Su Jinyun seemed completely oblivious to Qin Shouzhen's gaze, which was sharp and carried a hidden meaning. Her expression remained calm and composed, as if the disturbances of the outside world were nothing more than fleeting clouds.
She lifted her skirt slightly, her steps graceful, her figure as lithe as a willow swaying in the spring breeze.
Like a blue lotus swaying gently on clear water, she gracefully bowed to Master Xuwu.
This gesture was dignified and elegant, showcasing the demeanor of a lady from a distinguished family.
She nodded slightly, like a flower bud about to bloom, exuding a reserved and understated beauty; her gently swaying sleeves resembled the fluttering wings of a butterfly, graceful and ethereal.
Every detail seems to have been meticulously crafted, showcasing her gentle and elegant temperament.
After the ceremony, she slowly raised her head, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes revealing just the right amount of humility and respect.
Her lips parted slightly, and her voice, like a clear spring flowing in the mountains or a warbling oriole singing sweetly in spring, rang out softly yet clearly in the silent hall.
"I am honored by your words, Daoist Master. But I am just Qianluo. What virtue or ability do I have to deserve such a great honor?"
If what you say is true, that her blessings can protect the millions of people in Chengxiao Kingdom, then there must be many causal connections involved in such a mysterious event.
I wonder if this flow of good fortune will be like a rushing river that erodes its banks, ultimately harming her? I hope the Taoist priest will kindly offer his guidance.
Upon hearing Su Jinyun's resounding question, the assembled officials and the emperor felt as if a massive boulder had been thrown into the calm lake.
A violent ripple stirred within me, and a powerful tremor spread from the depths of my heart.
Just now, everyone was still immersed in the great joy that Qin Qianluo might be able to protect the fate of the nation, as if they could already see the prosperous and flourishing future of Ning Dynasty.
The people live in peace and contentment, the borders are stable and peaceful, the emperor and his ministers are of one mind in the court, and the country is steadily moving forward on the road to prosperity.
This beautiful vision, like a blazing flame, scorched their hearts.
So much so that they completely forgot that behind this seemingly auspicious omen lay a crucial and undeniable hidden worry—
What kind of unpredictable, or even devastating, damage will this so-called act of protecting the nation's destiny actually cause to King Jinrui Zhao's body?
The Emperor's face, which had been flushed with joy, suddenly turned solemn and cold, as if it had been suddenly attacked by frost.
His gaze instantly turned as deep as an abyss, his profound eyes like a calm, boundless sea beneath which turbulent undercurrents were quietly surging.
It seemed to be silently telling the story of the turbulent emotions within.
He slowly, with an almost solemn air, turned his gaze toward Master Xuwu, his eyes filled with both urgency and longing to find the truth.
It was as if one could see through all the mysteries in the eyes of the Taoist Master Xuwu, and it also revealed an unquestionable firmness, like a city wall forged of steel, indestructible.
Deep within his heart, as if after a fierce internal struggle, he had made an unshakable decision, as if cast in iron.
If protecting the nation's destiny is truly like a lurking blade, it could inflict irreparable and deep-seated harm on Qin Qianluo.
Even if there is only the slightest possibility of harm, he would rather resolutely give up this so-called protection.
Even if it means he will have to face the many difficulties and obstacles to the future of the country alone, as if he were standing on the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice.
He absolutely could not allow Qin Qianluo to suffer even the slightest harm.
He was the ruler of a nation, wearing a crown that symbolized supreme authority and glory. The jewels on the crown shone brightly, but they also served as a constant reminder of the immense burden he bore.
Protecting the peace of the nation and safeguarding the well-being of all people is the sacred mission bestowed upon him by Heaven.
It was a responsibility that he had etched into his heart with passion and vows from the moment he ascended the throne.
This responsibility, like a towering mountain, is heavy and solemn, and is by no means a destiny that Qin Qianluo, a gentle yet resolute woman, should bear alone.
Qin Qianluo should have been able to bloom freely in this world and enjoy the beautiful life that belonged to her.
She shouldn't have to pay any painful or unbearable price for this heavy burden that doesn't belong to her, whether it's physical pain or the loss of her life.
If he is merely acting out of his own eagerness for national stability, or out of a narrow-minded desire for the continuation of power.
To attempt to sacrifice Qin Qianluo's life for the sake of temporary peace in the country would be a complete betrayal of the noble title of emperor, and an unworthy ruler.
He put himself in an unjust and immoral position, which goes against the morality and conscience he upholds.
Although he did not display the same heroic spirit as his father in military conquest, galloping across battlefields, expanding territory, and demonstrating a heroic and virtuous character, he was not as capable of such feats.
But he was by no means a cowardly, incompetent, or selfish person.
Even though he had once thought that Qin Qianluo could use her outstanding talents to assist the Crown Prince and lay a solid foundation for the future of Ning Dynasty.
That was also based on a sincere recognition of Qin Qianluo's abilities and a deep expectation for the long-term stability of the country.
He knew that Qin Qianluo's wisdom was like a bright star, illuminating Ning Chao's path forward; her courage was like a sharp sword, capable of cutting through the thorns on the way.
However, all of this must not come at the cruel premise of sacrificing Qin Qianluo's life. This is his bottom line as a monarch, and also his most basic conscience as a human being.
Looking back, Qin Qianluo's contributions to the Ning Dynasty and the royal family are countless, each and every one like a bright star, illuminating the path forward for the Ning Dynasty.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
