CHAPTER 361: CHAPTER 381: THE ATMOSPHERE IS TENSE

"As for learning the Gu arts, Ah Ning, do you want to learn?" The head asked this question suddenly.

The head did not ask Jun Ning this question out of the blue or on a whim.

He knew Jun Ning had always wanted to learn the Gu arts.

Of course, he also knew that Jun Ning wanted to learn them not to harm others but to save people or protect herself from being harmed.

But because learning the Gu arts is quite complex and time-consuming, Jun Ning has never mastered it.

The head saw the difficulty Jun Ning faced wanting to learn but not having enough time, so he personally bound the books for her.

A book specifically describing all the processes of the Gu arts. This was written by him during his leisure time when building the iron chain bridge.

It’s very comprehensive and easy to learn.

However, there’s a lot of content, so learning it is slow.

When Jun Ning saw the head take out this item, her eyes widened, "You really understand what I want."

"Ah Ning, you have done so much for Black Water Village; this is the only thing I can do for you..." The head said, feeling a little guilty, while clasping his hands.

He actually wanted to give Jun Ning more.

But unfortunately, his ability was limited, and he couldn’t offer Jun Ning anything more precious.

Jun Ning said, "Head, you have done a lot for me too, and you have helped me immensely. My uncle Qi, who died with regrets, with your help, will one day rest in peace. So do not think you have given me little; what you have given me is something I could not find even if I searched the world."

"That’s good," the head smiled, stood up, bowed to Jun Ning, and said, "Though the green hills remain, and the waters flow forever, Ah Ning, we shall meet again in the Jianghu."

Jun Ning also stood up, and across the table in front, she bowed to the head, "... We’ll meet again in the Jianghu."

.

After three days of waiting, Jun Ning received the news.

The chief of the South Barbarian Tribe suddenly died, and before his death, he was still thinking about killing the eighteenth princess of Dong Chu Kingdom. However, he couldn’t fulfill his wish.

After he died, those around him were busy competing for the position of chief of the South Barbarian Tribe, fighting fiercely, forgetting the deceased chief’s last wish.

Upon receiving this news, Jun Ning had a secret conversation with the Crown Prince, then bid farewell to old friends in Sairu City and left with the Eldest Prince and Ye Ying.

Taking Jun Ning’s advice, the Crown Prince seized this golden opportunity to send troops, defeating the South Barbarian Tribe.

Previously, the South Barbarian Tribe could still organize themselves into a tribe, but now, after this battle, the tribe is existence in name only.

These barbarians, when their power cannot be concentrated, and without a leader to restrain their actions and guide them, are all vulnerable.

And when they realize they are inferior, their hearts are only filled with more fear.

Soon, the men from the South Barbarian Tribe fled with their families, their numbers dwindling.

The Crown Prince managed to eliminate a major problem at the border of Sairu City.

On her way back to the Imperial City, Jun Ning heard about this and told Ye Ying that her Crown Prince brother had made a great contribution this time, which surely would allow him to return to the Imperial City.

Ye Ying laughed and agreed.

As for the Eldest Prince, whether he had a change of heart or felt it inappropriate to constantly quarrel with a young girl at his age, he did not seek trouble with Jun Ning on the way back.

Even if Jun Ning inadvertently displeased him or scolded him, he had no major reaction.

He restrained himself a lot and treated Jun Ning politely, quite different from how he behaved when heading to Sairu City with her, like he was a changed person.

Upon arriving at the Imperial City, he even showed concern for Jun Ning’s injuries, saying, "Naughty girl, are your injuries healed? Should I find a doctor to examine you?"

Since they did not encounter any good doctor on the way, Jun Ning’s injuries remained unchecked.

However, Jun Ning had long since felt no pain, not even in Sairu City.

She refused, saying, "There’s no need."

The Eldest Prince did not ask further, taking Jun Ning directly to the palace. Meanwhile, Ye Ying discreetly left and returned to the Qianji Pavilion, where a pile of matters awaited his handling.

In the palace, many were waiting for Jun Ning’s return.

Upon hearing of Jun Ning’s return, Emperor Yongning brought several concubines and princes and personally came to the palace gates to welcome her.

Even the Empress originally intended to come, but had caught a chill recently and remained bedridden, unable to attend.

Upon entering the palace, Jun Ning saw her beloved family and dashed toward Emperor Yongning, who crouched to embrace her, with Imperial Concubine Hua and Jun Yu smilingly watching her.

"Ah Ning, you’re finally back," Imperial Concubine Hua said joyfully.

Jun Ning kissed Emperor Yongning, then jumped into Imperial Concubine Hua’s arms, saying sweetly, "Mother, Ah Ning missed you."

Imperial Concubine Hua replied, "You actually knew to miss your mother, your affection is not wasted."

Emperor Yongning prepared a small banquet, attended by the royal harem and princes, to welcome Jun Ning and the Eldest Prince back, with dishes all of Jun Ning’s favorites. She ate happily, enjoying Emperor Yongning’s love.

But soon, she noticed something was amiss.

At the banquet, apart from her talking cheerfully and occasionally laughing, everyone else had worried expressions, not eating, just drinking the wine before them, as if burdened by some heavy thoughts.

Even Imperial Concubine Hua did not eat a single dish. She only smiled when talking to Jun Ning, otherwise maintaining a tight expression, sighing and riddled with concerns.

When Jun Ning ceased talking, the whole atmosphere turned particularly oppressive and tense.

――

At the banquet, apart from her talking cheerfully and occasionally laughing, everyone else had worried expressions, not eating, just drinking the wine before them, as if burdened by some heavy thoughts.

Even Imperial Concubine Hua did not eat a single dish. She only smiled when talking to Jun Ning, otherwise maintaining a tight expression, sighing and riddled with concerns.

When Jun Ning ceased talking, the whole atmosphere turned particularly tense and oppressive.

At the banquet, apart from her talking cheerfully and occasionally laughing, everyone else had worried expressions, not eating, just drinking the wine before them, as if burdened by some heavy thoughts.

Even Imperial Concubine Hua did not eat a single dish. She only smiled when talking to Jun Ning, otherwise maintaining a tight expression, sighing and riddled with concerns.

When Jun Ning ceased talking, the whole atmosphere turned particularly oppressive.