Chapter 131 - You Should Smile More

"Yes."

Wei Liuying looked at the tree that Yang Xian pointed with confusion. There was nothing special from the tree from what she had seen so far. Why did he even want her to come here?

Ignoring Wei Liuying's confusion, Yang Xian began to climb. Not knowing what he actually wanted, Wei Liuying chose to follow closely from behind. The two of them continued to climb until they were above the surroundings top tree. Apparently, the one Yang Xian chose was taller than the rest of the trees.

From this point, they would be able to see the entire forest and even beyond that. There were only a few trees climbing above the tree line and this one was included among them. 

Normally, tree that grew too tall by itself would be blown by harsh wind and then fell down. However, this tree was only a bit taller and might not be too affected by the wind. Or it was just waiting for a strong wind to push it down.

"Is it not dangerous?" Wei Liuying asked worriedly.

"I have been here with His Highness. You're lighter than him, so it should be fine."

Wei Liuying: "…" what are you two doing here?

She grabbed the branch and propped herself to sit down beside Yang Xian. The wood did look a bit small, but it was firm. Wei Liuying realized that there was no sign of her moving around even though it did look a bit small.

"This tree is strong."

"It has too much nutrition," Yang Xian commented.

"…I thought that all the trees here should get around the same amount of nutrition from the ground?"

"I'm not a gardener, so I don't know."

"Neither do I," Wei Liuying corrected her position. The sun was going down, so the temperature started to drop bit by bit. Cool wind passed by her body, giving her refreshing sense.

The capital city could be seen clearly from this position. It was as if there was nothing that could be hidden here. There were very few buildings that were taller than this tree such as some few several story building or the tower in the palace.

"This is one of the tallest place in the Capital City. You can see the beautiful sunrise from this place."

"It's almost sunset, Strategist Yang."

Yang Xian grinned and turned his body around. "I'm just saying. The sun is covered by some buildings from here, but you still can see it descending from the horizon."

Wei Liuying followed suit and noticed that Yang Xian was saying the truth. Even though the sun was still covered by buildings as it slowly setting down, it was still beautiful. The sky turned red for the moment when the sun slowly disappeared in the distance.

It was a view that she couldn't see most of the time. Being locked away in that residence with tall wall and trees covering her vision, it was almost impossible for her to see into the faraway distance. A view that was supposed to be reserved only for some people was shown to her today.

That line wouldn't be seen if only she was not standing at the edge of a hill or on top of a very tall building. 

"It's beautiful," Wei Liuying murmured. Her eyes were showing astonishment as her lips formed a beautiful smile.

From the side, Yang Xian also smiled. "You look much better when you're smiling."

Hm?

Wei Liuying looked back at Yang Xian, who was sitting beside her. She arched her eyebrows. "Are you bringing me here to show the sunset to me, Strategist Yang?"

"What do you think?" Yang Xian asked back lazily.

The two of them stared at each other, unwilling to reveal the answer. In the end, Wei Liuying averted her gaze and looked at the disappearing sun as the sky gradually turned dark. It was beautiful, totally unlike anything that she had ever seen in the past.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing. I also need some relaxing time away from the work," Yang Xian responded in his lazy tone.

Wei Liuying arched her eyebrows. "So you also have break time, Strategist Yang?"

Yang Xian laughed. "Do you think I can work all the time? Even though so, I have to admit that my brain will continue to work no matter whether I'm sleeping or awake. There are things that I always need to do."

That was true.

With so many people's lives in his hand, everything Yang Xian decided would surely affect the entire big picture. Thousands of people would move with just a word he uttered and ordered. It was a position with responsibility.

And soon, Wei Liuying would have to share the burden as another strategist working under Prince Ji Sheng.

The wind swayed the leaves around her, turning Wei Liuying's attention back to the capital city once more. Beside her, Yang Xian suddenly spoke out, "This place is dangerous, but it's also giving you a clear view from the top. Our position in the future would be like this place."

Like this place?

Wei Liuying's eyes flickered. While it was true that this place could provide them a position that was equal to the leaders, it was a place covered with no one would look at this place. A strategist place was to observe everything yet it was hidden beneath the shadow. Everyone could see this place, yet they would not think of coming here. 

A strategist's work would be to support from the back. Their role was to give out instruction while not showing themselves unless it was necessary.

"Don't you ever want to stand on the light, Strategist Yang? Your name is known far and wide," Wei Liuying said unhurriedly.

Yang Xian shook his head. "What's the use of having my name known? I only wish to support Prince Ji Sheng to be able to realize his dream and create peace at the north so that there wouldn't be any war anymore."

"I see."

"You don't have to be so restrained." Yang Xian laughed. His dark eyes looked straight in Wei Liuying's direction. "You only live once, so try to enjoy your situation too and not put yourself under stress all the time."

Yeah, she only had one life.

Wei Liuying nodded and Yang Xian no longer speaking. The two of them merely looking at the view of the sun setting down in the horizon. 

When the sky finally turned dark, Wei Liuying began to speak again. "Do you mind if we talk a bit serious now?"

"There's no one else around, so feel free."

"Her Highness Princess Ji Xiaoli will have her birthday celebration tomorrow. Will you attend it as well?" Wei Liuying asked.

Yang Xian sighed in exaggerated manner. "I'm not the only one who will attend."

"Yes?"

"You too."

"Excuse me?" Wei Liuying's gaze turned cold. She didn't have any intention to show her face out in the party because there would be several people who might recognize her. Besides, her striking similarities with Wei Hong Zheng would definitely raise suspicion.

She couldn't control what people talked about even if she could direct them in a way that she wanted.

Yang Xian smiled. "His Highness is thinking for a way to introduce you to some other officials as Liu Ying. You're going to be his second strategist after me, so there are a lot of important people that you need to meet."

Second strategist?

Wei Liuying furrowed her brows. "Are you sure that you want to introduce me this early? You sound confident about my ability."

"I have already seen with my own eyes what you're capable of. Besides, I really do need someone else to help in designing strategy for war at the north," Yang Xian said in leisure tone. He looked as if he was only talking about weather and not war where numerous people's lives were on the line.

Hearing that, Wei Liuying was silent for a moment. She thought that it would take some time before Ji Sheng and Yang Xian wanted to use her. However, they wanted her to start showing herself right after she had recuperated.

"I'm still unfamiliar with your tactic and strategy."

"I can teach you."

"I don't know the manner to enter the palace aside from that of noble lady."

Yang Xian furrowed his brows. That was indeed a problem. If they did something wrong, the blame would fall on Prince Ji Sheng, and it might escalate further. "In that case, you'll learn everything tonight. Also, you're not allowed to leave my side tomorrow night."

Wei Liuying pursed her lips. "I'll be in your care, Strategist Yang."

"I know you can learn very quickly." Yang Xian chuckled. "There are only some things that you need to take note of and make sure you do not offend anyone. If possible, try to stay away from everyone."

Nodding her head, Wei Liuying tilted her head. "Are the men also liked to scheme by tripping other people?"

Yang Xian shrugged. "How do I know about those people, but anything could happen?"

"I'll do my best."

"Good, don't disappoint me, Liu Ying."

"I won't."