Chapter 3 [TCFCPC 3]

In <Emperor of Power>, the four male protagonists came with four corresponding sets of data; namely intelligence quotient (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), action ability, and decision-making capability. They would have strengths and weaknesses in the various components.

For example, Shao Jing Yu, the young general, had the highest value in action ability; Jiang Yi, the grand secretary, had an explosive IQ; the flirtatious gentleman, Jian Yu Yan, had the greatest stats for EQ.

As the future emperor and the person with the highest status, the most important aspect for Nangong Xuan was to have formidable decision-making capability in front of his ministers. Nangong Xuan’s decision-making capability was the highest among the four.

Of course, his IQ would not be low either. As for his action ability, it only needed to be at an average level. On the other hand, the last remaining aspect, EQ… Having been fawned over since he was young, His Royal Highness never had a use for such a thing.

Hence, leaving it at a measly 22.

In the year of Chen Xia; in Jin Ling Capital.

During the spring of every third month, the peach blossoms on Mount Fuyu would be in full bloom. Although it was located far north of Jin Ling, the people in Jin Ling Capital could catch a whiff of the sweet fragrance of peach blossoms.

A luxurious and resplendent carriage drove over the limestone path, the window openings were gilded and inlaid with precious gems. The window openings, covered with a sheer purple gauze, lifted ever so slightly because of the breeze to reveal a graceful silhouette that attracted passers-by to take a second look. Following behind that carriage were two green canopy carriages. It was apparent that it was used to ferry the servants of an aristocratic household. It was easy to tell that the identity of the person within the first carriage was by no means simple.

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Although the flowering period of peach blossoms was not long, it was not considered to be that short either. Would today’s peach blossom look so different from the ones of tomorrow? Lu Mei did not catch on to the hidden meaning behind Yan Yi Ming’s words. She thought that her Lady did not understand what she was referring to, so she became more straightforward in her comforting, “The peach blossoms on Mount Fuyu will continue to bloom until the end of this month. There are still a few more days, so even if His Highness cannot make it today, we can try to invite him on another day…” 

Yan Yi Ming took slow sips of tea. She sniggered when she heard Lu Mei’s words, “Invite him? Whatever for? That’s just asking to ruin one’s mood.”

Lu Mei became more upset and she was momentarily in a dilemma. After she came to her conclusion, she firmly grabbed onto Yan Yi Ming’s hands, “My Lady, please don’t be too heartbroken. His Highness still cares for you…”  

Yan Yi Ming, “…”

This lass was truly devoted to her mistress. Her personality was just a little inflexible. Yan Yi Ming believed that even if she emphasized a hundred times that she no longer fancied Nangong Xuan, this lass would still not believe her.

Once more, Yan Yi Ming shut her eyes. While dealing with this chatty little lass, her mind was simultaneously trying to recall the direction of the plot in the original game.

When she was playing the game, from the female protagonist’s point of view, Jian Yu’er casually suggested that she wanted to go to Mount Fuyu to see the peach blossoms. Coincidentally, Nangong Xuan, who happened to be a guest at Jian Manor, naturally did not reject her.

Young Lady Yan had a prominent identity and an even more beautiful appearance. Thus, her character build was extremely haughty. She was a very high-profile and domineering woman in all aspects. To be able to announce proudly that she would marry Nangong Xuan and no other, she was full of tenderness when dealing with him. However, that was not the case when she faced others.

Therefore, after the Crown Prince failed to turn up for their appointment, a disheartened Young Lady Yan still made her way to Mount Fuyu to view the peach blossoms. Yet, she happened to chance across the Crown Prince, who claimed that he was too busy dealing with important business to go for their appointment, with Jian Yu’er. Blinded with jealousy, she immediately pointed at Jian Yu’er’s nose and furiously criticized her in front of the Crown Prince and Jian Yu Yan. She accused Jian Yu’er of knowing about her appointment with the Crown Prince and deliberately inviting him on the same day to Mount Fuyu.

The arrogant young lady was a little too agitated as she pointed at Jian Yu’er and condescendingly questioned Nangong Xuan, “How am I any inferior to this slut.” 

Originally, because the Crown Prince and Jian Yu Yan deceived her, they kept silent as they knew that they were in the wrong. However, after Young Lady Yan’s unreasonable words, she lost that upper hand. 

Yan Yi Ming found it funny. The producers had portrayed the female supporting character to be too brainless. There was definitely a need to question, but she should not have gone about doing it the way she did. 

To call Jian Yu’er a ‘slut’ in front of Nangong Xuan and Jian Yu Yan. Even Jian Yu Yan, who constantly had a smile on his face, lost his smile upon hearing how Young Lady Yan addressed Jian Yu’er. The Crown Prince originally did not think too highly of her, and now she even dared insult the person he liked, why would he still want to show mercy to Young Lady Yan?

Compared to the fierce and unrelenting Young Lady Yan, Jian Yu’er was restraining her tears despite being wronged. A tear-stained beauty, and a domineering one, Nangong Xuan did not hesitate to retort, “How could you ever compare to Yu’er?”

‘Tsk, so vicious.’ Yan Yi Ming sighed.

He had even directly addressed her as ‘Yu’er’ in front of Yan Yi Ming. 

Yan Yi Ming remembered this scenario when she was playing the game from Jian Yu’er’s perspective. When Nangong Xuan addressed her as ‘Yu’er’, there was an accompanying monologue: –

[He’s defending me and he even used such an intimate name to address me. My heart is pounding very quickly.]

Yet, the very sentence that caused Jian Yu’er’s heart to speed up, had caused another’s to shatter.

The faint fragrance of peach blossom whiffed around them. The horse-drawn carriage slowly came to a halt and Yan Yi Ming leisurely opened her eyes. With the aid of Lu Mei, she carefully alighted. 

“My Lady, do you wish to go to Fuyu Temple?”

Fuyu Temple was an important scenic spot on Mount Fuyu. It was also a place frequented by dignitaries and nobles. Always surrounded by the never-ending scent of burning incense. The peach blossoms within the temple were most spectacular.

“No,” Yan Yi Ming raised her eyes and looked towards the ridge. The mountain was covered in pink, mixed with a touch of emerald green. She softly explained, “The best view in Mount Fuyu is not in Fuyu Temple. There’s a bamboo pavilion located on the southern slope. Dusted in pinkish hues with a flowing stream cutting through the landscape. That’s the best place to view the scenery.”

The scene on Mount Fuyu in the third month was indeed very beautiful. Jian Yu Yan had always acceded to every one of Jian Yu’er’s pleas, let alone a small request to go and view flowers. He just did not expect the Crown Prince to arrive at Jian Manor and even wanted to tag along.

Jian Yu Yan still regretted letting Nangong Xuan meet Yu’er. And now, he no longer had a valid reason to prevent him from doing so.

Currently, in a corner, illuminated by sunlight, stood Nangong Xuan and Jian Yu’er. They both had smiles hanging on their lips while chatting and laughing, their harmonious laughter rang in his ears. Jian Yu Yan’s expression sank. He, who always had a smile on his face, was currently expressionless. 

He excused himself, Nangong Xuan definitely had no objections. Jian Yu Yan walked a couple of dozen steps away and his slender build gently leaned against a peach blossom tree. His incomparably handsome face was currently impassive, no one could tell what was currently going through his mind.  

It was until he heard the light footsteps and a woman’s mellow voice that drew him out of his reverie. Jian Yu Yan lifted his head. 

This place was specially built under Nangong Xuan’s instructions and very few knew about it, so why were there people approaching? He turned his head slightly and spotted a troublingly familiar figure. 

Then, he heard Yan Yi Ming’s surprised voice, “Young Master Jian!”

Jian Yu Yan was stunned. He never expected this great-aunt to appear here. 

Yan Yi Ming had walked a distance. Perspiration dotted her clean forehead, her cheeks were flushed, giving her a lovely and charming visage. With limpid autumn water eyes, she looked stunningly beautiful. 

Upon noticing Jian Yu Yan, her pleasant surprise was hard to conceal as she quickly made her way towards Jian Yu Yan with her skirt slightly lifted. “Why is Young Master Jian here? Don’t you and His Highness have something important to discuss?”

Jian Yu Yan quickly returned to his senses. With no indication of what he was currently feeling, he replied with a smile, “I came with my friends to enjoy the splendid scenery.”

Yan Yi Ming lightly nodded. Then, slightly embarrassed, she asked, “What about His Highness? Are you two together since you had something important to discuss prior?” 

The crown prince was naturally here.

There was a small part of him that wanted to let Yan Yi Ming know. However, he had to consider Jian Yu’er. Young Lady Yan had a domineering and willful personality, if she saw that Jian Yu’er was alone together with the Crown Prince, she might not direct her anger at the Crown Prince, but she would definitely direct it towards Jian Yu’er.  

In order to protect Yu’er, he decided to hide the truth, “His Highness had returned to the Eastern Palace¹The Eastern Palace was known as a place where most Crown Princes resided. after our discussion ended. By the way, why is Young Lady Yan here?”

When Yan Yi Ming heard Jian Yu Yan’s words, her anticipated expression faded. She bit on her bright red lips, looking extremely disappointed after having seen hope. She softly muttered, “I’ve assumed too much. His Highness always had to attend to numerous daily matters, why would he be here.” 

Jian Yu Yan thought of the Crown Prince, who was supposedly busy attending to numerous daily matters, when in fact was currently conversing merrily with Jian Yu’er. Jian Yu Yan did not comment. 

“Young Lady Yan?” Jian Yu Yan called out to her softly.

Yan Yi Ming looked up at him and tried to muster a smile, “It’s nothing. Young Master Jian need not fret. Oh yes, is Young Master Jian also here to admire the peach blossoms?”

“En.”

“It is rumored that in Mount Fuyu, the blooms at Fuyu Temple are the most picturesque. However, they don’t know that there’s a better scenic spot located at a small bamboo pavilion not far in front. There’s even a small stream that flows beside the pavilion. Is Young Master Jian willing to accompany me to have a look?”

Jian Yu Yan’s heart skipped a beat, but he replied in a flash, “I’m honored by Young Lady Yan’s invitation. However, there is no such scenery that Young Lady Yan described, though I do know of another place, is Young Lady Yan willing to go?” 

“Young Master Jian came here with your friends to enjoy the view and appreciate tea. How can I have you abandon your friends to accompany me?” With that said, Yan Yi Ming lifted her skirt and bypassed Jian Yu Yan. “Besides, since I’ve already made my way up here, it would be a shame to not take a look.” 

The distance between Jian Yu’er and Nangong Xuan was only twenty or so meters away. They were only out of sight because of the peach blossom trees. However, after one passed through the foliage, they would appear in plain sight. Jian Yu Yan wanted to reach out and grab onto Yan Yi Ming, but it was as if she had expected him to do so as she dodged his hands. With her lifted skirt, she managed to quickly put some distance between them. 

In a short moment, after cutting through the peach blossom trees, Jian Yu’er and Nangong Xuan, who were chatting merrily came into view. 

The slender figure suddenly froze in place, and Lu Mei, who had been following behind Yan Yi Ming suddenly cried out in shock, “Your Highness!?” 

The two people at the pavilion turned their heads simultaneously when they heard the cry. However, when they caught sight of Yan Yi Ming’s pallid countenance, their expressions changed. 

Jian Yu’er shot up in panic, while Nangong Xuan felt a tinge of embarrassment after he overcame his surprise. Yet, upon seeing Jian Yu’er’s ashen visage, he immediately comforted her in a distressed tone. 

He became expressionless when he looked up once again.