The atmosphere remained silent. Du Heng was no fool. He took out the military tally he had prepared long ago and placed it on the table.
"Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been stable, and there has been no war on the border. As a general for so long, I've never had a chance to show my mettle. I'm really ashamed. It's inappropriate for me to hold this military tally. It's better to hand it over to Your Majesty. I'm sure Your Majesty will make proper arrangements."
Sure enough, when the King of the Western Region saw the military tally, his eyes changed.
But he still maintained the surface politeness.
"It's all right. Concubine Ning has been in the harem for so many years. Even if she has no great achievements, she has at least put in efforts. She has helped me deal with many disloyal people and assisted the princess in managing the harem. I've always remembered this. You don't need to use such a precious thing. The peace on the border is only superficial."
Hearing this, Du Heng pushed the thing on the table a bit closer.
"Your Majesty, please accept it. I've been tired after so many years on the border. I'm fed up with that war - torn place and have seen enough of the soldiers' life and death. Your Majesty should send more capable people there."
Seeing that he repeatedly refused, the King of the Western Region had no choice but to accept the military tally.
"Then I'll make you a vassal king. You've made countless contributions over the years, and I've always remembered that. Although Concubine Ning has made a grave mistake, I can give her another chance. But such a chance won't come again. Du Heng, you should know what to do."
His ambiguous words only made Du Heng feel mocked.
He had fought countless battles for the Western Region and finally made a name for himself in that cruel place. But now he was back to square one. No, perhaps it was even worse. It was clearly a promotion in name but a demotion in reality. The King of the Western Region obviously wanted to take back his military power.
However, he had long seen through things beyond life. Even at this moment, he didn't even blink an eye, looking completely indifferent.
"Your Majesty, I'll take my leave first."
"Go. You can also go to the harem to see your younger sister. She must be feeling bad this time. As the monarch, I must be fair and just."
"Yes."
Du Heng stepped into the familiar place again. Looking at the person sitting at the table, trembling, he felt a pang of heartache.
"Since life in the palace has been so hard for you, why don't you go back with me?"
Concubine Ning came to her senses. Seeing her elder brother, she felt as if she had seen hope.
"Brother, you know I would never do such things. I was framed."
Du Heng sighed and waved his hand. All the palace servants retreated.
He patted his younger sister's hand. "Of course, I know you wouldn't do such things, and I know Concubine Rui's fainting has nothing to do with you. But little sister, you should know what kind of place this is. This isn't your first time in the harem. You know those people's tricks. Since you've fallen this time, you must learn your lesson."
Concubine Ning didn't miss the momentary awkwardness in her elder brother's eyes. Although she was easily exploited on weekdays, she wasn't a fool. She knew that if her elder brother really wanted to help her escape punishment, he must have paid a great price.
As she thought about it, her expression became tense.
"Brother, did you exchange something with the King? No, you're the eldest son that father is proud of. There are so many people watching outside. You mustn't make any mistakes."
Du Heng didn't take these things to heart at all.
"You're the little sister I've watched grow up. As long as you're safe, it's fine. As for what I've handed over, it's not necessarily a bad thing. It seems that there's going to be a change in the Western Region. You've been confined these days. Just stay in your palace and reflect. It's best not to go anywhere. Do you understand?"
He was the one who knew the situation in the Western Region best. Generally, if he said something was going to happen, it would surely come true.
Seeing this, Concubine Ning became even more nervous.
"Will the things happening outside have anything to do with me?"
"No. You're just a favor that the King is happy to grant. Think it through. You just need to take care of yourself."
...
The chat between the two siblings ended soon. Du Heng didn't return to his mansion immediately but turned in another direction.
"General, this isn't a place you should come to."
Looking at the people blocking his way, Du Heng exuded a powerful aura. These people who had been staying in the harem all year round had never seen such a situation. The two guards at the door couldn't bear it immediately. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads. But no matter what, they still stood there, not moving an inch.
"Go and inform your mistress. I have something to see Concubine Rui."
The two looked at each other. The King of the Western Region had specifically instructed that no one should be allowed to disturb Concubine Rui's recuperation.
Just as they were hesitating, a voice suddenly came from the bedroom.
"The mistress said to let the general in."
Since they had already received their mistress's permission, the two at the door stepped aside.
Du Heng walked in and smelled a delicate fragrance. He had smelled this fragrance on the King of the Western Region as well.
It seemed that the rumors outside were true.
"I pay my respects to Your Highness."
"Get up. Why did the general suddenly think of coming to my place? Don't you know that everyone is avoiding this place now, afraid of being implicated?"
Du Heng smiled calmly, seemingly unaffected by these words.
"There are so many rumors outside that I don't know which one to believe. I came to see Your Highness rashly today mainly because of my younger sister's matter."
"Your younger sister? General, please forgive me. I'm new here and don't know the power relationships here yet."
She knew it well but just wanted to test what this person really wanted.
But Du Heng was really calm.
"Concubine Ning is my younger sister. I'm here to apologize today. My younger sister was naive before and offended Your Highness. Please forgive her."
"Oh, so it's about this. I was just thinking that I haven't offended anyone recently. But what surprises me is that the general and your younger sister have such different personalities."
She stared at the person kneeling on the ground and didn't say for him to get up.
Du Heng knelt there steadily without haste.
He had endured so much hardship in the past, and this was nothing to him.
"My younger sister has been pampered by our parents since childhood. Over the years, she has developed a willful and arrogant personality. Your Highness showed mercy. I should even thank you."
His words really surprised Concubine Rui. Yes, from the very beginning, she just wanted to teach that young lady a lesson. Even the King of the Western Region hadn't noticed this, but he had.
It seemed that the saying was true. The rumors outside were half - true and half - false and couldn't be fully believed.
This general who had been staying on the border all year round actually knew everything clearly.