Chapter 108: Shattering One’s Worldview

"Your Majesty, I believe that since the Crown Prince of Zhongtong will ascend the throne, and our Dongchu Kingdom must send envoys to congratulate him, the envoy should be someone from the royal family. Your Majesty is occupied with the affairs of state and cannot spare the time, while the Virtuous Prince is both a member of the royal family and perfectly suited for the role—he is the ideal candidate." Li Danqing's reasoning was sound, but to Liu Ling'er, it was simply another way of sidelining Baili Xian.

Baili Xian was the commander of the Imperial Guards; to serve as envoy to another nation, he would have to temporarily hand over his position to someone else. What appeared to be a prestigious assignment was, in truth, a gradual means of stripping the Virtuous Prince of his military authority and further weakening his power.

"The Prime Minister's words are reasonable. What does my royal brother think?" This was an opportunity Baili Hai was only too happy to grant, and the Virtuous Prince, unable to refuse, could only accept.

Baili Xian rose and replied, "Your Majesty, your brother accepts the decree." No sooner had the Virtuous Prince spoken than Liu Ling'er abruptly stood up. "Your Majesty, I have something to say!"

Her sudden action drew every eye in the hall to her. Liu Rufeng was quietly anxious; his oversight had allowed this unexpected scene to unfold, and he could no longer restrain Liu Ling'er.

"Oh? The Virtuous Prince's consort has something to say? Speak freely." Baili Hai did not rebuke Liu Ling'er for her abruptness, but rather gestured for her to continue.

Unfazed, Liu Ling'er declared, "Your Majesty, I wish to accompany the Prince to Zhongtong to congratulate the Crown Prince on his ascension."

The Emperor remained silent, but the Empress Dowager, surprised, asked, "Ling'er, why do you wish to go? The journey to Zhongtong is arduous—can you endure it?"

Why go? To escape you, of course! If you keep summoning me to the palace on a whim, that's truly a tragedy. Besides, this journey to Zhongtong is practically a vacation—far better to roam the mountains and rivers than to be cooped up in the manor all day.

There was also another reason: Liu Ling'er possessed the token of the Master of the Heavenly Law, yet she knew nothing of this force. In effect, she was a solitary commander—having the token was no different from not having it. She needed to venture out, make contact with the outside world, and perhaps reclaim the power that belonged to her.

But she couldn't say such things before the Empress Dowager! With a quick turn of thought, Liu Ling'er replied, "Mother, you see, when the Crown Prince of Zhongtong came to celebrate your birthday, he brought his sister. If the Virtuous Prince travels as envoy without a lady at his side, wouldn't that be awkward?

Besides, the Prince's mission to Zhongtong won't be a short one—I fear I would miss him terribly if I couldn't see him."

Her voice grew softer as she spoke, and her face was tinged with bashfulness. Anyone watching would believe the Virtuous Prince's consort could not bear to be apart from him—newlyweds, after all, were at the height of their affection, and who would wish to be separated day after day?

The Empress Dowager immediately understood, and with her hope of soon having a grandchild, readily agreed. She turned to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I believe the Virtuous Prince's consort makes a good point. What do you think?"

Baili Hai was rather disgruntled—if you already think her reasoning is sound, how can I disagree? "The Virtuous Prince's consort speaks wisely. It is granted."

Only after Liu Ling'er thanked the Emperor and sat down did Liu Rufeng feel a measure of relief. When Liu Ling'er had suddenly stood, a single misstep could have spelled disaster.

The birthday gifts had been presented, the invitations extended, and He Jun Tian and Baili Hai exchanged a few polite words. Then a palace maid approached He Jun Tian and He Yan'er, guiding them to their seats. He Jun Tian sat down, only to notice that his sister remained standing, causing the palace maid beside her to break out in a cold sweat.

Recalling his sister's unpredictable ways, He Jun Tian wanted nothing more than to pull her down into her seat. No one expected He Yan'er to stride up to the Empress Dowager, seize her hand, and, with a coquettish air, plead, "Godmother, your goddaughter wants to sit with you, right by your side!"

Her words left everyone stunned. Baili Hai glanced knowingly at the Empress Dowager; he was aware that Chu Meier had adopted He Yan'er as her goddaughter at the Virtuous Prince's manor, but today's occasion was so formal, with envoys from other nations present—He Yaner's behavior was somewhat inappropriate.

Chu Meier, however, was unconcerned. Today, she was both the birthday celebrant and the Empress Dowager; as long as nothing overly outrageous occurred, no one could criticize her. Chu Meier pulled He Yan'er to her side. "Very well! Yan'er shall stay with me and keep me company."

Liu Ling'er was utterly shocked. She knew that He Yan'er was a lily—when she grabbed the Empress Dowager's hand, it was undeniably an excuse to take liberties. Now, He Yan'er nestled in Chu Meier's arms like a kitten, her face blissfully intoxicated. Ah, this was unbearable to watch, a true assault on propriety!

Those unaware of the situation—including the Empress Dowager herself—might think the Princess of Zhongtong was simply well-behaved. In contrast, He Jun Tian, who knew his sister all too well, was anxious and restless, watching as she shamelessly took advantage of Chu Meier. He wished he could slip away unnoticed.

He Yaner's hands were not idle: one secretly caressed Chu Meier, while the other picked up a pastry from the table. "Here, godmother, have some cake!"

Chu Meier suspected nothing, and opened her mouth to eat. Liu Ling'er saw it clearly—He Yan'er, under the guise of feeding her godmother, brushed her hand across Chu Meier's lips, her face instantly radiant with delight. What a character! Liu Ling'er shuddered with disgust. How had heaven not dealt with such a creature?

Though Liu Ling'er herself was rather shameless, even she could never stoop to such indecent acts. Fortunately, at that moment, the eunuch announced once more, "His Highness from Xiwey, Lord Su, has arrived!"

Lord Su—his surname was Su, just like Su Yun Yun! Liu Ling'er, along with everyone else, turned to the entrance. When she saw the person who entered, she nearly jumped from her seat. Impossible!