duanmu Yao at a time like this?” Ning Cheng asked pensively. He couldn’t help feeling that something was strange about the fight between the Tang Clan and Celestial Mountain. Privately, he wondered if Long Feiye was involved.
“Does big brother mean to reject their offer?” Ning Nuo was perfectly capable of deciding the matter for himself, but he’d chosen to consult with Ning Cheng so Ning Jing wouldn’t blame him for everything afterwards.
After some hesitation, Ning Cheng stated, “Mhm. Hurry and decide on a wedding date. Tell Ning Jing she has to stay at the Tang Clan for at least a year, or else she doesn’t have to think about returning to Cloud Realm Trade Consortium ever again!”
Ning Nuo could imagine Ning Jing’s reaction upon hearing the news. “Yes! I’ll send someone to pass on the message.”
While Ning Cheng was scheming about Empress Xue’s affairs, Long Feiye and Gu Beiyue were making calculations of their own. As soon as Gu Beiyue received Chu Tianyin’s secret message, he told Long Feiye.
“Could Ning Cheng be keeping Chu Tianyin out of the business on purpose because he suspects him?” Gu Beiyue asked.
“He was too slow,” Long Feiye replied. Chu Tianyin wanted to create false evidence to frame Ning Cheng as Empress Xue’s killer. It was a good idea, but he hadn’t acted in time.
“Or perhaps Ning Cheng’s found another way to deal with Duanmu Yao?” Gu Beiyue pondered.
Long Feiye’s slender fingers tapped against the edge of the table as he felt silent. Suddenly, he laughed. “Tell Chu Tianyin to go according to the original plan. Don’t change a thing.”
Gu Beiyue was lost. “Your Highness, it’s possible that we’ll lose Chu Tianyin as a potential chess piece if this situation continues.”
Ning Cheng had already forbidden Chu Tianyin from interfering in the investigation. If he created false evidence to frame Ning Cheng now, wouldn’t it just prove that he was a turncoat?
“Let him figure it out himself. Your lordship told him that I’d forget his past transgressions if he succeeds and save the two elder Chus. If his abilities are limited, then your lordship doesn’t want someone who’s useless anyways,” Long Feiye finished.
Gu Beiyue sighed internally. His Highness Duke of Qin was a ruthless man after all! He was only giving Chu Tianyin a single chance. Whether or not he succeeded all depended on this case.
“Excellent! This one will send him a flying hawk message by tonight,” Gu Beiyue agreed.