Feng Tianlan’s gaze drifted forward, toward Xiao Man, who sat upright on her horse, as firm and unyielding as a spear. Nothing seemed capable of bending her will.
“She is a woman of integrity and spirit,” Feng Tianlan said, lowering his voice. “What does Your Majesty think?”
“She certainly has spirit. She thrashed my sons, one after another, and she’s still alive and well. Yet my sons have all met with misfortune. Doesn’t the National Preceptor find that too coincidental?”
Feng Tianlan was puzzled. What did the Emperor mean?
“Does Your Majesty suspect Princess Yongning’s loyalty?” Feng Tianlan asked, his voice a soft murmur. “If you doubt her, then it would be best to quickly relieve her of her command. After all, the Shendu Camp guards the safety of the imperial city. In the hands of someone untrusted, it remains a hidden danger.”
“I thought the National Preceptor would plead for her,” the old Emperor said gently. “After all, she is your disciple.”
“I am her master, but I am also Your Majesty’s subject. If she errs, I will not cover for her or plead on her behalf.” Feng Tianlan’s voice was calm, as if he were a detached Buddha.
“The National Preceptor seems unmoved by anything?”
“Your Majesty, I am human, and I too am moved by certain things. It is merely that ordinary matters rarely shake my inner core.”
“Then, what could move the National Preceptor’s heart?” the old Emperor asked with interest. A person without weakness was terrifying. In his eyes, Xiao Man was still a child. Xiao Man had a goal: she sought the killer of Xiao Zhen. But the National Preceptor was too perfect, with no apparent weakness. It was precisely this lack of weakness that unsettled him.
As Feng Tianlan had said, those whom he could satisfy were loyal. But he did not know what the National Preceptor desired, nor could he fulfill it. Having such a person by his side made him uneasy.
Especially after learning that someone with malicious intent was hiding by his side, plotting to destroy his vast empire, the old Emperor grew increasingly restless. He wished he could thoroughly investigate everyone around him. Yet, he knew so little about the National Preceptor, other than his origins. Though the National Preceptor did not involve himself in court affairs, whenever the Emperor was undecided, he would consult him. To a certain extent, the National Preceptor could influence his decisions.
Feng Tianlan sighed. “When General Xiao was murdered, I was deeply saddened. He was one of my few friends, yet he met such a tragic end…”
Seeing Feng Tianlan’s grief-stricken face, the old Emperor looked at Xiao Man and suddenly understood. Feng Tianlan did have a weakness: his beloved disciple. It seemed necessary to keep Xiao Man within his grasp. The Wen family, the National Preceptor’s mansion, the General’s mansion – only by keeping Xiao Man in his control could he manage all three.
“I intend to bestow Princess Yongning’s hand in marriage upon my imperial son. What does the National Preceptor think?”
Feng Tianlan’s face showed surprise. “Your Majesty, she is already engaged.”
“It is merely an engagement, not a marriage. An engagement can be broken. National Preceptor, which of my two sons do you think is more suitable for Yongning?”
Feng Tianlan fell silent, his fingers toying with a chess piece that he held for a long time. The old Emperor, watching Feng Tianlan’s hesitation, saw a glint in his eyes. “Is the National Preceptor unable to decide?”
“Your Majesty, Princess Yongning has a defiant nature. If you were to arrange a marriage and have her break her engagement for another, it would likely draw criticism from the court officials,” Feng Tianlan said, looking at the Emperor. “I am concerned for Your Majesty, and also for Yongning’s reputation. If she were to obey Your Majesty’s decree, she would surely be reviled by her subordinates and would no longer be able to command them. Yet, to defy an imperial decree would be unbecoming of a subject. After much consideration, I can find no solution that satisfies both sides, hence my indecision.”
The Emperor’s gaze fell upon Xiao Man, the light in his eyes growing more complex. When Xiao Zhen was alive, he would never have allowed Xiao Man to marry his son, nor would he have allowed her to marry into the Wen family. However, the Wen family’s Minister Wen had decisively resigned from his post to marry Xiao Man. Then, Xiao Zhen died, and Xiao Man single-handedly upheld the entire General’s mansion. This showed him Xiao Man’s value!
“I was merely speaking in jest. The National Preceptor need not take it to heart,” the Emperor said with a smile. “That girl is stubborn. I have come to care for her over the years with her frequent visits to the palace. How could I possibly force her like that?”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s consideration,” Feng Tianlan said softly. “It also spares me worry for her.”
“The National Preceptor does seem to dote on her.”
“She is my only disciple. Though she is somewhat unaccomplished, I still wish for her a lifetime of peace and joy.” The National Preceptor slowly placed a chess piece. “Your Majesty, it is your move.”
The old Emperor lowered his gaze to the chessboard. He realized that his pieces had been completely cornered, leaving him no room to maneuver. He tossed the chess piece back into the jar. “I lose.”
“Your Majesty is too kind.”
“National Preceptor, can’t you let me win just once? Every time I play chess with you, I lose!”
“Your Majesty, if I were to let you win, would you still endeavor to improve your chess skills?”
The old Emperor pointed at Feng Tianlan and laughed. “It seems you always have your reasons. Fine, fine. I’m used to losing anyway. My chess skills are only good enough to play with Xiao Zhen.”
Speaking of Xiao Zhen, silence fell between them once more. Fortunately, they had arrived at the royal hunting grounds. Since envoys from Yunqi and Lanyue were participating in this hunt, the Emperor attached great importance to it. Today’s hunt was not merely a hunt, but a gambit!
Yao Ran dismounted from his carriage, his gaze sweeping forward to Xiao Man, before subtly shifting to the envoy from Yunqi. He noticed Qu Yang staring intently at Xiao Man, as if she had a flower on her back.
“Prime Minister Yao, Official Qu, I hope you both enjoy the hunt today,” the Emperor said as the two parties took their seats. “I have arranged for meticulously prepared performances today, and I hope everyone will be entertained.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty of Yuhuang.”
The old Emperor looked at Xiao Man. Xiao Man raised a flag and waved it. Immediately, soldiers swarmed into the arena and formed ranks. Ran Sheng led the vanguard. As Xiao Man waved her flag, the formation shifted. Yao Ran frowned as he watched the troops below. “Old man Nangong is trying to intimidate them. Yusheng has always been skilled in military formations. Xiao Zhen was a master of it. Now that Xiao Zhen is gone, Xiao Man has taken up her father’s mantle, and she’s no less capable!” Su Dan Fiction Network.
Qu Yang, meanwhile, lowered his head, looking at the fine wine and delicacies on the table, his thoughts wandering. If one looked closely, they would see Qu Yang’s hand, hidden beneath his wide sleeves, trembling slightly.
“My lord, are you alright?” Official Zhou asked, puzzled. He had felt that Qu Yang had been acting strangely lately. He had initially ordered them to leave the imperial capital as soon as possible, but then he issued an order that no one was to leave the city gates. This had left his subordinates utterly confused.
“I am fine,” Qu Yang said calmly. “Be sharp in a moment.”