The Prime Minister quickly stood up, “Your Majesty, perhaps Minister Chen did not mean this, but Nan Feng’s attitude is truly inscrutable. If she were just an ordinary woman with no significant entanglement with Tuoba Lie, why would he sacrifice so many lives just for one woman? Please reconsider.”
No sooner had the Prime Minister spoken than many others immediately echoed his sentiments:
“I think the Prime Minister is right. If Nan Feng were only a mon hostage in Dashun, and Dashun has reconciled with Dajin, why would Dashun insist on having Nan Feng returned?”
“Unless I am mistaken, the two must have shared an extremely intimate relationship.”
“Perhaps there were promises made, and Tuoba Lie’s love turned to hatred when they were broken.”
“It’s also possible that Nan Feng is indeed beautiful, but beauty can be a disaster, Your Majesty.”
“…”
The Emperor looked at Imperial Preceptor Yan, “What is your opinion, Imperial Preceptor?”
Imperial Preceptor Yan, who had previosly been firm, now hesitated a bit, “Your Majesty, this matter requires further deliberation and investigation before we can proceed.”
But the Prime Minister stood up again, “Your Majesty, Tuoba Lie has given us a ten-day ultimatum. We no longer have the time to deliberate. A decision must be made immediately. In my opinion, we should detain Nan Feng effective immediately and send her to Dashun to quell this matter.”
The Emperor laughed coldly, “Very well, I have understood the thoughts of my ministers, but, as a great nation, if we have to sacrifice a woman to achieve peace, it will be a laughingstock if word gets out. Let me ponder this further. Court is adjourned!”
…
Standing outside the courtyard where Brother Ye and Nan Feng lived, the Emperor stared blankly at the winter jasmine in the yard.
The winter jasmine bloomed exceptionally brightly and movingly. As he watched, the Emperor felt as if he were looking at Nan Feng’s tender, beautiful face.
She was not a frivolous woman but one who could easily captivate a man’s heart. She was kind, somewhat aloof, independent with self-respect, living according to her own desires without subservience, and her demeanor was enchanting and graceful. Anyone who spent enough time with her would inevitably be drawn to her.
That is why Tuoba Lie fought so desperately for her.
Only Tuoba Lie didn’t seem to understand that Nan Feng’s heart held space only for Nangong Ye, and could not possibly have room for anyone else.
The Emperor thought for a while before he finally entered.
As he walked into the courtyard, the Emperor was greeted by the smell of Chinese Medicine.
Upon closer inspection, he saw Brother Ye fanning the flames under the medicine pot, while Nan Feng sat beside him, the two of them chatting and laughing together.
“Did the Imperial Physician instruct you how long to simmer the medicine? Is half an hour enough?” Nan Feng asked.
“I was instructed, two hours.”
“Hmm, simmering for too long will make it bitter.”
“Good medicine tastes bitter. The Imperial Physician said after taking this prenatal medication, our child will be safe in your womb and you won’t have to keep feeling nauseous all the time!”
“It’s okay not to take it. Where I e from, women give birth without these things, just by eating more greens.”
“I… don’t just trust the Imperial Physician,” Brother Ye said with a laugh.
Nan Feng playfully scolded, “Annoying!”
The two were engrossed in their loving conversation in the courtyard until a cough came from behind, which made them turn around.
Brother Ye respectfully saluted the Emperor, and Nan Feng also gave a distant salute.
The Emperor stepped forward and, seeing the medicine being simmered, furrowed his brow and mented, “Why not have the palace maids or eunuchs prepare it?”
Brother Ye spoke forthrightly, “Don’t trust them. It’s better to do it myself.”
Nan Feng did not look at the Emperor, her attention fixed on the pot of medicine.
After all, with the Emperor’s arrival, the atmosphere was once again spoiled.
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