The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 221: Ye Siheng’s Authority

Chapter 221: Ye Siheng’s Authority

Seeing that Xie Beihan wasn’t completely clueless, Ye Siheng’s expression softened slightly. "It’s good that you understand. You spend all day studying Daoist techniques, ignoring other responsibilities. As the eldest son of Marquis Zhenbei, do you plan to continue like this forever? Once Marquis Zhenbei passes, the Marquisate is bound to decline."

Marquis Zhenbei originally intended for Xie Beihan to learn some Daoist techniques for self-defense. However, he never anticipated that his son would become so obsessed, to the point of refusing to enter officialdom. Out of options, they sought Ye Siheng’s help.

"I work hard, and in the future, I can shine with my Daoist skills," Xie Beihan protested. "Isn’t the Ninth Princess the same?"

"If you had the talent, I wouldn’t stop you. But right now, you can’t even handle a little ghost and get played by it. How do you expect to shine? You’d better choose another path sooner rather than later," Ye Siheng advised.

Xie Beihan hung his head. Although he was only a few years younger than Ye Siheng, he couldn’t refute his words or muster the courage to argue.

"Ninth Prince, maybe I can try a bit longer..."

However, seeing Ye Siheng’s changing expression, Xie Beihan quickly corrected himself, "Alright, alright. I will serve the Ninth Prince and the court with all my might, no matter the cost!"

Ye Siheng’s face softened slightly. "You’d better do a good job and not disappoint the Empress and your father."

Xie Beihan left Prince Yu Mansion feeling downcast.

Due to the presence of the little ghost, a chilling wind swept through the flower hall.

Ye Siheng glanced at Little Xuan, propping his chin with one hand. "Come, let me play with you."

Seeing the oppressive aura emanating from Ye Siheng, Little Xuan quickly shook his head, nearly dislodging his small head in the process. He didn’t want to play with someone so frightening.

Raising an eyebrow, Ye Siheng remarked, "If you don’t want to play, then stay put and stop scaring people outside."

Then he ordered Qing Feng to bring in the official documents.

Little Xuan tried to slip away several times, but every time Ye Siheng lightly pressed down on the documents and let out a couple of coughs, Little Xuan froze, unable to move. Eventually, out of boredom, he began to bounce his small ball idly.

Fortunately, not long after nightfall, Nanli finished drawing the talismans and setting up the formation.

When she emerged, Xie Beihan was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ye Siheng sat there, intently reviewing documents by the candlelight. Little Xuan, looking pitifully sad and on the verge of tears, was listlessly playing with his bamboo ball.

"Are you done?" Ye Siheng asked with a smile, putting down the documents first. His brows and eyes were exceptionally handsome, always carrying a trace of gentle warmth when he looked at her.

Nanli nodded, "Yes, this little ghost had a lot of malevolent ghost energy, so the formation took some effort."

Upon hearing this, Little Xuan immediately abandoned his ball and rushed over.

He looked at Nanli eagerly, uttering just one word: "Go!"

Nanli didn’t understand at first.

Little Xuan tugged at her dress, thought for a moment, and managed to say three words: "Go reincarnate!"

Nanli was momentarily taken aback before she chuckled, "Weren’t you unwilling this morning? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Little Xuan looked aggrieved, glancing back at Ye Siheng. He didn’t want to stay here and endure further torment.

Nanli was intrigued. "What did you do to him to make him so scared and eager to reincarnate?"

"This little ghost is quite powerful. I didn’t do anything to him. Maybe he finds being a ghost boring and thinks that being human in the next life might be more interesting," Ye Siheng replied.

Little Xuan was annoyed but could only glare at Ye Siheng, unable to say much. However, as soon as Ye Siheng glanced at him, he quickly looked away in fear.

Nanli couldn’t help but laugh. Regardless, as long as the little ghost was willing to enter the formation and cleanse himself of the malevolent ghost energy, everything would be fine.

Once Nanli sent Little Xuan into the talisman formation, she finally had some free time. Recently, the court affairs had somewhat calmed down, allowing Ye Siheng to return every night to dine with her. He also discussed in detail the secret reports from Qi Nation and Border Nation.

First, Royal Heir Qi had been rarely seen in Qi Capital, seemingly engrossed in some mysterious cultivation. Second, the new ruler of Border Nation, Xuanyuan Fu, had ascended the throne. With Xuanyuan Cang paving the way, the court of Border Nation remained relatively stable.

Ye Siheng speculated, "Xuanyuan Fu is still consolidating his power as a new ruler. He will likely plan to ally with Qi Nation once his position is secure."

Nanli furrowed her brow. "War always brings suffering to the common people, gathering vengeful spirits and potentially spawning evil and malicious ghosts. Can we approach this new ruler? Xuanyuan Fu might not feel obligated to fulfill all of Xuanyuan Cang’s promises."

"If only it were that simple," Ye Siheng replied. "Border Nation is known for its witchcraft. Before Xuanyuan Cang departed, he cast a spell on Xuanyuan Fu. To stay alive, Xuanyuan Fu must adhere to his predecessor’s vows. Therefore, this war is inevitable—it’s just a matter of when."

Understanding that the conflict was unavoidable, Nanli’s mood darkened. She spoke solemnly, "Mu Nation’s forces should be able to withstand the combined armies of Qi Nation and Border Nation. But if Royal Heir Qi unleashes the black tide on the battlefield, it will be catastrophic for our troops."

"Exactly," Ye Siheng nodded. "He is currently hiding and refining his cultivation, likely preparing for this very battle."

Nanli touched the spirit pearl at her chest. It had protected her from a calamity before, but it showed no signs of recovery since. If Royal Heir Qi indeed used the black tide on the battlefield, the devastation would be immense, and she feared she wouldn’t be able to stop it.

Ye Siheng squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don’t worry too much. I’ve sent secret messages and am making arrangements in Qi Nation. If we can eliminate Royal Heir Qi, it will remove a major threat."

Royal Heir Qi had ruled Qi Nation with an iron fist, causing widespread resentment. Ye Siheng’s operatives needed only to fan the flames of rebellion to create chaos and seize the opportunity to eliminate Royal Heir Qi.

Nanli had never seen Royal Heir Qi and didn’t know what he looked like, but she had observed the stars at night. The imperial star of Qi Nation was dimming, while a new star was rising, signaling a potential shift in power.

"I’m afraid it won’t be that easy. Royal Heir Qi is a formidable opponent," she remarked.

"We must try," Ye Siheng said. "The Emperor’s health is deteriorating. If I have to go to war, the court will be in turmoil, and dealing with Royal Heir Qi will be even more challenging."

This was why he was keen on grooming reliable allies like Xie Beihan, hoping he would understand the importance of his efforts.

Nanli’s eyes reflected her worry. The battlefield was perilous, and even the most skilled warriors could not guarantee their safety. She leaned against Ye Siheng’s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "I hope we succeed so that we can avoid war."

Ye Siheng remained silent. He was aware that success was uncertain, especially with the presence of the white-browed Daoist at Royal Heir Qi’s side, making it extremely difficult to achieve their goal. However, Qi Nation had provoked Mu Nation repeatedly, and it was time to settle the score.