The Choice Queen's

TCQ 78: Angry Without Power

Song Jin’er sighed every time he looked at Li Fengran who was again drinking his tea. The woman had already spent two teapots full of steeping tea and sat there for more than three hours. His eyes implied a feeling of helplessness that was truly agonizing.

“Nona, why don't you just be blunt to the King?” tanyakanya. He knew that there would be another selection of concubines for the King. Her brother who was at the residence also participated and her name was on the list.

“How? He was a King, the burden he carried was greater and heavier. I don't want to destroy it because of personal feelings. The late Queen Ling once told me that the King was often in a difficult position when he was faced with various inhumane choices.”

Li Fengran burped. His stomach was already bloated, but his heart felt empty. In any case, the selection of the concubine said by Shen Lihua affected her mood.

He wanted to avoid the King, but how could he? She herself should always be by his side as a companion.

His life is much more difficult now. Li Fengran never thought he would be caught in the dilemma caused by the presence of Nangong Zirui in his life. Since coming, he was determined to run away, but failed because it turned out that his heart was captured.

She is not a female protagonist who can do anything to save her love. Li Fengran was a person who tended to harbor feelings even though he was often straightforward. Here, he often held himself back, especially in front of Nangong Zirui.

“Most people assume getting into the palace and being a concubine is a blessing in life. But, they did not know that the price to pay for that glory was freedom and loneliness for the rest of their lives. Miss, what if you open another path for yourself?”

“What kind of path?”

“You see, Donghao is not a country that is taboo against the progress of women. Although most think of it as a colot, but there is no rule that really prohibits women from living freely as they want. Miss is a free-spirited woman whose thinking is extraordinary. The king is willing to listen to you, he even gives you what you want. I'll bet he also won't mind if Miss wants to be free.”

Li Fengran was silent. Freedom? Right, all this time he had also been locked up in the palace and stuck by Nangong Zirui's side. His days were not always beautiful, but the man treated him very well. This was what made Li Fengran often doubtful and ultimately delay the important decision in his life.

“Should I resign?” asked Li Fengran.

“If Miss wants to live Miss free without being tormented by helplessness, Miss can give it a try. I only give advice that Miss might consider.”

Li Fengran needed some time to consider it. If he made the decision rashly, he would probably regret it for life. His life in the Donghao world was given by the existence of Nangong Zirui and Ling Sui. He may have to think mature.

“Huhu…. Miss Song, why am I so unlucky? I like someone, but that person will soon have many new wives. Haish, I should have landed in the martial world only!”

Part of his words, especially the last one, Song Jin’er did not understand. But, he understood that Li Fengran and the King's relationship was more than just superiors and subordinates. He understood how difficult it was to fight for someone whose destiny was born in the royal family.

“Nona, maybe Miss's misfortune could turn into a blessing. Miss just needs to decide what steps Miss will take. Whether it stays by the King's side and hangs out with him, or goes and lets him survive alone.”

Li Fengran gulped his tea again. This time, he did not want to drink anymore. Li Fengran stood up, he said a short goodbye to Song Jin’er and walked out of the restaurant without any interest.

The task of delivering the decree was already implemented, he also tried to eliminate his obstruction by chatting with Song Jin’er. He knew it was time to return to the palace.

*

Evening had just loomed when Nangong Zirui received the news that the Sword Master had not returned to the palace after going to deliver the decree for the five abductee girls who came home with him. His agitated heart suddenly felt a sense of worry, and all this time Nangong Zirui continued to pander about in his palace.

“Your Majesty, should you send people to look for him?” ask Wang Bi.

“Six hours more, Your Highness.”

“What's with him? Was he mad at me because I was drunk last night?”

Wang Bi certainly did not dare to guess the answer. He shook his head with a feeling of guilt. If he were a psychic, he would have given an answer. Nangong Zirui did not mind, his thoughts flew at various possibilities.

Was Li Fengran angry? Or maybe he is hurt?

“Your Majesty, someone reported that the Sword Starter met with Queen Shen in the palace garden this morning,” said Wang Bi.

Instantly Nangong Zirui fell silent. He probably knows the answer now. Li Fengran must have known about the selection of the new concubine that the Queen Mother had done for her. Last night he had just made the woman almost stained, today they had not spoken at all and Shen Lihua instead met him.

“Then the only sure answer is just that.”

“I mean Your Majesty, the Sword Stakeholder already knows about the selection of concubines?”

Nangong Zirui nodded. He had already executed Chen Pang out of anger and jealousy towards Shen Jinglang, but he himself had instead made Li Fengran plunge into anxiety and put him in a difficult position. He cursed himself who could not be firm and forthright to the woman.

What if he really left? Li Fengran was a determined and extremely stubborn person. If he had already decided, no matter how many people were against him, he would have done so. No, Nangong Zirui wasn't ready if the woman left his side.

Wang Bi was confused. As the head eunuch who served by the King's side, he was also worried. He knew very well that if the King and the Sword Bearer liked each other, they simply behaved without declaring love.

The king liked it, but did not want to place it inside the harem that would keep him confined. But, if it is not affirmed, then the woman will probably get away from it sooner or later.

It was very difficult for the King to find the woman he liked. Ever since ascending the throne, he had still acted coldly towards every woman who chased him, even towards the late Queen Ling as well. But, only Li Fengran was treated differently. Besides being warm, the King also protected her greatly.

“His concubine selection is two days away, right?” asked Nangong Zirui suddenly.

“True, Your Highness.”

“How many girls participate?”

“Twenty people, Your Grace.”

Nangong Zirui sighed. More than a dozen turned out. Her mother was really great. “The old woman is really getting annoying.”

Wang Bi held back his shock at the words of his King who spoke ill of his own mother. “Mother Suri will hold the opening banquet and Queen Shen will preside over her own election, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Make sure Xiao Feng is present on that day.”