CHAPTER 10
Shangguan Ning sat elegantly in the pavilion, sipping tea while taking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. His posture was composed, exuding an air of calmness and authority.
"Cong, fetch me some paper and a brush," he said in a smooth, unhurried tone. Cong promptly left to gather the materials, while Shangguan Ning turned his attention to one of the maids nearby.
"Is Li Qiang in the mansion?" he asked, his voice as soft as it was commanding.
The maid bowed respectfully. "Yes, Prince Consort. His Highness, the Second Prince, is currently in his study."
Shangguan Ning nodded, a subtle yet authoritative gesture. "Good. Inform him that I would like him to join me for tea," he instructed, his words gentle but firm. The maid hurried off to carry out his request, and soon after, Cong returned with the paper and brush.
"Here you are, Your Highness," Cong said as he handed the items to him.
"Thank you, Cong," Shangguan Ning replied, his tone as calm as ever. He began to write, his movements deliberate and graceful.
Curiosity got the better of Cong as he watched his master write. "Your Highness, if I may ask, who is the letter for?"
Without pausing, Shangguan Ning answered, "It's for Uncle Emperor."
Moments later, the maid returned with a formal announcement. "The Second Prince has arrived," she said as Helan Li Qiang stepped into the pavilion. The other servants bowed low, while Shangguan Ning offered a small nod of acknowledgment, demonstrating a quiet respect for his husband's presence.
"Ning'er, you called for me?" Helan Li Qiang's voice held a mix of curiosity and affection.
"Yes," Shangguan Ning smiled gently, gesturing toward the tea. "Come, Li Qiang. Have tea with me. You've been so busy these last few days, I hardly get the chance to see you."
Helan Li Qiang sat beside him, and Shangguan Ning gracefully poured him a cup of tea. Even while conversing, his movements remained fluid, his focus partially on the letter he was still writing.
After a few moments of quiet observation, Helan Li Qiang's curiosity resurfaced. "Ning'er, who are you writing to?"
With a soft smile, Shangguan Ning sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope. "It's for Uncle Emperor," he replied simply.
Once the letter was ready, Shangguan Ning called into the air, "Wu Lin."
Without a sound, a man suddenly appeared, kneeling before them. His arrival was so silent and swift that Helan Li Qiang's guards were visibly startled, having not sensed his approach at all.
"Here," Shangguan Ning said, handing the letter to Wu Lin. "Take this to Uncle Emperor. Let him know that if he has any word of my parents, I'd like him to send a message. I wish for them to visit me when they have the chance."
Wu Lin accepted the letter with a respectful bow and, as swiftly as he had arrived, vanished into the shadows.
Helan Li Qiang, clearly impressed, turned to his husband. "Ning'er, you have quite a remarkable guard in your service. We couldn't even detect his presence."
Shangguan Ning chuckled softly, setting down his teacup. "Ah, Wu Lin? He's been with me for years, along with Cong. He was trained by the Shangguan family's shadow guards. Stealth and protection are second nature to him."
Helan Li Qiang nodded thoughtfully. "That explains his extraordinary skill. But, Ning'er, why the sudden letter to your uncle, the Emperor? What's on your mind?" His tone was gentle, laced with genuine concern.
Shangguan Ning paused for a moment, his expression turning contemplative as he gazed at the peaceful courtyard. "I haven't seen my family since our marriage, and with everything that's happened recently—the tensions at court, the banquet, even the duel—it made me realize that I should reconnect with them. They deserve to know that I am well. It's been too long since I've seen them, especially now that they've been traveling. I want them to visit me here, to see the life I've built."
Helan Li Qiang nodded, understanding the deeper emotions behind Shangguan Ning's words. "I see," he replied softly. "Family is indeed important, Ning'er. I'm sure your parents will make time for you when they receive your message."
Shangguan Ning's eyes softened as he smiled, a faint yet hopeful expression gracing his features. "I hope so, Li Qiang. I truly hope so."
As their conversation flowed, a lingering question weighed on Shangguan Ning's mind. He had kept it to himself for a while, but today, the uncertainty gnawed at him. Pausing for a moment, he set down his teacup and spoke, his tone more serious than before.
"Li Qiang, there's something I've been wanting to ask you," Shangguan Ning began, his gaze steady yet filled with unspoken emotions. "You've always been kind to me, even though we hardly knew each other when we married. I can't help but wonder—are you treating me this way out of a sense of duty to your family? Or… is there something more? Do you have genuine feelings for me?"
Helan Li Qiang was momentarily taken aback by the question. He hadn't expected such a direct inquiry, but as the weight of it settled in, his expression softened. He drew in a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.
"Ning'er… feelings aren't built in a single day," he began, his voice gentle yet earnest. "When we were first married, it was a union arranged by our families, and yes, duty was a part of it. I won't deny that. But as time has passed and I've come to know you better—your strength, your grace, your intelligence—my view of our relationship has changed."
Li Qiang reached out, taking Shangguan Ning's hand with a tender touch, his eyes sincere. "I won't pretend to fully understand my feelings just yet. But what I can say with certainty is that my actions are no longer driven purely by obligation. I care for you—more than I ever expected. And I want to continue building something real between us."
Shangguan Ning listened closely, absorbing Li Qiang's words. Though part of him felt a twinge of disappointment—he had hoped for something more concrete—he knew that emotions, especially in such a complex relationship, took time to grow. After all, he wasn't entirely sure of his own feelings yet, either.
With a faint smile, Shangguan Ning nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "I understand, Li Qiang. It's true, feelings don't develop overnight. I, too, am still learning what my heart truly feels. But perhaps, with time, we'll both come to understand what this really is between us."
Li Qiang returned the smile, his grip on Ning's hand tightening ever so slightly in reassurance. "Yes, Ning'er. Let's take that time—together."
"Then I must take my leave; I still have work to attend to," Helan Li Qiang said, standing up from the table with a gentle smile. Shangguan Ning nodded in acknowledgment, his thoughts still lingering on their earlier conversation.
As Helan Li Qiang exited the pavilion, Shangguan Ning turned to follow him back into his bedchamber, accompanied by Cong. Once inside, Shangguan Ning took a seat at the table, sinking into the chair with a weary sigh.
"It seems that my wish for a peaceful life has been utterly shattered the moment I arrived here," he lamented, dramatically cupping his face with his hands and resting his elbows on the table. The pose was one of theatrical despair, as if he were the star of a grand tragedy rather than a prince in a luxurious palace.
Cong, ever the spirited companion, couldn't help but laugh. "Your Highness, if anyone sees you like this, they'll think you've been replaced! They'll start whispering that the sovereign consort is moping about like a lost puppy!"
Shangguan Ning lifted his head slightly, peering at Cong through his fingers with mock indignation. "A lost puppy? Really, Cong? I'd prefer to think of myself as a noble swan, gracefully gliding through the trials of life. But alas, here I am, a swan flapping about in a chicken coop."
Cong burst into laughter, unable to hold back. "Yes, a swan, indeed! A swan that just realized it forgot how to swim and is now flailing about in a kiddie pool!"
Shangguan Ning couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity. "I suppose that makes you my loyal chicken companion, ever ready to poke fun at my struggles!"
"Exactly!" Cong grinned, leaning back in his chair, enjoying the light-hearted banter. "And who knows? Maybe in time, you'll learn to swim in this kiddie pool and show those chickens who's boss!"
Shangguan Ning shook his head, a playful smile creeping onto his lips. "You know, for someone supposed to be my aide, you certainly have a talent for turning my melodrama into a comedy. Perhaps I should hire you as my court jester instead!"
"Well, Your Highness," Cong replied with a theatrical bow, "every noble needs a jester to remind them that life is a performance, and the show must go on—preferably with fewer chicken-related incidents!"
With laughter filling the room, Shangguan Ning felt a little lighter, the weight of his earlier thoughts momentarily lifted. "You're right, Cong. Perhaps I should focus on the comedy of it all rather than the tragedy. After all, what's life without a little laughter?"
As the laughter echoed through the room, a soft knock interrupted their moment of camaraderie. A maid stepped in, her demeanor respectful and formal.
"Your Highness, a maid from the palace has come to see you," she announced, her voice steady.
"Let her in," Shangguan Ning replied, straightening his posture as the maid entered the chamber.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the Sovereign Consort," the palace maid said, bowing deeply.
"Rise," Shangguan Ning instructed, his tone kind but authoritative. "What brings you here?"
"Your Highness," the maid began, her expression earnest, "Her Majesty the Empress wishes to extend an invitation to you. She will be hosting a tea party tomorrow, and she would be honored by your presence."
Shangguan Ning sighed softly, a hint of resignation in his voice as he leaned back slightly in his chair. "Haaa... there goes another peaceful day," he murmured to Cong, who stifled a small laugh but remained composed. The palace maid, unaware of their exchange, continued to wait patiently for Shangguan Ning's response.
Shangguan Ning took a moment to gather his thoughts, acknowledging the gravity of the invitation. The tea party would not only be a social obligation but also a political maneuver in the ever-complex dynamics of court life.
"I understand," he finally said, his voice steady. "Please convey to Her Majesty that I will attend."
With that, he dismissed the maid with a nod. She bowed again and retreated from the chamber, leaving Shangguan Ning and Cong alone once more.
As the door closed, Shangguan Ning leaned back, a pensive look crossing his features. "A tea party," he repeated softly, contemplating the potential discussions and implications that awaited him there. Such gatherings often served as a backdrop for intrigue and rivalry, and he knew he must navigate them with care.
"I suppose I must prepare myself for another round of courtly exchanges," he said, the weight of duty settling upon him once more. "I only hope it won't be too taxing."
Cong nodded in understanding, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "You will handle it with grace, as always, Your Highness," he assured, offering a reassuring smile. "And should it become overwhelming, I will be right here to support you."
With a grateful glance at his aide, Shangguan Ning felt a sense of comfort in the familiar presence of camaraderie amidst the approaching demands of court life.
Shangguan Ning let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his breath escaping him like a gentle breeze. The sound was heavy with a mix of weariness and resignation, reflecting the weight of his responsibilities.
"Haaaa...," he murmured softly, allowing the sound to linger in the air as he contemplated the implications of the upcoming tea party. The anticipation of more political maneuvering, endless small talk, and the ever-watchful eyes of the court made his heart feel a little heavier.
As he leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifted toward the window, where the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the floor. The beauty of the moment felt in stark contrast to the complexities of his life in the palace. He wished for a simple, peaceful existence, free from the constraints of court politics and expectations.
"Another day filled with pretense and obligations," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. "Will I ever find a moment of true peace?"
Cong, ever attentive, sensed the shift in his mood. "Your Highness, you've faced challenges far greater than a mere tea party. You possess the strength to navigate through whatever awaits you," he encouraged, his voice steady and reassuring.
With a small smile of appreciation, Shangguan Ning turned his gaze back to Cong. "I know you're right, Cong. It's just... sometimes I long for the simplicity of life outside these walls."
Cong nodded, understanding his sentiment. "Perhaps, after the tea party, you can take a moment for yourself—a quiet walk in the garden or time to relax in your chamber."
"Perhaps," Shangguan Ning replied thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "I shall consider it."
With a newfound resolve, he straightened up in his seat, mentally preparing himself for the demands of the court, while still holding onto the hope of finding moments of tranquility amidst the chaos.
___
In the quiet confines of the Second Prince's study, the atmosphere was thick with the weight of responsibility and the subtle tension of court life. Helan Li Qiang sat at his desk, poring over documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across the room, illuminating his strong features but also hinting at the fatigue that lingered in his eyes.
"Your Highness," one of his trusted men, Wu Chen, announced as he stepped into the room. His voice was steady, carrying the formality that the moment demanded. "I have news from the palace. A maid has come to inform us that the sovereign consort has been invited to the tea party hosted by Her Majesty the Empress."
Helan Li Qiang looked up from the papers, his interest piqued. "The empress is hosting a tea party?" he echoed, setting down the documents. "What is the occasion?"
"It appears to be a gathering to discuss various matters, though the true intent often lies beneath the surface," Wu Chen replied, his expression serious. "You know how the empress enjoys her gatherings—there is usually a political angle, and she uses them to gauge alliances and exert influence."
A thoughtful frown creased Helan Li Qiang's brow. "And Ning'er is to attend?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Wu Chen confirmed, watching for his reaction. "It may be an opportunity for the empress to further her agenda, especially given the recent tensions between the demon and human factions. She may wish to use Ning'er to make a statement of unity or dominance."
Helan Li Qiang's jaw tightened as he considered the implications. "Ning'er has enough on his plate without being pulled into more courtly schemes," he said, a hint of protectiveness lacing his voice. "We cannot allow the empress to manipulate him for her own gains."
"Indeed, Your Highness," Wu Chen agreed. "However, we must also recognize that declining an invitation from the empress could have its own consequences. It is a delicate balance."
Helan Li Qiang leaned back in his chair, the weight of leadership pressing down on him. "I will speak with him before the tea party. He should be prepared for what lies ahead and understand the nature of these gatherings. I want him to navigate the situation with awareness, not as a pawn in someone else's game."
Wu Chen nodded, respecting his resolve. "Shall I arrange for you to meet him, Your Highness?"
"Yes, please do," Helan Li Qiang replied, his tone firm. "We need to ensure that he understands both the social implications and the potential dangers of the court. I will not let anyone use Ning'er against his will."
As Wu Chen left the study to carry out the prince's orders, Helan Li Qiang stared out the window, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue across the courtyard. His mind was a flurry of thoughts about the upcoming tea party and the challenges it would bring. Above all, he remained resolute in his commitment to protect Shangguan Ning from the treacherous currents of the palace.
In the dim light of his study, Helan Li Qiang leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. The weight of the impending tea party loomed over him like a dark cloud, and the implications for Shangguan Ning filled his mind with unease. The court was a place of intrigue, and he had witnessed firsthand how easily relationships could be manipulated for personal gain. He knew that the empress was skilled at weaving webs of influence, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she intended to use Ning'er as a pawn in her grand design.
As he waited for Wu Chen to return, Helan Li Qiang felt a surge of determination. He could not allow Shangguan Ning to be caught in the crossfire of court politics. Their relationship, still in its early stages, was fragile, and he wanted to ensure that Ning'er understood the stakes involved.
After a few moments, Wu Chen re-entered the study. "Your Highness, I have arranged for the sovereign consort to meet you in the garden. It seems he could use some fresh air after his earlier meetings."
"Thank you, Wu Chen," Helan Li Qiang replied, rising from his seat. "Lead the way."
The two made their way through the winding corridors of the palace, the ornate decorations and lavish tapestries reflecting the wealth and power of the demon empire. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the tension that filled Helan Li Qiang's heart. As they approached the garden, he felt the anticipation building within him. He needed to approach the conversation delicately, ensuring that Ning'er felt supported rather than overwhelmed.
Stepping into the garden, Helan Li Qiang was greeted by the sight of Shangguan Ning sitting on a stone bench beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree. The delicate petals fluttered gently in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere that seemed to momentarily shield them from the chaos of court life. Shangguan Ning looked up as Helan Li Qiang approached, a soft smile gracing his features.
"Ning'er," Helan Li Qiang greeted, returning the smile as he took a seat beside him. "I hope you've been enjoying some peace before the storm of the tea party tomorrow."
"I can't say that I've had much of that since arriving at the palace," Shangguan Ning replied with a light chuckle. "But this garden does have a certain charm. It's lovely here. I know the tea party will be filled with intrigue."
Helan Li Qiang studied him closely, noting the way his eyes sparkled with life despite the underlying tension. "I'm glad you're aware of what's at stake. The empress is a master of manipulation, and gatherings like these often serve her interests more than anyone else's. You may find yourself being used as a symbol of unity or as leverage in political maneuvering."
Shangguan Ning nodded, his expression serious. "I understand the implications, Li Qiang. It's precisely why I'm feeling anxious about it. I know how the empress operates, and I'd rather not be a pawn in her game."
"You don't have to be," Helan Li Qiang assured him, his voice steady. "I want you to know that you don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with. You're not just a piece on a chessboard; you're my partner, and I value your autonomy."
Shangguan Ning's heart warmed at his words. "Thank you, Li Qiang. It means a lot to know that I have your support. I appreciate your willingness to discuss the realities of the court with me."
Helan Li Qiang smiled softly, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between them. "We're in this together, Ning'er. I will always have your back. Just remember to stay true to yourself, and don't lose sight of your own desires."
As they sat together in the garden, the atmosphere shifted from tense to comforting. They exchanged stories and laughter, the weight of impending obligations momentarily forgotten. Helan Li Qiang found himself appreciating not only Shangguan Ning's strength but also his vulnerability.
Eventually, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the garden. "I should probably get back to my work," Helan Li Qiang said reluctantly. "But remember, whatever happens at the tea party, you are not alone."
"I will keep that in mind," Shangguan Ning replied, his gaze steady and reassuring. "And thank you for believing in me, Li Qiang. I truly appreciate it."
With that, they rose from the bench, and Helan Li Qiang walked Shangguan Ning back to his chamber. As they reached the door, the weight of the evening settled in again, a reminder of the complexities awaiting them. But for that moment, they both felt a sense of solidarity, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.