Chapter 48: Chapter 48: The Young Master Is a Woman 48

“Apart from you, there’s nothing else worth painting.”

Ye Ji held a brush in one hand and her hand in the other, their fingers interlocked: “I was never someone with much leisure.”

Because of her, life gained new hues and gradually became more enchanting.

“I’m glad you said that,” Ah Chen snuggled next to him, smiling at him.

Ye Ji felt warmth in his heart and took the opportunity to say, “There’s nothing much happening recently. Why don’t you stay a while longer here? That way, I won’t have to go to Si Jiu Hall every day, you know. That place might hold my body, but my heart flies to you; it’s hard to endure.”

“Sure,” Ah Chen answered. It had indeed been busy these years, leaving little time to be with him.

It was only right to spend some time with him.

Ye Ji’s lips curled up in delight, momentarily so pleased that he stood there in a daze.

“Hurry up and finish the painting,” Ah Chen urged.

He immediately picked up the brush again.

“Zhou Yuanjia remains as ruthless as ever, actually drugging Cheng Lingqing,” Ning Yutong sighed. “On the day he was beheaded, Cheng Lingqing went to see him off, and he seemed mad, shouting that his cousin was his, no one else could marry her, and that he gave her an infertility drug. If anyone married her, they’d be left without offspring.”

“Cheng Lingqing was devastated at the time, standing there with a pale face for a long time.”

Ah Chen listened without commenting on this matter.

Cheng Lingqing wasn’t involved, and it had nothing to do with the task at hand, so she wouldn’t pay it much attention.

“This time, on my way out, I brought someone back, planning to take him as a consort,” Ning Yutong added. “The person looks good, with decent conduct, younger than me by a few years, I suppose, quite obedient along the way, and I’m quite satisfied.”

“Though I’m not a lecherous person, nor am I fickle, I do need to give him a little sense of urgency. To stay with me, he must be obedient. Once I have a child, if he doesn’t behave, I’ll just send him away directly.” The reason for not choosing to have someone join the family was because Ning Yutong heard too many stories about continuing the family line after three generations.

She found it somewhat disgusting.

Before returning, she made it clear to him. If he wasn’t willing, that was fine, but since he chose to come back with her, he had to abide by the rules she set.

Ah Chen observed Ning Yutong’s satisfaction: “As long as Fourth Sister is happy.”

She had heard before that Ning Yutong brought back a pretty boy, white-skinned and young, somewhat simple, though his physique wasn’t thin. His handsome face probably had too much of a deceptive appeal.

“Oh, and there’s another amusing incident. I heard Third Sister say, her husband is persuading her not to have any more sons,” Ning Yutong covered her mouth, laughing. “He even said he truly has no ability to father a son and there’s no need to be too persistent.”

Ah Chen smiled with her eyes: “Third Sister’s husband had come to me before, asking me to help persuade her, saying he might really only be destined to have daughters. It’s equally important to raise daughters well; people shouldn’t insist on having sons.”

Third Sister Ning Yutao already had seven daughters, and Fan Wenjue was always worried about saving dowry, which gave him headaches. But everyone knew he treated his daughters well. He couldn’t possibly not save for his daughters’ dowries, right? Besides, each daughter called him “daddy” in such a soft, sweet voice; how could he not be moved?

Since Fan Wenjue sought her out, when Ah Chen saw Ning Yutao, she would symbolically try to persuade her. Whether Ning Yutao would give up depended on Fan Wenjue himself, as it was ultimately a matter between the couple.

Three months later, Ah Chen received news that the escaped Ning Guangjun had been captured to work in a black mine.

The black mine was within the Ximo Dynasty.

She put down the letter, saying softly, “Then there’s nothing I can do, Father.”

He chose to run away himself; she couldn’t be blamed.

In the black mine, where Ning Guangjun received whippings daily, he dreamed every day, hoping that before he escaped from Prince Ning Mansion, Ah Chen could serve him another bowl of mushroom soup.

He would rather go mad in Prince Ning Mansion than endure such daily torment.

After enduring three months, Ning Guangjun could no longer bear the daily beatings and labor. He shouted to anyone he saw that he was Ning Guangjun, Prince Ning of Beixia.

Half a year later, Ye Ji met the envoy from Ximo, who also brought a letter from the Emperor of Ximo. The letter stated that their Prince Ning of Beixia was over there, and they should arrange for someone to fetch him.

Ye Ji glanced at the envoy, thinking they had sent someone in person, just in case he didn’t acknowledge the matter?

It was just like when he wrote a letter and sent it to Ximo, forcing the Emperor of Ximo to take Xiao Changsheng back.

Rumor had it that Xiao Changsheng didn’t fare well after returning, and his spirit had been broken.

The envoy, fearing Ye Ji might let the matter slide, emphasized, “Why isn’t Prince Ning Cang present? Knowing Prince Ning’s whereabouts, Prince Ning Cang must be very pleased, right?”

Ye Ji smirked coldly, knowing how delighted his Ah Chen would be to hear that Prince Ning was suffering outside.

He recalled another amusing incident where Ah Chen pointed at a toad, making Prince Ning recognize it as his son. Ah Chen told him that day, “Prince Ning held the toad like it was his son and even kissed it,” which left him at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Since the envoy was here, Ah Chen should be brought to see him publicly.

Thus, Ye Ji instructed someone to bring Ah Chen into the palace.

“I heard that during the year of natural disasters, Prince Ning Cang contributed significantly, yet he’s not present in court now. Is he unable to attend court?” During the wait, the Ximo envoy asked. The words weren’t harsh, yet anyone could hear the mockery.

“Of course, Prince Ning Cang can attend court. His absence is proof of Beixia’s peace and prosperity, needing not to trouble Prince Ning Cang. The envoy might not know this, but Prince Ning Cang is Beixia’s stabilizing force, to be spared from exertion and misfortune. If Beixia could remain ever prosperous and peaceful, I’m sure Prince Ning Cang would prefer never attending court,” unexpectedly, it was Fan Wenjue who stepped forward. His rank had risen, allowing him to stand further ahead, smiling slightly. “As the envoy is from the Ximo Dynasty, it’s understandable not to know our customs. Indeed, it’s difficult to gather information about Beixia. I’ve heard that the Ximo Dynasty has been unstable these years, with defected spies, making it hard to obtain accurate news.”

The fact that his brother-in-law wasn’t attending court was merely because he didn’t want to, not because His Majesty forbade it or the court opposed it.

Everyone had now accepted that the person beside His Majesty was a man. His talents alone were a benefit to Beixia’s political discussions.

But if he didn’t want to come, who dared to force him?

The Ximo envoy’s face turned red with anger, but how could he be unaware of these facts?

He was intentionally sowing discord, assuming the Beixia Emperor wouldn’t dare confront him.

After all, he hadn’t said anything excessive, merely asked a few questions. If the other party decided to do something about it, it would show Beixia’s irrationality. Even if apologies weren’t made, the rumors would be unsavory.

Fan Wenjue maintained a composed demeanor, merely making a few remarks as well, expressing some sympathy for their lack of manpower in the Ximo Dynasty.

Heh!

Ye Ji was quite satisfied with Fan Wenjue. Despite his initial obsession with having a son, he had some skill in handling people. Perhaps he should be arranged to receive envoys in the future.

Soon, Ah Chen entered the palace.

Not only did she come, but beside her stood a deranged figure — who else could it be but Ning Guangjun?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep