Chapter 87 Dialogue

Xie Sangning was too calm, without the slightest ripple.

There was no excitement or fear of being newly appointed and personally summoned by the Empress, nor the sharp and intimidating aura that had been rumored.

This is illogical.

A warning bell rang in Xiao Fengyi's heart.

Having seen countless people, she knows that the calmer the surface, the more likely there are turbulent undercurrents beneath.

"Rise, please take a seat."

Xiao Fengyi's voice carried its usual dignified gentleness, and a perfectly timed approving smile appeared on her face. "Raise your head and let me take a good look. I have long heard that the eldest daughter of the Xie family is exceptionally talented and beautiful, and seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved. Her bearing is truly worthy of the name 'Jia Ning'."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Xie Sangning got up as instructed and sat on one side of the embroidered stool brought by the palace servants before slowly raising her eyes.

Their eyes met!

Xiao Fengyi's heart skipped a beat!

What kind of eyes were those?

His eyes were extremely deep, so deep that it was almost impossible to see the bottom. There was no emotion, no curiosity, no awe, and no joy in them!

It's chilling to look at!

Xiao Fengyi, who prided herself on her ability to control people's hearts, was completely unable to glean any useful information from those eyes.

"Your Majesty flatters me with your humble appearance." Xie Sangning lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding the scrutinizing gaze. "It is my duty to do my part for the court. Your Majesty, as the mother of the nation, brings blessings to all people. You are the role model that we women of humble origins should look up to for life."

Her words were humble and appropriate, watertight, yet carried an invisible sense of distance.

Xiao Fengyi suppressed the strange feeling in her heart, and her smile became more gentle: "There is no need to be too modest. Your contribution to the country in cultivating talents is a great achievement for the nation and will benefit future generations. Even His Majesty and I are deeply gratified."

"The title 'Jia Ning' is both an honorific and an expectation. I hope that you will be dutiful and virtuous in the future, and serve as a role model for women of the world."

While she spoke in a high-sounding manner, she subtly observed Xie Sangning's reaction.

Everyone says Xie Sangning is spoiled and has a bad temper, but now it seems that she is not quite the same as the rumors.

Xie Sangning simply replied respectfully, "Your Majesty's teachings will be followed. I will certainly be self-disciplined and cautious in my actions, and will not fail Your Majesty's grace and Your Majesty's expectations."

Xiao Fengyi nodded, then changed the subject: "Speaking of which, your father, the General Who Guards the Country, is far away in the Northwest, defending the border for the country. He has made great contributions. You are so young, yet you have taken on the heavy responsibility of the General's Mansion and are also concerned about the future of those students. It is truly not easy for you."

"Is the old lady of the house still in good health? Is everything peaceful and secure in the mansion?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My grandmother is in good health, but she is getting on in years and is bound to have some minor ailments."

"It's good that you're all well." Xiao Fengyi smiled.

"I've heard that you're quite close to the Lin family. There seemed to be some activity at the Lin residence a few days ago?"

Xiao Fengyi picked up her teacup and gently skimmed off the foam with the lid: "I remember that the Lin family had a young lady who lost her speech due to illness in her early years? It seems that the miraculous doctor you brought has cured her?"

Xie Sangning's heart sank, but a grateful smile appeared on her face at the right moment: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My cousin, Wantang, was frightened in her childhood and lost her speech for many years, but recently... she has been able to speak again. The Lin family is grateful for Your Majesty's grace and is overjoyed."

"Oh? Is that so?" A hint of surprise flashed across Xiao Fengyi's eyes. "That's truly a joyous occasion! I'm curious, which divine physician did you bring back?"

"That man's name was Yin Bai. He was quite unruly. After curing his cousin, he disappeared without a trace."

Xie Sangning's tone carried a hint of helplessness, "I only found out later, and I regret that I was unable to introduce her to Your Majesty."

“Yin Bai…that is indeed a pity.” Xiao Fengyi nodded thoughtfully, seemingly accepting the explanation.

She put down her teacup. "Wantang was frightened when she was young, but she has recovered now. Has she mentioned... what caused the fright back then? If she tells you, perhaps her heartache can be cured."

The Empress's questions, however, all seemed to confirm that she was the murderer!

"Your Majesty, my cousin has just recovered and her mind is still unstable, and her speech is somewhat incoherent."

"She only mentioned it intermittently... that when she was young, she was playing and ran to a secluded part of the mansion by herself. It was too dark, and she was terrified. She was just a child and her heart was fragile. I'm sorry that Your Highness had to laugh at her. As for the specifics... she herself couldn't say for sure."

Too dark?

Xiao Fengyi's gaze lingered on Xie Sangning's face for a full three breaths.

On that face, there was nothing but helpless doting affection for his cousin.

His eyes were clear, calm, open, and without the slightest hint of evasion.

Could it be... that Lin Wantang really didn't say anything?

"I see." Xiao Fengyi's dignified smile returned. "It's not surprising that she's just a child. It's good that she's fully recovered. Since you and the Lin family are close relatives, you should take good care of your cousin in the future."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will remember your teachings."

"Sang Ning, you have now reached the age of marriage and have been granted the title of County Princess, a position of great importance. It is time to put your marriage on the agenda. I wonder... do you have someone in mind?"

"If you find a suitable young talent, you might as well speak to me. I might... be able to give you some advice, and even speak to His Majesty to arrange a marriage for you, which would be a wonderful thing."

A marriage arranged by imperial decree?

Two faint blushes appeared on Xie Sangning's face at just the right moment, revealing the shyness of a young girl. Her voice also lowered a few degrees: "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by this subject. However... my father is far away at the border, and my grandmother is getting old. This subject only wants to spend a few more years at my grandmother's side to fulfill my filial duty. I have not yet... considered these personal feelings between men and women."

"Your filial piety is commendable."

Xiao Fengyi nodded approvingly, her smile deepening. "However, a daughter must eventually find a home. Your father has served the country loyally, and His Majesty and I will naturally look out for you. Speaking of which, His Majesty values ​​you highly; he even mentioned it to me the other day..."

She paused deliberately, observing Xie Sangning's reaction, her voice carrying a hint of profound meaning: "His Majesty said that Princess Jianing is both talented and virtuous, and has a heart for the country. She is truly the crown jewel of our Great Zhou. It would be a pity if such a pearl were only buried in the inner courtyard of a secluded mansion."

"His Majesty... seems to intend for you to stay by his side often, to add luster to the harem, and to set an example for women throughout the land."

The true intentions are revealed when the truth is finally revealed!

The attempt to find a concubine was finally laid bare in the open!

Xie Sangning knew that the Emperor's disgusting thoughts had not disappeared at all, and were exactly the same as hers, but coincidentally, he had also walked into her trap.

To be a constant companion to the emperor? To bring glory to the harem? To be a role model for all women?

Absolutely disgusting!

Xie Sangning suddenly raised her eyes.

Her stunningly beautiful face was now pale with fear.

She even turned slightly to the side in a fluster, avoiding the Empress's gaze, her voice trembling almost imperceptibly:

"Your Majesty's words are too much for me to bear!"

The warm pavilion was deathly silent.

Xiao Fengyi's dignified smile faded slightly, and her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

Since it is the Emperor's mission, we must accomplish it today, even if Xie Sangning refuses!

Sharing the Emperor's burdens was her duty as Empress.

Even though she was unwilling, she could not disobey the emperor's will.

If she won't listen to reason, then don't blame her for showing no mercy...