Chapter 893: The Young Empress (30)

"They even told me that the Empress wants to harm me. At this point, I don't even know who is actually trying to harm me anymore."

Shan Ge hesitated for a moment.

"Then earlier, Your Highness..."

Tang Nuoyue's expression remained completely open and sincere.

"I was only putting on a performance for them. I wanted them to think that I trust no one, that my relationship with you is poor, and that in the end, the only people I can rely on are them."

Something stirred in Shan Ge's heart.

"Then what does Your Highness think is really going on? Could they actually be people sent by the Empress?"

"If they truly were the Empress's people," Tang Nuoyue replied, "do you think the Empress would act so obviously?"

Shan Ge considered it and found the reasoning sound.

If they were genuinely the Empress's agents, how could the Prince have discovered them so easily?

"I suspect they're trying to drive a wedge between me and the Empress. They must be plotting something much bigger."

Tang Nuoyue lowered her voice.

"And there's something else I suspect."

"What is it?"

For the first time, Shan Ge felt that perhaps Tang Nuoyue wasn't as foolish as she appeared.

The reason Tang Nuoyue was telling him all of this was simple.

Among all those men, Shan Ge was the least rebellious.

The environment in which he had grown up had shaped him into someone who preferred stability over upheaval.

As long as he was given sufficient security and reassurance, he would always choose the option that benefited him the most.

In the previous life, it had only been because those men had gained control over her and successfully schemed against the Empress that Shan Ge had been forced onto their side.

"I also suspect Xiao Jin has ulterior motives."

This time, Shan Ge was genuinely shocked.

Instinctively, he blurted out, "But doesn't Your Highness like him?"

"I do like him."

Tang Nuoyue's expression turned pained.

"But I always feel that his heart isn't here."

She lowered her eyes.

"That's why I can't help suspecting him. He was once the Sixth Prince of Qi. Men in Qi enjoy far greater status and prestige than men here."

A trace of bitterness appeared on her face.

"I think... perhaps he's unwilling to become just another member of my harem."

Shan Ge frowned.

"Your Highness treats him so well. What more could he possibly want?"

As he spoke, he found himself feeling indignant on Tang Nuoyue's behalf.

Tang Nuoyue smiled inwardly.

If Shan Ge could truly become loyal to her alone, then she was willing to let him live the rest of his life in wealth and honor.

The only condition was that he must not betray her again.

"Compared to my affection, he probably prefers returning to Qi and becoming Emperor."

Tang Nuoyue looked despondent.

In her previous life, she would never have lowered herself to such performances.

But after being betrayed and killed once, she had learned many things.

Sometimes, sincere feelings did not bring sincere feelings in return.

Yet false affection, sweet words, and carefully crafted performances could often yield far greater rewards.

She didn't know how best to describe such a reality.

She only knew that if she wanted to live comfortably in this lifetime, if she wanted to avoid being schemed to death again, then she had no choice but to play the game.

"So, Principal Husband..."

Tang Nuoyue reached out and clasped Shan Ge's hand.

Her fingers gently brushed across the faint scar still lingering on his face.

"In the past, I was foolish and accidentally hurt you."

"Today, I said those harsh words because I had no choice but to continue the act."

"Your Highness..."

Shan Ge stared at her in confusion.

"What are you trying to say?"

Tang Nuoyue met his gaze directly.

"I only want you to know that you will always be my Principal Husband."

Her voice softened.

"My situation is dangerous right now."

"If you're willing to remain by my side, then you will always hold that position."

She paused before continuing.

"But if you no longer wish to stay, I can secretly arrange for you to leave. You can go somewhere else and live a free life."

Shan Ge had never before been treated with such sincerity.

For a moment, he felt genuinely moved.

Then he thought about his own circumstances.

"Someone like me has no such thing as freedom."

A complicated expression crossed his face.

"If Your Highness is willing, then Shan Ge can remain by your side forever."

In truth, he had his own calculations as well.

Perhaps...

This was a gamble worth taking.

If he won, he would gain wealth, honor, and the Prince's favor.

And if he lost?

Then nothing would really change.

His life would simply return to how it had always been before.