Chapter 81: Wang’s Palace

Chapter 81

Wang’s Palace

Kang Wang wasn’t used to hurting people’s feelings, and seeing Mu Rongying cry made him waver. Her appearance here wasn’t advantageous for him at all. She should have entered the palace as a concubine, becoming a support for Mu Guifei to oppose Empress Pei, so that Xian Fei, his mother, wouldn’t need to exhaust her energy. Even though he knew this, he couldn’t help but feel guilty as he ordered her to return just moments ago.

"The political winds in the royal court are turbulent right now. You ran away without permission. If anything happens to you, even if it’s not the work of the opposing faction, it could still spark a conflict. At this time, Da Ye cannot afford internal strife."

Mu Rongying understood Kang Wang’s words, but she wanted to stay above these problems. She didn’t want to be dragged into the chaos. In her naivety, she thought simply running away would free her, forgetting that she was the most important granddaughter in her family, who was the most beautiful, and had exceptional upbringing. No matter how much she detested it, she understood the political strategies at play all too well.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for the reminder. I was wrong,"

She replied, still in tears, making Kang Wang feel even more irritated, as though he was the one bullying her. Seeing this, Nie Shuang interrupted.

"Your Highness...there’s no need to involve an innocent girl in your power struggles. If she doesn’t wish to return, why force her?"

"If you were the daughter of a commoner, you could do as you wish. But you are the daughter of the principal wife of the Mu family, well-educated and well-raised. There is Mu Guifei in the palace, and in the court, Chancellor Mu holds sway. Can you simply ignore the hopes and lives of your family?"

Kang Wang retorted, but Nie Shuang paid no heed, turning to Mu Rongying with a gentle voice.

"You don’t have to listen to him. Didn’t I just tell you? There are plenty of ways to avoid returning. It might just come at the cost of your reputation."

Mu Rongying nodded hesitantly, unsure why she felt ready to believe everything the Young Furen said. There was confidence and assurance in her eyes that made her feel that the young woman in front of her could be relied upon. Hadn’t her plan to rescue her last night already proven the Young Furen’s skill and cleverness? Even when faced with Kang Wang, she showed no fear. Nie Shuang placed a reassuring hand on the young woman’s shoulder and continued,

"When your family comes to fetch you, just tell them that you’ve already been involved with a powerful figure here in Huangjing, and you don’t dare to go face anybody. Surely, they wouldn’t dare send you into the palace then. A woman marries a chicken, live with the chicken; marry a dog, live with the dog. They have old-fashioned ideas like this, don’t they? They would leave you with your husband here in Huangjing. When it’s a right time, with your beauty and talent, finding a good man here to marry won’t be difficult."

Nie Shuang’s words were so enticing that the young woman seemed to be swayed, her tears drying up as she gazed at her benefactor with hope. Only Kang Wang was left feeling awkward, but he didn’t dare argue with the beloved Shuang Shuang.

"B...But I’m afraid if I do that, I will cause you trouble,"

Mu Rongying said softly to her benefactor. If that were the case, she would rather return with her family than burden the Young Furen.

"It won’t trouble me at all. I know how to handle things. If you feel indebted, you can help me with my business in the future. We’re expanding, and I could use a capable assistant."

Nie Shuang winked as she spoke playfully, causing Mu Rongying to let out a laugh for the first time since the ordeal began. Seeing her smile filled Nie Shuang with even more compassion. Mu Rongying was a bright, beautiful young woman—if this were the modern era, she would still be in high school. Song Qilin remained silent, ready to support whatever his wife wanted, but he shared the same thoughts as Kang Wang, which was to let this young woman face with her fate. To them, Mu Rongying was bound by the responsibilities of her family, a situation that could not be changed.

"You’ll stay here with me. When your family arrives, you’ll cry and say I saved you too late. Whether they take you back or not, you’ll be seen as tainted. A woman with a tarnished reputation can’t be presented at palace."

Mu Rongying’s tear-streaked face blossomed into a radiant smile, like a flower in bloom. Kang Wang, however, felt a sense of danger. If this woman harbored ill intentions, she could endanger Shuang Shuang’s family. His gaze turned toward his adopted daughter and his nephews, filling him with concern. If his friend wasn’t careful, this woman could ensnare him in her trap.

He couldn’t allow this woman to destroy Shuang Shuang’s family!

Kang Wang quickly stepped in,

"This place has too much coming and going. If people from Baihua Brothel find her here, it won’t be good."

Nie Shuang quickly explained,

"Don’t worry, Mu Rongying will stay in the rear quarters. No one from outside will ever see her."

That made it even more dangerous! It would give her more chances to be close to Song Qilin...

"That’s even worse. If something goes wrong, Qilin might get caught up in it. So far, he’s remained neutral, not aligning with any faction. Unless you’re willing to let Qilin pose as her husband, which would be disastrous. He could be pulled into the Mu family’s side, and if rumors spread, it’ll be hard to clear his name. It’s better for her to hide in my palace. No one would dare step foot inside, even if they suspect something. When the time comes, you can send for her, and it’ll match the story that she’s been claimed by a powerful figure in Huangjing."

Nie Shuang just smiled and agreed.

"Fine, let’s do as you say. She’ll stay at Kang Wang’s apalce."

Song Qilin, who had always maintained a neutral expression, allowed a brief smile to flicker across his face but remained silent, letting his wife and Kang Wang handle everything.That afternoon, Mu Rongying and Chunmei packed their belongings and moved to Kang Wang’s palace.