freenovelworld Chapter 338
Chapter 338
The interplay of light and shadow obscured whether Xiao Jin's expression was one of repentance or something else.
Are you feeling guilty?
Xiao Jin remained silent, and Nalan Jingwen, without waiting for her to speak, chuckled lightly, as if mocking her.
“If you were truly remorseful, you wouldn’t have sent people to kill Anian’s adoptive parents.”
Xiao Jin looked up abruptly, but could only see Nalan Jingwen's receding figure.
Aman glanced at her casually, took out a porcelain bottle from her bosom and threw it on the ground. The bottle rolled to Xiao Jin's legs, but she didn't notice at all, her expression blank and frightened.
Suddenly a strong wind arose, extinguishing the flickering candlelight and plunging the room into darkness and silence.
……
Aman quickly caught up with Nalan Jingwen, turned her head to look at her, and spoke in a strange tone.
"Is your little husband the new emperor who is about to ascend the throne in Baiji?"
Nalan Jingwen kept his eyes fixed ahead, his expression indifferent. Upon hearing this, he stopped and his gaze fell on her.
"younger brother."
Ah Man understood what she meant, and pouted, "No difference."
"How could anyone know you were siblings when you two were acting like that before? Besides, that kid's feelings were so obvious, and you tacitly approved of it before, so why are you suddenly avoiding suspicion this time?"
Nalan Jingwen didn't speak, but just stared at her quietly. Aman felt a chill run down her spine from her gaze and looked away.
"Alright, alright, younger brother it is then."
Nalan Jingwen continued walking forward, with Aman following beside her, quietly observing her expression. She casually remarked, "You found out so quickly that it was Xiao Jin who killed your husband... your brother's adoptive parents? So fast?"
"It can only be her."
"why?"
Aman didn't understand. Nalan Jingwen stopped again, holding half of the military token he had just obtained in his palm.
"Xiao Jin wanted him to have no regrets and obediently become the emperor of Baiji."
Killing A-Nian's adoptive parents would bring Shen Xi no benefit. Shen Xi wished that A-Nian would have something to hold onto, so that she could better control Baiji and grasp the political situation. But Xiao Jin was different. Xiao Jin wanted A-Nian to have nowhere to go except Baiji. She wanted A-Nian to be free of attachments and single-mindedly sit in that position.
If we say Xiao Jin is repenting and feeling guilty, it would be more accurate to say she is atoning for her sins.
In terms of ruthlessness, what's the difference between Xiao Jin and Shen Xi? They're just on different sides.
Ah Man seemed to understand, her expression strange. "Isn't she afraid that Ah Nian will find out about this?"
"What good will it do to know? By then, Anian will have already ascended the throne, the matter will be settled, and there will be no possibility of changing it."
"What if Anian, upon finding out, abandons the throne and leaves all the people of Baiji?"
Nalan Jingwen's gaze was calm. The palace in the distance was brightly lit tonight, and everyone was preparing for tomorrow's coronation ceremony. Her voice was flat, and it was impossible to tell what emotion she was expressing.
"Xiao Jin is making the next bet."
I wonder if Anian is as ruthless as she is.
Moreover, there is Shen Xi around. If Anian really abandons the throne, then his status will be no different. In order to eliminate future troubles, no one will dare to say anything no matter how Shen Xi does it.
Aman was completely confused and wanted to say something, but then she saw Nalan Jingwen leave, so she had to hurry after him.
She said she hated the royal family, hated the court, and hated this place that appeared harmonious on the surface but was actually rife with undercurrents.
……
The next day.
The resounding bells and drums shattered the tranquility of the entire capital, their echoes lingering and refusing to subside. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified, with everyone dressed in court robes and looking serious. Nalan Jingwen stood below the high platform, gazing at the long, hundred-step stone staircase. A huge red carpet was spread across the emerald-green ground, and gold and silver jewels were displayed on both sides, creating a magnificent spectacle.
But now she was wondering if Anian could make it up.
The Golden Feather Palace is magnificent, with its double-eaved roof covered in glazed tiles, vermilion doors, and platform. All the emperors of the past have been enthroned here.
Xiao Jin was also present today, but unlike yesterday when he appeared weak, he seemed perfectly fine, with a serious expression that kept strangers at bay.
Shen Xi's expression was not good. She was the last person who wanted to see Anian ascend the throne. It would be a miracle if things went well. Moreover, she must have discovered something last night.
The bell rang again, and with a palace attendant's announcement of "The time has come!", all the officials paid homage and knelt on both sides of the road. Nalan Jing turned around upon hearing the announcement and saw a group of people carrying a jade palanquin slowly appearing in his line of sight. Sitting inside the jade palanquin was none other than Anian.
The music was melodious, and the drums resounded.
Dressed in a dragon robe, he appeared calm and composed as palace attendants helped him down from the jade palanquin. As he appeared, the crowd shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The sound was deafening, resounding through the sky.
Nalan Jingwen restrained her aura and took two steps back, but she did not kneel down like the others and shout "Long live the Emperor!" She just quietly watched that familiar figure. He seemed to have grown taller, but he was still as thin as before, or perhaps even thinner.
The palace servants beside A-Nian stepped aside and knelt down. He walked steadily and slowly toward the stone steps. The steps were long, and when he reached the halfway point, A-Nian's breathing became erratic, his movements slow, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. However, he did not stop and continued to walk upwards. Every step was firm and composed. Time passed little by little, and he finally stood at the highest point, looking down at the officials who were paying homage, his posture noble and majestic.
"Everyone is safe."
A clear yet authoritative voice came from above, and the crowd shouted once more, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"I have received the mandate of Heaven and will not fail your expectations. I wish to work with all my subjects to create a glorious era for my Baiji!"
Xiao Jin looked at the boy on the high platform, her eyes gradually welling up with tears. She had finally waited for this moment.
If you ask her if she regrets it...
She has no regrets.
It was all worth it; she protected the Chunyu clan's empire and lived up to the late emperor's expectations!
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!!"
Nalan Jingwen stepped forward, walked to the center, his posture upright, and his voice strong and clear.
"Your Majesty's ascension to the throne is a stroke of divine favor. May your nation enjoy longevity and peace. Prince Nalan Jing of Fengtian, having heard Your Majesty's wishes, brings gifts to offer his congratulations. May our country and your country be on friendly terms, sharing the same moon and the same wind, and may our friendship last forever!"
"I, the King, have led an army of 100,000 from Fengtian, here at Your Majesty's command. I wish for our two nations to unite in heart and mind, and together create a glorious and prosperous era!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in uproar, all staring in shock at Nalan Jingwen, who was standing in the center. Shen Xi could not hide her horror, as if she doubted that she had heard correctly.
Even Xiao Jin was shocked, his eyes wide. No one expected that Nalan Jingwen would hand over the 100,000-strong army so easily. Wasn't this a way of supporting Anian and ensuring that he could sit firmly on the throne and that no one could shake his position?
With the 100,000 troops given by Xiao Jin, it's equivalent to A Nian now having an army of 200,000. Those who have objections to him can be silenced, not to mention that he also has Feng Tian as his backer.
Shen Xi's expression was quite interesting. She never expected that Nalan Jingwen would go to such lengths for Anian. An army of 100,000 would be a huge number in any country, yet Nalan Jingwen gave it away so easily.
Her face darkened further as she stared intently at Nalan Jingwen, realizing that all her plans had been ruined by this single action!
Now she wished she could tear Nalan Jingwen apart alive, but even that would not be enough to quell the hatred in her heart!