Unruly Phoenix Xiaoyao

Chapter 88: As long as you're happy...

"I still don't understand," Ning Xiaoyao said after sitting there, thinking for awhile. "You say that Xie Anyi only married your big sister Qin for the sake of the Qin Clan's navy. Then you say she's the only member of the Qin Clan left. So after she married into the Xie Clan, the navy became the Xie Clan's navy as well?" She never heard of a woman marrying with an entire army as her dowry.

Ji Yuerong gnashed her teeth in hatred. "The current commander of the navy is one of the Qin uncle's foster sons. With big sister Qin in the Xie Clan's hands, he doesn't dare disobey their words!"

"Scoundrels!" Ning Xiaoyao cursed.

"Xie Anyi is a bastard!" Ji Yuerong swore.

"That's right!" Ning Xiaoyao slapped the table. Old General Ji sat to one side drinking his tea. Right now, he had no desire to say a word.

Ji Yuerong looked at Ning Xiaoyao and said, "Your Majesty, will your help my big sister Qin?"

"I'll help," Ning Xiaoyao decided right then and there.

The pleasant surprise had come so suddenly, and without any warning, that Miss Ji found herself hardly able to believe it. For the sake of her big sister Qin, Chief Commander Qin Xuan[1. Qin Xuan (秦轩) - Qin is a surname (and yes, it's the same Qin in Duke of Qin from ). Xuan means "high, lofty," it also used to refer to a high-fronted, curtained carriage or a window/door.] had submitted a written petition to the late emperor five times. However, Emperor Yuanzong ignored him the first four times before denouncing him for the fifth. Even the qingliu--the clear stream faction of scholars who prided themselves on staying aloof from politics--had said that it was only right for a married woman to look after her husband and his children. How could anyone ask them to annul their relationship when the husband had done no wrong? A single sentence like that blocked off all exits for the young Miss of the Qin Clan.

But now, Ji Yuerong thought as she looked at Ning Xiaoyao with tear-filled eyes, Now this little emperor says he'll help?

"Sounds like you're on really good terms with this big sister from the Qin clan," Ning Xiaoyao said as she poured Ji Yuerong a cup of tea.

"This soldier's known her since childhood," Ji Yuerong replied.

Ning Xiaoyao nodded. Those two must be best friends.

"Your Majesty's really going to help that gal from the Qin Clan?" Ji Jiu asked.

"I'm helping. Why wouldn't I?" Ning Xiaoyao replied. "Xie Anyi, that jerk. He didn't marry that girl, he kidnapped her and held her hostage!"

Because of Lou Zigui, Ji Yuerong had a bad impression of Ning Xiaoyao before she even met her. But with that single sentence, Ji Yuerong found herself willing to defend the borders and open up new frontiers all for his sake, as a subject should do. Ji Jiu found himself anticipating Ning Xiaoyao's deeds as well. Still, the old general didn't say much. Actions spoke louder than words, so he wanted to see just how His Majesty would keep his word.

Their dishes arrived then, so Ning Xiaoyao used the duration of their meal to learn all about the Qin Clan girl, A'Xin[2. A'Xin (阿欣) - a nickname in which Xin means "happiness."] and other information on the Xie Clan wives. Ning Xiaoyao even found out that Xie Anyi had never stepped foot into Miss Qin's rooms after they were married. (Author: Imagine how the old general must have felt, listening to those two talk. 囧)

"No problem," Ning Xiaoyao guaranteed to Ji Yuerong. "I'll make sure Miss Qin finds a good man."

Ji Yuerong shook her head. "How could big sister Qin marry anyone else now?" Even if she left him, her namesake would be ruined. Who would want her then?