Chapter 3 The Disputed Policy
"Wen Yan?" Xiao Huai An frowned in worry as I stayed silent for a long time. "Are you feeling unwell?"
His fingertips carried warmth as they touched my forehead.
The chill from my death in the previous life still lingered in my bones.
I jerked my head away, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
Xiao Huai An's hand froze in mid-air, the smile in his eyes fading a fraction. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
I lowered my gaze, hiding the surging emotions, my voice still a bit hoarse.
"Perhaps I have been lying on it too long and my limbs are numb."
He was silent for a moment but did not press further, simply picking up the policy essay from my desk.
"This Salt and Iron Treatise of yours is excellent. Shall I borrow it this afternoon to show the Grand Tutor?"
In the previous life, this very essay had earned the Grand Tutor's praise and made Xiao Huai An realize for the first time the influence of the Wen Clan in court.
Later, he had coaxed me into convincing my father to support him on the salt iron monopoly issue.
That had been his first step in toppling the former dynasty's old ministers, and the beginning of my use of the Wen Clan's power for him.
"It's just idle talk."
I reached out to take the essay back. "I can't present it to high society, so there's no need to offer it for mockery."
Xiao Huai An froze, as if he had not expected me to refuse.
In his memory, I had never said "no" to him.
"The time is getting late."
I interrupted him, standing up to straighten my robes. "If we are any later, the Grand Tutor will make us stand."
I turned and walked out without looking back.
The heavy gaze fell on my back.
I knew he was used to my giving and taking, used to me placing him at the center of my heart.
But that heart had already shattered in the snow.
Now that I had returned to life, I could not pick it up again.
I would protect the glory of the Wen Clan.
I would safeguard the lives of my family.
As for the consort position, a chess piece... I would find someone else.