"Be the consort's husband?" Liang Xiao was startled and couldn't help but laugh, "I'd have to be crazy to do that!"
Ning Xuejun explained, "The selection for state affairs is far more important than the imperial examinations. The Son of Heaven and the Prime Minister will personally set questions to test true knowledge and talent. Young Master Liang Er is dignified and handsome; if he can stand out, he might truly win the Princess's heart and become the consort."
Liang Xiao repeatedly shook his head, "I don't want to marry that bratty girl!"
He naturally believed Ning Xuejun.
Those who participated in the selection for state affairs were the top young talents from all regions, not exceeding twenty-five years of age.
According to Zhuo Zifang, if the young talents recommended by the various regions shone brightly in the selection for state affairs, their recommenders, the governors of the states and prefectures, would also receive generous rewards.
The selection for state affairs was unprecedented, and all the major states and prefectures were exerting their utmost to select talent!
Seeing Liang Xiao's firm stance, Xiao Qing's nose twitched. She tried hard to maintain her composure and asked, "Why don't you want to? Is it because of your fiancée?"
"Whether there's an engagement or not, I don't want to," Liang Xiao pouted, becoming more and more annoyed as he spoke. "This bratty girl already tortures me enough by making me participate in the selection for state affairs. The court recalling my grandfather was likely her suggestion too, right? Oh my, these two eccentric siblings really know how to stir up trouble!"
Xiao Qing was on the verge of tears, wishing she could pinch Liang Xiao's face hard!
I am innocent!
Ning Xuejun's hand trembled slightly, almost reaching for her sword again.
For a fleeting moment, she truly wanted to slash Liang Xiao down.
Bratty girl? Eccentric siblings?
Listen to that, is that human speech!
"Young Master Liang Er, the Princess's beauty and talent are not inferior to Miss Luo's..." Ning Xuejun said, unwilling to concede.
"That's not the point!"
Liang Xiao placed his hand on Xiao Qing's shoulder and said sternly, "Little Shuangzi, Big Brother knows you mean well. However, if that bratty girl really falls for me, you must find a way to help Big Brother turn her down!"
"Why should I turn her down..." Xiao Qing's tone gradually grew colder.
Was it just because he was asked to participate in the selection for state affairs? Did she dislike him that much?
She had clearly sought help from Sister Qingxue to break off the engagement. At that time, she simply didn't want to see her unhappy!
Xiao Qing could have cruelly forbidden Liang Xiao from marrying Luo Qingxue and immediately summoned Liang Xiao to be the consort. If Liang Xiao refused, she could have ordered the execution of his entire family, but she couldn't bear to do so.
Now, Xiao Qing felt incredibly wronged.
Liang Xiao's demeanor gradually became profound as he sighed, "I might die young at any time due to this illness and injury. If I were to pass away too soon, Qingxue would inevitably have to remain a widow for me and refuse to remarry. The royal family is sparse in population, with only this pair of siblings left. How could I possibly ruin that bratty girl further?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun were speechless.
He was worried about ruining "Princess Ning Shuang's" life?
After Xiao Qing came back to her senses, tears streamed from her eyes. She dared not make a sound, merely lowering her head.
"Little Shuangzi, why are you crying? I'm just speaking, not that I'm going to kick the bucket tomorrow. Besides, my injuries have been improving," Liang Xiao said with a smile, patting Xiao Qing's shoulder. Then, his tone shifted.
"But speaking of which, Qingxue still doesn't know how severe my injuries were back then. I asked Grandpa Luo not to tell her."
Xiao Qing finally calmed her emotions and, with a tearful smile, said, "His Majesty has already sent people to seek help from the Divine Physician. When spring arrives next year, Big Brother must make a trip to the Heavenly Mountains. If the Divine Physician intervenes, he will surely be able to cure Big Brother's injuries and illness!"
Liang Xiao nodded, "I will definitely go. On a small scale, it's for myself."
"And on a larger scale?" Xiao Qing asked eagerly.
Liang Xiao was taken aback, then smiled without answering.
"It's for the country, for the people of Great Gan, right?" Xiao Qing asked joyfully.
Liang Xiao, after being pestered by Xiao Qing for several questions, could only nod and say, "In short, try your best not to let that bratty girl fall for your Big Brother."
"I'll do my best..." Xiao Qing replied absentmindedly.
But in her heart, she had already made up her mind.
The Divine Physician must treat Liang Xiao, no matter what. Even if she had to resort to coercion, she would make her treat him!
This time, Xiao Qing merely chatted with Liang Xiao and did not discuss state affairs at length.
Fearing it would affect Liang Xiao's rest, Xiao Qing took her leave hastily.
In the carriage, Xiao Qing shed her pretense and finally sobbed uncontrollably.
Ning Xuejun comforted her with concern, "Your Highness should not be pessimistic. Young Master Liang Er is extraordinary and will surely make the Divine Physician look at him with respect and make an exception to treat him!"
Xiao Qing felt a little better and said, "Old Madam Ning, tomorrow mobilize a contingent of elite soldiers to head towards the Heavenly Mountains. Station them there under the guise of patrol and vigilance."
Ning Xuejun looked at Xiao Qing doubtfully, not understanding her intention.
Xiao Qing's eyes gradually turned sharp, regaining her imperial demeanor.
"If the Divine Physician refuses to treat him, then surround the Heavenly Mountains with a severe illness. We will spare no cost to force her compliance! I want the world to know that even if she is revered as a saint, I will not tolerate disobedience!"
Ning Xuejun's heart tightened, and she nodded solemnly, "Your humble servant obeys!"
Xiao Qing gripped the handhold fiercely, her knuckles turning white. She lifted the curtain with her left hand and gazed in the direction of the Liang manor.
"For him, I am doing it for this entire realm. Even if I bear the name of a tyrant, I will not hesitate!"
Ning Xuejun quickly comforted her, "If Young Master Liang can live a long life, he will surely bring peace and prosperity to the people. The Divine Physician will surely understand."
Xiao Qing then nodded, a strange smile on her face.
The next day, after the morning court, Luo Qingxue arrived at the palace, full of confusion.
"Why would Shuangmei suddenly summon me to the palace?"
She had met Princess Ning Shuang at a lantern festival three years ago, but Xiao Shuang had only summoned her once the day after that. Later, she occasionally disguised herself and visited her at the Luo residence.
Ning Xuejun emerged from within and led Luo Qingxue into the deep palace.
After a moment, Luo Qingxue's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed joyfully, "Shuangmei!"
The Xiao Shuang before her was still dressed in red, graceful and elegant.
Ning Xuejun watched the two women and couldn't help but marvel.
Bright eyes and pearly teeth, stunningly beautiful!
The two of them, one heroic and spirited, the other gentle and refined, each possessed their own charm and were both unparalleled beauties of the world.
Xiao Shuang smiled playfully and invited Luo Qingxue to sit and talk.
Luo Qingxue spoke with increasing animation, and soon the conversation turned to Liang Xiao.
"Shuangmei, you are the calmer one. You didn't immediately ask His Majesty to issue a decree to break off the engagement. Otherwise, I would have regretted my impulsiveness for the rest of my life..."
"Liang Xiao is not entirely without merit, nor is he utterly incompetent. I misjudged him!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shuang's smile gradually froze, and she asked, "I was about to ask, why did Miss Qingxue's opinion of Liang Xiao change so quickly?"
Luo Qingxue lowered her head shyly and said, "He doesn't look down on General Tian. Perhaps it was just jealousy... Moreover, his willingness to shelter refugees and arrange work for them also shows that he has a kind heart."
Xiao Shuang's heart ached, but she could only smile and offer her blessings.
Luo Qingxue asked eagerly, "By the way! Shuangmei, do you have someone in your heart? You are already of age, you can consider marriage..."
Xiao Shuang was startled, then smiled and replied, "If I tell you, you'll be shocked."