Jade of Another World

Under the careful care of the Imperial Medical Academy, the emperor's health improved day by day, and he gradually regained his vitality. Before long, he was able to attend court and handle state affairs.

On this day, in the magnificent imperial court, the ministers, as usual, stood on both sides, respectfully awaiting the emperor's arrival. As the eunuch's high-pitched and drawn-out voice announced, "The Emperor has arrived," the emperor, dressed in his dragon robe, walked slowly and majestically onto the dragon throne.

After the emperor was seated, he glanced at the assembled officials in the court, cleared his throat, and slowly said, "Today I have something to announce. Considering that Prince Xian and Miss Rosa are deeply in love, and that Miss Rosa once saved my life, for which she has made a great contribution, I hereby bestow marriage upon Prince Xian and Miss Rosa, and the wedding will take place on a chosen date."

The moment the emperor issued his edict, the court erupted in uproar, with ministers whispering and discussing amongst themselves. Among them, the most focused attention was on Prime Minister Lin. After all, Nangong Jin was previously engaged to Lin Ning, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's family. How would the Prime Minister's family cope with this sudden marriage to someone else?

The emperor seemed to have anticipated the reactions of the crowd. He paused slightly, then looked at Prime Minister Lin and said in a gentle tone, "Prime Minister Lin, I know that this matter has put the eldest daughter of your family, who was originally engaged, in a difficult position. If you can accept this, I can grant her marriage to me as well, so that Lin Ning and Rosa can be equal wives, without distinction of seniority, and marry the Prince Xian. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Lin hurriedly stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Your Majesty is wise; this is a great favor from Your Majesty. However, regarding my daughter's marriage, I still need to return and discuss it with her before making a decision." Prime Minister Lin knew in his heart that he could not easily agree to this matter. Lin Ning was no longer someone he could control, and he dared not offend her. Ever since his daughter was brought back from the countryside, she had exuded a terrifying aura, and he had been defeated in his many confrontations with her. Now, he did not know whether His Majesty's words were a blessing or a curse, and it was best not to agree rashly.

The emperor glanced sideways but remained silent.

Lin Xiang trembled with fear as he continued, "Ning'er has grown up now and has her own thoughts and opinions. Although she is my daughter, I really can't make decisions for her on such a major matter that concerns your entire life."

The implication was that he dared not make the decision for his daughter. Although many knew Lin Ning was very capable, Lin Xiang's words seemed to imply that Lin Ning was unfilial. In truth, those who were perceptive understood the meaning behind Lin Xiang's words. Lin Xiang, too, had his own considerations. Having served in the court for many years, he was a cunning and shrewd old fox. The current situation was unpredictable, and the emperor's thoughts were even more difficult to fathom. He truly couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind this arranged marriage, or what kind of impact it would have.

If he rashly agreed to this matter on Lin Ning's behalf, and the Emperor changed his mind and felt that he was deliberately making things difficult for the royal family, then he would offend the Emperor and probably not have a good time in the court in the future; but if he refused directly, he was afraid of offending the Emperor, after all, who would not want to lose their head and refuse the Emperor.

So after thinking it over, Lin Xiang decided it would be better to hand this hot potato over to Lin Ning and let her make the decision. That way, no matter what the outcome, at least she could stay out of it and not have to take the risk of offending anyone.

The Emperor nodded slightly and said, "What Prime Minister Lin said is quite right. I am not in a hurry either, but the matter is currently at a standstill. Someone, please invite Princess Lin Ning into the palace."

After much deliberation, the emperor immediately issued an edict summoning Lin Ning to the palace, intending to ask her opinion in person.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Lin Ning dared not delay in the slightest. She quickly tidied herself up and followed the eunuch who came to deliver the decree into the palace, arriving at the emperor's residence. She first respectfully performed a grand salute, then stood quietly to the side, awaiting the emperor's questions.

The emperor looked at the dignified and graceful young woman before him, nodded slightly, and asked in a kind tone, "Lin Ning, the matter of bestowing a marriage upon you that I spoke of in court today concerns your lifelong happiness. I would like to hear your own thoughts on this."

Lin Ning bowed slightly and spoke with neither humility nor arrogance: "Your Majesty, I dare to speak my mind. I am not familiar with Prince Xian. Although we were previously engaged, it was an agreement made by our elders. Since it is an agreement between two people, it is natural to consider the wishes of the person being betrothed. Now it seems that Prince Xian is truly in love with Miss Luo, so the wishes of the person being betrothed must be clear."

At this point, Lin Ning paused slightly, then cleverly added, "In my opinion, since the Wise Prince is so devoted to Miss Luo, he naturally doesn't want anyone else to share this deep affection. So why should I force him? Love cannot be forced. I am willing to let this true love be fulfilled. As the saying goes, 'Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance.' To me, fulfilling someone else's happiness is a meritorious deed."

Upon hearing Lin Ning's words, the emperor secretly admired her insight and open-mindedness, and a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face. He said, "Lin Ning, it is rare that you can think this way. However, this is, after all, a major event in your life. You must not act impulsively. You should consider it carefully."

Lin Ning bowed again and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I am not acting on impulse. I genuinely feel happy to help others and hope Your Majesty will grant my wish."

The emperor nodded slightly and said, "Since that's the case, then I will do as you say and will not insist on this matter any further. In the future, if you meet someone you like, you can tell me, and I will bestow a marriage upon you."

After thanking the emperor, Lin Ning withdrew. As she walked out of the palace, gazing at the majestic palace walls, she felt a touch of melancholy, yet also a sense of relief. After all, love cannot be forced, and being able to fulfill someone else's wish was a way of giving herself closure.

Nangong Jin stood quietly to the side, his gaze fixed on Lin Ning's departing figure. Even after the figure gradually disappeared from sight, he remained standing there blankly, as if he had lost his soul.

For some reason, he felt a sharp pain in his heart, a pain that spread like a tide, making it hard for him to breathe. Nangong Jin frowned, his mind filled with doubt. He and this Miss Lin were clearly not very familiar with each other, and they rarely met. So why did he feel a strange sadness every time he saw her?

Nangong Jin raised her hand to her chest, closed her eyes, and tried to calm herself down. At the same time, she tried hard to recall, thinking to herself, "Could it be that there really was some interaction between her and me, but I just don't remember it?"

He recalled his father's words in court earlier, when he announced his intention to bestow a marriage upon Lin Ning, making her and Rosa equal wives. Logically, given his deep affection for Rosa and his complete devotion to her, he should have felt some resistance to such an arrangement, or at least discomfort. Strangely, however, he felt no objection whatsoever when he heard those words.

However, when Lin Ning expressed her willingness to grant her blessing and support the arranged marriage, Nangong Jin clearly felt as if something was gripping her heart tightly, causing her immense pain. It was as if she was about to lose something incredibly precious, even though Lin Ning had said she wasn't familiar with her.

The more Nangong Jin thought about it, the more confused he became. The faces of Rosa and Lin Ning kept flashing through his mind. He couldn't understand why he had such complicated and contradictory emotions. "Could it be that my feelings for Lin Ning aren't as simple as I thought?" Nangong Jin murmured to himself, but he couldn't find an answer for the time being. He could only immerse himself in this tangled and painful emotion, unable to let go for a long time.

Nangong Jin was troubled by his complex and conflicted emotions, and he was very worried about his strange situation, but he couldn't figure it out for the time being. He took a deep breath, trying to put these turbulent thoughts aside for the time being, and then picked up the imperial decree of marriage and walked towards the Prince's mansion.

Along the way, Nangong Jin thought about how Rosa was still waiting for news at the palace. She would surely be overjoyed to learn that her father had issued the imperial decree of marriage. Just imagining Rosa's happy face made Nangong Jin's lips unconsciously curl upwards, as if he could already see the joyful smile blooming on her face.

But just a short distance from the palace gate, he was preoccupied with his thoughts and not paying much attention to what was ahead. At that moment, Master Ouyang was hurrying towards the palace. Neither of them noticed, and one was walking too fast, so with a "bang," Nangong Jin stumbled and bumped directly into Master Ouyang.

Nangong Jin was knocked back a few steps before he came to his senses. He quickly steadied himself and said apologetically, "Oh dear, Senior Brother Ouyang, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Are you alright?"

Master Ouyang was also jolted by the impact, but he didn't seem to mind. He waved his hand and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I was in a bit of a hurry. I hope I didn't hurt Your Highness?"

Nangong Jin quickly replied, "It's nothing, it's nothing. But Master, why did you rush into the palace? Is there something you need?"

Master Ouyang frowned, his expression slightly grave, and said, "Your Highness, I have indeed come to the palace this time because I have important matters to discuss with His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin said, "In that case, I will not delay the Celestial Master any longer. The Celestial Master should hurry into the palace."

Master Ouyang looked up at Nangong Jin, and upon seeing his expression, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. Nangong Jin's brows were slightly furrowed, and his eyes revealed a sense of confusion and entanglement; his expression clearly showed that he was troubled by many worries.

Master Ouyang couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, you look unwell and seem rather dazed. Have you been feeling unsettled lately? Judging from your appearance, you probably haven't been able to eat or sleep well either."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin was slightly taken aback. He thought to himself that Master Ouyang was indeed remarkable, as he had seen through his state at a glance. He did not try to hide it and sighed softly, replying truthfully, "Master is absolutely right. I have indeed been troubled lately, with many things intertwined, making it difficult for me to eat or sleep."

Upon hearing this, Master Ouyang nodded slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment's thought, he said, "Your Highness, your condition seems somewhat inappropriate. If you have some free time tomorrow, you might as well come to the Imperial Observatory to see me. I can then carefully calculate for Your Highness and see if there is anything amiss. However, I have important matters to attend to at the moment and must hurry to the palace to see the Emperor, so I will not delay any longer."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin quickly replied, "In that case, thank you for your concern, Celestial Master. I will definitely visit the Imperial Observatory tomorrow. Celestial Master, please hurry to the palace and do not delay important matters."

Master Ouyang responded and said no more. He straightened his robes and quickened his pace toward the palace. Nangong Jin stood there, watching Master Ouyang's departing figure, secretly pondering that Master Ouyang was always well-versed in astronomy, geography, and metaphysics, and might actually be able to see the reason for his unease.

Thinking this, Nangong Jin shook his head, suppressed his thoughts, and continued walking towards the Prince's residence. It was more important to tell Rosa the good news of the betrothal first. The news of the betrothal didn't seem particularly special at the Prince's residence. Although Rosa appeared happy, both she and the Prince seemed preoccupied, and they quickly went about their own business, not showing the expected elation.

The next day, Nangong Jin got up early, ate a simple meal, and then headed towards the Imperial Observatory with his attendants. Along the way, as he looked at the bustling crowds and familiar street scenes, his thoughts involuntarily drifted back to his encounter with Celestial Master Ouyang the previous day. He was filled with doubts, hoping that Celestial Master Ouyang could unravel the mysteries in his heart.

Before long, Nangong Jin arrived at the Imperial Observatory. The ancient and mysterious building of the Imperial Observatory exuded a solemn and majestic atmosphere under the sunlight. When the guards at the gate saw Nangong Jin arrive, they hurriedly bowed and then led him inside.