Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Liu Jing Wei was stunned by the sudden shift of Shangguan Ning's attention to her. Caught off guard, she blinked rapidly, her carefully crafted façade momentarily faltering. The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on her as all eyes turned to her in expectation.

For a brief instant, she struggled to find her words, her mind racing to regain composure. "I—uh, I was merely trying to mediate," she stammered, forcing a nervous smile. "I didn't mean to overstep. We should all be working toward the same goal, after all."

Shangguan Ning's gaze remained steady, unwavering. "Mediation is one thing, Lady Liu, but interference is quite another. This matter is between the empress and me. It does not involve you," he replied, his tone clear and unyielding. "I would advise you to remember your place."

The nobles surrounding them shifted uncomfortably, some exchanging glances as the tension escalated. Liu Jing Wei felt the sting of embarrassment rising in her cheeks, the realization that her ambitions might have led her to miscalculate her position.

"Of course, Sovereign Consort," she said, her voice now laced with a forced sweetness that barely masked her irritation. "I only wished to ensure that the royal family remains united in its decisions."

Shangguan Ning leaned back slightly, observing her with an analytical gaze. "Unity is important, Lady Liu, but not at the cost of respect. If the empress wishes to discuss such sensitive matters with me, then it should be done directly, without unwarranted interjections."

The empress, who had been silently watching the exchange with an unreadable expression, finally interjected. "Enough!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. "This discussion has veered off course. Let us refocus on what truly matters."

She cast a pointed look at Liu Jing Wei, as if reminding her of her place. "Ning'er, while your concerns are noted, I believe it is time to consider the broader implications of our decisions for the future of the royal family."

Shangguan Ning nodded slightly, recognizing the shift in the conversation. "I appreciate your intentions, Your Majesty, but I must reiterate my position. Any decisions regarding the family must be approached with careful consideration and respect for all parties involved."

The empress sighed, the tension still lingering in the air. "Very well, let us proceed with our tea party. We shall discuss these matters further in a more private setting."

As the conversation began to shift back to lighter topics, Shangguan Ning felt a mixture of relief and unease. Though the immediate conflict had been defused, the underlying tensions remained, and he knew that navigating the complexities of court life would be an ongoing challenge.

______

In a different part of the palace, the atmosphere in the royal court was charged with tension as Duke Liu Kang, the esteemed clan leader of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan and father of Liu Jing Wei, stood before the emperor. The grand chamber, adorned with intricate tapestries and opulent decorations, felt particularly weighty as he prepared to voice his bold suggestion.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor," Liu Kang began, bowing deeply to show his respect. "May I propose something for your consideration?"

"You may proceed, Duke Liu," the emperor replied, his tone neutral yet curious.

"Your Majesty," Liu Kang continued, straightening his posture, "I wish to betroth my daughter, Liu Jing Wei, as a noble concubine to the Second Prince, Helan Li Qiang."

The room fell silent, and Helan Li Qiang's eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from surprise to indignation. "Presumptuous!" he exclaimed, rising from his seat. "I have only just recently married the Sovereign Consort, and now you dare to suggest such a thing?"

The emperor raised a hand, signaling for calm. "Duke Liu, what prompts this suggestion? The royal family's dynamics are delicate, and such decisions cannot be made lightly."

Liu Kang met the emperor's gaze, unflinching. "Your Majesty, I believe that uniting our families in this way would strengthen the royal bloodline. My daughter possesses the qualities of a noble consort, and her union with the Second Prince would benefit both our clans and the empire."

Helan Li Qiang shook his head vehemently. "It is highly inappropriate to even consider this right now. Not only would it be disrespectful to the Sovereign Consort, but it also undermines the very foundation of our alliance with the Wu Dynasty. Such actions could strain our relationships and bring about unnecessary discord."

Liu Kang, sensing the tension in the room, responded with a hint of irritation, "But, Your Highness, the royal bloodline must be preserved and strengthened. It is crucial for the future of our empire, and my daughter would be a valuable addition to your household."

The emperor, sensing the clash between the two men, interjected to diffuse the situation. "While I appreciate your intentions, Duke Liu, the timing of your proposal is indeed questionable. We must honor the existing bonds and respect the Sovereign Consort's position. We cannot act recklessly in matters of the heart, especially with such significant implications."

Helan Li Qiang nodded, his voice firm yet respectful. "If we were to entertain this idea, it would have to be done in consultation with the Sovereign Consort and with the utmost respect for his feelings and position within the royal family."

Liu Kang's expression faltered slightly, realizing that he would have to tread carefully. "I understand your concerns, Your Highness. However, I believe that with the right approach, this union could still be beneficial for all parties involved."

The emperor leaned back in his seat, contemplating the various ramifications of the proposal. "Let us not act in haste. We will need to consider this matter further and perhaps have a discussion with the Sovereign Consort himself. It is vital to ensure that all voices are heard before making such a significant decision."

With the tension still palpable, the discussion shifted toward other matters of state, but the underlying implications of Liu Kang's suggestion hung heavily in the air, foreshadowing potential conflicts to come.

As the meeting in the royal court progressed, whispers of Duke Liu Kang's audacious proposal began to circulate among the other princes who vied for the throne. In the shadows of the grand hall, their expressions shifted from casual interest to barely concealed jealousy, as the implications of Liu Jing Wei potentially becoming a noble concubine of Helan Li Qiang became clear.

Prince Jun, the eldest of the contenders, leaned closer to his brother, Prince Yan. "Can you believe the audacity of Liu Kang?" he murmured, a bitter edge to his voice. "He thinks he can simply elevate his daughter by marrying her off to our brother. If that were to happen, Helan Li Qiang would solidify his position and become an even greater threat to our claims."

Prince Yan nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with concern. "It's true. If Liu Jing Wei joins the Second Prince's household, it would bolster his influence significantly. Their bloodline would intertwine, and he would have the support of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan behind him. This could shift the balance of power in the court."

Another prince, Prince Rui, chimed in, his tone laced with resentment. "Not to mention the prestige that would come with such a union. The nobility would rally around Helan Li Qiang, and he would emerge as the strongest contender for the throne. We can't allow this to happen."

"Exactly," Prince Jun said, his voice low but filled with intensity. "We must devise a way to counteract this proposal before it gains any momentum. If the empress supports this, it could be disastrous for us."

As the princes huddled together, plotting their next moves, the tension in the room became palpable. They exchanged glances filled with a mix of envy and determination, each considering how they might sway the situation in their favor.

Prince Yan's mind raced with possibilities. "Perhaps we could approach the Emperor ourselves, voicing our concerns about the implications of such a union. If we present it as a threat to the stability of the realm, he may be more inclined to dismiss it."

"Or," Prince Rui interjected, a sly smile creeping onto his face, "we could undermine Liu Jing Wei's reputation in the eyes of the court. If we can cast doubt on her character or worthiness as a consort, it might sway public opinion against the idea."

The other princes nodded, their resolve strengthening as they plotted against Helan Li Qiang. Unbeknownst to them, their schemes would only serve to deepen the rift within the royal family, setting the stage for a turbulent struggle for power.

Meanwhile, as the court continued to discuss matters of state, the weight of Duke Liu Kang's proposal lingered in the air, with both allies and rivals contemplating the potential ramifications of this new alliance and the power dynamics it could create within the kingdom.

_____

Tired yet contemplative, Shangguan Ning leaned gently against the trunk of the peach blossom tree in his courtyard, finding solace in the tranquil setting of the Second Prince's manor. His eyes were closed, savoring the gentle breeze that carried the sweet, calming scent of the blossoms around him. The delicate fabric of his crimson robes fluttered gracefully with the wind, giving him an ethereal quality, as if he were a deity descended from the heavens.

Helan Li Qiang, arriving at the courtyard, caught sight of this enchanting scene. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of Shangguan Ning in such a peaceful moment. The sunlight danced upon the petals, illuminating his serene expression, and for a moment, the weight of the world melted away. He felt a surge of admiration mixed with a longing to protect this fragile tranquility, aware of the tumultuous events they faced.

As he took a step closer, Cong, the ever-loyal attendant, noticed the Second Prince's presence and moved to announce him. However, Helan Li Qiang raised a hand to stop him, signaling that he preferred to approach Shangguan Ning without interruption. Cong, understanding the silent request, bowed respectfully and retreated, allowing the two to share a moment of intimacy.

"Ning'er," Helan Li Qiang began softly, his voice breaking the peaceful silence, "I have something important to tell you." As Shangguan Ning opened his eyes and shifted from his relaxed position, he moved to sit across from the prince on a nearby bench, his expression shifting to one of attentiveness.

"Li Qiang, I have something to share as well," Shangguan Ning responded, a hint of seriousness lacing his tone.

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before diving into the discussion. "Today at the tea party, the empress suggested a rather… questionable idea," he started, his voice steady but laced with concern. "She proposed that Liu Jing Wei become a noble concubine in your household. It caught me off guard, as I didn't expect her to make such a suggestion so soon after our marriage."

Helan Li Qiang's brow furrowed as he listened intently, the concern in Shangguan Ning's voice echoing his own worries. "I understand," he replied, his expression growing serious. "In the court today, I faced a similar proposition. Duke Liu Kang approached me, advocating for his daughter's betrothal to me as a noble concubine. He seems to believe it would strengthen our bloodline and alliances, but I find it utterly disrespectful to you and our marriage."

Shangguan Ning nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him that they were on the same page. "I conveyed to the empress that such decisions should not only involve me but also you. Our bond is not something to be treated lightly or used as a pawn in political games."

A flicker of admiration shone in Helan Li Qiang's eyes at Shangguan Ning's resolve. "You handled it well. I appreciate you standing your ground," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "It's important we navigate these challenges together. Our union must be based on trust and mutual respect, not on familial obligations or political ambitions."

"Exactly," Shangguan Ning replied, feeling empowered by Helan Li Qiang's support. "I believe that we should define our relationship on our own terms, free from external pressures."

As they shared this moment of understanding, the gentle breeze continued to sway the branches of the peach blossom tree, their delicate petals falling like soft rain around them, enveloping them in a world where their connection flourished, undisturbed by the machinations of the court.

As the gentle breeze continued to rustle the peach blossoms overhead, the tension from their earlier conversation began to dissipate. Shangguan Ning's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned slightly closer to Helan Li Qiang, a playful smile gracing his lips.

"Li Qiang, I must admit, the way you defended our marriage today was quite impressive," he teased, a hint of laughter in his voice. "You sounded almost like a knight defending his lady's honor."

Helan Li Qiang chuckled, his serious demeanor softening at Shangguan Ning's playful jab. "And you, Ning'er, are clearly a very noble lady in need of protection," he replied, feigning a dramatic tone as he placed a hand over his heart. "What would become of the realm without you by my side?"

Shangguan Ning let out a melodic laugh, the sound light and free, like the petals swirling around them. "Well, if I am indeed a noble lady, then you must be my gallant knight," he said, tilting his head and looking up at him with an exaggeratedly innocent expression. "But tell me, brave prince, do you have what it takes to protect me from all the scheming nobles at court?"

Helan Li Qiang leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I have trained in the arts of strategy and diplomacy. I am prepared to face any opponent—especially if it means keeping you safe from unwanted suitors." He winked, his playful grin making Shangguan Ning's heart flutter.

"Oh?" Shangguan Ning feigned surprise, pressing a hand to his chest in mock disbelief. "What if one of those suitors happens to be a dashing young duke, with charming looks and smooth words? Surely, even you might be tempted!"

"Is that a challenge?" Helan Li Qiang asked, his brow raised playfully as he leaned closer. "I must warn you, I am quite skilled at charming the charming."

Shangguan Ning rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "I doubt anyone can charm me more than you already do. You'll have to try harder if you wish to impress me."

Helan Li Qiang's expression softened as he gazed into Shangguan Ning's eyes, sincerity mixed with mischief. "Very well, then. I shall prepare an elaborate display of affection to win your heart all over again," he said, his tone teasing yet earnest.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Shangguan Ning challenged, leaning back slightly as if to gauge his resolve. "I have high standards, you know."

"High standards? My dear Ning'er, I welcome the challenge," he replied with mock bravado. "I shall serenade you under the stars, recite poetry that would make even the most stoic hearts swoon, and perhaps even prepare you a feast fit for a sovereign consort!"

"Oh, a feast? Now you're speaking my language," Shangguan Ning said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "But it better include my favorite dish—peach blossom cake! Otherwise, you'll have to start all over with your charming."

"Peach blossom cake it is!" Helan Li Qiang agreed, laughing. "I will take note of your favorites and make sure the preparations are perfect. Just you wait; by the end of it, you will have no choice but to proclaim me the most excellent prince consort!"

"I look forward to the day," Shangguan Ning replied, a twinkle in his eye. "But you must promise me one thing."

"What is it?" Helan Li Qiang asked, intrigued.

"That you won't go getting any ideas about inviting Liu Jing Wei to our feast! I can't compete with that!"

Helan Li Qiang burst into laughter, the sound rich and warm. "Rest assured, I have no intention of inviting anyone else when I have the most delightful company right here!"

"Good," Shangguan Ning said, playfully narrowing his eyes at him. "Because if you do, I'll have to unleash my secret weapon—a terrible singing voice that could scare even the bravest of warriors!"

"Now that is a weapon I'd prefer to avoid!" Helan Li Qiang chuckled, shaking his head. "You truly are a force to be reckoned with, Ning'er. I'd better keep you close at all times."

They shared a moment of laughter, their hearts lighter and more connected, the challenges of court life momentarily forgotten in the warm glow of their playful banter. The peach blossom tree stood witness to their budding romance, petals dancing in the air like the laughter that filled the courtyard, signaling the start of many more light-hearted moments to come.