Chapter 123 (1/2)

Chapter 123: Testing Water

”No, no.” Ji Bo made a circular motion with his hand and folded his fan to tap at the table. ”The throne is too tempting a reward for the prince to say no to. Who doesn't want to know what it feels like to sit on it? The third prince may not appear to be ambitious, but that is because the former and current crown prince have shone too brightly that the third prince became unnoticeable, and the prince doesn't have a strategist to help him. If he is told that despite him being the third son, he can still become the crown prince the way the second prince acquired the t.i.tle, he will gladly take the opportunity. If he believes that he has a chance to become the emperor as long as the crown prince is out of the picture, do you really think he will be able to resist?”

”Besides, the fourth prince has attracted more and more supporters. Taller trees are often the first to be toppled by strong wind. Something has to be done. It's better for us to stop fighting for the throne and let the third prince fight it out with the crown prince. We will be the fisherman who profits in the end.”

Jun Huang didn't know if Ji Bo would be able to convince the third prince, but she herself had been swayed. It might be a viable solution. There was just too big a risk. She was the one who asked for Ji Bo's help in shaping the world; she wasn't going to let him take all the risks.

Ji Bo could tell what Jun Huang was worried about. ”Relax. I've lived long enough to see and experience every type of dangers. And I know one cannot catch a tiger cub without venturing into the tiger den. Leave this matter to me. I will be alright.”

Jun Huang didn't immediately respond. The more she thought about it, the less she liked the idea. Ji Bo possessed real talent. Having him a.s.sist the third prince was akin to using a spear to kill a fly. It wasn't fair to Ji Bo.

A succinct series of knocks came from the door. Jun Huang had thought it was Little Girl coming with her medicine, but instead it was Nan Xun, holding a bowl in his hands.

They had had a fight last night. The air was soon filled with awkwardness. Nan Xun cleared his throat and walked up to Jun Huang. He handed the ceramic bowl to her and said, ”You should drink this.”

Jun Huang nodded. She took the bowl and finished the medicine in one go. The bitterness put a frown on her face. She swallowed down the offending taste and looked up at Nan Xun.

She watched him without a word. After a moment she told him what Ji Bo and she had talked about. Nan Xun's expression remained pa.s.sive. It seemed as if he had known about Ji Bo's idea beforehand.

Jun Huang couldn't make a decision herself. ”What do you think?”

Nan Xun turned his face to Ji Bo, who gave him a pointed look. Without missing a beat, Nan Xun turned back to Jun Huang and said, ”I think Mister Ji Bo is right. It's better to be careful now. Even though Qi Chen has yet to suspect you, the false information sent by the young official can only keep your ident.i.ty a secret for so long. It's better to find a scapegoat now.”

Jun Huang frowned, looking at him with sharp eyes. ”Do you really think so?”

”Of course,” Nan Xun said in a more decisive tone. It was high time that Jun Huang had a good rest. ”That's decided then. You don't have to worry too much. Allow yourself to recover.”

”The prince is right,” agreed Ji Bo. ”The most important thing for you to do now is to let your body recover. The rest you can think about afterwards.”

Jun Huang sighed in resignation. They both considered this a good idea. She couldn't possibly continue to argue.

The medicine helped her regain focus. She got to her feet and said to Ji Bo and Nan Xun, ”I'm tired of staying in my room. Come with me to the garden.” She turned to walk outside. Seeing that Jun Huang was wearing only a thin layer of clothes, Nan Xun took a robe and draped it over his arm before following her. Jun Huang was weak enough as she was. She didn't need another cold.

Even though it was April, it could still get chilly when there was wind. Nan Xun hurriedly put the robe around Jun Huang's shoulders.

Ji Bo couldn't help but smile. He knew when to excuse himself. ”Since we have reached a conclusion, I will stop bothering you,” he said, cupping his hands. ”You must have things to discuss. Please excuse me.”

”Why don't you stay for lunch?” asked Jun Huang, confused.

Ji Bo chuckled, whipping his fan open. Without another word, he turned around and left, leaving Jun Huang and Nan Xun in the garden.

The servants knew Jun Huang preferred the quiet. They were even less inclined to bother her when she was sick. That was why there was no one else around.

Nan Xun looked over at the brilliant view in the garden. In his heart was a mess of emotions. He didn't dare to meet Jun Huang's eyes.

Jun Huang wasn't going to say anything either. They stood silently for a good while.

Jun Huang yawned, breaking the stillness in the air. Nan Xun quickly said, ”You don't have to push yourself if you're tired. Let me walk you back.”