Hidden in the court

"His Majesty!"

At this moment, the king's uncle was already kneeling on the ground.

Nangong Lin walked over, kicked him to the ground, and lifted him up by the collar.

"Even if your sister had honestly given me a child, I would have spared your lives. What a pity... Go away now while I'm in a good mood."

Soon, Nangong Lin and Su Youde, the master and servant, were the only ones left in the hall.

Nangong Lin sighed, his face full of worry, and slowly asked: "Su Youde, how many years have you been with me?"

"Your Majesty, I am fifty-two years old this year. I entered the palace at the age of twenty-two and have been accompanying Your Majesty ever since. This year is already the thirty-fifth year, and my son is also exactly thirty-one years old."

"Oh, it's been thirty years. You've watched me grow up. To be honest, besides General Hu, you're the one I trust the most. You've also watched Bian'er grow up. I want to ask you, what do you think of Bian'er?"

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, Princess Bian is both talented and beautiful, considerate, kind-hearted, smart and clever, and knows the big picture. Her every word and action is in line with the royal style. It is a blessing for Liangwu to have such a princess."

"Oh, do you really think so? Why didn't I find her as good as you said?"

"Your Majesty is concerned about the country and is busy with many things. Naturally, I didn't pay much attention to it. As you said, I watched the princess grow up, and I sincerely feel that way."

Hearing this, Nangong Lin was silent for a while, then spoke.

"Okay, I won't treat you as an outsider, and you are not shy either. Go, ask the imperial kitchen to cook a few dishes. I, you and the two children, we will have a family dinner today."

Su Youde was also deeply moved when he heard this.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Su Youde responded and went down to prepare. Nangong Lin thought about it and sighed again, seeming to be really conflicted.

On the other side, Su Mengyang had been dragged by Nangong Bian to visit the imperial palace.

“It is indeed magnificent.”

Nangong Bian was speechless. All Su Mengyang said along the way was these exclamations. Nothing else. He didn't say much to her, as if they were really here for a visit.

Walking, stopping, staring, he found that Su Mengyang was silly, and he secretly thought to himself that this brother might be a little stupid.

Nangong Bian, who couldn't hold it in any longer, spoke first.

"I know that I must have suffered a lot since I was a wanderer. My father must have his own difficulties. Even if you don't recognize me as your sister, please don't blame my father."

Now it was Su Mengyang's turn to be stunned. I understand the logic, and I don't mean to blame my father, but what is going on now?

But seeing Nangong Lin's eager look, Su Mengyang quickly explained: "Father has explained everything to me clearly, and I don't mean to blame him. Don't think so... I'm just, still a little...uncomfortable."

"Oh, that's good. Brother, you are so wise and righteous, you are worthy of being the top scholar. Since you have no intention of disowning me, then from now on, please call me brother and sister, how about that?"

Su Mengyang thought about it and realized that he would have to change his words sooner or later, so he might as well give up.

Besides, ever since I met this sister today, she has been calling me "brother" all the time, and she calls me "brother" so sincerely. Do I really have the nerve to do this?

Su Mengyang tried to call out, "Sister..." but he felt a little weird and embarrassed.

Before he finished speaking, Nangong Bian took his arm and said happily: "It's okay, you will get used to it."

……

Sunset west hill

Dishes came out from the imperial kitchen and filled up the small table: braised carp, Bianjing roast duck, braised lamb with scallions, peony bird's nest, abalone in clear soup, and braised pork belly. There were six dishes in total, all of them were Henan cuisine.

Nangong Lin had already changed into his regular clothes and was just waiting for Su Mengyang and Nangong Bian.

Seeing Nangong Bian walking towards them arm in arm with Su Mengyang, talking and laughing, Nangong Lin felt increasingly strange and troubled.

"Meet my father."

"Greetings...Father."

Nangong Lin nodded and said to Nangong Bian: "You should take better care of your brother."

"Mengyang, you too, teach your sister more often and don't let her be so idle."

"Yes."

They both responded in unison.

Nangong Lin nodded with satisfaction and looked at Su Youde beside him.

"Well, everyone, please take your seats. Today is a family dinner, so don't be restrained."

When Nangong Lin picked up a piece of fish and put it into Su Mengyang's bowl, others also started to eat.

"You need to eat more today."

Su Mengyang was still a little reserved, just concentrating on eating. However, the bowl was full.

All this was thanks to Nangong Bian's act of picking up food for Su Mengyang.

"Brother, try this mutton...try this abalone...now, try this belly, it's very tender...drink some soup first, I'll roll a duck for you."

Hearing this noise, Nangong Lin suddenly felt that the fish in the bowl was no longer fragrant, and even tasted a little sour.

At first, the three of them were just picking up food for Su Mengyang with their chopsticks here and there, but gradually the master and servant were no match for Nangong Bian who had the advantage in position.

Su Youde had no choice but to put some food into Nangong Bian's bowl. Nangong Lin looked at Su Mengyang's full bowl, started to put some food into Su Youde's bowl, and started to eat some white rice in a sullen manner.

Su Mengyang felt a hint of coolness and put a piece of mutton into Nangong Lin's bowl.

Nangong Lin was stunned, staring at the extra mutton in the bowl.

"I guess you have some conscience."

The four of them were eating like this, and the scene was very harmonious.

Nangong Bian also realized that his father was being neglected by him, so he decided to take care of his feelings. He wanted to roll a duck for him, but when he looked down, the duck was gone, so he had to serve him a bowl of soup.

Nangong Lin chewed two mouthfuls of rice, sipped a mouthful of soup, and asked about Nangong Bian seemingly casually.

"Bian'er, I want to make your brother the crown prince, what do you think?"

"Great! Now my brother and father are reunited. My brother is a top scholar, extremely intelligent, and wise. He is also the eldest son, so he deserves the title. He is the crown prince, and I believe that my brother will be a wise ruler."

"You don't feel wronged at all. If your brother hadn't shown up, the throne might have been yours?"

After Nangong Lin finished speaking, he stared at Nangong Bian, as if trying to see something from her face.

"Father, deposing the eldest son and enthroning the youngest is a recipe for chaos, let alone enthroning a woman. I heard that the two princes in the north were fighting for the throne, and even killed each other. This would be a disaster for the country and must not be tolerated."

Nangong Lin was stunned for a moment, exhaled a breath, and nodded.

"Okay, well said. My daughter, at the age of 28, already understands this truth, but his two sons Xi and Tu don't. Okay."

If Ji Mingshang were here, he would probably laugh until he spit out his food. Two brothers, killing each other? I'm afraid only those "traitors" who were tricked to death in the North would think so.

Su Youde was almost moved to tears when he heard Nangong Bian say this.

"Your Majesty, the princess is so well-behaved and sensible at such a young age, and the eldest prince is even a top scholar. This is really a great blessing for Liang Wu!"