Chapter 6: Weary

Looking at the man kneeling on the floor, Jiang Ning felt as if the sky were collapsing.

Was Pei Heng a total lunatic? Why would someone who could be a decent human being insist on acting like a dog?

Sensing Jiang Ning’s internal breakdown, Pei Heng raised an eyebrow and continued, his voice calm and self-assured: "I hold the Grand Princess in the highest regard. I only hope that Your Highness will not drive me away."

Hearing such increasingly absurd claims, Jiang Ning approached him with a forced, stiff smile. "Pei Heng, what kind of joke is this? Didn't you say before that you would rather fancy a dog than have any feelings for me?"

"Even if you are at odds with your father, you should not drag me into your mess." She leaned in, trying to reason with him. "I know you have grand ambitions. For a talent like you, being nothing more than a kept man would be far too stifling."

"Returning to your family and reclaiming your place is your best path. Let me remind you: nothing is more important than your future."

Pei Heng looked up, his eyes narrowing as he stared straight at her. "For me, staying by the Grand Princess’s side is the best future I could ask for."

Seeing his stubbornness, Jiang Ning began to lose her patience. Even if she were dim-witted, she finally understood one thing: Pei Heng was using her as a shield.

Shen Yujing did not seem to care much for Pei Heng as a biological son. His eagerness to force Pei Heng back into the family fold must have had ulterior motives. No wonder the original Grand Princess in the story had faced constant assassination attempts after this day. If she were to keep him in her manor as the book described, she would surely offend Grand Tutor Shen.

Pei Heng’s actions today were merely a ruse to use her as a cover while he remained in the Grand Princess’s manor to build his own power. If she kept him, she would be digging her own grave.

With this realization, Jiang Ning became even more determined to drive him away. Seeing that the Emperor, Jiang Heng, had yet to speak, she offered a "considerate" suggestion: "Father, you know that Pei Heng is a rare talent. I know I shouldn't hold him back, so please, you and Grand Tutor Shen should persuade him otherwise."

After saying this, Jiang Ning gripped her sleeves tightly, watching the man sitting on the high throne. But in her desperate attempt to send Pei Heng away, she had forgotten one thing.

Jiang Heng had never been a benevolent ruler who cherished talent. A dim-witted emperor had no desire for clever people in his court. He was particularly wary of a genius like Pei Heng, who had topped the imperial examinations on his first attempt. Had it not been for the pressure from Shen Yujing, he would never have allowed Pei Heng to serve in the court at all.

Now that a perfect opportunity to ruin Pei Heng’s prospects was right in front of him, he would not let it slip away. What did it matter if he used his own daughter to achieve it? The Shen family’s power in court was already too great; he would not tolerate a clever man like Pei Heng remaining under their influence.

After a long moment of contemplation, Jiang Heng smiled. "Since Vice Minister Pei is so fond of Ning’er, why shouldn’t you keep him? I recall that you were quite taken with him yourself."

The title "Vice Minister Pei" clearly signaled the Emperor's stance. Jiang Ning was stunned; she felt as though everyone present was plotting against her.

Pei Heng, however, had expected this response from Jiang Heng. He had known all along that even a foolish emperor would not want any one family to hold too much power.

***

After leaving the palace, Jiang Ning felt completely drained. Looking at the brooding, dark-faced Pei Heng standing behind her, she felt like weeping. Why? Why was she so unlucky?

Noticing the young woman’s pouting expression, Pei Heng gloated, "Grand Princess, you seem quite unhappy?"

Jiang Ning’s mouth twitched, her beautiful face filled with helplessness. Was he stating the obvious? Who would be happy after being used like a pawn?

Ignoring her silence, Pei Heng reached out and pinched her soft, pale cheek. "Grand Princess, what are you afraid of?"

Meeting the man’s cold gaze, Jiang Ning shivered involuntarily. "What are you rambling about? I am not afraid!"

Perhaps because of her hidden guilt, her almond-shaped eyes widened, and a flush of crimson rose to her delicate, porcelain-pale face.

Pei Heng let out a low chuckle and leaned in closer. "Grand Princess, do you truly want me to leave so badly?"

"When you were forcing me to be yours, you didn't seem to feel this way."

Jiang Ning licked her lips, retorting with feigned confidence, "Can I not be tired of you now?"

"Tired?" Hearing this, Pei Heng’s expression grew even colder. "You are more heartless than I imagined, Grand Princess."

Jiang Ning grew angry as well. "Me? Heartless? Stop putting on an act, Pei Heng! Don't think I don't know that you don't like me at all!"

Her words brought Pei Heng back to his senses. Realizing what was happening, he harshly shoved her chin away. How ridiculous—how could he have lost his composure over such a foolish woman? Was someone like her even worth his anger?

Jiang Ning, now pushed aside, felt tears prick her eyes from the pain. Looking at the man’s disgusted expression, she sobbed quietly, cursing him in her heart for the entire day’s ordeal.

Pei Heng looked up as he heard her whimpering. The sight of her tear-filled, pitiful face struck him deeply.