Chapter 233: Chapter 232: What a PitySang Yan didn’t know that He Ying had already considered the far-reaching consequences of their relationship. Seeing his silence, she spoke her mind.


    In fact, the reason she had laid out so much groundwork was to lead up to these few sentences.


    "Actually, what the common people want is nothing more than to have enough to eat and drink and to live in peace. They’re truly easy to satisfy."


    Sang Yan’s expression was solemn as her voice took a turn, "The inevitable battle with Beiqi, I fear, cannot be avoided. Xinyuan, I believe you are more suitable to be the Lord of the World than Qi Wuya."


    At this point, she paused before continuing, "So, Xinyuan, promise me, be a good Emperor."


    She too believed that He Ying would make a good Emperor.


    If it was necessary to determine a winner between him and Qi Wuya, both publicly and privately, she wished for He Ying to be the victor.


    "Do whatever you need to do with boldness. I will always be here."


    She was willing to be the woman behind him.


    Initially, she felt disconnected from this world, akin to a salted fish, beyond salvation, only seeing the innocent common folk suffering under the tyranny of power, but having truly experienced a high position and gone through so much with He Ying, she also developed a sense of social responsibility and national duty.


    She wanted to join hands with He Ying in building a new world.


    The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.


    He Ying’s mood was also very heavy.


    But he didn’t want Sang Yan to worry, so he light-heartedly said, "Having received such a weighty trust from Ah Yan, I will certainly not let you down."


    As he spoke, he lowered his head and kissed her lips before suddenly changing the subject, "So, you’ve been avoiding me these past few days, meeting with that Qin Huai’an?"


    Sang Yan: "..."


    Wait, is now the time to bring this up?


    Is this man too prone to jealousy?


    "I haven’t."


    Sang Yan smiled helplessly and shook her head.


    He Ying was unhappy and somewhat disbelieving of her words, "Then who are you meeting with?"


    He thought that after resolving the epidemic in Quanzhou, he would be able to get closer to her, but she was always so busy.


    If not in the pharmacy, then she was meeting with guests, and she even instructed the servants—no matter who came, they were not to disturb her.


    Naturally, this ’no matter who’ included him.


    In this world, she was the only one who dared to shut him out like this.


    "I really haven’t. We’re returning to the Capital City tomorrow, and I’ve been busy with something."


    Sang Yan’s pretty face blushed, wanting to explain but also feeling too embarrassed.


    "Lady Empress!"


    While the two were chatting, a familiar voice came through.


    Sang Yan turned to look and saw Qin Tangyue approaching her with a face full of surprise.


    Her scalp tingled: there was no hiding it now.


    Qin Tangyue approached with a cheerful smile, timidly glancing at He Ying, her eyes devoid of the admiration she once had, instead showing hints of fear and avoidance.


    "Greetings, Emperor."


    Qin Tangyue had initially only noticed He Ying and had intended to leave directly, but upon recognizing Sang Yan by his side, she quickly came over to greet her.


    After all, He Ying held a prestigious status, and reluctantly, she paid him her respects.


    "And who might you be?"


    He Ying had long since cast her out of his thoughts.


    Now his private moments with Sang Yan were interrupted, and his eyes were filled with impatience.


    Qin Tangyue hadn’t expected that he wouldn’t remember her at all. sea??h thё Novёl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The little bit of affection she still held for He Ying instantly dissipated.


    Hmph, such a man devoid of gentlemanly demeanor, who knew how much the Empress must suffer on a daily basis.


    "I am Qin Tangyue."


    Qin Tangyue hastily answered, her heart entirely fixated on Sang Yan as she took out a veil from her embrace and softly said, "This was meant to be delivered to the State Mansion. I didn’t expect to meet you here, Lady. The part that needed mending on this veil has been repaired, Lady, take a look—"


    Such warmth and intimacy?


    He Ying frowned as he watched, and after some thought, he finally recognized her: Wasn’t this the woman who stopped him from confessing on Chinese Valentine’s Day? When did she become so close to Sang Yan?


    As for the veil—


    Before He Ying could look her way, Sang Yan quickly snatched the veil Qin Tangyue handed over and stuffed it into her sleeve haphazardly, smiling as she said, "Thank you, Miss Qin."


    Qin Tangyue’s red lips moved slightly as she quietly asked, "Is the Empress leaving tomorrow?"


    She looked at the woman before her wearing a veil cap, with a hint of reluctance in her eyes.


    This Empress was gentle, wise, and kind-hearted, without a hint of arrogance, much better than her ’handkerchief pals.’


    Now distanced from those ’handkerchief pals,’ the boredom of her boudoir life weighed on her, and she found herself not wanting Sang Yan to leave.


    Sang Yan was unaware of Qin Tangyue’s thoughts and laughingly said, "Yes, it’s been a long delay; it is time to return."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Tangyue’s demeanor dimmed slightly. After a pause, she asked again, "When will the Empress come back to Quanzhou?"


    Sang Yan was just about to speak—


    "She will not come."


    A stern male voice interrupted.


    Both Sang Yan and Qin Tangyue turned to look at He Ying: What was with this inexplicable hostility?


    "Xinyuan?"


    Sang Yan furrowed her brows looking at him, her eyes filled with confusion: Why did it seem that He Ying’s gaze towards Qin Tangyue was slightly better than when he looked at Qi Wuya?


    Wait—


    He couldn’t possibly be jealous of Qin Tangyue, could he?


    "Let’s go back."


    He Ying was indeed jealous, taking Sang Yan’s hand and starting to walk back.


    Seeing Qin Tangyue being affectionate with Sang Yan made him think of Xuanrao back in the Capital City; he did not favor the close friendship they had back then.


    He detested anyone who occupied Sang Yan’s mind.


    Regardless of their gender.


    That’s how possessive he was towards her.


    Sang Yan was pulled by He Ying towards the direction of the State Mansion, unable to even say a proper farewell to Qin Tangyue.


    "Miss, it’s time for us to go back," the maid behind Qin Tangyue reminded softly.


    Qin Tangyue watched Sang Yan’s departing figure and sighed softly, "Alas, I won’t see her again..."


    Thinking she was upset about not seeing He Ying, the maid pondered for a moment and then advised, "The Emperor and the Empress have a deep affection for each other, and Miss, you yearn for a lifetime with a partner. It’s best not to trouble yourself over this anymore. Besides, the Empress doesn’t seem like someone who would want to let you enter the palace, so you—"


    "What nonsense are you spouting!"


    Qin Tangyue interrupted her maid’s words anxiously, her eyes filled with anger as she exclaimed, "When have I ever thought of entering the palace? Dare you speak of the Empress in such a way? If you speak nonsense again, there’s no place for you in the Qin Mansion!"


    The maid, scolded like this for the first time, panicked immediately and kept apologizing, "Miss, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I misspoke."


    Seeing that the maid admitted her mistake, Qin Tangyue did not rebuke her further, but instead said, "I’ve long lost that sentiment towards the Emperor. The Empress is beautiful and kind, and in my heart, I hope she receives a lifetime of favor. I won’t hold this against you this time, but remember, the Empress is the benefactor of Quanzhou. Don’t say such foolish things again."


    From a young age, she was pampered by her family and also prided herself on her beauty and intelligence, always looking down on others.


    But that was until she met Sang Yan—


    At that time, not knowing her identity or status, she found Sang Yan to be a jealous woman, but in the end, she realized that she herself was the real fool.


    The Empress never used her status to oppress others and even offered her advice.


    She could not compare to such a woman.


    She wanted to be close to her.


    If she could become a ’handkerchief pal,’ that would be wonderful.


    It was a pity, it seemed, that there would be no chance for that now.