Though unsure of Ye Min’s intentions, Qingge bit back her questions, watching silently as he lifted a white jade cup from the table and gave it to her. “Drink it.”
At this point, Qingge had no room to resist. She could only gamble, betting on the years Ye Min had spent cultivating her, believing he wouldn’t want her dead. Showing not the slightest hesitation, she took the cup and drank it all in one go.
Ye Min’s gaze remained fixed on her. Her complete obedience from beginning to end seemed to satisfy him, and Qingge knew then that she had made the right bet. This person liked to be in control. Every secret guard in the Qianying Pavillion was under his grasp. Now that she had just returned, he likely wanted to test her loyalty and obedience.
Then, she heard Ye Min command, “Come back and see me again in a few days.”
Qingge looked at him in confusion. “Do you have no other instructions for me, Pavilion Master?”
“Do you want to know how I plan to arrange things for you?”
Qingge nodded submissively.
“In a few days, I’ll be traveling with His Highness to the capital. Your arrangements will be made upon our return.”
“The capital? Pavilion Master, you’re going to the capital?” Qingge inquired, puzzled. Given his role at the Qianying Pavilion and his limited mobility, Ye Min rarely went anywhere, let alone travel for the Emperor’s longevity celebration. He also disliked lively events, and yet he was going to accompany Ning Wang to the capital, which could only mean he had no choice but to make an appearance. This seemingly routine trip to the capital must have significant implications.
“Are you curious?” Casting her a glance, Ye Min lightly remarked.
Qingge’s heart tensed. She quickly responded, “Qingge is only concerned for your safety. As a mere subordinate, I dare not to be curious.”
Ye Min’s gaze rested on her face, observing her lowered eyelids. After a moment, he asked, “Would you like to go to the capital with me?”
Qingge was startled, “To the capital?”
Ye Min nodded, his slender fingers lightly tapping on the rosewood table. Only after a pause did he speak slowly, “You should know that His Highness has recently married.”
Qingge kept her head lowered and respectfully responded, “Yes, Pavilion Master.”
He continued, “This marriage was decreed by His Majesty. His Highness married the eldest daughter of the Xiahou clan, a union arranged by Noble Consort Tan to forge an alliance with the Xiahou clan.”
Qingge commented, “It’s a joyful occasion.”
Ye Min paused briefly before continuing, “His Highness holds his Wangfei in high regard. However, during the wedding procession, Her Highness encountered assassins from Xiyuan. Now, as His Highness prepares to take her to the capital, the journey will undoubtedly be fraught with danger.”
Qingge pondered for a moment, “His Highness marrying the Xiahou clan’s daughter is likely to raise the alarm among the other princes in the court. Additionally, the warring tribes in Xiyuan and the remaining three Great Clans will all feel the ripple effects.”
The territory of Great Sheng was bordered by Xiyuan to the west and Beidi to the north, both hostile enemy states. Setting aside external threats, the Four Great Clans, connected by generations of intermarriages, had established intricate networks so powerful that even the Emperor had to tread carefully around them. Their dominance was already a major headache for the ruling dynasty, and adding to this problem was the growing influence of the Yellow Sect.
Together, these factions created a precarious balance of power within the Great Sheng, each keeping the others in check while remaining deeply wary of one another. A marriage alliance between the imperial family and the Xiahou clan could upset this balance. At the very least, it would create cracks in the solidarity among the Four Great Clans.
Furthermore, if Ning Wang were to have an heir, it would strengthen the Crown Prince’s position and pose a greater threat to the other princes. This would inevitably concern the various factions in the court.
Analyzing the situation, those who wished harm upon Xiahou Jianxue were not limited to just the Xiyuan. This marriage had stirred the interests of the imperial court, the Four Great Clans, and the surrounding nations—all of whom were watching closely.
Within Ning Wang’s territory, security was tight, and it would not be easy for the enemies to make their moves. However, once they left Yuning for the capital, the journey would undoubtedly be filled with peril.
Seeing she understood the situation, Ye Min raised his eyes and gazed straight at Qingge, “That’s why I need you back, Qingge.”
Qingge’s heart tightened—she already had an idea of what he was going to say.
At last, Ye Min issued his command: “You will ensure the Wangfei’s safety.”
For a moment, panic washed over Qingge. Ye Min actually wanted her to protect Ning Wangfei! Of course she wanted to refuse—how on earth could she guard Ning Wangfei when she was the person in question? It was impossible to play both roles at the same time.
She tried to find an excuse to decline, claiming her martial arts had not yet recovered, but Ye Min clearly wouldn’t accept it.
His expression was stern. “This is an order. Wangfei is of high status and must be accompanied by a secret guard.”
Qingge felt bitter. “But… there are many secret guards who are far more capable than me.”
Ye Min responded indifferently, “Wangye cares deeply for Wangfei. Naturally, he wouldn’t be pleased with male secret guards providing close protection. He requires a female secret guard to guard the Wangfei at all times, in case of any emergencies.”
Qingge hesitated. “I’m afraid I’ll fail in this mission.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. The manor will dispatch additional personnel for this journey, including myself. Your role is simply to stay close to Her Highness. In the case of attack, you won’t be expected to fight alone.”
Qingge understood. As a female secret guard, she would be more suitable to provide constant guard in close proximity—including during personal moments like using lavatory, for instance. In short, she was expected to remain by the Wangfei’s side without leaving for even a moment.
Ye Min continued, “The last time you came over, His Highness was quite impressed by your lightness skills.”
Qingge finally learned the cause and effect—because Ning Wang had noticed her that day, she was now being chosen to guard his Wangfei!
‘So that’s how it is!’ She thought, despaired. She had brought a disaster upon herself!
Seeing her utterly dejected expression, Ye Min added, “Once you finish this mission, I will remove your sla∨e status and provide you with household registration. I will also personally request recognition from His Highness on your behalf and secure a proper placement for you.”
Qingge fell silent. The promise was too enticing for her to refuse. Moreover, with the conversation at this point, any further evasion on her part would likely arouse Ye Min’s suspicion.
After struggling internally for a while, she reluctantly agreed.
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