Chapter 184: Chapter 184

Downstairs, the melodious singing continued.

"Ballad of Peace": Praising a world of tranquility...

This was originally a piece composed during the previous dynasty to honor the renowned Chancellor Fang Qing.

Yet the version they heard now was subtly different. While the melody remained largely unchanged, the lyrics had been completely altered.

Of course, it still praised the current chancellor - only now, the subject had shifted from Chancellor Fang of the previous dynasty to Chu Zi'an.

Even the listed achievements were all accomplishments she had genuinely made.

One had to admit the mastermind behind this had put considerable thought into it.

At first glance, the song appeared to be ordinary flattery, but upon closer listening, it carried deeper implications.

The composer had deliberately attributed all current prosperity and the people's wellbeing entirely to An Ning herself.

Some had even secretly built shrines in her honor.

Any ruler with a petty disposition would have found it hard to tolerate such a beloved official.

"These people are quite ingenious!"

Sipping her tea, An Ning wasn't particularly surprised by this development.

Given the neighboring kingdom's growing ambitions, it would be stranger if they didn't employ such tactics. However...

Her gaze lowered as she observed the bustling opera troupe below. "If I recall correctly, the Qiu Troupe are veteran performers from Qi region. Last year, the troupe leader's grandson passed the imperial examinations. By all logic, they shouldn't have reason to collude with enemies."

Nor any motive to target her.

Xie Heng's fox-like eyes narrowed as he also watched the performance below. "Which makes their approach all the more insidious, doesn't it?"

Ordinary citizens wouldn't understand the implications. Their genuine admiration for Chancellor An would make them spread such praises enthusiastically. To them, this was simply how their beloved chancellor should be honored.

This very reason had allowed the song to gain considerable popularity before even Xie Heng's sharp instincts and control over Qi region could detect the problem.

Suppressing it now would only raise unnecessary suspicion.

"Then why has Chancellor Xie brought this to my attention today?"

An Ning looked at him curiously.

Was this a warning to prepare defenses?

Meeting her questioning gaze, Xie Heng smiled faintly, though his expression grew more serious:

"Zi'an, someone of your intellect should understand. The method itself matters less than what its employment signifies - that our opponents are utterly determined to claim you."

Or more accurately, determined to eliminate you...

His eyes darkened with concern as they rested on her slender shoulders.

Understanding his implication, An Ning: "..."

She couldn't help but find this amusing. Her gaze swept over Xie Heng's equally lean frame before she coughed lightly.

"Ahem, Chancellor Xie needn't worry. Though I may not excel in much, self-preservation is within my capabilities."

"Though I must say, Chancellor Xie's relationship with His Majesty since childhood is truly remarkable..."

This level of trust... An Ning mused.

He genuinely didn't fear arousing imperial suspicion! While his reputation might not match hers currently, their actual authority was practically equal.

Something about her tone felt off. His narrow fox eyes squinted further at her faintly smiling expression.

Truthfully, Xie Heng had guessed correctly about one thing - the very next day after Emperor Xiao Qi learned of this matter, several highly skilled guards appeared by An Ning's side.

Furthermore, after a routine council meeting, she was unexpectedly detained.

In the imperial study, Emperor Xiao Qi's usually handsome face wore an uncharacteristically solemn expression:

"Zi'an, we've known each other for years. Do you truly believe me to be such a tyrannical, jealous ruler who fears capable subjects?"

She hadn't done anything yet!

Before she could react, he continued: "Zi'an, you know my character. Forcing yourself to remain solitary all these years due to such baseless concerns is hardly advisable."

Noon sunlight streamed into the deathly quiet study.

Listening numbly to this earnest advice, An Ning found even her usually eloquent tongue tied.

Who would have thought even ancient times weren't safe from superiors pressuring subordinates about marriage? Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile: "Your Majesty overestimates my concerns. I simply prefer my current unconstrained lifestyle..."

"Besides, if memory serves, Brother Xie is two years my senior."

Apologies, Brother Xie. Better you than me. A twinge of guilt surfaced as she thought of him.

To her surprise, the emperor's expression turned peculiar - a mix of speechlessness and sudden understanding.

Perhaps those of extraordinary intellect were all .

Like Zi Gu. Like Zi'an before him.

After a long silence, Emperor Xiao Qi sighed deeply, gazing at her increasingly distinguished features: "Very well, I shan't press further."

"But should you ever find someone, regardless of their status, I shall personally arrange your marriage immediately."

How... generous of you.

Exiting the palace, even An Ning couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"Who knew this emperor would be so broad-minded!"

Recalling the scene, the system remarked admiringly.

"No wonder you chose to be forthright, Host. A pettier ruler might have flown into a rage just hearing that song!"

Flipping lazily through a chess manual, An Ning agreed: "Truthfully, with powerful enemies surrounding us, any emperor lacking absolute authority tends to be remarkably 'magnanimous' toward officials."

As for later... who could say?

But his character did seem commendable. She recalled Xie Heng's words: "Zi'an, do you know what convinced me to serve His Majesty?"

"During our academy days, apart from martial training, His Majesty consistently ranked below me in all subjects. Yet never once did he resent me for it. Instead, he urged me not to let his limitations hinder my future prospects..."

One had to admit, any ruler who could win over a cunning fox like Xie Heng during his weakest days must possess remarkable qualities.

Still... remembering the emperor's strange expression earlier, curiosity gnawed at her.

Just what had that old fox Xie said before?

Before she could inquire, envoys from neighboring Great Liang arrived the next day - bearing news that Emperor Xiao Qi's father, the current Liang Emperor Hui, had fallen critically ill.