Pheonix Ascending(PA)

Chapters 82-102

Chapter 82: Promise

Jun Huang nodded with a smile. “I’ll be sure to attend the celebration in person. I didn’t seek you out for help this time because of the circumstances we’re in. I’d like to make amends to you.”

Her explanation didn’t make him feel particularly happy, but the fact that Jun Huang was willing to show up was enough to brighten his mood. He put aside his negative feelings.

Nan Xun, however, frowned deeply. He looked at Jun Huang with disapproval in his eyes. Jun Huang knew what he was thinking. She, however, had promised Qi Yun. She would not break that promise.

Qi Yun was a rational person. Once his excitement faded, he looked at Jun Huang pensively and said, “Your true… you don’t want too many people to know about your existence, do you? That’s why you want to be nothing but a strategist. If you go to the celebration, you may be noticed by people with ulterior motives. They may try to find out more about you.”

Qi Yun kept his words ambiguous because he didn’t know that Nan Xun already knew about Jun Huang’s identity. He thought that Nan Xun was protective of her only because he considered Jun Huang a friend. Besides, Jun Huang was a great asset. Many were trying to win her support. Even though Nan Xun did not interfere with matters of the court, he might still want to befriend one or two strategists.

Nan Xun could tell what Qi Yun was trying to do. He snorted and didn’t correct Qi Yun’s misunderstanding. He continued to drink. Hard liquor was potent, but it wasn’t easy to get drunk on. The mild Nu’er hong, on the other hand, could get one drunk in no time.

Jun Huang shook her head and remained silent. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She would have to cross the bridge when she got to it. She was known as Qi Chen’s strategist for the time being. Perhaps she would have to use Qi Chen as her cover.

Little Girl finally decided to step in when the three of them were close to getting drunk. She walked up to them and said gently, “Please stop drinking, gentlemen. The sun has not set yet. You shouldn’t drink too much. If the gentlemen still crave alcohol, you should drink in your own manor at night.”

Jun Huang looked back at Little Girl, then at her own wine cup. It was empty. Qi Yun shook the wine jug and found it empty as well. They smiled awkwardly. To think that one day they would be scolded by someone so young.

Nan Xun put down his cup. He had high tolerance for alcohol and therefore didn’t appear to be drunk at all. Qi Yun, on the other hand, didn’t dare to drink in the palace without any special occasions. He almost never drank except for the small amount of wine he had occasionally when he met up with friends. He was now totally drunk, his face flushed and his eyes unfocused.

Jun Huang sighed. If she wanted Qi Yun to leave a good impression on the emperor, she must not let him go back to the palace in this state. She wondered what she should do. Should she prepare a room for him? He could leave after he was sober.

“Prepare the room in the east wing, Little Girl. Later – ”

“There’s no need for that,” Nan Xun cut her off. “I’ll take him back to my manor. You still have a lot to do since you’ve just moved in. Besides, it’s inappropriate for a drunk man to stay at your place.”

Jun Huang blinked. She coughed and ordered Little Girl to prepare a coach. Little Girl nodded before walking out. There were now only the relatively sober Jun Huang and Nan Xun accompanying Qi Yun, who was so drunk he could barely sit up straight.

“Huang’er… I’m here for you. Don’t… Don’t be scared…” Qi Yun said in his dream, his entire body slumping over a table. Jun Huang and Nan Xun both heard his words clearly.