Chapter 102: Sun Ce Grows Anxious

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Qiao Feng knew that all the previous actions and words had merely been a prelude; the key to success or failure lay in what she was about to say next. Although she had rehearsed countless times and understood that no matter how perfectly she spoke, the outcome ultimately depended on Lady Mi's thoughts. Moreover, Liu Xie had reassured her repeatedly that even if things failed, he would not blame her. Still, her palms were drenched in sweat.

“If Your Imperial Highness minds this matter, then no matter what methods Lady Mi employs, returning to his side will bear no good result. If that is the case, wouldn’t it be better to remain here in this palace and be sisters with me, living half a carefree lifetime?”

Such words were nearly impossible to utter from a woman’s lips in this era, yet now, surprisingly, they came from the mouth of an emperor’s consort. This struck Lady Mi with considerable shock.

The phrase “half a carefree lifetime” rang in Lady Mi’s heart like the tolling of morning and evening bells, making it pound wildly. That brief sentence had drained much of Qiao Feng’s spirit. After speaking, she looked at the astonished Lady Mi without further words, silently awaiting her decision.

Qiao Feng knew her approach was simple: she had presented Lady Mi with a possibility she had never before considered. How Lady Mi would choose was beyond her control.

A few days earlier, Qiao Feng had asked Liu Xie whether, if Lady Mi refused to stay and was determined to seek Liu Bei, they should forcibly detain her. Liu Xie had opposed such an idea.

According to Liu Xie, with what they currently controlled, no uncontrollable situations could be allowed. Forcibly keeping Lady Mi would create just such a situation. Should the matter leak, not only would Liu Bei’s plans fail, but even the situation in Jiangdong would become unmanageable.

Qiao Feng recalled clearly when she asked Liu Xie when they could stop acting so cautiously and secretly. Liu Xie’s answer was: when we ourselves feel ready.

This made Qiao Feng understand that many things had to be fought for personally. Liu Xie had been doing just that, from a puppet with no chance to enjoying some freedom now. The hardships involved were unimaginable to her.

However, in Liu Xie’s words, the toughest times were behind them. From now on, every day could only get better.

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Liu Xie’s attitude had greatly bolstered Qiao Feng’s confidence.

Lady Mi looked at Qiao Feng and saw confidence and sincerity on her face. During this time, she had seen none of these from Lady Gan or Guan Yu. As for Liu Bei, she had long since lost hope, only clinging to the title of Liu Bei’s consort, longing to return to his side.

“If I were not in Xiangyang, how sure do you think Your Imperial Highness would be to come find me?”

The two stared at each other for the length of an incense stick, during which Lady Mi’s heart was a storm of emotion. Her question revealed a subtle shift in her resolve, which Qiao Feng keenly perceived.

“I do not know Liu Huangshi well, but there is at least a fifty percent chance he would come to bring you back.”

Qiao Feng’s words were quite honest. And in Lady Mi’s heart, as a woman, remaining long in this palace could only bring harm. On that account alone, Qiao Feng’s sincerity was clear.

“Allow me to think on it. Within five days, I will give you an answer. I shall not make things difficult for you.”

Qiao Feng nodded, holding Lady Mi’s hand briefly, then escorted her back to her chambers before departing.

Throughout, she had given Lady Mi no cause for suspicion.

Leaving Lady Mi’s chambers, Qiao Feng returned directly to Liu Xie’s sleeping quarters.

“Well? Did she not decide immediately?”

Seeing the confident smile on Liu Xie’s face, Qiao Feng could only nod helplessly. This was not the first time Liu Xie had predicted this outcome; he had told her even before she set out.

Qiao Feng had once boldly wagered with Liu Xie—and, as usual, was soundly defeated. Like every night, Liu Xie would merely retch, while Qiao Feng was left immobilized.

“No matter. This is her normal reaction. She had long prepared to return to Liu Bei’s side. Suddenly encountering such a change, she needs time to adjust. Rest assured, in two or three days there will be a result. Remember, Lady Gan stays with her.”

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Liu Xie’s words left Qiao Feng somewhat puzzled, but she did not press for details, instead trying to sort it out herself.

“Enough, you’ve done well. The final result is beyond either of us. We should rest. If we rush too much these days, we might get ourselves into trouble! Oh, and since you have no ‘trouble’ yourself, it’s not a problem for you.”

Qiao Feng, clever as she was, understood exactly what Liu Xie referred to by “trouble.” Blushing, she shot him a glare but moved even closer to him…

For two days, Liu Xie, Qiao Feng, and Fu Shou had been enjoying themselves in the sleeping quarters, but Liu Xie and Qiao Feng’s focus remained on Lady Mi.

Sun Ce was also watching Guan Yu closely.

Though he had openly allowed Guan Yu to go to Xiangyang to find Liu Bei, he still held onto a sliver of hope.

Previously, Liu Xie had said he would do his utmost to win over Guan Yu. Though Liu Xie made no guarantees, somehow Sun Ce had considerable faith in him.

With only one day left before Guan Yu’s departure, Sun Ce could no longer wait. He summoned Zhou Yu to inquire at Liu Xie’s palace whether there was still any chance.

Reluctantly, Zhou Yu made the trip to Liu Xie’s palace more times than he could count, and after some announcements, finally met Liu Xie in a side hall.

“Gongjin, you have come…”

“Your Majesty! Bo Fu is eager for talented men. Guan Yu has stayed here so long, and tomorrow he leaves for Xiangyang. Bo Fu wishes to ask, does Jiangdong still have any chance of winning Guan Yu’s service?”