Jade of Another World

Lin Ning hurriedly stood up, straightened her clothes, curtsied to Nangong Jin and Xuan Yuanche, and said softly, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I suddenly remembered something I need to discuss with Lin Wan, so I'll take my leave now." Without waiting for their reply, she quickly walked out of the tent. Her steps were hurried, as if she wanted to escape the awkward atmosphere, her heart still pounding wildly from what had just happened.

The tent fell silent instantly, leaving only Nangong Jin and Xuan Yuanche facing each other, the atmosphere tense for a moment. Nangong Jin broke the silence first, speaking with a half-smile: "Prince Gong is indeed thoughtful, making this trip despite the dangers of the epidemic area." Xuan Yuanche understood the implication in his words, and he snorted coldly: "If His Majesty can personally visit the epidemic area, why can't I? Besides, Miss Lin Ning is in danger, so naturally I'm worried."

Nangong Jin raised an eyebrow slightly, strolled to the table, and casually picked up a teacup, toying with it. "Miss Lin Ning is under my care, Prince Gong need not worry. As for you, you've had a long journey; would you like to have some tea and rest?" Xuan Yuanche clenched his fists, his anger intensifying. This man was clearly asserting his dominance. He replied curtly, "No need, Your Majesty. I came here only to inquire about the progress of the epidemic. If everything goes smoothly, I will not disturb you any longer and will come again another day." His words were equally defiant.

Lin Ning came out of the tent and ran to the supply storage area. She saw Uncle Zhong directing several servants to count the supplies and hurriedly called out, "Uncle Zhong!" Uncle Zhong turned around at the sound of her voice. When he saw Lin Ning, a smile immediately appeared on his face: "Miss, how are you? Your injuries haven't fully healed yet, why did you run out?"

Lin Ning waved her hand: "It's alright, Uncle Zhong. I've come to check how the supplies are being arranged. Although the epidemic is under control now, we'll still need to use a lot of supplies, so we can't afford to delay anything." As she spoke, she walked to a shelf piled high with medicinal herbs, carefully inspected them, and occasionally picked up a few packets of herbs, sniffed them, and checked for any signs of dampness or spoilage.

Uncle Zhong, standing beside her, explained, "Don't worry, Miss. According to the list you made earlier, the medicine, food, and protective equipment are all ready and waiting to be transported to various parts of the epidemic area. However, we still need to reallocate the manpower for transportation, otherwise we're afraid it will delay things."

Lin Ning thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Uncle Zhong, you're right. Transportation is crucial. Let's find some strong and capable locals who are familiar with the roads to help. Pay them well, and it will help them earn a living. Give them a few more instructions, telling them to be careful when carrying the herbs, and that there should be no damage."

The two immediately split up. Uncle Zhong went to recruit people, while Lin Ning stayed behind to check the supplies list item by item until everything was perfect. He was determined to get the supplies to those in need as soon as possible so that the epidemic area could be completely free from the shadow of the disease.

Xuan Yuanche frowned, a hint of annoyance in his eyes, as he emerged from Nangong Jin's tent. He glanced up and saw Lin Ning's slender figure moving among a pile of medicinal herbs and supplies. Sunlight bathed her, outlining her soft features. She seemed to have lost a lot of weight, her figure even more frail, and her unhealed wounds made her movements slightly labored.

Xuan Yuanche's heart softened, and he quickly stepped forward, asking softly, "Lin Ning, your injuries haven't healed yet, why are you busy with all this?" Lin Ning turned around at the sound of his voice, and seeing it was him, smiled slightly, "Someone always has to do things. My injury is nothing serious, it's almost healed. Why did Your Highness come out?" Xuan Yuanche didn't respond to that question, but instead bent down to pick up a packet of medicinal herbs, placed it on a cart beside him, and said, "I'll help you." His tone was firm, brooking no refusal. Lin Ning hesitated for a moment, looking at Xuan Yuanche's earnest expression, but ultimately didn't object, and nodded gently, "Then thank you very much, Your Highness."

So the two of them started working side by side. Xuan Yuanche, being strong, took the initiative to carry the heavy sacks of grain, carrying them back and forth until fine beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead; Lin Ning, on the other hand, carefully sorted the medicinal herbs, occasionally turning her head to remind Xuan Yuanche, "Slow down, be careful." The atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious. The two of them, busy at work, would occasionally glance at each other, and in their exchange of glances, a different kind of emotion seemed to be quietly surging within them.

Just as Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning were engrossed in their work, Nangong Jin strolled out of the tent, intending to check on the preparation of supplies. However, she unexpectedly stumbled upon the scene of the two working together seamlessly, and her jealousy flared up instantly.

At that moment, Lin Ning was tiptoeing to reach a bag of herbs drying on a high shelf when she swayed and nearly fell. Xuan Yuanche reacted quickly, stepping forward and catching her by the waist. Lin Ning's face flushed instantly, and she hurriedly steadied herself, softly thanking him, "Thank you, Your Highness, I wasn't paying attention." Xuan Yuanche didn't immediately let go, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Be careful, you're still injured, don't push yourself." This scene happened to be witnessed by Nangong Jin, whose eyes instantly darkened.

After a while, Xuan Yuanche raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Lin Ning noticed this and took out a handkerchief from her sleeve, handing it to him: "Your Highness, wipe your sweat." Xuan Yuanche was slightly taken aback, then smiled and took it, jokingly saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Lin. I'll have to keep this handkerchief safe." Lin Ning smiled, amused. This relaxed and intimate interaction made Nangong Jin, who was some distance away, clench his fists, his knuckles turning white. He snorted coldly and strode towards the two of them, saying as he walked, "You two are so busy, yet you didn't even call me." The sourness in his words was obvious to everyone.

While things were bustling in the epidemic area, the atmosphere in the capital was also subtly changing due to the news from there. The noble ladies, sheltered in their chambers and filled with longing for the Emperor's selection of concubines, lit up with excitement upon hearing that the Emperor had personally visited the epidemic area. In their eyes, this was a golden opportunity—to showcase their virtue, gentleness, and approachability, to get close to the Emperor, and perhaps even to rise to power and secure the position of Empress.

General Zhao's daughter, Lady Zhao, was the first to become restless at home. She pestered her father relentlessly, crying and pleading, "Father, please grant my request! His Majesty is working tirelessly for the people in the epidemic area. As a concubine and your daughter, how can I stand idly by? Going to the epidemic area to help is my way of showing my concern. In the future, when others talk about it, they will praise our General's Mansion for having the world at heart." General Zhao, unable to resist her entreaties, had no choice but to agree and even assigned a team of guards to escort her.

Meanwhile, Liu Yushu, daughter of Lord Liu, was also making careful preparations. She took out her simplest and most elegant clothes, held them up in front of the mirror, and said to her maid, "I can't dress too extravagantly. I need to appear simple and approachable when I go to the epidemic area. Put away all my gold and silver jewelry, and just pick a few simple jade ornaments that can perfectly showcase my refined taste." She also instructed the kitchen to prepare a lot of nourishing ingredients, intending to take them to the epidemic area to show off her skills and win the emperor's favor.

For a time, the noble ladies from various households had different thoughts, but they all busied themselves with the same goal: packing their bags or arranging carriages to rush to the epidemic area. This added a subtle and strange atmosphere to the originally heavy and solemn matter of fighting the epidemic.

As noble ladies from the capital flocked to the town, this once quiet and simple county town suddenly became bustling with activity. The streets and alleys were filled with ornately decorated carriages, and the numerous maids and servants brought by the noble ladies crammed the small county town inns to capacity. The few main roads were often completely blocked.

Among the noble ladies, Consort Zhao and Liu Yushu were the most high-profile. Having frequently accompanied the emperor and appeared often in the palace, they were confident in their special status. Upon arriving in the prefecture, they immediately dispatched servants to search for properties, spending lavishly and quickly acquiring a spacious and exquisite mansion in the center of the county town. The mansion was ornately decorated, and included a small pond with lotus leaves, creating a very pleasant scene.

After the purchase was completed, Consort Zhao stood in the courtyard, looked around, and said to the servants with a smug look, "By living here, we can visit His Majesty more often in the future and do more to help with the fight against the epidemic, so that His Majesty can see our intentions." The servants nodded in agreement.

Liu Yushu had also purchased a nice property. Her eyes were full of calculation as she said, "This is a rare opportunity. I must firmly grasp His Majesty's heart. As long as I can become Empress, I will enjoy endless wealth and honor in the future." After saying that, she instructed the maids to start tidying up and preparing, looking forward to an "unexpected encounter" with Nangong Jin.

Several noble ladies from modest backgrounds, full of enthusiasm, rushed towards the epidemic area as soon as they arrived in the prefecture and county, without even taking a break. At the entrance to the epidemic area, the guards were on high alert. When they saw these elegantly dressed, heavily made-up strangers trying to force their way in, they immediately stopped them, saying, "This is an epidemic area, fraught with danger. Without a pass, you are not allowed to enter!"

The noble ladies, however, remained defiant. One of them, her eyebrows raised in anger, shrieked, "Do you know who I am? My father is a high-ranking official in the court! I've come to the epidemic area to help His Majesty alleviate his burdens! Let me through now!" The guards remained unmoved, their faces still cold. Just as the standoff reached its climax, Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning arrived to check on the situation and, seeing the commotion, quickly stepped forward to mediate.

Lin Ning earnestly advised, "Ladies, this is an epidemic zone rife with disease; it's no joke. A slight misstep could lead to infection. Your reckless entry will not only be unhelpful but may also cause trouble. You should go back first." His words were sincere, but to the noble ladies, they sounded like mockery. One noblewoman in pink snorted coldly, sizing Lin Ning up and down: "And who do you think you are? What gives you the right to point fingers? We've come to fulfill our loyalty to the emperor and our patriotism, and you're trying to stop us? What gives you the right?"

“Yeah, yeah, who do you think you are? We can go wherever we want! Let’s see who you dare to stop!” another chimed in.

“Don’t you know who you are? The daughter of a traitorous official dares to act arrogantly here. Who gave you the nerve?” said a noblewoman dressed in yellow.

Lin Ning was speechless and her face flushed red. Just as she was about to argue again, Xuan Yuanche's face darkened and he shouted, "Shut up! Military regulations in the epidemic area are strict. You can't just cause trouble. Leave immediately, or you will be punished according to military law!"

Having said that, he ignored the noble ladies' clamor and waved his hand, signaling the guards to forcibly take them away. The noble ladies cried and made a fuss, so Xuan Yuanche had no choice but to arrange for the guards to take them to Nangong Jin's tent, thinking that the emperor himself would deal with these arrogant young ladies and quell this trouble as soon as possible.

A group of noble ladies were shoved into Nangong Jin's tent. Before they could even stand properly, they saw the emperor's face was ashen, his eyes filled with deep displeasure. Their hopes for gentle treatment and favor vanished in an instant.

Nangong Jin sized them up one by one, then sneered, "I heard you came to help in the epidemic area, what a sincere intention! But what kind of place is this epidemic area that allows you to act so recklessly?" The noble ladies trembled with fear. One of them, who was a little bolder, was about to speak up when Nangong Jin slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup shake. "Don't try to deny it! Do you really think I can't see through your little schemes? You're using the guise of helping, but you really want to show off your achievements in front of me and try to gain personal benefits!"

He turned to his attendant and ordered, "Go, record the information of all the noble ladies who have come to this prefecture and county. Upon returning to the capital, immediately strip them of their eligibility for this competition and never employ them again!" Upon receiving this decree, the tent erupted in deafening cries. The noble ladies knelt and begged for mercy, some crying out, "Your Majesty, please forgive us! We know we were wrong!" Others wept uncontrollably, recounting the hardships their fathers and brothers had endured for the court, pleading with the emperor to show leniency.

Nangong Jin remained unmoved, his expression cold and stern: "I have chosen those who are truly devoted to the country and its people, virtuous and kind, not opportunistic sycophants like you. The fight against the plague concerns the lives of countless people, and I will not tolerate your interference. All of you, leave now, or you will be punished according to military law!" Seeing that their pleas were useless, the noble ladies could only slink away from the tent with their guards, their beautiful dreams shattered, leaving only regret and resentment.

Lin Wan was walking briskly, intending to share some interesting things she had learned that day with Lin Ning. However, as soon as she reached the vicinity of the camp, she saw a group of noble ladies crying their eyes out, looking utterly disheveled. She stopped and watched curiously for a while. When Lin Ning saw her sister arrive, she strolled over to her side and teased her in a low voice, "I think I suddenly understand why you hated me so much before."