It wasn’t until nearly the fourth watch of the night that Princess Anxi sent someone to invite the noble guests to the palace for a discussion. Although everyone felt somewhat disgruntled about having to enter the palace for business at this hour instead of returning to their lodgings to rest, none present would decline. Everyone understood that the struggle had concluded, and Princess Anxi was likely the final victor. Naturally, all those present wanted to enter the palace at the earliest opportunity to secure more benefits for themselves.
Originally, Mo Xiuyao had wanted Ye Li to return and rest, but remembering that the Nanzhao King was still hidden somewhere in the palace, she decided to make one more trip into the palace.
They gathered in the same great hall where the Nanzhao King had previously received them, though the people present now were different. Princess Anxi still wore her white wedding dress with blue flowers, though it was now stained with dark red bloodstains that appeared even more coldly murderous under the lamplight. Princess Anxi stood atop the great hall, looking down at the disheveled Shu Manlin who sat collapsed in the middle of the hall.
“I apologize for requesting everyone’s presence in the palace so late,” Princess Anxi nodded to Ye Li before apologizing to the assembled crowd. Lei Tengfeng smiled and said, “Princess need not be so polite. Tonight’s events were sudden, and this prince is relieved to see the princess and her husband safe.” Pu’a stood behind Princess Anxi, his young face still bearing traces of blood that hadn’t been wiped away, clearly showing that both he and Princess Anxi had been through a fierce battle tonight. Princess Anxi smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern, Prince of Pacifying the South.” Minister Liu frowned and asked, “With such a major incident, why hasn’t the Nanzhao King made an appearance?”
Princess Anxi also furrowed her brows and said, “To be honest, I haven’t seen Father King since returning to the palace. People are currently searching everywhere. Shu Manlin, both the city guard and palace guard tokens are in your hands – where is Father King?”
Shu Manlin’s face darkened as she coldly replied, “How would I know where he is?”
Princess Anxi gave a cold laugh and said, “With the tokens in your possession, how could you not know where Father King went? And how did you obtain these tokens in the first place?”
Shu Manlin started, quickly understanding Princess Anxi’s intention. She was trying to pin the Nanzhao King’s disappearance on her! Regarding this matter, Shu Manlin truly felt wronged. She never imagined that even after deploying all the experts from the Southern Sacred Ground and the entire city’s guards, she would still lose to Princess Anxi. Originally, she had hoped to kill Princess Anxi directly – once the princess died, her subordinates would naturally become leaderless and easily defeated. Who knew the princess would have a group of terrifyingly powerful guards by her side? Not only did she fail to kill the princess, but she was caught red-handed when Princess Anxi led her people to storm the Holy Maiden Hall.
“What do you mean? His Majesty naturally gave me the tokens!” Shu Manlin said harshly.
Princess Anxi remained unhurried, smiling faintly as she said, “Father King would give you both the palace guard and city guard tokens? Are you joking?”
Shu Manlin grew uneasy. Normally, the Nanzhao King would indeed never entrust such important items to her. But this time, she had used special methods to bewitch the king into giving her the tokens. However, no matter how she claimed the tokens were personally given by the Nanzhao King, likely no one would believe her. Everyone present held significant power and authority; they naturally understood the importance of power and military control. How could the Nanzhao King easily hand such important items to a Holy Maiden? Even if some believed her, now that she had lost, if the Nanzhao King didn’t appear in time to save her, even the truth would become false. But… where was the Nanzhao King now?
Shu Manlin certainly didn’t know that while she was leading most of the guards to surround Princess Anxi, someone had sneaked into the palace to rescue someone, and during their departure had knocked out the Nanzhao King and hidden him away. Had she known this, she definitely wouldn’t have taken so many people with her, leading to the current situation where no one in the entire palace knew the Nanzhao King’s whereabouts.
Princess Anxi looked down at the disheveled but still unrelenting Shu Manlin, a flash of disgust crossing her eyes. She was truly tired of this woman. Over the years, she had come to understand something of Shu Manlin’s true identity, which was why she had repeatedly shown tolerance when Shu Manlin initially targeted her from time to time. But she hadn’t expected her to become increasingly excessive. What upset her most was that her father king would give the city guard tokens to Shu Manlin – hadn’t Father King considered that with control over the entire city guard’s deployment, Shu Manlin might put her life in danger? Or perhaps… this was what Father King himself wanted?
“Shu Manlin, you arbitrarily mobilized palace and city guards, attacked the princess’s residence attempting to kill the Crown Princess of Nanzhao. Moreover, you cannot escape responsibility for Father King’s disappearance. Do you admit your crimes?” Princess Anxi took a deep breath and asked solemnly.
Shu Manlin had no response, only coldly laughing, “Now that you’ve won, naturally you can say whatever you want. Anxi, stop putting on an act. You’re holding the king hostage and framing me!”
Princess Anxi didn’t anger, smiling indifferently, “Didn’t you know my whereabouts tonight? With your countless troops surrounding and pursuing me, I didn’t even have a chance to approach the palace. Moreover… wasn’t it you who withdrew nearly half the palace guards? Palace guards bear the important responsibility of protecting the palace and Nanzhao’s ruler – even in wartime, they cannot be arbitrarily withdrawn. Shu Manlin, do you still not admit your guilt?”
“I…” Shu Manlin knew she couldn’t argue against Princess Anxi, only because she had been too complacent and careless in underestimating her opponent. Originally, she thought that no matter how capable Princess Anxi was, she couldn’t possibly escape the pursuit of thousands of guards and hundreds of experts, so when doing these things, she hadn’t thought about being circuitous or covering her tracks. Now that she had failed, there was no way to turn the situation around.
“King Li…” In desperation, Shu Manlin could only place her hopes on those present. Among them, her closest relationship was naturally with Mo Jingli. However, Mo Jingli didn’t show the tenderness toward beauty that Shu Manlin had imagined. He gave her a cool glance and said coldly, “Nanzhao’s internal affairs are not for this king to interfere with.” Shu Manlin was stunned, clearly not expecting Mo Jingli to be so heartless. “King Li… you… such a faithless person! Don’t forget, if it weren’t for me…”
“Guards, take her away!” Princess Anxi commanded.
Two guards from the princess’s residence immediately stepped forward, covered Shu Manlin’s mouth, and dragged her away. Nanzhao was currently in chaos and couldn’t afford to offend King Li. As for whatever dealings existed between Shu Manlin and King Li, she would naturally find ways to learn about them later. After handling Shu Manlin’s matter, Princess Anxi apologized to everyone again before sending people to escort them out of the palace to rest.
“King Ding, Princess Consort Ding, please wait a moment.” Princess Anxi called out to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, who were walking last. Ye Li turned back to look at her, raising an eyebrow. Princess Anxi smiled and said, “Where is Father King now? Please inform me, Princess Consort.” Ye Li smiled and said, “He’s in the sleeping palace – the princess need only have people search carefully. Oh, and I took someone out from the Nanzhao palace, please forgive me, Princess.” Princess Anxi waved her hand and smiled, “A small matter, Princess Consort need not mind.” Ye Li smiled and said, “Thank you, Princess. Farewell.”
As Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao left hand in hand, Xu Qingchen walked last. After taking a few steps outside, he stopped and turned back to look at Princess Anxi.
Princess Anxi asked, “Does Qingchen have something else to say?” Xu Qingchen gave a cool look at Pu’a standing behind Princess Anxi. Princess Anxi smiled slightly and said, “Pu’a is one of us, Qingchen can speak freely.” After this night, there was more trust and closeness between Princess Anxi and her new husband. Xu Qingchen didn’t stand on ceremony, asking, “Once you find the Nanzhao King, what are your plans, Princess?”
“Plans?” Princess Anxi didn’t understand.
Xu Qingchen explained carefully, “After tonight’s events, no matter what, the Nanzhao King will harbor misgivings toward you. Haven’t you considered what happens afterward? When the Nanzhao King emerges, will he interfere to save Shu Manlin, or even foster a second or third Shu Manlin?”
Princess Anxi’s expression darkened somewhat as she lowered her eyes and said, “He is my father king.” Xu Qingchen calmly said, “I’m not suggesting you do anything to the Nanzhao King.” Princess Anxi felt somewhat ashamed, looking at Xu Qingchen with a bitter smile, frankly admitting, “I want to do something to Father King. Qingchen… I’m tired of all these years… can you help me?”
Looking at Princess Anxi, who wearily leaned against the steps, Xu Qingchen gave a light sigh. He said quietly, “The Nanzhao King has suffered a shock and is seriously ill, unable to manage state affairs. Since Princess Anxi is already married, perhaps it’s time for her to ascend the throne?”
Princess Anxi was startled – though she had thought about weakening her father’s power, she hadn’t considered becoming the Nanzhao King herself before her father’s passing.
Xu Qingchen looked at her calmly and said, “You and I have been friends for so many years, and we’ve often discussed the principles of governing…” Princess Anxi nodded and said, “Indeed, I’ve benefited greatly from our friendship over these years, Qingchen.”
Xu Qingchen said, “I’ve taught you the ways of governing and managing people, but I’ve never taught you how to be a ruler. Anxi, this is the last time I will teach you. Do you know why you’ve been constantly suppressed by Shu Manlin all these years? It’s because you lack ruthlessness. The path of an emperor is inherently solitary – power, strategy, and decisiveness are all essential. What you lack most is ruthlessness. Since ancient times, emperors have been without emotion and royal families without kinship. Every time you show mercy, it only results in your enemies rising again. You’re ruthless enough to yourself, willing to endure any hardship, but you’re too merciful to those around you. Anxi, only when you can truly handle relationships with those around you will you become a qualified ruler.” Having finished speaking, Xu Qingchen left without staying any longer, walking toward the exit.
Princess Anxi suddenly asked, “What about King Ding then? Everyone knows King Ding dotes exceptionally on his Princess Consort and deeply trusts the Xu family. Does Qingchen think King Ding is a qualified ruler?”
Xu Qingchen turned to look at her, smiling faintly, “There is no more suitable ruler than King Ding in the world. For a ruler, there is one more condition – learning to make choices. King Ding knows what he wants and what he should do, so I’ve never worried about him. Anxi… Nanzhao King, take care.”
Watching Xu Qingchen turn and leave without hesitation, Princess Anxi faced the empty great hall and felt waves of coldness enveloping her heart. She couldn’t help but hug her knees and lower her head, silently shedding tears. The crystalline teardrops fell onto her knees, quickly dampening a patch of the white fabric. Pu’a walked to Princess Anxi’s side and crouched down, his eyes flashing with sympathy as he looked at the woman silently crying while hugging her knees. He somewhat awkwardly raised his hand to pat Princess Anxi’s shoulder, saying softly, “Xier, I’m here with you.”
Princess Anxi raised her head, staring blankly at his stern face, and finally couldn’t help but lean into his embrace, her sobbing echoing through the great hall.
Xu Qingchen walked out of the palace as the sky was beginning to lighten. On the square before the palace, there were still scattered drunk citizens lingering, not yet returned home. A cool breeze blew past as Xu Qingchen gazed at the setting moon and let out a long breath.
“What’s wrong with Young Master Qingchen? Looking so melancholy?” A voice that seemed both amused and not came from behind.
Qingchen frowned in displeasure – what did they mean by looking melancholy? Coming to his senses, he saw Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao standing behind him. The difference was that Ye Li wore a face of concern while Mo Xiuyao wore an expression of teasing and schadenfreude. Xu Qingchen said coolly, “I thought you had already returned to the inn to rest. Aren’t you tired after this day and night?”
Ye Li said softly, “We were worried when we saw Big Brother falling behind. Although everything is fine now, after last night’s chaos, it’s more reassuring to return together.”
Seeing Ye Li’s concerned gaze, Xu Qingchen felt warmth in his heart. What he had just said to Princess Anxi wasn’t merely guidance on how to be a ruler or how to handle future matters. It was also telling her that from now on, their previous friendship would become past clouds and smoke.
Even though both wielded power in Nanzhao, the identities of Nanzhao King and Crown Princess were fundamentally different. After Princess Anxi ascended the throne, all of Nanzhao would truly become a responsibility she could never escape, and the pure friendship that had existed between them could never be the same again. Xu Qingchen didn’t have many friends, and his relationship with Princess Anxi was more like that of both teacher and friend. Although he was gratified by Princess Anxi’s growth, he couldn’t help feeling lost about losing a close friend.
“Very well, let’s return together,” Xu Qingchen said with a faint smile. As they walked, he said to Mo Xiuyao, “We might need to wait some more days before heading back to the Northwest.”
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why is that?” Xu Qingchen replied, “To attend Princess Anxi’s coronation ceremony.” Mo Xiuyao’s sword-like eyebrows rose as he couldn’t help but praise, “Young Master Qingchen has quite the skill. This king was also getting tired of that Nanzhao King – replacing him with Princess Anxi isn’t bad.” He was certain that before they left, Princess Anxi had no intention of ascending the throne; it must have been something Xu Qingchen said to her when he stayed behind. And this could only have come from Xu Qingchen – though any of them could have said the same things, Princess Anxi would have seen it as having ulterior motives. Coming from Xu Qingchen, the effect was entirely different.
Xu Qingchen remained silent. Princess Anxi’s early ascension might be a good thing for her, but it wasn’t necessarily good for Nanzhao. If the Nanzhao King remained, given Princess Anxi’s nature, she might face another incident like last night. Though the Nanzhao King was incompetent, there were still people and tribes loyal to him. With the still-at-large Tan Jizhi’s assistance, if they counterattacked, Princess Anxi’s life could be in danger. But once Princess Anxi ascended the throne, the tribes might not submit in the short term, and then with Nanzhao in civil unrest while Xiling had long harbored intentions to absorb Nanzhao… Xu Qingchen closed his eyes briefly. He didn’t know if Princess Anxi would hate him in the future. But now… Xiling had been lying low for years, already showing signs of restlessness. Rather than let them unite with Da Chu and Bei Rong to target the Northwest, better to give them a chance to test their sword on Nanzhao first, giving the Northwest more time to prepare and buffer.
“Big Brother…” Ye Li hadn’t thought as deeply as Xu Qingchen; these power struggles had never been her forte. But she could sense Xu Qingchen’s melancholy mood. Mo Xiuyao looked at Xu Qingchen and said, “Princess Anxi was born into the royal family – unless she willingly gives it up, she can never escape these matters. Big Brother needn’t blame himself. And, thank you.” Mo Xiuyao naturally understood Xu Qingchen’s considerations and intentions, offering a rare sincere thanks. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, “What’s there to thank? It’s just my duty. Born in this world, we each follow our destiny.”
“Let’s go, it’s time to rest,” Xu Qingchen said, walking ahead of Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li toward the inn.
Ye Li frowned at Xu Qingchen’s retreating figure and said, “I feel something’s not quite right with Big Brother.” Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li’s hand, comforting her softly, “It’s nothing. After Princess Anxi ascends the throne, she’ll be a sovereign ruler. Given Young Master Qingchen’s position, it naturally wouldn’t be appropriate to maintain close relations with her. Moreover, Princess Anxi is now married – Young Master Qingchen must avoid suspicion. Anyone would feel down about losing a close friend. Your brother usually takes things in stride; he’ll be fine in a few days.”
Ye Li nodded and sighed, “I hope so. Big Brother became famous in his youth; there aren’t many who can truly connect with him.”
Mo Xiuyao glanced at Xu Qingchen walking alone ahead, a glint of craftiness flashing in his eyes as he looked at Ye Li and said, “A’Li, speaking of which, didn’t we say we’d travel around on our way back? Now we have to stay for Princess Anxi’s coronation ceremony, and then return for your military exercise – it seems we won’t have enough time.” Ye Li blinked, “What does my lord have in mind?” After these years, Ye Li was well-acquainted with Mo Xiuyao’s personality; his speaking like this meant he already had a plan. Mo Xiuyao smiled with satisfaction, lowering his head to kiss Ye Li’s lips before saying, “Only A’Li truly knows me. Since we’ve already attended Princess Anxi’s wedding, for the coronation ceremony, why don’t we just…”
Ye Li understood – Mo Xiuyao had no intention of attending the coronation ceremony. “What do you have in mind?”
Mo Xiuyao said, “Having your big brother at the coronation ceremony is enough – who would dare say Young Master Qingchen’s presence isn’t weighty enough? We can travel slowly back to the Northwest, enjoying the journey. What do you say, A’Li?” Young Master Qingchen’s name was renowned throughout the world, and more importantly, he represented the Xu family, behind whom stood the Princess Consort of King Ding, and the Princess Consort meant King Ding. Xu Qingchen’s attendance at the Nanzhao Princess’s coronation ceremony was more than enough to demonstrate the Northwest’s attitude.
Ye Li hesitated for a moment, having to admit she was tempted. These past years in the Northwest had been constantly busy, and she had never truly had the leisure to travel and sightsee.
“Will Big Brother agree?”
“Of course he will. Your brother definitely won’t feel at ease and will wait until Princess Anxi’s coronation before leaving. It would be a waste of time for all of us to stay here.”
“Then… alright.” Finally unable to resist the desire to travel, Ye Li could only apologize to her brother in her heart.