The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

Murong Jin pursed his lips and lowered his eyes, seemingly hesitating.

Ling Yusheng patiently waited for her decision.

"What if I said that I saved Yang Ling?" After a moment, Murong Jin raised his head, looked directly into Ling Yusheng's eyes, and said, word by word.

She knew that Yang Ling meant a lot to Ling Yusheng, and even though Yang Ling had once been his enemy, he couldn't bear to hurt him.

Yang Ling was the only one who could save Murong Jin.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yusheng's pupils contracted sharply, as if he couldn't believe Murong Jin's words, but he quickly regained his composure. "How is this possible?"

“I might as well tell you that Yang Ling didn’t actually die of illness. I secretly transported him back to Xiyue.” Murong Jin glanced at him indifferently and continued, “I know that your Southern Chu and Xiyue are allies, and your two countries have always maintained a policy of non-aggression.”

"Why did you do this?" Ling Yusheng stared at Murong Jin, as if trying to see through her, his tone somewhat icy.

“Yang Ling is my brother!” Murong Jin said firmly. “If possible, I also hope that he can spend the rest of his life in peace.”

"Brother?" Ling Yusheng murmured softly.

Upon hearing this, Murong Jin frowned slightly and looked at Ling Yusheng, "What do you mean?"

Do you know my mother?

Ling Yusheng's words startled Murong Jin. A woman's image flashed through her mind, and she blurted out, "Your mother is... Nangong Wan'er?"

A bitter smile appeared on Ling Yusheng's lips, and he sighed softly, "That's right."

Upon hearing this, Murong Jin felt a strange sensation in his heart.

Nangong Wan'er was the younger sister of Empress Dowager Nanzhao. She married Ling Yusheng's father as a concubine.

Ling Yusheng was favored from a young age. He was handsome and skilled in martial arts, so he was highly regarded by the emperor.

Ling Yusheng's father, having no sons of his own, had always groomed Ling Yusheng as his heir, hoping that he would one day assist the new emperor and bring glory to the family.

Nangong Wan'er was also a jealous woman. In order to win favor, she even conspired with foreign tribes to frame Ling Yusheng.

Ultimately, this led the emperor to lose faith in Ling Yusheng, depose him from his position as crown prince, and banish him from the capital.

Nangong Wan'er, out of jealousy of Ling Yusheng's favor, attempted to assassinate him, but was defeated and imprisoned by Ling Yusheng.

Looking at Ling Yusheng, who seemed to have something difficult to say, Murong Jin couldn't help but ask, "Your father won't let you marry Nangong Wan'er?"

Ling Yusheng nodded. "That's right."

"Then your father must have known all along that Nangong Wan'er betrayed you, which is why he was so adamant about not allowing you to marry her, right?" Murong Jin asked after seeing Ling Yusheng nod.

"good."

"Since your father already knows that Nangong Wan'er betrayed you, why are you still willing to marry her?" Murong Jin narrowed his eyes, looking at Ling Yusheng, not understanding what he meant.

“Because she is pregnant,” Ling Yusheng said.

Upon hearing this, Murong Jin was greatly surprised. "You mean Nangong Wan'er is pregnant?"

She remembered that Nangong Wan'er had been demoted to a commoner and exiled to the Western Regions, right? Moreover, she had been away from Nanzhao for ten years, so how could she suddenly be pregnant?

“That’s right,” Ling Yusheng said. “My father felt very guilty towards her and always wanted to make it up to her, so he gave her special permission to keep the child.”

Murong Jin raised an eyebrow. So Nangong Wan'er had been gone from Nanzhao for so long!

"You came here today just to tell me this?" Murong Jin ignored Ling Yusheng's explanation and asked in return.

"No, I'm just here to remind you not to try to run away. Since I was able to bring you back, I can find a way to send you back to Yang Ling's side!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Jin remained silent.

Ling Yusheng stood up. "Murong Jin, I'll give you three days to think it over. I'll come back to you in three days!"

After Ling Yusheng left, Murong Jin fell into deep thought.

Yang Ling has been in a coma for five years. Logically speaking, he should have been dead by now. How could he still be alive?

Also, what does Ling Yusheng mean?

Was she there to persuade him to go back to Xiyue with him?

"Miss Murong!"

Murong Jin came to her senses and saw a maid standing at the door.

"what's up?"

"The young master sent me to convey a message: please rest well, and we will change his dressing tomorrow."

Murong Jin nodded. "Thank you. You may leave now."

The maidservant curtsied and turned to walk down another passage.

Murong Jin collected his thoughts and went into the inner room.

"Young Master, what were you thinking about just now? You seemed so lost in thought." Qingyi asked hurriedly when she saw Murong Jin enter.

"Nothing, just thinking about some things." Murong Jin shook her head. "Where is your young master?"

"Young master has just fallen asleep. Are you hungry? I will instruct the kitchen to prepare dinner immediately."

Murong Jin waved her hand, signaling Qingyi not to leave yet, "Wait a moment." After saying that, she sat down at the table and looked through the documents that Qingyi had just presented.

After reviewing all the materials, Murong Jin seemed to be deep in thought.

Over the years, apart from occasionally visiting Yang Ling, Nangong Wan'er has basically never set foot in this courtyard.

According to Yang Ling, he visits him every few years.

Moreover, Nangong Wan'er's belly has remained flat for the past few years.

Thinking of this, Murong Jin couldn't help but wonder if Nangong Wan'er was lying to him, or rather, if Yang Ling was lying to him.

But upon closer reflection, Yang Ling is a clever and quick-witted young man who would not stoop to lying.

Thinking about this, Murong Jin felt that she should go and see for herself.

"Young master, the meal is ready." Qingyi knocked on the door, waking Murong Jin from his deep thoughts.

Murong Jin nodded and followed Qingyi into the restaurant.

"Young master, please enjoy your meal!" the man in green said respectfully, then turned and left.

"Eat up!" Yang Ling said to Murong Jin with a smile, pointing to the dishes on the table.

Murong Jin looked at the table full of delicious food, but had no appetite. "I can't eat. Could you get me some pastries?"

Yang Ling's expression froze instantly upon hearing Murong Jin's words, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled at Murong Jin, "Okay."

Although Yang Ling concealed it very well, Murong Jin still noticed it. His expression changed for a moment, but quickly returned to normal, leaving no clue as to what was going on.

Murong Jin frowned as he watched Yang Ling leave the room.

Yang Ling's behavior is completely different from Nangong Wan'er's style. Could there be another reason behind this?

Murong Jin dared not make a hasty conclusion, so he picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs and tasted it. The taste was not bad.

Murong Jin looked at the few remaining ribs on the plate, hesitated for a moment, then picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.

Hmm, the taste is alright.

Murong Jin picked up another piece and ate it with relish.

At this moment, Yang Ling walked in and saw that Murong Jin hadn't even touched the food. She couldn't help but frown. "Why aren't you eating? Don't you like it?"