Jade of Another World

Nangong Jin returned to the palace. Stepping into that familiar yet unfamiliar palace felt like stepping into another world. Looking at the somewhat chaotic scene around him caused by the rebellion, his heart was heavy. He knew that the most urgent task was to quickly restore order and get the palace and even the entire Dayu back on track.

In the imperial court, he took the lead in rectifying official corruption. Those ministers who had wavered and sided with the rebels during Xuanyuan Che's rebellion were all summoned before the emperor. Nangong Jin sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes cold and icy as he scrutinized the crowd below. His voice was authoritative: "I gave you chances out of consideration for our past relationship, but you betrayed me and became his accomplices. From this day forward, all your official positions and salaries are stripped, and you are demoted to commoners. Go back to your hometowns. If you dare to commit any disloyal acts or harbor any rebellious intentions again, you will not be spared!" The ministers trembled with fear, kowtowed in gratitude, and slunk away.

For loyal and steadfast ministers who upheld orthodoxy, Nangong Jin lavishly rewarded them. Gold, silver, jewels, and fine silks were the norm, and he also promoted several key officials beyond the usual ranks, giving the court a fresh new look. He also ordered the Ministry of Personnel to quickly fill vacant official positions and recruit talented individuals. Young talents recommended from all over the country flocked to the capital to take the imperial examinations, and the sounds of reading and discussion gradually filled the palace, dispelling the previous stifling silence.

Even within the inner palace, there was no peace. Some who had been close to Rosa were banished to the cold palace, never to see the light of day again. Nangong Jin revised the palace rules, strictly prohibiting interference in politics and factionalism within the inner palace, striving to create a clean and harmonious atmosphere. The eunuchs and palace maids were also reorganized, given intensive training, and their efficiency improved.

In terms of people's livelihood, Nangong Jin ordered the opening of granaries to distribute grain and provide relief to people displaced by the war. He also allocated special funds to repair damaged towns and villages, recruit artisans, and encourage commerce. The once desolate markets gradually became lively again, and the streets and alleys were filled with the aroma of cooking. With the orderly implementation of various policies, the Dayu Dynasty was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, shaking off the gloom and soaring towards prosperity once more.

Lin Ning was also busy. She understood why Lin Xiang had run away. First, Lin Jun had caused trouble, and all the family's money had been used to cover the deficit. Since Lin Ning wasn't home, Aunt Liu had hired people to steal money from Lin Ning's place. They raided Lin Ning's secret room, and Lin Xiang's men ransacked it. Lin Xiang saw the skull bones used for acupuncture and medicine research in Lin Ning's secret room, and he was terrified of his daughter. He felt she was a demon, and now, knowing he had stolen her money and taken it for himself, he was certain Lin Ning wouldn't let him go. Furthermore, knowing Lin Ning's relationship with Nangong Jin, he was certain the Emperor wouldn't forgive him either. Finally, Lin Xiang's informant said Lin Ning seemed to have discovered that Lin Xiang was closely involved in his mother's death. This was bad news for Lin Xiang; the hatred for his mother was irreconcilable, and he was certain Lin Ning wouldn't let him off the hook. Therefore, Lin Xiang ran away with the money stored in Lin Ning's secret room. However, it would be inconvenient for him to carry so much silver with him, so it is highly likely that he did not take it with him. Lin Ning asked Uncle Zhong and other confidants to investigate secretly, but they had no results after a long time.

Lin Ning sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, her brows furrowed, her heart filled with irritation. Uncle Zhong stood beside her, bowing deeply, his face full of guilt: "Miss, it's really... we've searched everywhere we can think of, but we haven't found a single clue. The Prime Minister is always meticulous in his work, and this escape was planned for a long time. It's really hard to guess where that batch of valuables is hidden."

Lin Ning rubbed her temples, saying wearily, "Uncle Zhong, please don't blame yourself. I know this is a difficult matter. It's just that it was my mother's life's work, and it's gone so inexplicably. I just can't swallow this." She looked into the distance, her mind racing with various possibilities. Prime Minister Lin had fled in haste, so he must have prioritized lightweight and easily portable items. That large sum of silver must have a hidden and secure place to be hidden. Where could it be?

At this moment, a trusted aide rushed in, bowed, and said, "Miss, we've searched several of the estates the Prime Minister frequents, even digging up the cellars, but found no trace of valuables. We've also thoroughly searched his study several times, but aside from some ordinary books and letters, we found nothing." Lin Ning gritted her teeth: "Keep investigating! He couldn't have simply vanished. Start with his close advisors and servants; see if you can get any information out of them. Also, don't let any suspicious people who came in and out of the mansion during those days escape." The aide acknowledged the order and hurriedly withdrew.

After finishing his official duties, Nangong Jin took some time to visit Lin Ning. Stepping into the courtyard, he saw her worried expression and knew that there was still no progress on the matter of the money. He gently put his arm around Lin Ning's shoulder: "Ning'er, don't overwork yourself. I can give you the money if you run out."

Lin Ning sighed softly, "Your Majesty, those were left to me by my mother, and many of them were part of her dowry. I cannot let Prime Minister Lin off easily for what he has done. I want to get the valuables back; they are also a keepsake left to me by my mother."

Nangong Jin nodded: "I understand your insistence. I have already transferred some people to assist you. With more manpower, we may be able to find clues faster."

Although Lin Ning was grateful, she still said, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, please do not trouble yourself with me."

As Nangong Jin listened to Lin Ning's words, he noticed more and more clearly that Lin Ning seemed to have become a different person. When the two met, they would only exchange polite greetings and pleasantries, and then find an excuse to leave in a hurry, completely lacking the intimacy and warmth they had in Nanzhao.

That day, Nangong Jin finally managed to "intercept" Lin Ning at the Lin Prime Minister's residence. He quickly stepped forward, grabbed Lin Ning who was about to turn around, and said in a tone full of confusion and grievance, "Ning'er, why are you avoiding me? We went through life and death together in Nanzhao and our hearts are already connected. Is it because I did something wrong that we are so distant now?"

Lin Ning lowered her eyes, avoiding Nangong Jin's burning gaze, and after a moment of silence, she said softly, "Your Majesty, the matter of Nanzhao is like an old dream. Now that we have returned to the palace, everything is different. Your Majesty is responsible for the world and has many affairs to attend to. I also have my own matters to attend to. It would be best if we did not have too much contact."

Nangong Jin frowned, his grip tightening unconsciously. "Ning'er, what do you mean by that? I never thought that politics would be an obstacle between us. What happened? Just tell me directly, don't make me guess like this!"

Lin Ning bit her lip, a bitter feeling welling up inside her. Since returning to the capital, she had witnessed the splendor and complexity of the palace, recalled the pure friendship she shared with Xuan Yuanche through thick and thin, and thought of Prime Minister Lin's escape from Dayu. Many things were no longer the same. Now, she increasingly felt that her life and Nangong Jin's were completely different. In truth, Lin Ning couldn't understand her own feelings. After Xuan Yuanche left, Lin Ning's nightmare returned: the person who killed her in her previous life had that same face—the same face as Xuan Yuanche and Nangong Jin. Lin Ning was conflicted; she didn't want to be caught between the two brothers. Moreover, the revenge for her father's defection and her mother's murder was still unavenged. Why would Xuan Yuanche do these things? Each and every one of them felt like a thorn in her heart. She felt she couldn't face Nangong Jin's feelings the same way as before. She lowered her head and remained silent.

Nangong Jin was increasingly confused, unable to understand why Lin Ning refused to return to his embrace. He was very worried; was it because of Rosa? Had he hurt Lin Ning when he was with Rosa, causing her to lose faith in his feelings? Perhaps she no longer trusted him? Nangong Jin didn't know what to do.

Every night, when all was quiet, Lin Ning would wake up from nightmares, her clothes soaked with cold sweat. In her dreams, a gleaming blade would pierce straight towards her, and the person wielding it had the exact same face as Xuan Yuanche and Nangong Jin. Their cold, resolute eyes seemed to emanate from the depths of hell, chilling her to the bone. During the day, she could barely maintain her composure, but as soon as night fell, fear would follow her like a shadow, gnawing at her heart.

Lin Ning sat on the couch, hugging her knees, her eyes vacant. She knew she harbored special feelings for Nangong Jin, feelings that had taken root and blossomed during their shared hardships in Nanzhao. However, Xuan Yuanche had hindered her emotional journey, and her feelings for him were equally deep. She didn't want to become a victim of court intrigue, nor did she want the grudges between two men to cause her to fall into despair once more.

"What should I do..." Lin Ning murmured to herself, her hair disheveled and draped over her shoulders. Once, she thought that being reborn would change her fate, but now it seemed that the gears of fate were still heavy, and if she wasn't careful, they would drag her into an even more terrible vortex.

The distance she deliberately kept from Nangong Jin during the day stemmed both from the changes in her family and from a deep-seated fear. She was afraid of falling deeper into the mire again, afraid that the scenes in her dreams would become reality. Yet, each time she avoided Nangong Jin's concerned gaze, it felt as if her heart was being pierced by fine needles, causing unbearable pain.

She tried to convince herself that perhaps time would provide the answer. If she could put this relationship aside for now, focus on doing other things to numb her emotions, she might gradually see the road ahead more clearly. However, when she woke up from nightmares in the middle of the night, the inner conflict only deepened, like a volcano about to erupt, just waiting to burst forth.

Nangong Jin looked dejected, all his usual imposing aura vanished. He looked at the princess, his eyes filled with helplessness: "Royal sister, I truly have no other choice now. Lin Ning is so distant, and I feel so empty inside. This vast palace seems devoid of warmth. You have always been wise, so please help me think of a way to win back her heart."

The princess sighed softly, looking at her brother's distraught appearance with pity: "Brother, although I am on good terms with Lin Ning, matters of the heart are the most complicated and unpredictable, and outsiders can only play a limited role in interfering. I can only wait for the right opportunity to subtly advise her, but the final outcome depends on Lin Ning's own heart. After all, one cannot force the will of the heart."

Nangong Jin frowned, pacing back and forth in the hall. The heavy, rapid sound of his boots striking the ground revealed his inner anxiety: "Am I just going to wait here and watch her go further and further away? I have worked so hard for this country, and now I can't even keep the woman I love. Am I really going to become a lonely man on this supreme throne?"

The princess stepped forward, gently tugging at Nangong Jin's sleeve, and softly comforted him, "Brother, don't be so discouraged. Lin Ning isn't a heartless person. You've been through so much in Nanzhao, and your friendship was deep before. Perhaps there are just some unresolved issues between you. Give her some time, and give yourself some time too. Maybe one day, when the time is right, she'll naturally return to your side." Nangong Jin stopped, looked at the princess, remained silent for a long time, and finally nodded slowly, silently hoping for that turning point that might come at any moment.

On a fine, sunny day, the princess sent someone to invite Lin Ning to the lakeside in the imperial garden. The lake water rippled gently, willows swayed along the banks, and tea and refreshments were already prepared in the pavilion in the middle of the lake. The princess smiled and led Lin Ning to a seat. They first chatted about the newly blooming flowers in the palace, and seeing that Lin Ning's expression had relaxed, she gently got to the point.

"Sister Lin, we've known each other for a long time, we're practically old acquaintances. The reason I asked you to come out today is that I have something on my mind to say." The princess picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and looked up at Lin Ning with sincere eyes.

Lin Ning smiled slightly, but could not hide the loneliness in her eyes: "Princess, please speak freely."

The princess put down her teacup and sighed softly: "I know you've been troubled these past few days, with all the changes at home weighing on your mind. But some things, the more you try to avoid them, the more you can't resolve them. Take my brother, for example. Since you returned to the palace, you've become so distant from him. He must be feeling incredibly sad."

Lin Ning lowered her eyes, remaining silent, her fingers unconsciously stroking the hem of her clothes.

Seeing this, the princess continued, "Although I didn't experience it firsthand in Nanzhao, I did hear about it. You risked everything to save my brother Jin. During the mutiny, you stayed by his side regardless of your own life. How could those feelings just disappear like that? I understand that the matter of Xuanyuan Che makes you wary, but the two of them are different. My brother is truly sincere towards you."

Lin Ning raised her head, a complex look flashing in her eyes: "Princess, you saw Xuan Yuanche... Then, you should know that when you were kidnapped before, it was Xuan Yuanche who didn't save you, right? He probably didn't know you, so he didn't save you."

The princess grasped Lin Ning's hand and gently squeezed it: "Yes. Look at you, I'm talking to you, sister. In this life, how can you give up on everything because of a minor setback? If you're always afraid of the unknown, you'll only stay where you are. You can see how much your brother loves you. He's already worked hard enough for this country, and you are one of his few sources of warmth and comfort. You two should talk things out and be honest with each other. Maybe those problems that are troubling you will suddenly be solved. Don't let those past events imprison your heart, and don't keep your brother waiting in vain, okay?"