Chapter 662: Beiyue, there’s hope (1/2)

Following the source of the voice revealed the impressive and dignified form of an exceptionally graceful and refined lady. She was none other than Ning Cheng’s other little sister–Tianning’s youngest noble consort, now titled as Grand Concubine Ning—Ning An.

Unlike Ning Jing’s sharp temper and keen experience, Ning An was a very introverted, wise sort of woman. Despite being Ning Cheng’s younger sister, she seemed more like his elder instead. Chu Qingge was the empress dowager while she was grand concubine. Chu Qingge wore luxurious and extravagant clothes, while she preferred simple and unadorned robes. Still, Ning An possessed the air and gravity that a reigning mistress of the imperial harem needed, something that Chu Qingge sorely lacked.

Her personality was serene and quiet, but it didn’t mean she was docile. To conceal herself at Emperor Tianhui’s court for countless years in the position of noble consort without ever stirring up trouble or vying for attention was a remarkable feat.

“It’s already so late, but you’re still out for a stroll?” Ning Cheng asked back. He treated Ning An differently from Ning Jing as well, because Ning An’s serenity was able to put him completely at ease.

“I came specifically to find you. I’ve heard about what happened with Empress Xue,” Ning An replied.

“It’s not a major issue. I wasn’t planning to keep Chu Tianyin anyways,” Ning Cheng said easily.

Although he didn’t like losing the Chu Clan soldiers, he wasn’t going to keep them around if their leader was untrustworthy. Over the past few days, he’d been watching Chu Tianyin. Although he’d found nothing suspicious, he still worried about the man. Neither was he willing to hand over the Chu to Long Feiye for free. Thus, giving them to Western Zhou to destroy them utterly was the clearest solution.

Ning An walked closer and looked at him carefully. “Even the Duke of Qin can’t break your front lines. Why has a trifling acupuncture needle made you lose your temper?”

“My subordinates did their jobs poorly, so your lordship is simply lecturing them,” Ning Cheng said as he turned to leave.

“Truly?” Ning An asked.

“It’s late. You should go back and rest. Find a solution to the thing I told you about last time. Your lordship doesn’t want her to live past this year,” Ning Cheng issued coldly.

“I’ve already made arrangements,” Ning An said, before asking again, “What do you need that acupuncture needle for? Another scheme?”

Finally, Ning Cheng lost his patience. “Just do your own job well. Your lordship doesn’t need to explain my matters to you!”

“Big brother!” Ning An grew anxious, but Ning Cheng simply ignored her and stalked away. She shook her head at the sight. Ever since father and mother passed away, they as siblings had all did their part to prop up their own place in the world. In the past, big brother would always find her discuss things–whether it was related to the consortium or various clan matters. This was the first time he’d treated her so roughly.

She didn’t have the skills to catch up to him. But still she worried–would that needle not only ruin Ning Cheng’s plans, but wound his heart as well?

“Master, the person sent by Miss Jing is still waiting outside the palace. Will you see them?” her court lady murmured.

“I won’t,” Ning An said lightly.

“This…is improper, isn’t it?” the court lady grew worried.

“Without a doubt, she wants me to speak up for her in front of the Duke of Ning. But look at him just then. Do you think this concubine’s words will have any effect?” Ning An’s tone was very calm, but the court lady was too scared to say any more.

“Yes, this servant will dismiss the visitor right away.”

Once she was gone, Ning An started running after her instead. She was an elder sister who had gone through the marriage experience herself, so she didn’t want her little sister to try for something useless.

“Tell Jing’er that it’s better to endure for one year than an entire lifetime,” she murmured. After all, Jing’er had chosen her own man. For better or worse, she would only have to suffer the consequences for a year.

When she was young, she had no choice at all. The only thing she did choose was to take medicine so that she would remain barren for the rest of her life. She neither vied for favor nor power, which was why she was allowed to remain in Emperor Tianhui’s harem undisturbed and steady as she prayed to Buddha.

Ning An took off one of her light green jade hairpins and added, “An elder sister is like a mother. This can count as my contribution to her dowry. I won’t be there for the day of the wedding.”

The court lady withdrew, and Ning An exhaled. She only hoped that West Qin’s heir was still alive so that they wouldn’t disappoint the Ning Clan’s ever-shining loyal hearts…

Meanwhile, the sole descendent of the West Qin Dynasty was currently sitting the carriage of the East Qin imperial prince. Despite her intelligence, she was still clueless about her true origins. Han Yunxi and Long Feiye were on their way back to Yaoshui Prefecture. Duanmu Yao and Emperor Kangcheng’s reactions were about as expected.

Han Yunxi said, “Ning Cheng only has one path left, and that’s to push all the blame onto the Chu Clan and hand Chu Tianyin over to Emperor Kangcheng.”

Long Feiye nodded. “And the two elders of the Chu Clan?”

“Leave them, of course. They’re the key components to pressuring Chu Tianyin as a filial son,” Han Yunxi smiled.

Chu Tianyin may die in Emperor Kangcheng’s hands, but what if he didn’t? For better or worse, he was still the successor of the Nether Clan! Long Feiye took Han Yunxi’s hand and patted it. “You’re getting smarter and smarter.”

“I was smart to begin with, alright,” Han Yunxi said with the air of a tsundere.1

Long Feiye gave a start before laughing out loud. He had seen his share of narcissistic woman, but he didn’t mind the one before him right now. No matter how much she loved herself, it was still self-confidence in the end.

Han Yunxi made sure to remind him, “Long Feiye, if you really save those two old men, you have to keep them in your hands.”

“You’re getting more and more despicable, too,” Long Feiye said.

“I was desp….” Han Yunxi stopped mid-way and cast him a scornful glance. “Can’t help it. Being close to dark influence blackens me too.”