Chapter 1610: Chapter 61: The Awakening of the Changning Emperor

Royal Capital.

National Master Mansion.

Ji Mingyu spoke emphatically, leaving no concealment in his attitude towards his visit. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Jiang Ning glanced at Ji Mingyu, and then at Ji Mingyue whose expression was unclear beside him.

"This is a family matter!" Jiang Ning said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Ji Mingyu’s expression tightened, and he said earnestly.

"Marquis, your words are mistaken."

"The rise and fall of the world, it is the responsibility of you and me."

"With the uncertainty of the Crown Prince, if it drags on too long, chaos will ensue, and the Thirty-six Prefectures of the Nine Provinces might collapse."

"Moreover, the Yellow Heaven Sect now occupies the Three Prefectures and one county, with countless followers across the nation. It has the momentum to sweep the world."

"In any case, the country cannot go a day without a ruler."

"I am sincerely inviting."

"If the Marquis is willing to assist me, I will treat you as a national hero, offering everything to resolve the curse that threatens you."

Jiang Ning shook his head: "I already understand the sincerity of the Third Prince. However, I am currently afflicted by a curse, my only wish is to live out my remaining years peacefully, protecting those around me completely. The struggle for the throne is tumultuous; I have no intention of getting too deeply involved."

"I understand the Marquis’s concerns." Ji Mingyu leaned forward, his voice lowered a bit: "But precisely because the Marquis is burdened by a curse, you need reliance more than ever. If anything were to happen to Father, the first act of the new emperor will be to purge the old forces and appease important ministers. Without support, I’m afraid your situation would be even more difficult. And I..." He paused, his gaze intense: "I can swear, that after ascending the throne, I will devote the nation’s power to find a way to lift the curse threatening you!"

Jiang Ning smiled lightly.

"No need, Third Prince. I have no intention."

Beside them, Ji Mingyue suddenly raised her head, her eyes showing a hint of emotion, yet she bit her lip in silence.

Just then, urgent footsteps sounded from outside the courtyard.

A man dressed in Hidden Guard attire quickly entered, whispering a few words into Ji Mingyu’s ear.

Ji Mingyu’s face changed slightly, then he rose and bowed to Jiang Ning: "There is suddenly urgent business in the palace, and I must return at once. What I’ve said today comes from the heart, I hope the Marquis will consider it deeply."

He turned to Ji Mingyue, his tone gentle: "Shiqi, if you have time, feel free to visit my mansion."

With that, Ji Mingyu left in haste, his figure quickly disappearing from their view.

The hall was quiet for a moment.

Ji Mingyue approached Jiang Ning, and softly asked: "Brother Jiang Ning, do you... really not want to help Third Brother?"

Jiang Ning turned to look at her, his gaze profound: "Do you want me to help him?"

Ji Mingyue shook her head: "I don’t know."

Then she continued: "But Third Brother is right, Eighth Brother has no backing, forcibly joining the struggle for the Crown Prince only leads to a dead end, I know all of this too. Before leaving the Royal Capital, I knew the current situation, and I also advised Eighth Brother to let go of everything, to leave the Royal Capital, to ride freely across the world, and find peace! But Eighth Brother refuses, he also has his own persistence."

"You don’t want to see brothers harming each other, do you?" Jiang Ning asked.

Ji Mingyue nodded: "These are all my siblings, though some are closer and some are farther, the familial bond still exists. I still clearly remember the memories from childhood."

At this moment, the morning sunlight streamed through the lattice window, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Jiang Ning looked at Ji Mingyue beside him: "Your Third Brother is right about one thing, the country cannot be without a ruler for a day. But your father is still here, so nothing can be concluded yet."

Ji Mingyue’s eyelashes trembled slightly: "What do you mean, Brother Jiang Ning?"

"What I mean is, what’s most important now is that you should visit your father in the palace." Jiang Ning said: "No matter the rumors outside, only what you see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears can bring you peace of mind. Plus, returning this time is also to accompany you to see your father."

He paused, then continued: "The struggle for the Crown Prince is like a whirlpool current. Those who are involved can only advance, not retreat, with only success as the goal. I promised your brother before to keep you safe, so I won’t let you take risks easily. But I also said, if you want to see your father, I will accompany you."

Ji Mingyue’s eyes grew warm, she nodded forcefully: "Then when will we set off?"

"Sooner rather than later." Jiang Ning said: "Prepare a bit, and we’ll head to the palace immediately."

"Do you need me to go with you to the palace?" Su Qingying, silent for a long time, suddenly raised her head, looking at Jiang Ning and Ji Mingyue.

Jiang Ning glanced at her, then nodded.

"It would be better."

He understood that Su Qingying going together would express a different attitude.

Henceforth, if anyone in the Royal Capital wants to move against Ji Mingyue, they would also need to consider the State Preceptor.

He also understood that Su Qingying prefers tranquility and solitude.

That she was willing to go to the Imperial Palace now was also because of him.

He looked at Su Qingying, and her gaze instantly met his.

Their eyes met, and Su Qingying suddenly gave a slight smile.

9:00 a.m -11:00 a.m.

Imperial Palace entrance.

A carriage drawn by two horses slowly approached.

The towering outline of the Imperial City gradually became clear, and the guards at Vermilion Bird Gate were several times more rigorous than usual, the armored Forbidden Army’s eyes like lightning, scanning every person coming close.

"Greetings, State Preceptor!" As the carriage stopped at the palace gate, the Forbidden Army Captain immediately stepped forward, respectfully greeting.

With the responsibility of guarding the palace gates, the carriages from the National Master Mansion were naturally recognized.

"May the State Preceptor dismount and enter the city!" The Forbidden Army Captain added.

According to the customs of Great Xia, foreign carriages must dismount before entering the Imperial City, exceptions are rare.

At this moment.

The curtain was swept aside, Ji Mingyue voluntarily showed her face.

"Greetings, Seventeenth Princess!" The moment they saw Ji Mingyue, the Forbidden Army Captain quickly saluted.

"I wish to enter the city to see my father, in the carriage are Dongling Marquis and the State Preceptor!" Ji Mingyue said.

Upon hearing these words, the Forbidden Army Captain’s heart tightened.

Few are permitted to enter the city by carriage, but Ji Mingyue is precisely one of them.