Chapter 368: As Long as It’s Not a Military Secret
"Illusion Technique?" Ye Qianning had encountered them in her modern life; getting caught in one was indeed a tricky business.
When she was seventeen, she had gone on a mission to Country F. It was a stronghold for ancient martial arts families and home to many hidden masters, including the Illusion Clan.
Back then, she had fallen for an Illusion Technique and someone had stabbed her through the chest. At the thought, her small hand instinctively touched the spot. She had almost died at the age of seventeen.
"It’s all ancient history, but the Emperor is quite persistent," Xiang Minghou said.
"Persistent about what?"
"The Emperor has three thousand women in his harem and wishes to add one more, but she, as it happens, is unwilling."
"..."
’As long as it’s not a matter of military intelligence, it should be fine.’
’If it’s just a matter of his desires, then there’s no need for them to get involved.’
’Perhaps that woman is a noble from Xi Yan or something. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gone to such great lengths, trading a Luminous Pearl just for an opportunity.’
The carriage arrived at the General’s Mansion.
Xiang Minghou alighted from the carriage and carried Ye Qianning down. The several carriages behind them also stopped one after another.
"Sigh." Xiang Minghou frowned and let out a breath.
He walked through the doors with the little girl in his arms, feeling utterly helpless. ’The General’s Mansion is practically an inn these days,’ he thought. ’Anyone can just show up and stay without so much as a greeting.’
"Great-Grandfather, they must be here to discuss your resignation with Father. I won’t get involved. I’m a little tired today, so I’m going back to get some sleep."
"Alright. You need to treat the injury on your face, or you’ll really be scarred."
"It’s just swollen, nothing serious. It’ll go down in a day or two."
’If she applied medicine, the swelling would go down overnight, but she had to go to the palace tomorrow. It was better for her face to remain a little swollen.’
Xiang Minghou set her down, gave her a few instructions, and then headed for the main hall.
Ye Qianning returned to Yuehua Small Building. On the way, she ran into some of her father’s concubines. Her face was swollen like a steamed bun, and they almost failed to recognize her. When she went back to her room and looked in the mirror, she too was momentarily stunned.
Although she could feel the swelling and the tightness of her skin, the sight in the mirror was still surprising. Her large eyes were now just thin slits, and her swollen cheeks squeezed her mouth into a small O-shape. ’No wonder Helian Chen called me a pig-head,’ she thought.
「Helian Royal Mansion」
In her forty-odd years, Princess Heliang had never experienced a day at the palace more shocking than this one. She had just returned to the mansion and was taking her first sip of tea when Prince Helian came rushing in.
"I heard Xiang Minghou intends to resign. Did something happen at the palace?" Prince Helian asked the moment he walked in the door.
"So many things happened today, I don’t even know where to begin."
"Is it true or false that Xiang Minghou is resigning?" This was what Prince Helian truly cared about.
"It’s true."
"Why?"
"Who else could it be but the royal family’s ’good’ princess? Her wonderful little speech was so deeply moving, so enlightening, that he simply had an epiphany."
Prince Helian frowned. "Explain clearly."
"The Sixth Princess really brought glory to Consort Yuan’s name. She said..." Princess Heliang recounted the Sixth Princess’s speech to him, word for word. She also told him about Ye Qianning’s fight and how, in the end, Ye Qianning had tearfully refused to marry the Crown Prince and demanded to break off the engagement.
Prince Helian’s expression grew darker the more he listened. If the Sixth Princess’s words were to spread, it would chill the hearts of countless military commanders. He wasn’t particularly shocked about Ye Qianning getting into a fight, however.
He had known from their first meeting that the child was far from simple. Her medical skills were astonishing, and she remained calm in a crisis. Ultimately, the Crown Prince’s character was truly unworthy of her.
"Consort Yuan is going to be embroiled in controversy again," Princess Heliang said. She had never thought highly of Consort Yuan.
"The people of the Medicine King’s sect are not to be trifled with. The scandal involving the Crown Prince back then was enormous, yet wasn’t it still suppressed? The Emperor dotes on the Sixth Princess above all others. Her words will not spread."
