Chapter 29 Another Golden Partner
The imperial physician's fingers finally left Nangong Ye's wrist, beads of sweat etched on his forehead. In the side hall, filled with the scent of ambergris, the atmosphere was so oppressive it was almost stagnant.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Queen Mother,"
The doctor's voice was filled with extreme caution.
"Your Highness Prince Yong's pulse is rapid and surging, like boiling water in a cauldron. This is due to the sudden onset of anger, which has disrupted the flow of Qi and agitated the internal energy. Fortunately, the prince has a strong foundation, and his internal energy has protected his heart meridians. His life is not in danger for now. He only needs to rest and recuperate, supplemented by medicines to clear the heart and reduce internal heat, soothe the liver and relieve depression. He should be able to recover within ten days."
Anger attacks the heart.
These four words struck the hearts of everyone present like an invisible hammer. Nangong Yu sat on a rosewood chair nearby, his expression still gloomy, but his tightly pursed lips relaxed slightly, and the fingers gripping the shattered remains of the ring relaxed a bit.
He looked at his brother, pale and furrowed, lying on the couch, a complex mixture of emotions swirling within him—anger at his brother's misconduct, which had nearly revealed the secret, pity for his current pain, and a bitter feeling of shared suffering. Were Ning'er's words not the most ruthless judgment of him, the emperor?
The Queen Mother sat in the main seat, her well-maintained face filled with worry and heartache, but deep in her eyes, there was a barely perceptible understanding and a deep yearning.
She waved her hand, her voice filled with unquestionable authority:
"Got it. Go get the prescription and boil the medicine. And for today, mind your mouth."
"Your humble servant obeys your order!"
The imperial physician bowed and withdrew as if he had been pardoned.
When only the mother and her two children were left in the palace, all the palace attendants were dismissed. The heavy palace door blocked out all sounds from the outside world. The air seemed to become even thicker.
The Queen Mother sighed deeply, her eyes slowly sweeping over her two sons, finally landing on Nangong Ye, who was breathing weakly, and it was as if she could penetrate him and see farther.
"Yer,"
The Queen Mother's voice was not loud, but every word was clear and had the power to penetrate people's hearts.
"People are made of flesh. Ning'er...she's different from us."
She paused, looked at Nangong Yu, her eyes as sharp as a knife,
"Yu'er, you know in your heart that her 'specialness' is not a demon or a monster. It is a warning and vitality bestowed by God to our Nangong family and to the world."
Nangong Yu's heart suddenly shrank, as if that gaze had pierced through layers of disguise. He subconsciously avoided his mother's gaze.
The Queen Mother's gaze fell back on Nangong Ye, and her tone became softer but more serious:
"You want her, Ye'er. Your mother sees this clearly. But you have to think clearly. If you want her as a person, you must accept her shocking and unconventional ideas as well!
"Those words, though harsh and heartbreaking, were true in every word! They touched upon the pain points that had plagued women in the deep palace, and indeed, women across the world, for thousands of years!"
Her voice suddenly rose, and with a long-suppressed indignation, she looked at Nangong Yu again with a burning gaze:
"If you can't do that, if you just want to turn her into another bird locked in a gilded cage, slowly losing its luster, like..."
The Queen Mother did not finish her words, but the unfinished words were like a loud slap in Nangong Yu's face.
"Then, I think,"
The Queen Mother's voice deepened, with unquestionable determination.
"Let Ning'er be my daughter. Give her the most honorable title and the greatest freedom! Let her go wherever she wants and do whatever she wants! Let her live out the freedom I've been trapped in this square palace all my life... the freedom I yearn for day and night but can never achieve!"
[Ning'er, please live for me for once! Live for me!]
The Queen Mother's voice, filled with endless sorrow and intense anticipation, echoed clearly in the minds of Nangong Yu and Nangong Ye, who had just opened his eyes.
Nangong Yu's body trembled slightly. His mother's words were like a red-hot iron, searing the deepest wounds in his soul.
He thought of Dongfang Qiwu's cold and resolute back, the radiance in her eyes that had long since died out, and the "forever" he had promised but never fulfilled...
Enormous regret and panic nearly overwhelmed him. Was he truly...completely lost in his quest for redemption?
"No!"
A hoarse but extremely firm growl sounded.
Nangong Ye had struggled to sit up without knowing when. His face was still pale, and there was still traces of blood at the corners of his mouth. However, his phoenix eyes were surprisingly bright, burning with desperate flames. He stared at the Queen Mother intently, as if looking through the void, and swore to the little person in his heart:
"Mother! I, Nangong Ye, swear here that I will not marry anyone other than Ning'er in this lifetime! I want her, all of her! Her heart, her thoughts, her shocking nature, her unconventional ways! I want them all!"
He took a breath, the severe pain in his chest causing cold sweat to seep out of his forehead, but he still spoke each word with a resounding voice:
"She wants a vast and free sky? Fine! I'll accompany her! I will never confine her to that small space in the backyard of the palace! Whatever she wants to do, as long as it's what she wants to do, I, Nangong Ye, will accompany her to the end, no matter how hard it takes!
She thinks the world is unfair to women? I will give everything I have to pave a way for her! She hates the filth of having three wives and four concubines? In this life, I, Nangong Ye, only have her! If you disobey me, you will be punished by heaven and earth and die a miserable death!
The light in his eyes was a determination to burn his boats and cross the river, a burning passion for life. This oath was not only a promise to the Queen Mother, but also a brand on his own soul.
The Queen Mother stared blankly at her youngest son, the persistence and deep affection in his eyes that threatened to burn away all obstacles, the blood at the corner of his mouth, and the unprecedented vitality he now exuded. After a long moment, a complex smile, one filled with relief, joy, and a deep sense of heartache, slowly blossomed on her lips.
"good!"
The Queen Mother nodded heavily, her voice choked with sobs, but there was a glint in her eyes.
"Okay! Ye'er! Remember what you said today! I'll wait and see!"
[Ning'er, my good child, live a fulfilling life for me... and for countless trapped women across the world!]
The Queen Mother's voice rang out again, full of anticipation.
Nangong Ye's oath was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, but the ripples it caused went far beyond the side hall of the Cining Palace.
In Fengyi Palace, warm fragrance is floating in the air.
Dongfang Yuning was sprawled on a chaise longue covered in soft brocade, her two tender white feet dangling unconsciously in the air. A thick account book lay spread out before her, and scattered around were a few sheets of paper with strange symbols and figures drawn on them. She bit the pen, her brows furrowed tightly.
[Oh my god, these ancient account books are making me dizzy! Where's the debit-credit system? Where's the double-entry system? It's all just a running account, with a bunch of traditional Chinese characters and classical Chinese text! I feel like my CPU is going to burn out!]
She wailed and complained to the system,
Why is opening a milk tea shop so difficult?! Raw material supply chain, cost accounting, marketing plan... Ugh! Entrepreneurs can't afford this!
The system flashed a cheerful light in her mind:
[Ding! Host, please be patient! We have detected that you are currently in the initial stages of your business blueprint planning, triggering the optional "Business Rising Star" side quest.]
The degree of completion will affect subsequent point rewards and aura bless! It is recommended that the host make use of existing resources, such as...your brother-in-law who looks rich and seems to have a lot of free time? 】
Dongfang Yuning's face fell:
[Don't mention him! That dirty... ahem, that feudal patriarch! What does he know about business innovation? It's good enough that he doesn't trip me up!]
I'd better rely on myself! When I make enough money, I'll buy a big estate and raise a yard full of furry animals. I can make my own milk tea when I want to drink it, and lie down when I want to bask in the sun. That's what life is all about! Then I'll get my sister out of here, and don't let her follow that...rotten cucumber!
While she was mumbling, she drew a chubby cat and a silly big dog on the paper, and wrote crookedly next to them:
"Cats and dogs have equal rights, long live freedom!"
Dongfang Qiwu sat at her embroidery frame near the window, her gold thread and silver needle weaving across the white satin, outlining an intricate phoenix pattern. Her posture was graceful, her expression serene, as if the external chaos had nothing to do with her.
Only occasionally, her eyes would involuntarily drift out the window, looking towards the Cining Palace, with a subtle hint of worry. She had already heard the news that Nangong Ye had vomited blood. Although Ning'er was naive, she was also frightened by the scene in the court, and when she came back, she asked, "Is Nangong Ye dying?"
"elder sister,"
Dongfang Yuning suddenly dropped his pen and rubbed against Dongfang Qiwu's side, resting his head on her legs, like a little animal seeking comfort.
"Tell me, why do people have to get married? Isn't it good to be free and independent?"
Dongfang Qiwu paused slightly with the needle in her hand. She lowered her eyes, looking into her sister's clear yet confused and resistant eyes. She gently stroked the top of her head, her voice soft as water:
"Ning'er is still young, why should you think about these things? There is more than one path in this world. Just follow your heart and have a clear conscience."
She didn't give a clear answer, but simply placed the right to choose in her sister's hands. She was trapped, but she hoped Ning'er could fly out.
Nangong Ye's ability to act far exceeds everyone's imagination.
He drank the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician without a frown. Internal Qi disorder? He sat cross-legged and regulated his breathing, forcing it to flow with his immense willpower.
Anger? He forced himself to calm down, transforming the rage that threatened to consume him into the most intense motivation.
After only three days of rest, when Nangong Ye appeared in Fengyi Palace, his face still a little pale but his eyes clearer and sharper than ever before, even Dongfang Qiwu was slightly surprised.
"The Emperor's sister-in-law is well."
Nangong Ye saluted Dongfang Qiwu politely, but his eyes involuntarily drifted to Dongfang Yuning, who was sitting on the chaise longue by the window, looking at the account book with a frown on his face and a piece of candied fruit in his mouth.
Dongfang Qiwu understood and nodded slightly:
"Is the prince feeling better now? Ning'er, Prince Yong is here."
She stood up calmly and quietly retreated with the palace servants in the hall, leaving the space for the two of them.
Dongfang Yuning looked up when he heard the voice and saw Nangong Ye. He subconsciously swallowed the candied fruit in his mouth. A trace of embarrassment of being caught and a subtle sense of guilt flashed across his little face.
After all, when he vomited blood and fainted in the court, she had secretly criticized the royal men behind his back, saying that all of them were bad people (although she didn't know he heard it)...
[Tong! He's here, he's here! He seems a little pale? He's not going to come after me for embarrassing him in the court (?), is he? Should I pretend to faint?]
The little man inside her started drumming like crazy.
System 118: [Ding! Host, we're just complaining in our minds, no one can hear us, don't worry! Target 'Golden Thigh·Ye' actively approaching detected. Energy field stable, emotions fluctuating: nervous (30%), expectant (50%), determined (20%).
Host, your technique for pretending to faint is too low. I suggest you activate the 'business cooperation' defense mode! Use the power of money to influence him!
Nangong Ye took a deep breath, suppressed the throbbing in his heart and the slight hardness in his throat, and walked step by step to the couch.
He didn't get too close, maintaining a distance that was respectful but not oppressive to her, and sat down on the embroidered cushion next to her.
"Ning'er."
His voice was a little deeper and hoarse than usual, with a sense of weakness after illness, but it was unusually clear.
"Um?"
Dongfang Yuning blinked her big eyes and tried to act innocent and well-behaved.
"Your Highness, are you feeling better now? That day in the court... you suddenly acted like that and scared everyone."
That's the truth.
Nangong Ye looked at the genuine worry in her eyes, and his heart warmed slightly, but more of an urge to clarify. His hands on his knees were slightly curled up, and his knuckles turned white from the force.
"I'm fine. I'm just a little tired from helping the Crown Prince investigate the Tang family. The imperial physician said I just need to rest."
He paused, staring at her intently, as if he wanted to open his soul to her.
"Ning'er, I came here today to tell you something very important. About me, and also about... you."
Here it comes! Dongfang Yuning sat up straight instantly, his mind highly focused:
[Tong! High-energy warning ahead! He's about to unleash his ultimate move! Is he going to call off the engagement?! After all, I seem to be his nemesis in the court (?)!]
Nangong Ye's Adam's apple rolled, and it seemed that he needed great courage to say the following words:
"First, I, Nangong Ye, have always been the only one in Prince Yong's mansion. I have no concubines, no confidantes, no maids. There were none in the past, there are none now, and there will never be any in the future."
He spoke slowly, emphasizing each word as if he were reciting the most solemn oath, his eyes fixed on hers, not missing a single reaction from her.
Dongfang Yuning was stunned, her mouth slightly open. This... such a sudden and detailed confession of her family's innocence?
[Tong! He, he, he... is he registering his household registration with me? And why is he specifically emphasizing this? Is there... a rumor about me out there? Or does he have some hidden illness?!]
Her imagination runs wild.
System 118:
[Ding! Analyzing the target's behavior logic... Speculation: Perhaps provoked by the Concubine Hui incident, he feels a sense of crisis about his image as a royal man and is eager to prove his innocence to maintain his engagement. Conclusion: Extremely strong desire to survive! Appropriate encouragement (or questioning) may be appropriate!]
Nangong Ye saw that she was silent, and a hint of subtle nervousness flashed in his eyes, and he continued:
"Secondly, Ning'er, I know you have a unique personality."
He chose his words carefully, avoiding any words that might be associated with "voice of the heart".
"You are not like the ordinary women who stay at home and are content with the small space in the backyard. You have wonderful ideas and vitality. You long to build your own career and live a broader and freer life."
He thought of the strange drawings and account books she had fiddled with in Fengyi Palace, and her occasional yearning for the world outside the palace walls.
"I admire you like this."
His tone was unprecedentedly solemn and committed.
"Ning'er, give me a chance. Let me accompany you. If you want to fly, I will clear the obstacles for you; if you want to see the prosperity of the world, I will be your eyes and legs.
Whatever you want to do, whether it's opening a shop, building a farm, or raising cats and dogs, I'll be with you! Through fire and water, I, Nangong Ye, will be there for you to the end! All I want is for you... to give me the chance to stand by your side."
The last sentence carried a subtle hint of pleading.
Dongfang Yuning's heart felt like it was gently bumped. She looked at the earnest expression on his pale face, the nervousness and anticipation that threatened to overflow from his eyes. He could actually read her thoughts? And even expressed appreciation and support? This was completely different from those old-fashioned men!
[Tong... he seems... serious? And he doesn't even think I'm unorthodox if I want to go out and do business?]
She was a little confused, but also a little touched by being understood.
[Although the way he expressed it is still a bit... old-fashioned? But the intention seems quite sincere?]
System 118: [Ding! Target character's emotional value has skyrocketed! 'Sincerity' rating: S-rank! 'Open-mindedness' rating: A+! 'Action' estimate: SSS+! Host, this is a rare, high-quality stock! Recommended for long-term observation! By the way... grab some start-up capital!]
"third,"
Nangong Ye's voice suddenly became more confident! He changed the subject, and his tone became calm and confident, even revealing a sense of control that belonged to a superior.
"Ning'er, I know you've been planning to open a shop and do some...new and interesting business."
His eyes swept over her open account book and the paper with strange symbols drawn on it.
"That's great. But running a business requires capital, connections, and experience. I have all of these."
He raised the corners of his lips slightly, and that smile was no longer the cold smile on the battlefield, but a sharp smile that was full of strategic planning.
"The wealth of Prince Yong's Mansion extends far beyond the apparent salaries and rewards. Under my name, I own caravans spanning the entire Yan Nation, trade routes connecting the Western Regions with overseas, long-established banks and bill exchanges, and several lucrative mining properties. When it comes to making money, I'm not much worse than your third brother, Dongfang Linyuan, known as a 'business genius.'"
boom--!
Dongfang Yuning's mind instantly lit up! Gold mines! Caravans! Overseas trade! Banks and bill shops! This...how could this be considered a potential stock? This was clearly a walking, glittering, 24-karat gold leg!
[Tong! Tong! Did you hear that?! Gold mines! Banks! Overseas trade! Oh my god! How can this be a prince? Is this the God of Wealth descending to earth?!]
The little person inside her was screaming wildly,
[Quick! Hurry and hold him! Don't let him get away! What's so beautiful about being alone? Beauty can't compare to the fragrance of gold! Only gold can buy a large manor to raise furry friends! My sister's ransom...
No, the Freedom Fund has also been found! The eldest princess and my third brother setting up a women's club is nothing compared to this. Let's build something bigger!]
System 118:
[Ding! The host's 'Materialism' attribute has been detected to have awakened instantly! 'Unique Beauty' declaration sway value: 99%! Warning! Host, please pay attention to your facial expressions! I'm drooling!]
Dongfang Yuning tried hard to suppress the smile that was almost reaching his ears, cleared his throat, and tried to put on a serious and thoughtful look on his face:
"Hmm... Your Highness means... you want to invest in my business?"
Her eyes were as bright as stars, and she made no secret of her desire for the "golden thighs".
Nangong Ye looked at her cute appearance, who was obviously so excited that she was about to jump up, but was still trying to pretend to be calm. The last bit of nervousness in his heart disappeared, leaving only full of pampering and amusement.
He nodded solemnly:
"It's not an investment, it's a collaboration. Ning'er, you come up with the ideas, the... well, the blueprint."
He pointed to her drawings.
"I'll provide money, manpower, and effort to clear all obstacles for you. You'll keep 70% of the profits, and I'll keep 30%. How's that?"
He offered extremely generous conditions, and his purpose was self-evident - to tie the person tightly to his side.
"make a deal!"
Dongfang Yuning made the decision almost the moment he finished speaking! It was so fast that even Nangong Ye was stunned.
[70% to 30%! Oh my god! Is he stupid?! How is this different from giving me money for free?! General! Quick! Draft a contract! No, write a deed!]
Before he regrets it! The eldest princess and the third brother definitely won't be so generous! Hahaha, the winner of life is just around the corner! 】
Her inner calculations were going on, and she took the opportunity to step on her "competitor".
System 118:
Ding! 'Holding Thighs' agreement has been generated (virtual version). Terms: Party A (Golden Thigh·Ye) provides comprehensive funding, manpower, and channel support; Party B (Wealthy·Ning) provides creativity and blueprints; dividend ratio 7:3;
Additional terms: Party A enjoys the priority of lifelong 'personal bodyguard' and 'business partner'. Note: The final right of interpretation of this agreement belongs to Party B. Host, please sign (stamp)!
"but,"
Dongfang Yuning's eyes rolled, as cunning as a little fox.
"Since we're partners, shouldn't His Highness show some sincerity? For example... an upfront investment? After all, my third brother and the Princess Royal are moving pretty fast!"
She brought up her "competitor" at the right moment and rubbed her little fingers together, her meaning was clear.
Nangong Ye laughed and took out a soft, ink-colored token from his bosom. It was neither gold nor jade, and was embossed with a simple dragon pattern and the word "Ye". He gently placed the token on the table in front of Dongfang Yuning.
"With this order, you can withdraw silver from all the banks and businesses under my name within the territory of Yan Kingdom at will, without any limit. I also have a hot spring villa in the suburbs of Beijing, with quite beautiful scenery. The title deed is here."
He put down another title deed,
"How about... using it as a testing ground for our first workshop? We can't let your Third Brother and Yue'er take all the credit."
He spoke lightly, as if what he was giving was not a huge fortune and prime real estate, but a piece of candy, and by the way, he slightly "stepped" on his partner (the eldest princess) and his third brother.
Dongfang Yuning looked at the token and the title deed, and his breathing stopped for a moment.
[Unlimited?! Hot spring villa?! Oh my god! Tong! Pinch me! Am I dreaming?! This golden thigh... is it too thick and too shiny?! Third brother definitely didn't give the princess that much start-up capital! Hahaha, winning at the starting line!]
System 118:
[Ding! Host's blood pressure and heart rate have been detected to be elevated! Deep breathing is recommended immediately! Also, a reminder to the host: Party A has overpaid the 'earnest deposit'. Please, Party B, fulfill your obligation to 'draw the pie'... no, provide the 'blueprint' as soon as possible! And be careful not to laugh too wildly!]
The huge temptation of money instantly broke down Dongfang Yuning's last bit of reserve. She grabbed the token and the deed, her face smiling like a blooming sunflower. The previous alienation and resistance disappeared, leaving only the admiration of the sponsor.
"Your Highness! You're so kind! Don't worry! Follow me and I guarantee your investment will double and triple! Our first target—the 'Fairy in the Clouds' flagship store—is opening in the hot spring villa outside Beijing! It's guaranteed to be an instant hit, surpassing even Third Brother and the eldest princess' 'Women's Club'! Hahaha, becoming a winner in life is just around the corner!"
She danced with excitement and began to describe her business blueprint in a torrent of words: from the research and development of milk tea flavors to the store's decoration style, from the membership system to hunger marketing...
With her small mouth chattering and sparkling eyes, she exudes a vibrant energy. She even mentions the cooperation project between her third brother and the eldest princess.
Nangong Ye sat quietly by the side, listening intently. He no longer tried to interrupt, but instead followed her spirited little face with his gentle gaze, watching her cheeks flush slightly with excitement, and watching the scattered hair that accidentally fell on her cheeks as she danced.
He had never seen her like this before, so lively, so full of life, like a little sun that had finally broken free of its shackles and was now shining brightly. As for her implicit comparisons with her third brother and the eldest princess, he simply regarded them as the naivety of a little girl.
The subtle jealousy in his heart caused by the nickname "Golden Thigh" (what if she called him "Third Brother" is also a Golden Thigh?) had long been replaced by the overflowing satisfaction and pampering at this moment.
As long as she was happy, as long as she wanted him to be close to her, so what if she treated him like a golden thigh? He was willing to do it. He even felt that being the partner she said was more powerful than his third brother and the eldest princess felt... pretty good.
Warm sunlight streamed in through the carved window lattices, flowing between the two of them. The girl's clear, excited voice echoed in the hall, and the man's focused, gentle gaze followed silently.
The air is filled with the sweet aroma of candied fruit, and a faint sweet scent called "ambiguity", which grows quietly and fills up under the glitter of money and a little bit of "competitiveness".
[Tong, look at the way he looks at me...]
In the interval between Dongfang Yuning's endless chatter, he suddenly caught Nangong Ye's overly focused and gentle gaze, and his heart skipped a beat.
[…Isn't it a bit like looking at… a glittering mountain of gold? Or a magic weapon that can defeat the third brother?]
System 118:
[…Ding! Host, this system recommends getting a new pair of glasses. Target's eye analysis: 99% doting, 100% concentration, less than 5% chance of 'looking at a mountain of gold/magic weapon'. Conclusion: He's looking at the little sun that can melt his iceberg (though this little sun currently only has eyes for gold). Of course, let's also see if his little sun (you) can produce more gold and win the 'competition'.]
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