Nanglong Souka pointed to one side of the map. "Among the five big kingdoms in this area, Yuan Kingdom is the smallest. They are the one that is most likely to back out from the alliance if we talk to them."
There were five big kingdoms because Nanglong Souka included Ming Kingdom. After all, Ming Kingdom was included in the list of big kingdoms.
"Yuan Kingdom?" the emperor glanced towards the southwest area of the map. Indeed, Yuan Kingdom is the smallest one at this time. A long time ago, they were the biggest, but because of invasion, they had lost their territory until only a small one was left. If not because of their prowess and ability, they would have long been reduced to one of the small kingdoms surrounding the other big kingdoms.
An official looked at the map. "The location of the Yuan Kingdom does not border us straightaway. We still have the Pan Kingdom between us. How do you think you can go there?"
Nanglong Souka shook his head. "Although it's true that officials cannot go to other kingdoms easily, we have another way; the merchants."
"Merchants? You're thinking of going inside as a merchant? They would definitely be suspicious if a merchant goes there."
"Not an ordinary merchant, but an influential person."
Yan got the feeling that this old man was shamelessly pointing at him. Among famous merchants, who can be more influential other than Young Noble Han? Many kingdoms have been coveting for the wealth this person possessed and tried a lot of means to ask him to go to their kingdom. He had traveled before, but only when he was grounded. There is no way he can easily slip away if he did not create trouble first.
Inside his mind, Yan was thinking of a way to get grounded again. If he is on his confinement period, no one would bother visiting him and Ming Hui can dispatch people to guard the area. It will be easier for him to travel far away. But he doesn't really want to create trouble this time.
The emperor's eyes lit up, but then he was not sure about it.
"Do you think Young Noble Han would help us?"
"You can tempt him by offering him another city."
Yan got the feeling that this Nanglong Souka had long since known that his other identity was Young Noble Han. If not, how can he directly point out his weakness? Since this was what the other party wanted, don't blame him for creating another trouble at the Nanglong family place.
"Then, start looking for him! You stay behind to prepare for gifts, the others are dismissed."
Nanglong Souka watched the rest of the people heading outside. He looked at Yan's back, had the young man noticed him hinting to get help? He did not bother to think about it anymore until the meeting was over and he found out that Yan had been flooding his residence with water.
"Just where did he get all that water? Where did it come from?" Nanglong Souka felt another headache. That troublemaker! Let see that boy get grounded for a couple of months again.
With that, Nanglong Souka returned back to the palace and complained vehemently to the emperor. Given that the emperor had been troubled by the war, he just ordered to have Yan get grounded for four months to learn more about etiquette.
When he heard the news, Ming Hui laughed until his stomach hurt.
"Just because you need to appear as Young Noble Han, it doesn't mean that you need to be grounded for months."
Yan looked at his brother with a reluctant gaze. "It's not that I want to, but I have to. Anyway, I won't be back for at least three months so keep them away from my residence."
"Are you treating me like your maid?"
Yan shook his head helplessly. "Come on, you know that I need your help. Besides, your task can be finished while you're staying in the capital and have your time with your... cough... bride."
Inside his mind, he complained profusely about this matter. If not for the fact that he doesn't want to create trouble, he would surely protest in front of Ming Hui. In this era, the only one who can group together with women without anyone being suspicious would only be Ming Hui.
"Fine, just remember that you have to treat me in Restaurant Han Yan for a week."
Yan felt black lines appearing on his face. One week... how much money can he earn during that time? This venomous guy was truly pushing his luck.
"Do your job well," with that, Yan escaped.
Ming Hui chuckled a bit when he saw his brother walking away in large strides. He turned towards his attendant.
"Has Fan Lanying come?"
"Yes, Young Master."
"Then, call her in!"
Fan Lanying was wearing ordinary clothes when she came. She was not sure what kind of clothes was suitable to be a guard so she picked one that will allow her to have free movement, but at the same time didn't disgrace her. The attendant brought her to Ming Hui's room where the 'princess' had been waiting.
"Fan Lanying greets Princess Hui."
Ming Hui chuckled. "You don't have to be so formal with me. Have you forgotten about the time when we learned together?"
"That..." Fan Lanying felt embarrassed to remember the time when she still played music poorly. Then she remembered something.
"That music... Did you like it?"
Ming Hui smiled. "Yes, you have improved a lot. Was that song for me?"
Fan Lanying nodded. "I wanted to play a song for you during your birthday party, but I didn't get the chance to so I used the test. I'm glad that you like it."
"You played beautifully. Let's have a walk in the garden."
"Ah?"
"You can act as my guard, but more importantly, I want you there as my friend. Or do you not want it?" Ming Hui asked in a lower tone, portraying a saddened girl.
Fan Lanying hurriedly shook her head. "It's not that, of course I'm willing! It will be my honor to be your friend."
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Ming Hui had tossed the matter about the war to the back of his mind. If he can spend more time with her, that kind of thing can wait. On the side, the attendant felt like crying. There were still mountains of paper he needed to look at, but he just dumped it to the side. Now, he was the one who needed to finish it all...
