Nangong Tuo reluctantly followed Yun Tianmo in the opposite direction of Ouyang Zixin. Although he felt some dissatisfaction, he understood that Ouyang Zixin needed to rest, and there was nothing he could do about it. After thinking it over, he realized that since they had already encountered each other, there would be plenty of time to interact later, which lightened his mood.
"Yun Tianmo, how did you two meet?" Nangong Tuo was a forgetful person and quickly "forgot" about how Yun Tianmo had forcibly taken him away from Ouyang Zixin. He took a couple of steps forward and began chatting with Yun Tianmo.
Was someone as indifferent as Yun Tianmo really the type to engage in casual conversation?
Of course not.
However, this time—
"Do you want to know?" Yun Tianmo asked expressionlessly, continuing to walk straight ahead without glancing sideways.
Nangong Tuo nodded vigorously at the question; he wanted to know anything about Ouyang Zixin.
From a distance, Yun Tianying saw the two walking side by side. He was momentarily taken aback but soon understood; was this a strategy of close surveillance? Hmph, this Mo really is something.
"Rather than concerning yourself with Ouyang Zixin, shouldn't you be more focused on the matters regarding Exiled Nation's pharmaceuticals?" Yun Tianmo sat down next to Yun Tianying. Even facing Nangong Tuo, who stood taller than him, he maintained an air of superiority without appearing diminished at all.
Before entering the Millennium Ruins, Yun Tianmo had already been active in Exiled Nation, which Nangong Tuo was aware of. As for the reasons behind it, his father had informed him later. Hearing Yun Tianmo suddenly bring it up now left Nangong Tuo somewhat puzzled. They had just been discussing Ouyang Zixin; how did they end up talking about Exiled Nation's pharmaceuticals?
"What does that have to do with anything?" To Nangong Tuo, caring about Ouyang Zixin and concerning himself with the significant matter of Exiled Nation's pharmaceuticals seemed like two separate issues that shouldn't be linked together. He looked at Yun Tianmo with slight confusion and realized he didn't seem like someone who merely wanted to change the subject. He then said seriously, "My father mentioned this matter to me; I wonder what King Mo means by bringing it up now?"
It was said that Nangong Tuo was an unreliable prince, but when faced with serious matters, he could still use his brain a bit. For instance, right now, he could roughly guess that Yun Tianmo had news related to pharmaceuticals. He had heard some rumors about Yun Tianmo's cooperation with his father in that regard. Because of how capable Yun Tianmo had been during that incident, he had even received a good scolding from his father afterward.
If this matter is entrusted to him by Yun Tianmo, perhaps he could gain some face in front of the king. As long as the king values him more, then the marriage would be...
Nangong Tuo increasingly felt that this was a feasible plan. If he could achieve merit first and then marry, Master Xuan would likely not oppose the marriage, and the king would surely be even happier.
"Before entering the Millennium Ruins, the king reminded me that if we encounter the Ink King, we must inquire about this matter in detail. Since today is as good as any other day, why not have a good discussion now?" Nangong Tuo, who had initially appeared disinterested, suddenly showed great enthusiasm, making Yun Tianmo feel that he might be overthinking things.
Yun Tianying nearby couldn't help but cough to hide his amusement. This Third Prince of Li Nation was indeed interesting; his eyes clearly indicated ulterior motives, and he showed no restraint in front of the Ink King. No wonder every time Ink mentioned this Third Prince, he seemed reluctant to speak.
Compared to Ning Zhiyuan, Nangong Tuo was indeed lacking.
Yun Tianmo glanced at Yun Tianying; it had only been a few months since they last met, yet his personality seemed much livelier. He had never noticed how much he enjoyed laughing before.
"Can you represent the will of Exiled Nation?" Yun Tianmo bluntly pointed out the key issue. It was fine to talk with Nangong Tuo, but the crucial question was whether he had the authority to make decisions. Yun Tianmo despised wasting effort; if he were to negotiate with someone who couldn't make decisions, it would be better not to waste time at all.
Hearing this, Nangong Tuo frowned. Upon reflection, the king had only instructed him to communicate well with the Ink King and hadn't said that the decision-making power was given to him. So now, in order to gain credit, could he perhaps tell a little white lie?
His dark eyes rolled thoughtfully as Nangong Tuo laughed aloud, "What you say is true; this Prince represents Exiled Nation in entering these Millennium Ruins. If we're talking about speaking rights..."
"Hmph, what does that have to do with Millennium Ruins?"
Nangong Tuo: "..."
That seemed a bit forced; perhaps he should try another approach.
"Since the king personally appointed me to discuss matters with you, then this task will likely be entrusted to me." That should suffice; after all, other princes were unaware of this matter—this was confidential. Realizing this, Nangong Tuo suddenly remembered to be cautious and looked around. After confirming that there were no others nearby, he finally felt relieved.
"Most of the time?" Yun Tianmo always wanted a definite answer, and such ambiguous statements were of no benefit to him.
Nangong Tuo chuckled and moved closer to Yun Tianmo, wanting to sit down, but found that aside from the spot occupied by Yun Tianying, there seemed to be no other place to sit. So he cheekily squeezed his eyes at Yun Tianmo, grinning as he wedged himself between them, taking up a spot. "Mo Wang, we can discuss matters. Your cooperation with our Exiled Nation has been ongoing for quite some time now; you should feel quite at ease with us."
Yun Tianmo indeed felt at ease with Nan Gong Yao; that old fox would certainly maximize the benefits, and during the cooperation process, he could also find the information he needed. However, regarding Nangong Tuo, this Foolish Prince, he truly did not feel reassured. He couldn't understand how Nan Gong Yao could have such a brainless son.
"But you are not your father."
Yun Tianying was taken aback by this remark; it was too cutting. This was not Mo's usual style—what was he trying to do?
"This Prince will eventually..." Nangong Tuo thought about taking credit for acquiring the medicine and momentarily followed Yun Tianmo's line of thought without much consideration, almost saying something that could be used against him. He suddenly stopped, nearly biting his tongue off, jumped up, and pointed at Yun Tianmo with an angry expression. "Yun Tianmo, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself! What do you mean I'm not my father? You... you... does that mean..."
Nangong Tuo dared not say the words out loud, but wasn't that what Yun Tianmo implied? If he were his father, it meant that he, Nangong Tuo, would have to become a Sovereign like his father...
That meant... it meant his father would have to abdicate? Or...
Nangong Tuo really didn't dare to think further. Although the medicine was important, he never expected Yun Tianmo would elevate the matter of the medicine to such heights. Did it mean that unless he became Sovereign, he wouldn't even have the qualification to negotiate with Yun Tianmo?
"Literally." Nangong Tuo was Nangong Tuo; Nan Gong Yao was Nan Gong Yao. He hadn't said anything wrong.
However, Yun Tianmo's lack of explanation sounded different in Nangong Tuo's ears. Was Yun Tianmo forcing him? His heart became chaotic. (To be continued.)
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