The Beginning (2)
Nanglong Souka pointed to one side of the map. "Among the five big kingdoms in this area, Yuan Kingdom is the smallest one. They are the one most likely to concede and withdraw from the alliance if we were to talk with them."
He said five big kingdoms because Nanglong Souka included Ming Kingdom. After all, Ming Kingdom is also in the list of the big kingdoms.
"Yuan Kingdom?" the emperor looks towards the southwest area of the map. Indeed, Yuan Kingdom is the smallest one at the time. Long time ago, they were the biggest one, but because of invasion, they started losing their territory until only a small part was left. If not because of their prowess and abilities, they would have long been reduced to one of the small kingdoms around the areas of the other big kingdoms.
An official looked at the map. "The location of Yuan Kingdom don't border us directly. There's still the Pan Kingdom between the two kingdoms. How do you think you can go there?"
Nanglong Souka shaked his head. "Although it's true that officials can't go towards other kingdoms easily, we have another way; the merchants can do it."
"Merchants? You're thinking of going inside as a merchant? They would definitely feel suspicious if a merchant goes there at this time."
"An ordinary merchant can't, but what about an influential one."
Yan got the feeling that this old man is shamelessly pointing at him. Among the famous merchants, who can be more influential other than Young Noble Han? Many kingdoms have been coveting the wealth this person possesses and tried a lot of means to invite him to go towards their kingdom. He had been travelling before, but only during his grounded time. There's no way he could easily slip if he doesn't created trouble first.
Inside his mind, Yan is thinking of a way to be grounded again. If he's on his confinement period, no one would bother visiting him and Ming Hui will dispatch people to guard the area. It will make it easier for him to travel far away. But he doesn't really want to create trouble this time.
The emperor eyes lit up, but then he couldn't be sure about it.
"Do you think Young Noble Han would help us?"
"You can tempt him by offering another city."
Yan got the feeling that this Nanglong Souka had long since known about his other identity as Young Noble Han. If not, how could he point straight to his weakness? Since this is what the other party wants, don't blame him for creating another wave of trouble at the Nanglong family place.
"Then, start looking for him! You stay behind to prepare for the things we'll offer and the others are dismissed."
Nanglong Souka watched the rest of the people going outside. He looked towards Yan's back, did the young man notice him hinting to get help? He didn't bother thinking about it anymore until the meeting was over and he found out that Yan has flooded his residence with water.
"Just from where did he get all the water? Where did it come from?" Nanglong Souka felt another headache. That troublemaker! Let's see that boy get grounded for a couple of months again.
With that, Nanglong Souka returned back to the palace and complained vehemently to the emperor. Given that the emperor has been troubled by the war, he just ordered to have Yan grounded for four months to learn more about etiquette.
When he heard the news, Ming Hui laughed until his stomach hurts.
"Just because you need to appear as Young Noble Han, it doesn't mean that you need to be grounded for months."
Yan looked toward his brother with a reluctant gaze. "It's not that I want to, but I have to. Anyway, I won't be back for at least three months so keep them away from my residence."
"Are you treating me as your maid?"
Yan shakes his head helplessly. "Come on, you know that I need your help. Besides, your task can be finished while you're staying in the capital and having a good time with your… cough… bride."
Inside his mind, he complained profusely about this matter. If not because he doesn't want to create trouble, he would surely protest in front of Ming Hui. In this era, the only one who can group together with women without anyone being suspicious would only be Ming Hui.
"Fine, just remember that you have to treat me in Restaurant Han Yan for a week."
Yan feels black lines appearing on his face. One week… how much money can he earn during that time? This venomous guy is truly pushing his luck.
"Do your job well," with that, Yan escaped.
Ming Hui chuckled a bit when he saw his brother walking away in large strides. He turned towards his attendant.
"Has Fan Lanying arrived?"
"Yes Young Master."
"Then, call her in!"
Fan Lanying came wearing ordinary clothes, Since she wasn't sure about what kind of clothes will suitable for a guard so she just picked ones that will allow her to move freely, but at the same time don't disgrace her. The attendant brought her to Ming Hui room where the 'princess' was waiting.
"Fan Lanying greets Princess Hui."
Ming Hui chuckled. "You don't have to be so formal with me. Have you forgotten about the time when we spent learning together?"
"That…" Fan Lanying felt embarrassed when she remembered the time when she still played the music poorly. Then she thought of something.
"That music… did you like it?"
Ming Hui smiled. "Yes, you improved a lot. Was that song for me?"
Fan Lanying nodded. "I wanted to play a song for you during your birthday party, but I didn't get the chance so I used the test. I'm glad that you liked it."
"You played beautifully. Let's have a walk in the garden."
"Ah?"
"You can act as my guard, but more importantly, I want you there as my friend. Or you don't want to?" Ming Hui asked with a low tone, portraying a saddened girl.
Fan Lanying hurriedly shaked her head. "It's not that, of course I'm willing! It will be my honor to be your friend."
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Ming Hui tossed the matter of the war to the back of his mind. If he can spend more time with her, that kind of thing can wait. On the side, the attendant felt like crying. There are still mountains of papers he needed to look at, but he just dumped it all to the side. Now, he's the one who needs to finish it all…