Chapter 443 - 303 Acting on Orders

Li Nuo mentioned the name "Phoenix" and noticed Anning was stunned.

Jiaren paused slightly in her bed-making.

This also left him bewildered.

So... had he spoken incorrectly?

But they both knew her well; it wouldn't be strange to interact with Phoenix, so who else could it be?

It couldn't possibly be Yiren, could it?

Li Nuo suddenly realized something and looked again at Anning and Jiaren.

No way, were they talking about Yiren?

He looked at Anning and said, "Hear me out..."

A moment later.

Li Nuo walked out of the room, and the door slammed shut behind him.

He looked up at the star-filled sky, feeling very wronged.

They spoke in riddles rather than being clear, Phoenix and Yiren—it was obvious that their relationship with Phoenix was better, anyone would think of Phoenix first, how could he be blamed?

Li Nuo sighed and was about to settle for a night in the study when he saw a figure moving under the moonlight by the lake not far away.

He walked over and found Yiren practicing.

Perhaps due to strict demands from a young age, Yiren was more diligent in her practice than Jiaren.

Previously, due to the cultivation method, Jiaren was somewhat stronger than her.

But now, she was nearly catching up.

Li Nuo approached and asked, "Aren't you sleeping yet?"

Yiren looked back at him and said, "I'm not tired yet, I'll practice a bit more, why aren't you asleep?"

Saying he was kicked out to reflect would be rather embarrassing, so Li Nuo sat on a stone bench by the lake and said, "I'm not sleepy either, just taking a walk and saw you here…"

Yiren continued her sword practice, and Li Nuo watched from the side.

He needed to get used to being alone with Yiren, as for the next half a year, in a distant foreign land, it would be just the two of them relying on each other.

Song Yiren glanced back at Li Nuo and continued her sword practice.

Actually, she had initially planned to rest after another round of practice...

But now, she changed her mind.

Li Nuo stayed and practiced with Yiren until very late before returning to his room to rest, waking up slightly later the next day.

Due to diplomatic duties in Zhao Country after the New Year, they had to leave Chang'an before the 15th day of the first month, and since most officials would be gone for two years, the court compassionately granted them an extended leave.

Ever since Li Nuo started his civil service, they had been given frequent long holidays.

After washing up and stepping out of his room, he saw Yiren practicing again.

Her dedication impressed Li Nuo greatly, and he approached and asked, "Where are they?"

Song Yiren did not stop her movements and said, "They went shopping."

It seemed that last night's incident hadn't affected their relationship with Phoenix.

Li Nuo asked, "Why didn't you go?"

Yiren glanced at him and said, "If I don't practice diligently, how can I protect you?"

Li Nuo said nothing, silently practicing near her while pondering Anning's words from last night.

She hadn't meant Phoenix; it had to be Yiren. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Anning meant that a marriage arranged by heaven was the strongest, and since it was all predestined, even if he was to be with Yiren, she would not object.

Jiaren's attitude at the time clearly concurred.

If the two women of the house had no objections, then the only obstacle was the lady mother-in-law.

Lady Mother-in-law's attitude toward him had undoubtedly changed dramatically since the beginning.

But in marrying her two daughters, he wondered if she would agree.

After completing another round of Yuqing Swordsmanship, Song Yiren walked over to Li Nuo and asked curiously, "What are you thinking about?"

He had been staring blankly with his sword in hand for quite a while.

Li Nuo came back to his senses and said, "The New Year's Eve is coming up in a few days, do you want to spend it at Song Residence or Li Mansion?"

Song Yiren was slightly taken aback; she really hadn't considered this question.

Every previous New Year's Eve had been spent with her mother, without anything special.

Logically, this year she should spend it at Song Residence.

After all, she wasn't part of Li Family, what reason would there be to celebrate the New Year at someone else's house?

But what did his question imply?

Did he want her to be at Li Family?

After a moment's silence, Yiren spoke softly, "I—I need to ask my mother..."

After Jiaren became pregnant, Su Qing would visit Ningxin Garden every day.

Seeing Yiren approaching with a look that seemed to say she had something to express but hesitating to do so, she took the initiative and asked, "What's the matter?"

Song Yiren stumbled over her words for a long while before finally asking, "Should I go back to the Song Residence for the New Year's Eve?"

Knowing her daughter better than anyone else, Su Qing glanced at her but didn't provide a definitive answer, simply stating, "You have grown up now; you should make your own decisions. You can spend the New Year wherever you wish, marry whoever you want to marry—as long as you are willing, nobody else has a say..."

Song Yiren was somewhat surprised; her mother used to want to control everything about her but seemed increasingly indulgent now.

Adjusting to this was difficult for her.

Also, what did she mean by marrying anyone she wished to?

Compelled by some unknown force, she asked, "What if the person I want to marry is already married?"

She had braced for her mother's anger.

Unexpectedly, Su Qing's expression remained unchanged as she replied indifferently, "That too would be your own choice, as long as you don't regret it."

Moments later, Song Yiren left in a daze.

Her mother's attitude was completely beyond her expectations, leading her to wonder if she was hinting at something...

By the lake, Li Nuo was practicing. Being unable to become a Law Practitioner didn't bother him much, for practicing the Martial Path was also beneficial, albeit slower—it noticeably improved his physical health.

A figure approached from a distance, glanced at Li Nuo, and said, "Come with me."

As soon as she finished speaking, she lightly tapped her foot and flew across the lake, landing on Lake Heart Pavilion.

Li Nuo, however, had to walk along the lake's corridor.

Each family in each realm had different abilities. Though Legalism in the Fourth Realm possessed greater combat strength than a Martial Artist of the same realm, they could not fly about like Fourth Realm Martial Artists.

He reached Lake Heart Pavilion and said, "Lady Mother-in-law."

Su Qing turned around to face him and asked straightforwardly, "I won't beat around the bush with you. What exactly are your feelings towards Yiren?"

"Uh?"

"What 'uh'? Do you like Yiren or not?"

...

She truly wasn't beating around the bush, not even giving Li Nuo a moment to prepare.

But, he didn't really need any preparation.

Li Nuo nodded his head.

Phoenix was right—aside from Yiren's loyalty and affection, the mere fact that she resembled Jiaren made it impossible for him to remain indifferent and watch her marry someone else.

Regardless of whether Lady Mother-in-law agreed, that was the truth.

Upon hearing his response, Su Qing did not get angry. Instead, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I admit, the root of the problem lies with me. If I hadn't taken Yiren away back then, things wouldn't have turned out this way…"

Li Nuo looked at her in slight astonishment.

Su Qing continued, "Everyone can see that Yiren likes you, and you two should have been husband and wife. I hope you can make Yiren happy but also not hurt Jiaren. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Li Nuo nodded and replied, "I understand."

His wife had already implied, or rather clearly indicated.

Now, Lady Mother-in-law presented no obstacles either.

All his concerns had been resolved.

Su Qing looked at Li Nuo, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "This trip to Zhao Country is a chance I've managed to create for you both. I hope you seize it well and don't disappoint me..."

As he left Lake Heart Pavilion, Li Nuo was still somewhat dazed.

Was this an assignment?

He admitted that his previous attitude towards Lady Mother-in-law had been somewhat poor...

After Su Qing left, Song Yiren quickly ran up to Li Nuo, curiously asking, "What did my mother just say to you?"

Of course, those weren't words he could share with Yiren.

Knowing her personality, it might backfire.

Li Nuo shook his head and replied, "Nothing."

The more he said that, the more curious Song Yiren became.

She glared at Li Nuo and demanded, "Tell me now!"

Li Nuo answered, "Really, it's nothing."

"Speak up, or I won't be nice anymore!"

"Let's see, how will you be not nice?"

...

Song Jiaren, Li Anning, and Phoenix walked into Ningxin Garden and, from a distance, saw Li Nuo being pinned against a tree by Song Yiren by the lake. From their angle, it appeared as if he were being forced into a kiss by Yiren...

Phoenix wore a look of astonishment, while Li Anning and Song Jiaren exchanged glances. Beyond the surprise, there was a sense of finally settling a concern.

However, this seemed too quick...

[ps: Moving into a new plot section, taking a chapter break to organize my thoughts and outline.]

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