Chapter Twenty-Two (Part 1)

‘You?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

Pei Jin nodded his head. ‘While you’re suspecting other people, other people are suspecting your husband.’

Yan Shi Ning thought it was reasonable other people would suspect Pei Jin who was a prince. But she glanced at his arm wrapped around her waist then at his free hand that was comfortably holding a cup of tea… she didn’t believe he sent those assassins.

Yan Shi Ning knew if Pei Jin sent assassins, his enemies would be killed cleanly and none of his assassins would die.

‘I almost forgot one more person,’ Pei Jin said.

‘Who else?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

Pei Jin looked at the dark blue sky outside. ‘Imperial father.’

In the Chi Ruan chamber of the palace the emperor was reading reports from Southern Jiang. Although the news reported were good, he wasn’t happy.

Wang Fu Mu, the emperor’s advisor stood beside the emperor. He didn’t fault the emperor for being unhappy. He knew the emperor was someone who liked all situations to be controlled within his hand.

‘Wang Fu Mu,’ the emperor said.

‘Your servant is here,’ Wang Fu Mu hunched his back and stepped toward the emperor.

‘Who do you think did it?’ the emperor asked.

‘I think anyone is a possibility,’ Wang Fu Mu said.

The emperor laughed coldly. ‘I only wanted to see their true hearts and sacrificed some assassins. I didn’t expect two assassins from outside the palace dared to enter the palace.’

‘Your majesty, don’t be angry,’ Wang Fu Mu said.

‘Go bring tenth crown prince and ninth prince here!’ the emperor ordered.

‘Yes your majesty,’ Wang Fu Mu said.

Back in Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning’s chamber, she was shocked by who he suspected.

‘How can that be?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘Why not?’ Pei Jin asked. ‘Imperial father is capable of anything.’

‘Why would he order assassins to attack himself and his sons?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

Yan Shi Ning didn’t believe the emperor would do something foolish.

Pei Jin felt cold thinking about his ruthless father. He hugged Yan Shi Ning and spoke in a sad tone. ‘Wife, you don’t understand him. I think he did it to see who he should support to become his heir.’

Yan Shi Ning reflected on Pei Jin’s words for a while. ‘It’s possible he wants to see in a life and death situation who would save him.’

Pei Jin nodded his head. ‘He is someone who doesn’t easily trust another person.’

Yan Shi Ning took a deep breath, it was an insane situation. But if the emperor was the culprit then his purpose was to see who he could trust without risking anyone’s life.

‘Big brother, do you think seventh prince’s wish will be granted?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘Perhaps,’ Pei Jin said.

‘Then last night the emperor acted outraged?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘Your father-in-law is also someone who knows how to perform well,’ Pei Jin praised.

Yan Shi Ning felt Pei Jin’s body relaxed a little.

‘Wife, do you think seventh brother or crown prince will make a better emperor?’ Pei Jin asked.

Pei Jin asked Yan Shi Ning a question that the world speculated secretly. But his teasing tone felt like he was asking her, ‘which taste better, a white radish or a carrot?’

‘Big brother, can’t you ask me more discreetly?’ Yan Shi Ning asked.

‘Alright, what taste better, a white radish or a carrot?’ Pei Jin asked and wrapped his arms around Yan Shi Ning’s waist tighter.

‘The white radish is a little too cruel,’ Yan Shi Ning said. ‘If it becomes emperor, it’ll be a tyrant ruler. The carrot…’ An image of a delicate and beautiful crown prince in her head made her hesitate. ‘Carrot looks a little indecisive.’

‘What about the little red radish?’ Pei Jin asked.

Yan Shi Ning knew Pei Jin asked about Pei Khan and she smiled. ‘The little red radish is scared of death. When scared, it will bury its head into a person’s chest.’

‘Then those radishes and that carrot isn’t easy to eat,’ Pei Jin said.

‘Um,’ Yan Shi Ning said.

Pei Jin had anticipated Yan Shi Ning’s answer. He lowered his head and kissed her. ‘Wife, it appears you can only eat my radish. My radish is fragrant and delicious. Come here and eat it.’

When there was no gap between Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning’s lips, a maid’s voice was heard from outside their chamber.

‘Ninth prince, mistress, a palace messenger is here,’ the maid said.

***

End of Chapter Twenty-Two (Part 1)