C12 Troublesome Matters

"Why such anger, Your Majesty? Once the princess enters the Liang King's mansion, if he doesn't act against her now, he won't tolerate her later. It's only a matter of time."

She offered a porcelain cup with a delicate lotus and carp design to Xiao Rongkan, her smile gentle and composed. "Your Majesty's intention is to mock the Liang King, but if you think about it, there's no real point. Making him marry someone who's been rejected is just setting him up for ridicule, but it doesn't reflect well on you. It might be better to choose someone useful for him, which could benefit us too."

"Xiao Rongjuan is naturally suspicious. Who could serve our interests without arousing his doubts? Since we can't use a woman to our advantage, we might as well give him someone unwanted, just to unsettle him for a few days."

Xiao Rongkan set down the cup, his brows furrowed slightly. Though approaching middle age, only a few fine lines marked the corners of his eyes, and he still exuded the dignified presence of a seasoned ruler.

"If I had known, I would have sent you to the Liang King from the start."

He sipped his tea, his gaze resting on the young woman before him, his expression thoughtful and layered with meaning. "Isn't Liu and the Liang King old acquaintances?"

Before he finished speaking, there was a soft clatter as the silver teaspoon slipped from her hand onto the table. A flicker of panic crossed her face as she bent down. "My heart belongs entirely to you, Your Majesty. Please don't say things that would upset me. As for being acquaintances, it was just a few encounters. There's no need to drag me into your rivalry with the Liang King."

"Alright." Seeing her eagerness, Xiao Rongkan seemed to brighten up, relaxing his brow as he took her hand. "I was just teasing you, no need to be so anxious. What worries me most now is that Blazing Army under his command. But seeing how they couldn't even handle a few rough bandits today, do you think Xiao Rongjuan did this on purpose, or is the Blazing Army just that ineffective?"

"In recent years, under the emperor's pressure, the Liang King has neglected his duties and spends his days idly. Although the Blazing Army was tasked by the late emperor to protect the Liang King, with the emperor and the Liang King both in the capital, there's really no need for such protection. They just laze around every day. In my opinion, find an excuse to send the Blazing Army to the front lines. The Liang King, without support, can't cause any trouble. The nation is peaceful and prosperous now, and even if there are minor threats, they're nothing to worry about. You don't need to overthink this, or it might seem like you're worrying over nothing."

"Hahaha." Xiao Rongkan burst into laughter, the jewels on his crown jingling.

"Shengqing, only you dare to speak to me like this. You make a good point. In my eyes, Xiao Rongjuan is just a brat, so what is there to worry about? When I send his Blazing Army off, whether they're truly brave or not, dying for the country is a worthy end! Shengqing, I'll decree you as a Worthy Lady; you're truly my brilliant advisor."

The attendant lifted the curtain for Liu Shengqing, who expressed her gratitude and slowly stepped out. As soon as she turned away, she pulled out a silk handkerchief and carefully wiped her fingers, the smile vanishing from her face.

A maid waiting outside the corridor took her hand and walked with her, speaking in a hushed tone, "Someone from the Duke's side came by, asking if today's events were your doing."

"And if they were?" Liu Shengqing raised an eyebrow, her eyes cold with a hint of menace. "A woman like that doesn't deserve to be by his side. I'm doing him a favor by handling such nuisances. He should be thanking me."

The maid chuckled softly at this. "The Duke mentioned there's no need for such trouble. However, with you gathering everyone around him, it's making him a bit uneasy."