Who says the prince is weak and can't take care of himself?

Chapter 161: I have made up my mind and I will never change it

Qi Xiao hugged Tang Ling tightly, "Yes, I will protect you." He would protect him even at the cost of his life, even against His Majesty's will. That was why Tang Ling had said this method would cost Qi Xiao his chance at succession. Even if he won, Qi Xiao's military merit wouldn't help him much. Without His Majesty's favor, his life would likely be even harder.

Concubine Lin asks Tang Ling to protect Qi Xiao, to keep him out of the party struggles and even the Three Kingdoms conflict, and to simply wish him a peaceful and happy life. Tang Ling could do that, but he couldn't. What he demanded from Qi Xiao was life and death, honor and disgrace, his everything, even far more than he could give.

Tang Ling sat up on her knees, naked, legs spread wide open, her naked body exposed to Qi Xiao. She didn't try to seduce him, but just quietly let Qi Xiao look at her, and looked at Qi Xiao as well. Qi Xiao was the only one who could look at him like this, and Qi Xiao was the only one who could see Tang Ling like this.

Qi Xiao reached out and stroked Tang Ling's shoulders and chest, then put his arm around his waist and supported his cheek with his other hand. When their eyes met, no words were needed.

Qi Xiao chuckled. What he wanted, what Tang Ling wanted, was each other, and they both had it. And the aspirations for family, country, and the world—aren't they seeking the same thing? Together, they could do it, and they would get it.

From this moment on, what held between them was no longer just deep love, but also the lives of thousands and the peace of the world.

Taibai comes out from the east and accompanies Tianlang, which is the Yu hexagram. It responds firmly and acts with determination, moving smoothly. It is auspicious rather than ominous, but it also means danger is hidden in the dark.

Ning Wanxiao was truly a living god. He told Bai Xiqiao the hexagram: "The bow and arrow, the wolf appearing, the flute and drums blazing the prairie fire" would come true, and His Majesty would not refuse Qi Xiao's request to lead the troops.

***

The chessboard has nineteen lines in both directions, which can accommodate the heaven and the earth.

"Both sides started with two consecutive stars, and the black piece was stuck in the corner..."

Tang Ling and the Fifteenth Princess sat opposite each other in the side hall of Chengming Palace. Tang Ling was about to review the game she had played with His Majesty today when she was interrupted by the Fifteenth Princess.

"Master Tang..."

"What instructions does the Fifteenth Princess have?" Tang Ling had a white piece sandwiched between the two pieces and had not yet placed it on the board.

"I... I heard, I heard..." Princess Fifteen looked at Tang Ling hesitantly, her expression aggrieved but slightly angry, resentful but also shy.

Tang Ling put the white piece in her hand back into the chess box, sat upright, and waited for the Fifteenth Princess to speak.

"I... Young Master Tang..." Princess Fifteen was awkward for a long time. Tang Ling just waited. Finally, she couldn't help but ask, "Why did you refuse the marriage?"

His Majesty had given the Fifteenth Princess a dowry of 100,000 black iron ore, hoping to arrange a "happy marriage" between Tang Ling and the Fifteenth Princess. Word had already spread throughout the harem, but Tang Ling had remained silent, seemingly unaware. Later, His Majesty, unable to resist the Fifteenth Princess's plea, offered her chess lessons. Tang Ling agreed, and the Fifteenth Princess was able to see Tang Ling every two days, spending an hour with him. She assumed he was willing! It was just that, because of the peace talks between the two countries, he couldn't express anything.

But today, Tang Ling rejected the marriage proposal in front of His Majesty. The Fifteenth Princess was right outside Chengming Palace. She always arrived early and waited outside the palace. Tang Ling knew this, but he still rejected it, right in front of her!

And he could sit here and teach her the way of Go as if nothing had happened?!

"Why?" Princess Fifteen clutched the corner of her clothes and glared at Tang Ling, her eyes filled with grievance and resentment. She wanted to raise her hand and slap her. Who the hell did Tang Ling think she was? How dare she reject her? Reject her father?!

"Tang Ling knows she's not worthy of the princess..."

That's what Tang Ling said in front of His Majesty. It was clearly an excuse! The Fifteenth Princess didn't believe a word of it.

"Don't fool me, tell the truth!"

Tang Ling looked up at the Fifteenth Princess and said slowly, "Tang Ling has someone she loves, so she has no choice but to disappoint the princess."

Princess Fifteen was stunned for a moment, then murmured, "Someone's got someone in their heart?" Who was it? Who was more beautiful than her? More noble than her? Who liked Tang Ling more than her? How could Tang Ling have someone in her heart if she wasn't engaged?!

"Whose?! I don't believe it!"

"Whether the princess believes it or not, I have made a lifelong promise to him, and there is no reason to go back on my word. He must not deceive or exploit the princess for personal gain. The princess is a darling of heaven, destined to find a good match and a happy life."

Tang Ling's words were plain but very serious. Princess Fifteen could not see any trace of hypocrisy or evasion on his face. Was he speaking the truth?

"No, I can't! Our marriage is the key to reconciliation between Zhou and Chen. How can you refuse it just because you say you don't want to? Do you really want to watch the two countries go to war again and suffer so much?!"

It didn't matter if Tang Ling didn't like her now. After marrying her, she would naturally treat him well, better than anyone else! He would fall in love with her! Definitely! Their marriage was not decided by them, and Tang Ling couldn't refuse!

Tang Ling knew that the Fifteenth Princess had been pampered since childhood, and that his refusal in front of His Majesty would surely anger her. But even if she was angry, she was still a princess after all, and she had to maintain the four words "dignified and virtuous". But he hadn't expected her to be so persistent.

"Princess, you're only half right. It's true that this is about reconciliation between our two countries. Your Majesty's intention for the marriage is for peace, and so is my refusal." Tang Ling looked at the stunned Fifteenth Princess and smiled gently. "Princess, you are intelligent. Why are you willing to trade your life's happiness for something? Tang Ling is not your ideal partner."

Deal? Yes, Tang Ling refused the marriage not because she had someone else in her heart, but because she was a hostage of the Zhou Kingdom and was afraid that her father would use the marriage to trap her in Dachen!

"Tang Ling, we've only known each other for a short time, and we've spent very little time together. You may not like me now, but with time you'll realize I treat you with sincerity, and this isn't just a deal! My father has promised me that if you return to Great Zhou in the future, I'll follow you. It doesn't mean I'm going to imprison you!"

Tang Ling sighed, raised her hand, and took the chess pieces. One black, one white, they landed alternately on the board, each a gentle, steady clatter. It wasn't long before she finished setting up the entire game. The game between Tang Ling and His Majesty had only reached the middle stage, not yet finished, making it difficult to determine the winner.

"Life is like chess. Once you make a move, don't regret it. Now that I have made up my mind, I will never change it. I hope the Fifteenth Princess will forgive me. Goodbye." Tang Ling stood up, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.

"Stop! I haven't finished talking yet!"

Tang Ling didn't even turn around and walked straight out of the side hall. There was a clang in the room, and the Fifteenth Princess casually flipped the chessboard, and the chess pieces scattered all over the floor.

"Tang Ling!"

Outside the side hall, Zhang Suian had already been waiting for Tang Ling to come out. "Young Master Tang, the mansion His Majesty gave us has been prepared. You can move in soon."

"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang."