Jade of Another World

Lin Ning's gaze was calm and resolute as she stared directly at Wanyan Qing, catching every subtle change in her expression. Seeing that Wanyan Qing seemed to be wavering, she knew the time was right and continued unhurriedly, "Wanyan Qing, you and I both know that my staying in the palace is of no benefit to you. You've witnessed Nangong Jin's obsession with me. Even if you kill me, he won't fall in love with you; instead, he'll harbor resentment towards you."

Wanyan Qing bit her lip, her eyes filled with conflict. Lin Ning's words struck her heart like heavy blows. Seeing this, Lin Ning leaned forward slightly and said, word by word, "But if you let me go now, the situation will be very different. Once the fake death is exposed, you can completely clear yourself of any wrongdoing and won't be implicated in the slightest. At that time, without me as a thorn in the side of the palace, you will have plenty of opportunities to get close to Nangong Jin and soothe his feelings."

“If I leave, he will lose someone who can stir his emotions. And you, as someone who has always been by his side and has deep feelings for him, are you afraid that you can’t slowly win his heart?” Lin Ning’s voice was soft but powerful, as if painting a beautiful picture in Wanyan Qing’s mind.

Wanyan Qing's eyes gradually brightened, as if she had seen a glimmer of hope. She secretly considered the situation; Lin Ning's words did indeed make some sense. If Lin Ning remained in the palace, Nangong Jin's attention would always be on her, and she would have no chance. But if Lin Ning left, perhaps through her own efforts, she could truly win Nangong Jin's favor.

"What you said... is it all true?" Wanyan Qing's voice carried a hint of uncertainty; she desperately wanted a definite answer from Lin Ning.

Lin Ning nodded gently, a sincere smile on her face: "Of course, why would I lie to you? Although we have had our disagreements, I hope you can get what you want. As long as you let me go, from now on, we'll keep to ourselves."

Wanyan Qing remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Fine, I'll let you go. But if you dare to go back on your word, I will not spare you." With that, she waved her hand, signaling the guards to untie the ropes binding Lin Ning.

Lin Ning rubbed her wrist, secretly relieved. She gave a slight bow to Wanyan Qing: "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Wanyan. I will keep my word and never go back on it." With that, she turned and strode out of the room, her steps firm and composed, as if she couldn't wait to escape this place filled with danger and intrigue…

Lin Ning was released by Wanyan Qing and hurriedly left. She hadn't gone far when she heard someone calling her from behind. Alarm bells rang in Lin Ning's mind, and she took off running, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. But she hadn't run far when a strong hand suddenly reached out from the side and grabbed her arm. The force was so great that she almost stumbled and fell.

"Let go! Let me go!" Lin Ning screamed in terror, struggling desperately to break free from the large, iron-like hand. Countless horrifying thoughts flashed through her mind: that Wanyan Qing had changed her mind and sent people to take her back.

However, she was met with a low, mocking laugh. Lin Ning, filled with confusion, glanced to the side and saw a tall man on horseback embracing her. This man was Wanyan Qiang, Wanyan Qing's brother, the second prince of Nanzhao.

"Miss Lin, why are you so alarmed? I mean no harm." Wanyan Qiang's lips curled up slightly, a faint smile on his face, and a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Lin Ning looked at him warily, the fear in her heart not completely subsided. "What do you want to do? Wanyan Qing has already let me go, what do you mean by this!" Lin Ning questioned loudly, her tone filled with anger and resentment.

Wanyan Qiang gently shook his head, pulled on the reins, and let the horse slowly approach Lin Ning. "Miss Lin has misunderstood. My sister is ignorant and has offended me greatly. I have come here to see you off."

Lin Ning was slightly taken aback, a hint of suspicion flashing in her eyes. "Why are you helping me? I don't know you at all, so how do I know you don't have ulterior motives?" Lin Ning said bluntly. She had experienced too many conspiracies and schemes in the palace and was no longer willing to easily trust others.

Wanyan Qiang chuckled softly, looking intently at Lin Ning. "Miss Lin is exceptionally intelligent, and you must be aware of the delicate relationship between Nanzhao and Dayu. I'm helping you for two reasons: first, I disapprove of my sister's actions, and second, it's also a way to establish a good relationship with you. Perhaps we can help each other out in the future."

Lin Ning listened to Wanyan Qiang's words, pondering to herself. She knew that what Wanyan Qiang said was untrue; there were indeed complex interests between Nanzhao and Dayu. But he was a ruthless and cunning man, and he would not come to "save" her for no reason.

While she was still hesitating, Wanyan Qiang spoke again, "Miss Lin, there's no need to worry. I swear as the Second Prince of Nanzhao that I will protect you." Wanyan Qiang seemed to have seen through Lin Ning's concerns and spoke earnestly.

Lin Ning bit her lip and finally nodded slowly.

Wanyan Qiang smiled and nodded, then reached out to embrace Lin Ning tightly. "Don't worry, young lady, I, Wanyan Qiang, always keep my word. Let's set off now and leave this place of trouble." With that, he flicked the reins, and the horse galloped off into the distance, kicking up a cloud of dust…

Lin Ning was confined to a lavishly decorated room, her anger burning fiercely. Her eyes widened in fury as she pounded on the closed door, shouting Wanyan Qiang's name. Finally, Wanyan Qiang strode in with unhurried steps, a malicious smile on his face that Lin Ning found utterly repulsive.

"Wanyan Qiang, how dare you lie to me! Didn't you say you would send me away? Is this your promise?" Lin Ning questioned through gritted teeth, her eyes filled with anger and resentment.

Wanyan Qiang crossed his arms, tilted his head slightly, and looked at Lin Ning with great interest, as if admiring an interesting toy. "Miss Lin, I did say those things, but if I hadn't said them, you wouldn't have come with me, would you?" he said casually, without a trace of remorse in his tone.

Lin Ning trembled with rage. She took a few steps forward and stared directly into Wanyan Qiang's eyes. "What exactly do you want? Just say it directly, stop pretending!"

Wanyan Qiang's smile vanished, his eyes instantly turning icy and fierce. "That bastard Nangong Jin killed my child, and I will avenge him! He may be ruthless to others, but he has different feelings for you. You are someone he cares about, and now that you are in my hands, guess what I will make him give in exchange for you?"

Lin Ning was shocked. She hadn't expected that Wanyan Qiang and Nangong Jin had such a deep-seated hatred. But she quickly calmed down, suppressing her fear, and said, "You think you can threaten Nangong Jin with me? You're too naive. As the ruler of a country, how could he easily compromise for me? In fact, he doesn't care about my life or death at all."

Wanyan Qiang sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Miss Lin, you underestimate yourself. I've investigated Nangong Jin. Don't think I'm stupid. If he didn't care about you, why would he go to such lengths for you? I'm not that fool Wanyan Qing. You don't need to try to deceive me. I believe that as long as I reveal your information to him, he will definitely take action."

Lin Ning bit her lip, silently pondering a solution. She knew she couldn't just sit and wait to die; she had to find a way to escape. "Wanyan Qiang, even if Nangong Jin comes to rescue me, do you think you can be his match? The Dayu Kingdom is powerful; if your Nanzhao becomes his enemy, you'll only be asking for trouble." Lin Ning tried to intimidate Wanyan Qiang with her words, hoping to persuade him to abandon this dangerous plan.

Wanyan Qiang shook his head dismissively. “Miss Lin, don’t forget, Nanzhao is not to be trifled with either. Moreover, I do not want to go to war with Dayu. I only want Nangong Jin to pay the price he deserves. If he obediently listens and exchanges what I want for you, we can all live in peace; if he doesn’t know what’s good for him, then I don’t mind fighting to the death.”

Looking into Wanyan Qiang's stubborn and crazed eyes, Lin Ning felt a surge of despair. She knew she was once again in a dangerous situation, and whether she could escape was still uncertain...