Chapter 87 Spring on the Blade: Though plain-looking, her courage is commendable.

"Or perhaps, should I address you as Liu Yunying?"

Those who were already wary became even more defensive upon hearing Jiang Xu's words.

Looking around, there were no guards in sight.

He waited for her here on purpose.

The carriage outside the teahouse was indeed his.

Qingzhi, that little girl, has disappeared somewhere. Ning Lu racked her brains to find the most solemn etiquette from the ones they had been taught and applied it to the person in front of her.

"My name is Ning Lu, greetings..."

Jiang Xu was clearly not wearing a dragon robe, and he didn't put on any airs of an emperor in his speech. She wasn't sure how to address him.

Fortunately, Jiang Xu raised his hand and gestured in the air: "No need for formalities. I heard that Ji Ming's illness has relapsed, so I came to visit him."

From the capital to the East Market, and then to your residence, what kind of route is that?

Ning Lu kept her head down and didn't say a word.

"Speaking of which, Ji Ming is in poor health and falls ill every winter. Having visited so many times, he's become more familiar with the Xie residence than with my own imperial garden."

Ning Lu gave a forced smile and followed the man's gaze to the east side of the study, where a corner of the eaves of Jingyuan was visible.

Even the dumbest person could tell that this was a provocation against her.

She wouldn't take the bait.

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king."

His words were respectful, yet his demeanor showed no trace of fear.

“It’s windy here, Your Excellency, please move to the study and wait a moment.” Ning Lu’s tongue twirled as she spoke, “Xie Qinghe has been seeing guests and approving documents these past few days. He should have just taken his medicine and is resting now. I’ll go and call him.”

“No need to bother him.” Jiang Xu said nonchalantly, his gaze falling lightly on Ning Lu: “When I’m friends with young Jiming, I never stand on these formalities.”

Hearing this, Ning Lu recalled the day the emperor sent someone to pick her up upon her return to the capital, and the infamous reputation of Xie Qinghe in the capital, as well as the emperor's benevolence and virtue.

On her way back, and upon seeing Jiang Xu again, she suddenly understood many things.

Xie Qinghe is such a smart person that he wouldn't allow others to slander and scheme against him, unless...

Recalling how that guy spoke so frankly and self-deprecatingly about Qin Zhang and his son in front of her, she even suspected that all of this was deliberately orchestrated.

If one reaches a high position and wields power, one needs to be ruthless to oneself. Ning Lu cannot do that, nor does she want Xie Qinghe to do things that would harm the enemy a thousand while damaging himself eight hundred.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that he once served as a tutor in the Eastern Palace."

"Not only that, when the entire Xie family was imprisoned, it was I who went to beg the late emperor to see him. Later, he also saved me many times. In a way, it was more like... a friendship forged in life and death."

"You are close to him, and I think there are many things that have already been told to you by Ming."

Xie Qinghe rarely brought up the past with her, and Ning Lu implicitly acknowledged that it was not an easy memory.

She shrugged, put her hands in her sleeves, and looked at the plum blossoms blooming on the branches.

Xie Qinghe said that because she was there, the flowers in the yard bloomed more vigorously and looked better this year.

Ning Lu took a deep breath and said calmly, "He doesn't like to talk about the past."

Jiang Xu tightened his grip on the beaded chain in his palm, his pupils contracted, and then he turned sideways with his hands behind his back to adjust his expression.

"That's true. He's cold-hearted and keeps everything bottled up inside. Even when he's in extreme pain, he won't utter a sound."

She disagreed with that.

Xie Qinghe has always been adept at knowing when to act coquettishly and show weakness.

Ning Lu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, unable to hide her smugness.

"Perhaps people can only be completely open with those they are close to and trust."

Seeing that Jiang Xu didn't respond, fearing that he might hold a grudge and make things difficult for her, she quickly tried to make amends, saying, "Fortunately, Lord Xie is a humble person who is open to learning, and I am also trying my best to teach him how to speak properly."

"Speak properly?"

That face, which paled in comparison to the most beautiful women in the imperial harem, was calm and sincere, without any pretense. Jiang Xu couldn't discern her purpose and couldn't help but follow up on her topic.

"Yes, I am trying to teach him to express his thoughts."

"Learn to express yourself?"

Who should we let?

Xie Qinghe?

Is that the same right-hand man who could single-handedly debate with a group of ministers, turning black into white and right into wrong?

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ning Lu nodded without any guilt, “I… uh… I’m trying to tell Lord Xie that there’s no need to scheme or bargain when you’re with me. As long as he wants it, and I can give it to him, I will do so with both hands.”

Sensing Ning Lu's unspoken meaning, Jiang Xu raised his eyes and said, "Go on."

"There's no other way. I just give him whatever he wants. If he asks, I'll give him the stars in the sky. If I promise, I'll keep my word. Once he feels trusted and safe, he'll naturally express himself more."

"Yeah?"

Jiang Xu seemed to be deep in thought, appreciating the unspoken implications.

This plain-looking woman was trying to use subtle, indirect tactics in the teahouse to persuade him to go along with Xie Qinghe's wishes.

He stared at Ning Lu for a long time, but she showed no fear and her gaze remained unwavering.

Being neither humble nor arrogant is already an offense to the emperor.

Jiang Xu's expression darkened, and he took two steps forward to distance himself from Ning Lu.

"Ning Lu, have you ever thought about what you can give him? Do you know that he is working so hard to protect you?"

If it weren't for her disregard for the emperor's authority and her spreading of rumors, Xie Qinghe would be at the height of his power, so why would he have the idea of ​​retiring?

“To speak recklessly and defy the authority of Heaven is a capital offense.”

"You mean, if I hadn't said those things, or if he hadn't cared about me, you would have told him to rest and recover peacefully, and stay away from any trouble?"

Ning Lu's question was unexpected, and Jiang Xu's throat stiffened.

His thin eyebrows furrowed, his breath caught in his throat, and he cleared his throat before speaking: "Yes."

It's all because of her.

A gentle breeze swept by, and Ning Lu silently bit her lip, tilting her head to look at Jiang Xu again.

The man stood tall and elegant, his neck held high, resembling an arrogant crane.

Gone is the elegance of their arrival; only a furious arrogance remains.

After gazing at her for a long time, Ning Lu smiled softly: "I know."

Her voice was crisp, and the sound of falling leaves behind her made cracks appear on her gentle face.

You know?

"Yeah, I know, so what?"

"You're a burden to him, so feel guilty."

"Lovers support each other and rely on each other. How can they be a burden or feel guilty?"

Ning Lu spoke faster, in a slightly higher tone, and with a firm and resounding voice.

In this scene, blending seamlessly with her lively and unrestrained conversation in the teahouse, Jiang Xu suddenly understood what Xie Qinghe truly liked about her.

The weak admire the strong, the strong admire the truth.

She may be plain-looking, but her courage is commendable.

He is not Xie Qinghe; he dislikes women like that the most.

Etiquette and his royal status kept Jiang Xu's rationality in check. He took a breath and spoke slowly and deliberately.

You're right.

Ning Lu caught a glimpse of the coldness in his eyes, realized her own recklessness, bit her lip, and lowered her head.

But since we've already come this far... let's give it a shot.

"When people open their hearts to each other, isn't it about seeing each other's difficulties? The Emperor says he and Xie Qinghe are sworn brothers, but the imperial physicians all say he's overworked and can't continue. Yet you use the greater good of the country as a cover, turning a blind eye to his hardships. Is this really what you call a friend?"

"Ning Lu, you are questioning me."

The coldness in his eyes was replaced by murderous intent, and Jiang Xu unconsciously quickened his movements as he twisted the beads behind his back.

"Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"

A tall, imposing figure descended with an aura of authority. Ning Lu was stunned, only then realizing that the person before her was the emperor. The authority of this era, this dynasty. A man who, in a fit of rage, could exterminate nine generations of his family.

"Afraid."

Hearing her yield, the knot in his chest dissipated completely. Jiang Xu felt he had won back a point, and his heart was filled with joy. He put on his gentlemanly demeanor again and let out a low, cold laugh.

At the same moment, Ning Lu murmured, "But Your Majesty... perhaps I have a reason that would make you spare my life."

“They say you are kind-hearted and a benevolent ruler. Those dirty deeds were all done by Xie Qinghe. I don’t know you and cannot make a judgment, but I do know a little about Xie Qinghe.”

"He is thorough, meticulous, and loyal. You won't let him go because you want him to do those dirty things for you."

Kill those he cannot kill, and say what he cannot say.

“With Prince Jing gone, the world is at peace. Xie Qinghe is too powerful and attracts trouble. I am more discreet than him when it comes to killing people.”

"If this is the reason you don't want him to leave, perhaps you could consider me..."

A tree branch broke, a low cough suddenly rose, and disordered footsteps shattered the heavy atmosphere.

Both of them turned their gazes toward the source of the sound.

Xie Qinghe appeared behind the bushes at some unknown time, dressed in a black robe and sable fur coat, which made his pale and thin appearance even more striking.

His chest heaved, and his breathing was more rapid and heavy than usual.

Upon closer inspection, he saw Qingzhi, who had disappeared earlier, following behind him.

"emperor."

Xie Qinghe bowed slightly to Jiang Xu as a greeting, then pulled Ning Lu behind him.

For the first time ever, the wrist was warm, with a damp sheen.

Just as Ning Lu was about to speak, she saw anger flash across his eyes, and he silently tightened his grip on her.

He bowed slightly, his voice hoarse: "Imperial Physician Luo said that my usual medicine needs to be changed, and he wants to discuss it with you."

"I?"

Xie Qinghe hesitated, then lowered his voice, with a barely audible hint of grievance: "I didn't drink my medicine today either."

"But……"

Ning Lu glanced to the side and, unsurprisingly, met Jiang Xu's calm and collected gaze. She wanted to argue, but seeing Wei Chun shake his head in a gesture of respect, she had no choice but to shut up.

He reluctantly bowed to the man and left, turning back every few steps.

The young woman's graceful figure disappeared from sight. Jiang Xu, like a victorious general, rubbed his hands together triumphantly and took two steps forward: "You've been here for a while, why didn't you come out? Were you just going to watch her be so disrespectful to me?"

Xie Qinghe remained unmoved.

The emperor, however, was no longer angry and added with a smile, "His crime deserves to be punished."

"She is known for her outspokenness and lack of tact; Your Majesty, please forgive her."

"However, Ji Ming, there is one thing she did say correctly."

Seeing that he looked unwell, Jiang Xu pointed to the low stool in the pavilion and climbed the steps as if he knew the way well.

"Guess which sentence I said?"

"Your Majesty is in high spirits today."

"If you don't answer, I will answer for you. If you insist on leaving the capital, I will truly..."

"emperor."

Xie Qinghe opened his mouth to speak, but was suddenly interrupted by a cough. He took a step back and turned to the side, clutching his handkerchief and trembling.

Almost simultaneously, a dark red liquid fell into his palm.

"It's clear!"

Jiang Xu quickly stepped forward and supported his staggering body.

Everyone said Xie Qinghe was seriously ill, but he refused to believe it.

Several years ago, the imperial physician served him with trepidation, yet he still helped him purge the virtuous prince and ascend the throne smoothly.

We are in dire need of personnel right now...

"Anyone is fine, but Ning Lu is not."

Xie Qinghe bowed and clasped his hands in greeting.

Suddenly a gust of wind arose, scattering spring blossoms and causing his robes to flutter, making him appear even more frail and forlorn.

Jiang Xu stared at him blankly, then let go and took a step back, her expression calm.

"Jiming, do you know what she just said to me?"

"Your schemes have made me look like a villain in her eyes. You two are truly a united couple."

“Ning Lu has never been involved, and her words are insufficient to influence the situation. Prince Jing will die before New Year’s Eve. Your Majesty’s hands are clean, so I have not broken my promise.”

The almost cold, rational analysis of the person before him seemed to drain all of Jiang Xu's strength. Unlike his toughness when facing Ning Lu, he asked blankly, "Jiming, tell me the truth. Are you leaving because you're tired or because you don't trust me anymore?"

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Author's note: Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance!!! May you achieve immediate success and all your wishes come true!

The following two important messages:

1. The main storyline is nearing its end, and the series is about to conclude. I'm lazy, so updates for side stories will be slow. I'd like to ask if anyone has any side stories they'd like to see, so I can prepare them in advance.

2. Updates may not be guaranteed during the New Year's Day holiday (before January 4th).

Let me explain the reason for my leave in advance: I'm going on a trip and planned to write on the high-speed train, but I didn't expect my laptop battery to be so delicate. I just turned it on and found it was frozen solid. I'm currently trying to revive it. [crying emoji]