Chapter 151: 151. A More Perfect Plan (Updated Once)
Translator: 549690339
The candlelight flickered.
Nian Ruxue’s eyes turned dim, filling with tears, “Second brother, you know I was granted marriage to the second prince, right? Is it because I previously said that I was already the emperor’s person that made you feel like I
deliberately lied to you?”
Nian Jincheng remained silent, held up the teacup, but didn’t drink, nor ate the dishes made by Nian Ruxue.
“Yes, I lied to you back then, but I had my difficulties. Except for the fact the emperor didn’t take my body at Changchun Garden, the rest is true.” A drop of tear fell from Nian Ruxue’s cheek.
Nian Jincheng still said nothing.
“I thought at the time that the emperor would definitely take me into the palace, which was irreversible. I was worried that you might think there was still room for a turnaround, and you would impulsively plead with the emperor. How could the emperor tolerate the Nian Family’s refusal to something he didn’t want others to know? If you angered the emperor, and you were sent to guard the border, how would I be able to endure?” Nian Ruxue sobbed.
“So, that’s the reason.” Nian Jincheng’s face slightly eased.
Nian Ruxue sighed, “Second brother, I just asked you about the Nanping Prince, I simply care about your future, nothing else. The granted marriage is already a done deal. No matter how much merit you have, the emperor’s word is gold and he won’t change his decision easily.”
Nian Jincheng nodded, “Hmm. I found out you were granted marriage to the second prince, and thought you wanted to enter the Imperial Harem and lied to me on purpose, so I was very angry.”
“How could it be?” Nian Ruxue quickly shook her head, “The person I trust the most is you, the second brother. I didn’t tell the truth at the time because I was thinking of you, so I didn’t want you to get into trouble because of me.”
“I heard you made it to the finals of the Military Exam? Did you practice martial arts secretly behind my back and planned to surprise me?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Nian Ruxue wiped away her tears, “I was waiting for you to question me and then explain, you stole my lines! I knew my second brother would understand me!”
“It’s a good thing, why would I question you?” Nian Jincheng shook his head, “I heard people say that it was because you beat the second prince that you were granted marriage to him?”
Nian Ruxue’s face darkened, “Who told you, second brother? How could I possibly hit the second prince?”
“What happened then?” Nian Jincheng frowned, “Without any reason, if the emperor has his eyes on you and plans to let you enter the palace, why would he granted you marriage to the second prince?”
Nian Ruxue forced a bitter smile, “I was framed by someone else. Another person hit the second prince, but I had to carry the scapegoat, and I’m suffering unspeakably.”
A dark light flashed in Nian Jincheng’s eyes, “Who?”
“It’s the other female martial artist in this year’s Military Exam, the granddaughter of the famous capital city doctor Su Yuanzhou who is still alive, Su Liang.” Nian Ruxue’s face turned ugly, “She’s close to Miss Qin, and we met at Huguo Temple that day. I wanted to make friends, but she had an inexplicable hostility towards me. I encountered the second prince pestering me in the back mountain, and just as I was about to find a way to escape, Su Liang suddenly appeared. ”
Nian Jincheng furrowed his brows, “What did she do?”
With eyes red, Nian Ruxue replied, “She is so beautiful that the second prince was immediately captivated and paid no attention to me. Knowing the second prince’s nature, I wanted to pull her along, but she refused. I suspect she deliberately approached the second prince, perhaps to avenge her family, so I had to leave on my own. Later, I heard that the second prince was injured and unconscious, and the next day I was granted marriage. Looking back, Su Liang’s martial arts skills are so high, she must have gone specifically to find the second prince, otherwise, she wouldn’t have refused to come with me.”
“So, the emperor misunderstood that you and the second prince had something going on and the second prince took advantage of it to lie that you two really had a relationship?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Nian Ruxue nodded, “That might be the case.”
“What are your plans now?” Nian Jincheng asked.
“I hope the result of the Military Exam will be good. By then, I will ask the emperor to let me join the army and guard the border for the rest of my life without marrying anyone!” Nian Ruxue’s eyes were firm, “Second brother, you will support me, won’t you?”
Nian Jincheng sighed, “How could things have come to this point? Nevertheless, even if you don’t get married, it’s better than marrying the second prince and becoming a concubine.
“Didn’t you say before that you also wanted to leave the capital to go to the border outpost? How about we, brother and sister, go together when the time comes?” Nian Ruxue’s eyes were eager.
Nian Jincheng nodded, “Of course, that’s what I want too.”
“Second brother, you’re really good to me. I knew you wouldn’t ignore my plight!” Nian Ruxue’s face was full of joy, “If His Majesty refuses or if the Second Prince tries to interfere, please make sure to speak up on my behalf, second brother!”
Nian Jincheng nodded again, “I will, don’t worry.”
“The food has gone cold, I’ll go and heat it up for you, second brother!” Nian Ruxue said.
Nian Jincheng shook his head, “I don’t have an appetite, I want to sleep. You should go back as well, the final competition begins tomorrow, and you need to get some rest. I’ll come to watch your martial arts performance.”
Nian Ruxue obediently nodded, “Alright, then I’ll leave first. Second brother, please try to eat some and rest early.”
Watching Nian Ruxue’s figure disappear at the doorway, she was still smiling at Nian Jincheng as she closed the door from the outside, and he nodded slightly.
Everything seemed as if nothing had changed from before.
Nian Ruxue breathed a sigh of relief with her maid, not seeing the sudden icy and stern look in Nian Jincheng’s eyes.
“Fourth sister, how was it? Is second brother willing to help you?” asked Nian Ruting as she saw Nian Ruxue return with a calm look on her face.
Nian Ruxue’s face stiffened, “He’s too stubborn, he actually gave all the credit to that Deputy General surnamed Lin! Infuriating!”
Nian Ruting’s expression darkened, “Second brother should know about your current situation, what is he doing?”
“You don’t understand him, he’s always been very by the book, inflexible.” Nian Ruxue said coldly.
“What should we do now? We were counting on him to help you.” Nian Ruting frowned, “Even if you become the Martial Arts Champion, without second brother’s meritorious deeds, it would be difficult to persuade His Majesty to change his mind.”
Nian Ruxue clenched her teeth and said, “I know. My original plan was to not make a move myself and have him ask His Majesty to change the decree under the guise of helping me. This way, the royal family wouldn’t think that I’m ungrateful. Anyway, second brother is always known for his honesty, and His Majesty values talents. At most, he would be sent to the borderlands if His Majesty gets annoyed with him. I can say that he acted on his own accord, and it wasn’t my intention.”
Nian Ruting was stunned for a moment, “Fourth sister, why haven’t you ever told me this before?”
Nian Ruxue realized that she had accidentally revealed her thoughts and tried to recover, “It’s just my own wishful thinking. If second brother isn’t willing to help, then it’s all useless. Now you see, he indeed doesn’t really care about me.”
Nian Ruting frowned, “You’re right, fourth sister. Second brother’s heart is cold. No matter how good you are to him these years, you can’t warm it.”
“Now that it’s come to this, I can only change my plan.” Nian Ruxue said as she gazed into the distance, “As long as you help me become the Martial Arts Champion, I will ask His Majesty to let me join the army and go to the border to defend Qian Country!”
Nian Ruting was stunned, “Is… is this serious, fourth sister? I can only help you participate in the military exam. The borderlands are harsh and cold – how can you endure it with your delicate body?”
Nian Ruxue, feeling that Nian Ruting was looking down on her, hid her annoyance and said, “This is the only way for me to avoid marrying the Second Prince and becoming an Imperial Concubine, and to have a chance to achieve military merits. The people of Yin Country mock Qian Country’s women. That Man Ya came to the capital today, and when I ask to join the army, it will be to gain face for Qian Country. His Majesty will not refuse!”
Nian Ruting nodded, “Makes sense. However, fourth sister, your martial arts skills are average, and you don’t understand military strategy. Going to the borderlands to achieve military merits will not be easy, right?”
“I’ve talked to second brother about it, and we’ll go together. No one at home cares about him, and he’s wanted to leave the capital and go to the borderlands to pursue his ambitions for a long time now. This is a good opportunity.” Nian Ruxue said.
“Can we really rely on second brother?” Nian Ruting doubted.
Nian Ruxue sighed, “Right now, apart from you and him, I have no one else to rely on. With him protecting me at the borderlands, His Majesty will be more willing to hear about the combined achievements of the Nian siblings.” “Will second brother agree to this?” Nian Ruting still doubted.
“He doesn’t like to take credit for others’ achievements, but he’s happy to give his own away. You saw what happened this time.” Nian Ruxue said.
Nian Ruting asked, “And after she has achieved merit? Will my sister really not marry and become a female general to make a name for herself?”
Nian Ruxue sighed, “Who knows what will happen after? I will avoid the spotlight first and as long as I have achievements to my name, I should have some say in whether I marry or not, right?”
In fact, what Nian Ruxue was thinking was that she had made use of Nian
Ruting to become the Martial Arts Champion, and then would leverage Nian Jincheng’s achievements to become a female general. After a few years, she could return to the capital not too old, and even if she wanted to be the crown princess, the crown prince who had long been interested in her would find a way to make room for her!
The more she thought about it, the more she felt that this plan was even more perfect than before.
Nian Jincheng was willing to give credit to others, so wouldn’t it be easy for her to take it back when she wanted? It’s as simple as a word and a tear!
“Tingting, my future and fate depend on you.” Nian Ruxue held Nian Ruting’s hand with a solemn look in her eyes.
Nian Ruting nodded, “Don’t worry, sister, I will do my best.”
The two sisters were like before, sharing a bed and intimate.
Nian Jincheng, who had been standing behind the wall for a long time, silently left.
The night was quiet.
Su Liang and Ning Jing returned to their home to stay tonight.
Su Liang had already gone to bed. Tomorrow was the final round of the Military Exam, and she needed to be in her best condition.
The light in Ning Jing’s room was still on, as if he was waiting for someone to come.
“It’s me.” Nian Jincheng stood outside, and after saying this, pushed the door open.
Ning Jing was carefully carving a wooden boat, which was almost finished. There were fine wood shavings on his body, the table, and the floor, and a pleasant wood scent was in the air.
Ning Jing didn’t even raise his head and simply said, “Sit.”
Nian Jincheng walked over and sat down opposite. He saw a pretty glazed plate on the table, neatly filled with a dozen star-shaped cookies that looked very cute.
“Did Su Liang make these for you?” Nian Jincheng asked.
“You can try.” Ning Jing opened his mouth, adding two more words, “One piece.”
No more than that.
Nian Jincheng’s heavy and depressed heart suddenly lightened, and a smile even threatened to break free. He picked up a small cookie and took a bite, “It’s delicious. You never used to care about what you ate, but now you are very particular. ”
“What’s the deal with Nian Ruxue’s martial arts?” Ning Jing directly asked.
Nian Jincheng’s demeanor darkened again, “She found a substitute, my fifth sister, Nian Ruting. I don’t know who taught her martial arts, I’ve hardly spoken to her. Did you know she was an imposter from the beginning?” “I guessed it.” Ning Jing said.
“If I had been fooled by her again this time, would you not recognize me anymore?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Ning Jing directly asking about Nian Ruxue’s martial arts meant that he had accepted Nian Jincheng’s realization of her true identity.
“Recognize what of you?” Ning Jing asked. Nian Jincheng’s tone was melancholic, “I thought we were brothers.” “Talk about it when you’re sober.” Ning Jing said.
Nian Jincheng sighed, “I don’t have any attachment to the Nian family anymore. Suddenly I don’t know what to do. You’re the only one who cares about me in this world. What do you hope I’ll do?”
Ning Jing finally looked up, his cold gaze falling on Nian Jincheng’s face. With a disdainful snort, he said, “Can’t you survive without my input? If you don’t have anything you want to do, I suggest you become a monk.”
Upon hearing the last four words, Nian Jincheng’s face was a picture, “Bro, can’t you say something nice?”
“Nian Ruxue is all about saying nice things to you, go find her if you want to hear them.” Ning Jing continued carving his boat.
Nian Jincheng: .
The atmosphere was silent, and Nian Jincheng stretched out his hand, took the plate of star-shaped cookies, hugged it in his arms, and quickly finished them one by one.
Ning Jing looked over, and Nian Jincheng put the empty plate back on the table, saying two words, “Hungry.”
“When will you and Su Liang get married?” Nian Jincheng asked again.
Ning Jing didn’t answer.
Nian Jincheng took a wooden box from his bosom and put it on the table, “This is your wedding gift.”
He stood up, “Nian Ruxue cheating in the Imperial examination is a serious crime. Tomorrow, I will denounce her in front of the emperor. When the Nian family is punished, I may be sent to the Borderlands as a guard general, or just a common soldier. It’s not too bad. When you’ve made a mistake, you have to take responsibility. I’m a Nian, I can bear it. I’ll start over.”
Ning Jing said, “Someone will expose Nian Ruxue tomorrow, you don’t have to do anything.”
Nian Jincheng was taken aback, then sighed, “After all that’s happened, I realize I haven’t experienced enough in life. I want to get far away from the Nian family. When the time comes, I will voluntarily be demoted to the border, you won’t object, right?”
“Isn’t that exactly knowing what you want to do?” Ning Jing’s expression was indifferent.
Nian Jincheng rubbed his forehead, “I was really hoping you’d give me some advice.”
“Since you’re determined to be a military commander, go fight.” Ning Jing said.
Nian Jincheng’s brow relaxed, “That’s what I thought too. But aren’t you afraid I’ll die on the battlefield?”
“I’ll collect your body.” Ning Jing said.
But Nian Jincheng laughed, “Yeah, that’s what brothers are for. It’s late, I won’t bother Su Liang. Please tell her that I believe in her becoming the Martial Arts Champion, I hope she can fix your temper, and marry you sooner rather than later! ”
With that said, Nian Jincheng took Ning Jing’s just-completed wooden boat, “Give it to me.” And with that, he turned and left.
Ning Jing didn’t chase after him.
When Nian Jincheng returned to the Nian family mansion, he carefully examined the exquisitely carved wooden boat and found two words carved on the side: “Safe journey.”
Nian Jincheng was stunned, then slowly smiled, “It seems you don’t really want to collect my body..”
