Chapter 675: Chapter 675 You Shouldn’t Have Come Today
Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao were chatting and laughing when suddenly a burst of footsteps were heard. However, the two remained seated without moving, leisurely sipping their tea.
Han An took a secluded path, walking a long detour before finally arriving at the National Master Hall.
As before, there were few people inside the National Master Hall, only a few palace maids serving. Therefore, finding Zhong Niangyao without encountering others was not a difficult task.
Upon reaching the garden, she saw Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao drinking tea in the pavilion.
Today, she had many matters to discuss with Zhong Niangyao. Yet, now that she saw Nianyao, she couldn’t bring herself to step forward.
She knew that the people in the pavilion must have seen her. Yet, they did not speak; it was as if they didn’t even see her standing there.
Taking a deep breath, Han An stepped forward and softly called out, “Master.”
Zhong Niangyao slowly turned around, her tone devoid of any warmth, “I remember telling you last time not to call me Master anymore; I am not your Master. Our master-disciple bond has long been severed.”
“Master, I—”
Seeing Zhong Niangyao’s indifferent gaze, Han An changed her address, “State Preceptor, can we have a private word?”
She didn’t know who the man with her master was, but their intimate behavior revealed that their relationship was not simple. Nevertheless, the words she intended to discuss with her master were confidential and unsuitable for others to hear.
“Oh, I don’t really think there’s anything we need to talk about.” Zhong Niangyao lazily smiled, “We have no relationship whatsoever, and there’s no need to talk either.”
“State Preceptor, I’m begging you, I just need a little time, it won’t take long,” Han An pleaded with a desperate look, “Just allow me a few moments to speak, then I’ll leave.”
Zhong Niangyao lifted her gaze, looking steadily at Han An and speaking earnestly, “Han An, you shouldn’t have come today.”
As soon as she heard this, Han An knew that Zhong Niangyao must have guessed why she had come. She knew she should leave immediately; staying might offer no help at all.
Although she knew this, she couldn’t bring herself to leave. If she missed today’s opportunity, there might never be another.
The position of Crown Prince was about to be decided. If she really wanted to ask for Zhong Niangyao’s help, it had to be now.
Thinking this, Han An took a deep breath, then slowly walked towards Zhong Niangyao.
When she reached Zhong Niangyao, she knelt down and began earnestly, “Master, I know I wronged you in the past. However, all that has nothing to do with the Prince. Whatever punishment you deem fit, I will accept gladly.”
“But, please, Master, help the Prince! If he can secure the position of the Crown Prince, he will surely strive his best for the welfare of Lai Country’s citizens.”
After hearing Han An’s words, Zhong Niangyao couldn’t help but laugh out loud, then she spoke with sarcasm, “Han An, you’ve been married to Prince Yu for over a decade now, how come you still don’t understand the kind of person the man beside you in bed really is?”
Regarding Han An’s continued use of “Master,” she had long since grown too lazy to correct it. No matter what Han An called her, it didn’t matter anymore, as she no longer considered Han An her disciple.
“Master,” Han An urgently spoke, “I know you dislike the Prince. Yet, he truly has the heart of a benevolent leader. If he assumes the highest position, he can do so much more for the millions in Lai Country.”
“Ignorant, foolish,” Zhong Niangyao coldly began, “Han An, you’re truly naive. Don’t think that Nolan Chenyu still loves you! Reflect on how he has treated you over these ten years I’ve been gone. Do you really believe that Nolan Chenyu loves you?”
These words made Han An’s face fall, yet she still insisted on kneeling and speaking, “Master, I know you dislike the Prince, but he has always treated me well. Even if just this once, I would make the same choice again.”
Seeing Han An’s delusional demeanor, Zhong Niangyao lost patience and frowned, “Since you don’t regret your decision, then why did you show up here today?”
Han An’s heart skipped a beat, her lips turning slightly pale, “Master, I believe in the Prince, he can definitely become an Emperor remembered in history. Just give him this chance, and he can certainly make great achievements.”
“This doesn’t concern me,” Zhong Niangyao spoke coldly, “I don’t care what kind of person he is. However, if he was really so confident in himself, you wouldn’t be here today.”
Instantly, Han An’s face turned pale, and she looked as though she had received a great blow, “Master, I…I…”
“What? Can’t even say it yourself?” Zhong Niangyao looked down disdainfully at Han An still kneeling, “I’m well aware of your purpose today. I can also tell you clearly now, Nolan Chenyu will definitely not be the next ruler of Lai Country.”
“Why?” Han An’s voice was hoarse with emotion, “The Prince has been diligent and earnest all these years, completing every task given by the Emperor. Whenever there has been a disaster, he has both given money and personally assisted those affected.”
“Why can’t such a benevolent man become the next ruler?”
“I don’t need to provide you with reasons,” Zhong Niangyao shook her head coldly, “Just remember, Nolan Chenyu will not become the next ruler. That’s the final outcome and that’s enough.”
“That’s not fair,” Han An’s eyes turned red, her gaze filled with defiance as she looked at Zhong Niangyao, “Master, you don’t truly understand the Prince. What right do you have to dismiss him from contention with just a few words?”
Listening to Han An’s accusations, Zhong Niangyao found it amusing, “You ask by what right? Well, I’m telling you now, it’s because I am the State Preceptor, and because the Emperor himself has entrusted this power to me.”