Threads of Fate and Power

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

Shangguan Ning sat elegantly in the pavilion, sipping tea while taking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. His posture was composed, exuding an air of calmness and authority.

“Cong, fetch me some paper and a brush,” he said in a smooth, unhurried tone. Cong promptly left to gather the materials, while Shangguan Ning turned his attention to one of the maids nearby.

“Is Li Qiang in the mansion?” he asked, his voice as soft as it was commanding.

The maid bowed respectfully. “Yes, Prince Consort. His Highness, the Second Prince, is currently in his study.”

Shangguan Ning nodded, a subtle yet authoritative gesture. “Good. Inform him that I would like him to join me for tea,” he instructed, his words gentle but firm. The maid hurried off to carry out his request, and soon after, Cong returned with the paper and brush.

“Here you are, Your Highness,” Cong said as he handed the items to him.

“Thank you, Cong,” Shangguan Ning replied, his tone as calm as ever. He began to write, his movements deliberate and graceful.

Curiosity got the better of Cong as he watched his master write. “Your Highness, if I may ask, who is the letter for?”

Without pausing, Shangguan Ning answered, “It’s for Uncle Emperor.”

Moments later, the maid returned with a formal announcement. “The Second Prince has arrived,” she said as Helan Li Qiang stepped into the pavilion. The other servants bowed low, while Shangguan Ning offered a small nod of acknowledgment, demonstrating a quiet respect for his husband’s presence.

“Ning’er, you called for me?” Helan Li Qiang’s voice held a mix of curiosity and affection.

“Yes,” Shangguan Ning smiled gently, gesturing toward the tea. “Come, Li Qiang. Have tea with me. You’ve been so busy these last few days, I hardly get the chance to see you.”

Helan Li Qiang sat beside him, and Shangguan Ning gracefully poured him a cup of tea. Even while conversing, his movements remained fluid, his focus partially on the letter he was still writing.

After a few moments of quiet observation, Helan Li Qiang’s curiosity resurfaced. “Ning’er, who are you writing to?”

With a soft smile, Shangguan Ning sealed the letter and placed it in an envelope. “It’s for Uncle Emperor,” he replied simply.

Once the letter was ready, Shangguan Ning called into the air, “Wu Lin.”

Without a sound, a man suddenly appeared, kneeling before them. His arrival was so silent and swift that Helan Li Qiang’s guards were visibly startled, having not sensed his approach at all.

“Here,” Shangguan Ning said, handing the letter to Wu Lin. “Take this to Uncle Emperor. Let him know that if he has any word of my parents, I’d like him to send a message. I wish for them to visit me when they have the chance.”

Wu Lin accepted the letter with a respectful bow and, as swiftly as he had arrived, vanished into the shadows.

Helan Li Qiang, clearly impressed, turned to his husband. “Ning’er, you have quite a remarkable guard in your service. We couldn’t even detect his presence.”

Shangguan Ning chuckled softly, setting down his teacup. “Ah, Wu Lin? He’s been with me for years, along with Cong. He was trained by the Shangguan family’s shadow guards. Stealth and protection are second nature to him.”

Helan Li Qiang nodded thoughtfully. “That explains his extraordinary skill. But, Ning’er, why the sudden letter to your uncle, the Emperor? What’s on your mind?” His tone was gentle, laced with genuine concern.