“Wang Ling, stop. Are you trying to force the Emperor? Is this how a subject should behave?” Wei Linxia called out, her palm sweating. She calmed herself and walked behind him, saying, “Do you think the Emperor is unaware of what you’re thinking? He leads the expedition because state affairs are unstable and many eye the throne. He trusts you in the court. Can’t you understand the Emperor’s intentions? Resigning now would risk being labeled a power-hungry official. Do you really want that? If that’s your choice, I won’t stop you. This empire was never meant for us anyway. If others want to take it, let them.”
“Wang Ling did not move, which slightly relieved Wei Linxia, indicating he was weighing his options.
“You’ve been outside in the cold all day. Drink the ginger soup and don’t catch a cold. Stay in this hall tonight. Call Feng Shou if you need anything,” Wei Linxia said softly.
After leaving the hall, Wei Linxia looked back. Wang Ling had sat down, his head leaning against the chair back, his hand clenched into a fist on the armrest, clearly struggling with a decision. However, she believed his staying meant he had made up his mind.
On her way back to the palace, Wei Linxia contemplated something but ultimately dismissed her thoughts. Forget about marrying the “fake princess” Tai Qing to Wang Ling; even a real princess might not be interested. Besides, Tai Qing had feelings for Wei Feng Zhi, and she couldn’t do such a thing, as it would create too much resentment.
As she stepped into the palace, Xi Yaya jumped and hugged her legs. Wei Linxia wanted to laugh – this little girl really liked being held by Wang Ling, but she was too young for such things.
“Not kneeling?” Xi Lin Xuan asked, teaching his son to write.
“Not kneeling. Going to resign and return to the farmland,” Wei Linxia replied.
“No, he won’t,” Xi Lin Xuan said calmly.
“How can you be so sure?” Wei Linxia asked, surprised by Xi Lin Xuan’s understanding of Wang Ling.”
This time, Xi Lin Xuan looked up at her: “This is based on a man’s understanding of another man.” His evasive tone was obvious, meaning he would tell her nothing.
