Ning Chen looked at Tantai Qingyue. "What, you still want to keep talking peace? Did this prince not make himself clear enough just now?"

Tantai Qingyue shook her head with a wry smile. "I said before we came that these talks would not succeed."

Ning Chen's voice was low. "And you came anyway."

Tantai Qingyue said, "I came only for the people of Xiliang.

Ning Chen, the ones who made the decisions were the Xiliang royal house. The terrible mistake was theirs, and it has nothing to do with the people... I beg you to show mercy and leave the people of Xiliang a way to live."

Ning Chen narrowed his eyes at her. "What makes you think I'd agree to that?"

Tantai Qingyue sighed. "Of course I cannot sway your decision... But as long as there is a shred of hope, I will do everything I can to find the people of Xiliang a way to survive."

Ning Chen looked at her. "Sounds like your time back in Xiliang hasn't been easy?"

Tantai Qingyue said softly, "The truth is, I miss the days I spent at your side."

Ning Chen smiled. "Do you miss those days, or do you miss me?"

Tantai Qingyue shook her head. "I do not know! Perhaps both. I am not sure myself.

You were right. Apart from my gift for the martial arts, I am slow in everything else... To this day, I have not learned how to truly love someone.

But I know what I should be doing now."

Ning Chen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you think you should be doing now?"

Tantai Qingyue looked at him, and her expression turned serious. "Xiliang cannot let fools hold power any longer. If things go on like this, Xiliang will be destroyed sooner or later.

So I am going to become the woman emperor of Xiliang.

Ning Chen, I need your help."

Ning Chen said coolly, "How am I supposed to help you? And why should I? What do I get out of it?"

Tantai Qingyue walked slowly up to him and…