Jade of Another World

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the faces of Nangong Jin and Liu Yushu. Nangong Jin's gaze was steady, and his tone was resolute: "The rumors are hard to stop now. If I marry you, I can not only quell the storm, but also use you to plan against Wanyan Qiang in the palace."

Liu Yushu lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes trembling slightly, his voice carrying a perfectly measured hesitation: "Your Majesty, is it too hasty to decide on such an important matter as marriage? What if..."

Nangong Jin waved his hand, his expression calm: "My mind is made up, so this matter is settled. However, the wedding preparations will take some time, and during this period, Miss Liu will have to continue to stay at the villa."

Liu Yushu nodded slightly and replied softly, "I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements." On the surface, she remained dignified and calm, but inwardly she was overjoyed. After so many years, her admiration for Nangong Jin had finally been reciprocated, and even if it was only a temporary measure to deal with the crisis, it made her ecstatic.

Upon returning to the villa from the palace, Liu Yushu couldn't help but cover her face and giggle as soon as she stepped into her room, lightly twirling around. Her personal maid, Yue'er, seeing this, looked puzzled: "Miss, what's wrong with you today? You're so happy since you came back from the palace."

Liu Yushu stopped, his cheeks flushed, but he pretended to be mysterious: "Yue'er, guess what His Majesty and I discussed today?"

Yue'er tilted her head, thought for a moment, and tentatively asked, "Have you found a way to deal with the Second Prince and the rumors?"

Liu Yushu nodded with a smile: "That's right, and this method is a great thing for me." She leaned closer to Yue'er and lowered her voice, "His Majesty has decided to marry me, and we will be getting married soon."

Yue'er's eyes widened in surprise, then she exclaimed with delight, "Really? Miss, that's wonderful! Congratulations, Miss!"

Liu Yushu quickly covered Yue'er's mouth and whispered, "Keep your voice down. This matter hasn't been announced yet, so don't let it get out." With that, she walked to the bronze mirror, looked at her slightly flushed cheeks in the reflection, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips. Years of admiration had finally yielded such a perfect result; even if the road ahead was full of thorns, she would accept it willingly.

In the days that followed, although Yu Shu remained in the villa, her heart was filled with anticipation for the wedding. She began meticulously selecting the style of her wedding dress, discussing every detail of the patterns with the embroiderers; she also frequently inquired about the progress of the wedding preparations with Nangong Jin, her eyes brimming with longing and anticipation. All of this was proceeding quietly, waiting only for the right moment to announce this grand wedding to the public, completely altering the course of her and Nangong Jin's destinies.

On the day the imperial edict arrived, the villa was brightly decorated and filled with joy. Liu Yushu, dressed in her finest attire, knelt respectfully on the ground, listening to her eunuch read the imperial edict. "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: It is now known that Liu Yushu, daughter of the Liu family, is dignified, virtuous, gentle, and generous, and has won my heart greatly. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon her the title of Consort Rou, and a propitious day shall be chosen to complete this auspicious ceremony. So be it!"

Liu Yushu received the imperial edict, her heart filled with joy and excitement, her voice trembling slightly: "Thank you for your great grace, Your Majesty!" After standing up, she held the edict in her hands, her eyes sparkling. At this moment, it was as if her long-cherished dream had finally come true.

The news caused a sensation throughout the capital. People discussed it animatedly, and the previous rumors vanished instantly. Everyone was filled with anticipation for the upcoming royal wedding, and the streets and alleys were abuzz with talk of Liu Yushu's talent and beauty, as well as her "legendary" relationship with His Majesty.

Inside the Nanzhao's post station in Dayu, Wanyan Qiang's laughter was particularly grating upon hearing the news. "Good, good, good!" A barely perceptible calculation flickered in his eyes. "Your Highness, what should we do now?" a trusted aide asked cautiously. Wanyan Qiang paced back and forth, pondering for a moment before a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes: "They think they can succeed so easily? Good things don't come easily. Since they're getting married, I, the prince, will give them a 'surprise' at the wedding. Give that one a warning." The aide, upon hearing this, felt a chill run down his spine but dared not ask further, silently obeying the order.

Meanwhile, Nangong Jin was also plotting in the palace. He knew that this wedding was a game of strategy against Nanzhao. He summoned his trusted confidants, including Xuanyuan Che and Lin Ning, to discuss the arrangements for his wedding.

While Yu Shu was immersed in the joy of her upcoming marriage, she constantly reminded herself not to let her guard down. She knew that Wanyan Qiang was a ticking time bomb; as long as he remained in Dayu, danger lurked everywhere. Days passed, and the wedding day drew ever closer. The entire capital was enveloped in a festive atmosphere; however, beneath this calm surface, a fierce storm was quietly brewing.

Lin Ning was sitting in her study, looking at a pile of blueprints for the expansion of the Prime Minister's residence with a heavy heart. At this moment, her maid Cui'er walked in angrily, muttering, "Miss, tell me about this matter! You've been busy planning and arranging for His Majesty, so busy that you don't even have time to rest. But look at Liu Yushu, she married into the royal family so easily, as if it were all her doing."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning frowned slightly, put down his pen, looked up at Cui'er, and said softly, "Cui'er, don't talk nonsense. Royal affairs are complicated and not as simple as you think. Miss Liu Yushu has suffered a lot to help His Highness, so we must not speak of her like that."

Cui'er, however, persisted, stamping her foot. "Miss, you're just too kind-hearted. You've done so much for His Highness, but what have you received in return? That Liu Yushu was just lucky." Lin Ning stood up, walked to Cui'er's side, gently patted her shoulder, and said calmly, "Cui'er, I know you care about me, but some things can't be said carelessly. Countless eyes are watching inside and outside the palace. If someone with ulterior motives overhears, it could cause a great disaster. His Highness has the world in his heart; everything we've done is for the stability of Dayu, not for personal gain."

Although Cui'er was still somewhat unconvinced by Lin Ning's words, she knew she had said the wrong thing. She lowered her head and whispered, "Miss, Cui'er knows she was wrong and will not dare to say it again."

Lin Ning smiled slightly and comforted him, "It's good that you know you were wrong. You should think more carefully before you act and speak in the future. The Prime Minister's residence is going to be expanded, and there are still many things waiting for us to do at the clinic. We can't let these small things distract us."

Cui'er looked up at Lin Ning's determined eyes and nodded, "Yes, Miss. Cui'er understands, I'll go help you right away." With that, she turned and left the study.

Lin Ning watched Cui'er's departing figure and sighed softly. She knew that in this complex situation, everyone was striving for their own beliefs and goals, and she, too, would continue to work tirelessly to secure a future for the people of the Prime Minister's residence and those she cared about. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, she would not waver, because she thought that if she returned, she wanted to leave her family in the Prime Minister's residence with some means of survival, even if it was just a little more money. After all, she had recently discussed the matter of spatial transfer in the world with Master Ouyang, and it seemed that Master Ouyang could also discern some mysteries. He promised to help her find the key issue, and she believed that she would eventually find a way back.

The atmosphere in the royal palace's council chamber was solemn and heavy. Nangong Jin sat in the main seat, with Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning on either side. Detailed plans for the wedding preparations were laid out on the table.

Nangong Jin broke the silence first: "The reason I've summoned you two is to discuss the wedding arrangements again. The wedding is imminent, and Wanyan Qiang will definitely make some moves. We must not let our guard down."

Xuanyuan Che crossed his arms and said seriously, "Your Highness, rest assured, I have arranged the most elite guards, and sentries have been set up around the wedding venue. We will be able to respond promptly if there is any unusual activity."

Lin Ning nodded slightly and continued, "Our people have also placed spies in various channels to closely monitor the movements of the Nanzhao Post Station. As long as there is any movement on Wanyan Qiang's side, we will know immediately."

Nangong Jin nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Lin Ning, his eyes filled with a complex expression: "Lin Ning, now that I'm marrying Liu Yushu, what about you...?"

Lin Ning was slightly taken aback, a strange emotion welling up inside her, but she quickly regained her composure and said softly, "Your Highness's actions are wise, aimed at quelling rumors and stabilizing the situation. Miss Liu has also made many sacrifices in this matter, and I believe she will be Your Highness's capable assistant."

Nangong Jin looked at Lin Ning, trying to discern a different emotion beneath her calm expression, but to no avail. A sense of disappointment welled up within him, and his voice carried a hint of bitterness: "Lin Ning, we've known each other for a long time. I've confessed my feelings to you several times, but you've rejected me each time. Although I am the Emperor, many times, matters of marriage are beyond my control; I must prioritize the greater good. But you… have you never felt even a shred of affection for me?"

These words created an extremely awkward atmosphere. Xuan Yuanche's expression was also very dark and somber.

Lin Ning's heart tightened. She lowered her eyes, avoiding Nangong Jin's gaze, and after a moment of silence, slowly said, "Your Majesty, Lin Ning has always held Your Majesty in high esteem and is willing to serve Your Majesty and Dayu with utmost devotion. However, personal feelings are not important to me. I hope to do my best by Your Majesty's side, to share Your Majesty's burdens with my wisdom, and to help Your Majesty achieve great things."

Nangong Jin felt a mix of emotions upon hearing Lin Ning's words. He understood that this was Lin Ning's rejection, and he knew she was no ordinary woman. Could it be that she had never had feelings for him at all? Otherwise, how could she so easily let go?

"So be it," Nangong Jin said with a wry smile. "I forced you. I only hope that in the future, we can still work together as before for the future of Dayu." Lin Ning raised her head and looked at Nangong Jin with a firm gaze: "Your Majesty, rest assured, Lin Ning will not fail Your Majesty's trust."

Xuan Yuanche watched the two of them, secretly relieved. He knew Nangong Jin's feelings for Lin Ning, and understood Lin Ning's thoughts as well. However, faced with the complex court politics and the greater cause of the nation, personal feelings seemed insignificant. But what about his own feelings? Would Lin Ning even see them?

"Your Highness, although the wedding preparations have been arranged, we still need to proceed with caution. Wanyan Qiang is a cunning man, and we cannot afford to be complacent in the slightest." Xuan Yuanche steered the conversation back to the wedding preparations at the opportune moment.

Nangong Jin took a deep breath, composed himself, and regained his usual calm and determination: "Indeed, this wedding is a contest between us and Nanzhao. We must go all out to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

The three then discussed the details of the wedding in depth, and the atmosphere became tense again. Everyone knew that the upcoming wedding would be a fierce battle without gunpowder. Now that the new emperor of Dayu had ascended the throne, the military strength and national power had been weakened by the epidemic and were still in a period of recuperation. The soldiers were not suitable for war, otherwise he would never have allowed Nanzhao to be so arrogant.

Night fell as dark as ink, pressing heavily over the Great Yu. On the eve of her wedding, Nangong Jin was restless and troubled. After drowning her sorrows in alcohol, she found herself inexplicably in the backyard of the Lin Prime Minister's residence.

The candlelight in Lin Ning's boudoir shone through the paper window, casting a soft glow. Nangong Jin staggered, yet his steps were tinged with stubbornness; he was determined to see Lin Ning. The maid outside the door panicked and repeatedly tried to stop him: "Your Majesty, it is late. Miss has already retired for the night. It is truly inconvenient to see her."

Nangong Jin, intoxicated, was unwilling to give up. He waved away the maid and insisted on barging in. "Lin Ning, Lin Ning..." His voice, slurred with drunkenness, sounded particularly abrupt in the quiet night.

Hearing the commotion inside, Lin Ning was both shocked and furious. She knew that Nangong Jin was of noble status and that she was powerless to oppose him. Moreover, her grandmother had been bedridden for many years, and her brother was not in the capital. A conflict with Nangong Jin at this time would likely bring unnecessary trouble to her family. Helpless, she could only straighten her clothes, suppress her anger, and open the door to let Nangong Jin in.

"Your Majesty, your actions are truly inappropriate." Lin Ning's expression was solemn, and his tone carried a hint of reproach.

Nangong Jin looked at Lin Ning with hazy, drunken eyes: "Ning'er, why do you always keep me at arm's length? Tomorrow I will marry someone else, but in my heart, there has only ever been you."

Lin Ning felt a pang of pain in her heart and turned her head away, unwilling to meet Nangong Jin's gaze. That scumbag could talk such good words, yet he married one woman after another. Such laughable words flowed from his lips so easily. If there had been any feelings for him before, they had long since vanished. She said, "Your Majesty, as a prince, your marriage is a matter of national importance. Miss Liu's partnership with you can resolve our current predicament and benefit Dayu. You are acting in the best interests of the people of Dayu and for the sake of the royal family's reputation."

Nangong Jin pressed on, gripping Lin Ning's shoulders with both hands, his eyes filled with pain and confusion: "Is it that in your heart, there is only the cause of this country, and not a trace of affection for me? All these years, have you really not felt any of my feelings for you?"

Lin Ning was filled with mixed emotions. She was well aware of Nangong Jin's deep affection, but in her heart, such affection was worth less than a blade of grass. Besides, the palace was like a cage, only binding people, and the power struggles within the court were completely incompatible with her modern thinking. There was no need to torture herself like this. "Your Majesty," Lin Ning said, "Lin Ning understands your feelings, but your position dictates that you cannot do as you please. I hope Your Majesty will consider the greater good and not persist in this stubbornness."

Nangong Jin loosened his grip, swaying as if all his strength had been drained. He slumped into a chair beside him, staring blankly ahead: "The bigger picture, the bigger picture... For the sake of this so-called bigger picture, must I abandon the one I truly love?"

Seeing Nangong Jin's distraught appearance, Lin Ning felt a pang of pity. She stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, tomorrow is your wedding day. Please return early and do not miss the auspicious time." Nangong Jin slowly raised his head, looking at Lin Ning with eyes full of desolation: "Alright, alright... I'll go, I'll go." With that, he stood up and walked unsteadily towards the door.

Lin Ning watched Nangong Jin's departing figure, a wave of melancholy washing over her. She knew that after this night, Nangong Jin would marry Liu Yushu, and their relationship would be completely changed. Perhaps there had been many opportunities before, but now, it seemed to have come to an end. She could only bury her past feelings for Nangong Jin deep in her heart, and in the future, she only wanted to continue striving for the sake of Dayu and her family.