Jade of Another World

As the days passed, Nangong Jin's health had almost fully recovered. He was increasingly eager to return to the capital, as there were still many unfinished matters waiting for him there, especially the investigation into the truth behind Lin Sanxing and his mother's murder, which could not be left unresolved.

So Nangong Jin expressed his desire to return home to the farmer and his daughter. Upon hearing this, the farmer and his daughter looked worried and quickly tried to dissuade him, saying, "Young master, you've just recovered from your injuries and are still weak. The journey is long and arduous; what if something goes wrong? Besides, those who are chasing you are probably still searching for you. It's too dangerous to leave now."

After listening to their words, Nangong Jin understood that they were doing it for her own good. After thinking it over, she felt that it was indeed not advisable to set off rashly, so she stayed at the farmer's house for a while longer.

However, during this time, there was still no progress on the matter concerning Lin Sanxing, as if it had reached a stalemate, with no results in sight for the foreseeable future. Nangong Jin knew that continuing to waste time in Nanzhao would not necessarily yield any new discoveries, so it would be better to return to the capital first and look for clues from other angles.

During their time together, Nangong Jin unknowingly fell deeply in love with the simple and kind-hearted Nanzhao girl, Rosa. Rosa was like a clear spring in the deep mountains, pure and innocent, without any scheming or calculation. She always wore a sweet smile and took good care of Nangong Jin, making him feel a unique warmth and peace of mind.

Nangong Jin knew that if his enemies found out he had recuperated here, they might take their anger out on Rosa and her father, putting them in danger. Thinking of this, Nangong Jin was filled with worry. He couldn't bear to let Rosa be in such danger, and he was even more reluctant to part with her.

After much deliberation, Nangong Jin made a decision: he would take Rosa back to the capital with him. He reasoned that only by having Rosa by his side could he ensure her safety and protect her at all times. However, he wondered what Rosa would think of this decision, and whether she would be willing to leave her familiar hometown with him for the distant, prosperous, yet uncertain capital. Nangong Jin felt both anticipation and trepidation, but regardless, he was determined to do it.

Nangong Jin looked at Rosa with sincerity and earnestness in his eyes, and slowly said, "Rosa, I want to take you back to the capital with me. Although the capital is far away, I can protect you there. I really can't bear to leave you here, afraid that those enemies will hurt you."

Rosa was taken aback at first, then shook her head repeatedly, her eyes full of worry, and said, "Young master, I can't go with you. If I leave, my father will be old and frail. How can he manage without someone to take care of him? I am his only daughter. If I leave, how lonely he will be, and how difficult his days will be."

Nangong Jin quickly grasped Rosa's hand and said softly, "Rosa, don't worry, I understand your concerns. After we return to the capital and settle down, I will definitely send someone to pick up your father. I will make sure he lives a stable and comfortable life and will never let him be lonely and helpless. You can trust me."

Rosa looked up at Nangong Jin, her eyes still showing hesitation. Seeing this, Nangong Jin continued, "Rosa, I am sincere towards you. I promise you, as long as you come back to the capital with me, I will always be good to you, and I will only be good to you for the rest of my life. When we return to the capital, I will marry you, give you the best life, and give you the best love in the world. I will never let you suffer any grievances. So please promise me and come with me."

Rosa listened to Nangong Jin's heartfelt and sincere words, and her heart began to stir. She already harbored feelings of affection for Nangong Jin, and now, hearing his promise, she was deeply moved. She bit her lip, pondered for a while, and finally succumbed to Nangong Jin's persuasion.

Rosa blushed and looked at Nangong Jin, saying, "Well... alright then, Young Master Nangong, I agree to go back to the capital with you, but you must swear that you will treat me well for the rest of your life. If you break your vow, you will be lonely forever and no one will love you anymore."

Nangong Jin hurriedly and solemnly raised his hand, and solemnly swore: "I, Nangong Jin, hereby swear that in this life, I will be good to Rosa for the rest of my life. If I break this oath, I am willing to suffer eternal loneliness and the pain of being unloved. If I break this oath, may I die a terrible death."

Seeing Nangong Jin make such a solemn vow, Rosa's worries finally dissipated somewhat. She gently leaned into Nangong Jin's arms, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future. Although she was reluctant to leave her familiar hometown and her father, the thought of being with Nangong Jin and having such a bright future waiting for her filled her with anticipation. Nangong Jin, in turn, held Rosa tightly, silently vowing to protect this pure and kind girl.

On this day, the news that Nangong Jin was about to return to the capital spread like wildfire throughout the city. People in the streets and alleys were talking about it, and many people, filled with curiosity and anticipation, came to the streets early in the morning, eager to catch a glimpse of the valiant and wise prince.

Lin Ning was checking the accounts at the Jingji Auction House as usual. Just as she reached the entrance, she heard people excitedly talking about Nangong Jin's triumphant return. A thought struck her, and she involuntarily stopped, standing at the entrance and looking in the direction Nangong Jin had come from.

Not long after, the sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. Nangong Jin rode a tall, imposing horse, his posture upright and his bearing magnificent. But what troubled Lin Ning was that he was tightly embracing a woman in his arms—Rosa. Rosa, on horseback and held in Nangong Jin's arms, wore a shy expression, mixed with the novelty and nervousness of arriving in the capital for the first time.

Nangong Jin rode his horse slowly forward, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Lin Ning, who was standing at the entrance of the auction house. However, there was no trace of the familiarity and warmth he once had in his eyes; only numbness and unfamiliarity remained, as if he had never known Lin Ning at all.

Lin Ning felt a sudden tightness in her heart, as if an invisible hand had gripped it tightly, making her feel suffocated. She stood there blankly, watching Nangong Jin's receding figure, her mind a jumbled mess. She couldn't understand how the Nangong Jin who had once been so caring had become such a cold and distant person. Were all those moments they'd shared just a figment of her imagination?

The cheering crowd around her continued, creating a stark contrast between the lively atmosphere and Lin Ning's dejected mood. She blinked hard, trying to clear her mind, but the confusion and disappointment in her heart wouldn't go away. She could only silently turn around and walk heavily into the auction house. This time, however, she absentmindedly checked the accounts, her mind filled with Nangong Jin's unfamiliar and indifferent gaze, and the woman in his arms. Her heart felt like a jumbled mess of emotions, a painful mix of feelings.

The news of Nangong Jin's safe return to the palace filled the entire palace with a joyous atmosphere. Upon hearing of Nangong Jin's return, the Emperor was overjoyed and immediately ordered a grand banquet to reward Nangong Jin, and also to take this opportunity to invite all the ministers and confidants of the court to share in this joy.

Soon, exquisite banquet invitations were sent out, and prominent families in the capital such as the Liu, Peng, and Lin families were naturally among those invited. As a member of the Lin family, Lin Ning also received an invitation that symbolized honor but also filled her with mixed feelings.

Holding the invitation, Lin Ning felt incredibly frustrated. She was already troubled by Nangong Jin's cold and distant gaze, her doubts and disappointment still lingering, and now she had no choice but to attend this banquet. The thought of seeing Nangong Jin again at the banquet, having to feign composure, and facing the potentially awkward situations gave her a terrible headache.

But this was, after all, an imperial decree, and how could the Lin family dare disobey? Lin Ning could only sigh helplessly and begin preparing for the banquet. While having her maid, Xiao Cui, help her choose suitable clothes, she silently pondered how to conduct herself at the banquet. Should she casually greet Nangong Jin, or simply avoid him altogether, out of sight, out of mind? No matter what she chose, she knew in her heart that this banquet would likely be anything but pleasant. Yet, she could only grit her teeth and attend, hoping it would end soon so she could escape this agonizing situation.

Lin Ning sat in front of the dressing table, looking at her slightly lonely reflection in the mirror. Images of the Crown Prince and Nangong Jin kept flashing through her mind, and she was filled with emotion.

She had once been somewhat fond of the Crown Prince's gentle and kind appearance, but she later learned that it was just a facade he put on to achieve his own goals. His selfishness and ruthlessness, his willingness to use any means to gain power, his arbitrary manipulation and harm of those around him, and his complete disregard for the lives of others made Lin Ning see his true colors.

Lin Ning had initially thought Nangong Jin would be different. His thoughtfulness, intelligence, and decisiveness had gradually won her heart, and she even secretly hoped for a deeper connection with him. But who could have imagined that upon Nangong Jin's return to the capital, his unfamiliar and indifferent gaze, and the fact that he was holding another woman in his arms, as if all their previous interactions had never existed, would leave Lin Ning utterly disappointed in him.

Lin Ning couldn't help but feel secretly relieved. Luckily, she hadn't completely trusted Nangong Jin, that "scumbag," and hadn't given him her heart without reservation. Otherwise, she might have ended up like Lin Wan. Lin Wan had naively trusted the Crown Prince, believing she could have a bright future with him, only to be trapped in danger and suffer greatly because of him.

Thinking of this, Lin Ning's eyes hardened. She silently warned herself that she could no longer be easily deceived by the appearances of these royal children. They were caught in the vortex of power, their minds complex and fickle; how could they be easily seen through? She had to keep her heart in check and think more about herself. However, a lingering sadness still lingered in her heart. Perhaps Nangong Jin no longer needed her to treat him or detoxify him.

As night fell, the palace was brightly lit, and the grand banquet began as scheduled. Ministers and confidants, dressed in their finest attire and wearing polite smiles, entered the banquet hall.

Before long, Nangong Jin and Rosa arrived slowly, instantly attracting everyone's attention. Nangong Jin wore a moon-white brocade robe, with delicate cloud patterns embroidered in silver thread at the hem, and a matching ribbon tied around his waist, further emphasizing his tall and imposing figure. Rosa, on the other hand, wore a light pink long dress, the hem of which flowed like smoke and mist, perfectly complementing Nangong Jin's attire and creating a harmonious couple's color scheme.

She linked arms with Nangong Jin, a shy yet happy smile on her face, her bright eyes sparkling. Nangong Jin's gaze towards her was filled with doting affection and tenderness. Standing together, the two were truly a perfect match, a couple so beautiful that anyone who saw them couldn't help but feel envious, thinking they were a match made in heaven.

The surrounding guests cast approving glances, whispering amongst themselves, praising their perfect match. Some even joked that it was rare to see such a well-matched and loving couple. But this scene, like thorns, pierced Lin Ning's heart. Standing in a corner, watching their intimacy, Lin Ning unconsciously clenched her clothes. Though she maintained a polite smile, her heart ached. All the feelings she had previously held for Nangong Jin now transformed into unspeakable bitterness. She didn't want to see that disgusting sight anymore, and the unease in her heart grew ever stronger.

At the banquet, those who knew a little about the past would occasionally glance at Lin Ning, their eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity. Then they would lean over and whisper in the ear of the person next to them. Although the voices were not loud, Lin Ning could still vaguely hear snippets of conversation. They were discussing her past interactions with Nangong Jin, and how Nangong Jin was now seen with Rosa, putting her in such an awkward situation.