Chapter 211: Volume 1, Chapter 211 True Love Doesn

Su Ying sat there motionless; Su Ying knew persuading her aunt wouldn't be easy, but Su Ying wanted to try.

Song Huihe kept pressuring Su Ying to act first, but given the current situation, Su Ying's foundation in the palace was shallow; although her aunt treated Su Ying well, His Majesty was Su Ying's own son, and some matters wouldn't have Su Ying intervene.

Su Ying could only secretly ally with Lady Zhen Shen, and Su Ying was ill‑regarded in the harem, easily controlled; if the plan failed, the first to be exposed would be Su Ying herself.

Thus for so long Su Ying's cooperation with Song Huihe had made no substantive progress, because here the two guarded each other, tested each other, and used each other; under such circumstances how could they possibly accomplish anything significant.

Moreover, now Consort Rong's attitude toward Su Ying was very unfriendly, and Su Ying's cousin also strongly rejected her; today, when he saw his cousin Su Ying, she truly had no presence in his eyes, and he didn't even say a word to her.

How could Su Ying be willing?

Su Ying was certainly unwilling, but there was no other way now; Su Ying could only take a step back and try, there would always be a way for Su Ying to achieve her wish.

Moreover, if Su Ying ever made a move of disappointment and giving up, Song Huihe would inevitably act; as soon as Song Huihe acted, the child in Consort Rong's womb would become uncertain.

Therefore, this step must be withdrawn.

And it must be a graceful retreat.

On the other hand, not to mention how angry Song Huihe was after returning to Yunhua Palace, after Rong Luoge and Han Xinglan returned to Yuzhao Gong, Rong Luoge laughed until tears came out.

Han Xinglan: …

"So funny?" he said helplessly, reaching out to support Rong Luoge.

"I'm happy; I didn't expect I'd still be acting with you; look at those people's expressions back then, it was really fun," Rong Luoge said joyfully, adding that she truly was being overbearing with imperial sanction.

"As long as you're happy, there's no need to be angry with them; making yourself unhappy would be a loss," Han Xinglan said softly, looking at Rong Luoge's belly, "Our child is what matters."

"I know, nothing will happen," Rong Luoge said after laughing enough, leaning on Han Xinglan's shoulder before earnestly asking about the northern frontier war, "With winter approaching, this battle should be nearly over, right?"

Han Xinglan nodded, "Xiao Shen is already preparing, and the weakness of Qingxuan Kingdom's lack of rear strength has now become evident; he is preparing for the final battle."

Rong Luoge thought she should discuss Rong Heng with Han Xinglan, so she briefly recounted her conversation with Chu Ke from that day, then looked at him and asked, "If the Qingxuan Kingdom's ruler truly proposes that Di Yue Nu marry Rong Heng, what will you do?"

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge, "No wonder you later had Rong Yan join Xiao Shen's expedition; it seems you had anticipated today long ago."

Rong Luoge sighed helplessly, "Your state affairs are busy; the family matters of Zhen Guo Gong Fu couldn't keep you distracted. I was just making dual preparations at the time, and I didn't expect them to actually be used."

"Then what are you thinking?" Han Xinglan felt that Rong Luoge must have a plan.

Rong Luoge thought for a moment and said, "Rong Dai's days at the Qi Wang Fu are difficult now; Yun Shizhuang, the Princess Consort Qi, hangs over her, and the two fight to the death. If Di Yue Nu's affection for this daughter could have a legitimate opportunity to return, she would certainly come back. After being a concubine for so many years, returning with honor would naturally dispel years of gloom."

Han Xinglan said, "And there's Rong Lang, that son; if we use the pretext of a marriage alliance between the two nations, Rong Lang could become Rong Heng's legitimate heir."

"Exactly," Rong Luoge nodded, "But I won't let her be so smug; the debt between me and her will have to be settled clearly when she returns."

"Do you have a plan?"

Rong Luoge nodded, "The plan isn't fully complete yet, but Lady Chu has already agreed to first check Di Yue Nu, and then we'll act according to the Qingxuan Kingdom ruler's stance. In short, if Di Yue Nu wants to gloriously become the Duchess Who Guards the State, she must first pay a price."

When she dismantles the Zhen Guo Gong Fu, Di Yue Nu's mood upon taking over will surely be very good.

"Are you so confident she'll return? What if she doesn't? It's also possible that Rong Dai will go to Qingxuan Kingdom," Han Xinglan said, squinting his eyes.

"That possibility exists," Rong Luoge nodded, "But given Rong Dai's temperament, she probably won't leave. If she were willing to leave, she ran after Rong Lang the last time. Moreover, Rong Dai and Di Yue Nu are fundamentally alike; they are persistent about what they love. For example, Di Yue Nu despises the status of a concubine and surely wishes to one day turn the tables and boast. Likewise, after fighting Yun Shizhuang for so long and being constantly suppressed by her, Rong Dai will surely someday want Yun Shizhuang to kneel and bow before her."

Han Xinglan didn't quite understand women's thoughts, but listening to Rong Luoge seemed somewhat reasonable, so he thought and said, "The war between Qingxuan Kingdom and Owl Kingdom was originally a scheme by the Qingxuan ruler to divert the differing voices in court after seizing power."

Rong Luoge snorted, "Incompetents."

Han Xinglan: …

One couldn't say it entirely that way; the former Crown Prince was indeed rather tragic, yet he endured hardships for years and finally turned his fortunes, showing he is extremely patient; to secure the throne, he can do anything.

"I'm afraid I will soon receive a diplomatic letter of goodwill from him," Han Xinglan said.

Rong Luoge nodded, "Indeed, the sky grows colder; fighting in winter brings not only supply issues but also soldiers can't endure it. If he truly sends a peace‑treaty letter, what will you do?"

Han Xinglan chuckled lightly, "It would be a good chance to discuss the true ownership of Qiongchuan."

When Han Xinglan said that, Rong Luoge inhaled, thought for a moment and said, "That is an excellent timing; the reason Qiongchuan has been so reckless is because Qingxuan Kingdom secretly supports them against Owl Kingdom. If Qingxuan could be made to completely abandon Qiongchuan, then it might truly be reclaimed by Owl Kingdom."

The refined iron of Qiongchuan is truly excellent; this matter will likely be hard to resolve.

Han Xinglan pinched her fingertip; he loved discussing these matters with her, their thoughts were practically identical, making the conversation very pleasant, a hint of a smile on his face, "Indeed, this matter is hard to negotiate; perhaps the Zhen Guo Gong will be useful then."

"The handsome‑man scheme?" Rong Luoge covered her face and laughed, "If we pushed it back ten years, those words would fit, but look at the current Zhen Guo Gong; he no longer has his former elegance. Yet, after years of entanglement with Di Yue Nu, true love surely doesn't care about appearance."

His words were sharp; Han Xinglan couldn't help but laugh.