Threads of Fate and Power(TEMPORARILY STOPPED)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Liu Jing Wei was stunned by the sudden shift of Shangguan Ning's attention to her. Caught off guard, she blinked rapidly, her carefully crafted façade momentarily faltering. The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on her as all eyes turned to her in expectation.

For a brief instant, she struggled to find her words, her mind racing to regain composure. “I—uh, I was merely trying to mediate,” she stammered, forcing a nervous smile. “I didn't mean to overstep. We should all be working toward the same goal, after all.”

Shangguan Ning’s gaze remained steady, unwavering. “Mediation is one thing, Lady Liu, but interference is quite another. This matter is between the empress and me. It does not involve you,” he replied, his tone clear and unyielding. “I would advise you to remember your place.”

The nobles surrounding them shifted uncomfortably, some exchanging glances as the tension escalated. Liu Jing Wei felt the sting of embarrassment rising in her cheeks, the realization that her ambitions might have led her to miscalculate her position.

“Of course, Sovereign Consort,” she said, her voice now laced with a forced sweetness that barely masked her irritation. “I only wished to ensure that the royal family remains united in its decisions.”

Shangguan Ning leaned back slightly, observing her with an analytical gaze. “Unity is important, Lady Liu, but not at the cost of respect. If the empress wishes to discuss such sensitive matters with me, then it should be done directly, without unwarranted interjections.”

The empress, who had been silently watching the exchange with an unreadable expression, finally interjected. “Enough!” she commanded, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. “This discussion has veered off course. Let us refocus on what truly matters.”

She cast a pointed look at Liu Jing Wei, as if reminding her of her place. “Ning’er, while your concerns are noted, I believe it is time to consider the broader implications of our decisions for the future of the royal family.”

Shangguan Ning nodded slightly, recognizing the shift in the conversation. “I appreciate your intentions, Your Majesty, but I must reiterate my position. Any decisions regarding the family must be approached with careful consideration and respect for all parties involved.”

The empress sighed, the tension still lingering in the air. “Very well, let us proceed with our tea party. We shall discuss these matters further in a more private setting.”

As the conversation began to shift back to lighter topics, Shangguan Ning felt a mixture of relief and unease. Though the immediate conflict had been defused, the underlying tensions remained, and he knew that navigating the complexities of court life would be an ongoing challenge.

______

In a different part of the palace, the atmosphere in the royal court was charged with tension as Duke Liu Kang, the esteemed clan leader of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan and father of Liu Jing Wei, stood before the emperor. The grand chamber, adorned with intricate tapestries and opulent decorations, felt particularly weighty as he prepared to voice his bold suggestion.

“Your Majesty, the Emperor,” Liu Kang began, bowing deeply to show his respect. “May I propose something for your consideration?”

“You may proceed, Duke Liu,” the emperor replied, his tone neutral yet curious.

“Your Majesty,” Liu Kang continued, straightening his posture, “I wish to betroth my daughter, Liu Jing Wei, as a noble concubine to the Second Prince, Helan Li Qiang.”

The room fell silent, and Helan Li Qiang’s eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from surprise to indignation. “Presumptuous!” he exclaimed, rising from his seat. “I have only just recently married the Sovereign Consort, and now you dare to suggest such a thing?”