Chapter 24: The Lü Family

Ning Xiang’s heart pounded wildly!

She had never considered this possibility before, but now, apart from the confusion and anxiety, there was even a faint sense of… excitement?

Of course!

The Fan family was the most prestigious clan in Great Chu. The current eldest brother, Fan Ming, wielded such control over the economy through the Fan mercantile houses that he practically commanded the wealth of the entire realm.

The third son, Fan Chun, had the capital’s entire force of one hundred thousand garrison troops under his iron control. With but a word, even the imperial palace would not be safe from their assault!

Even the only woman of this Fan generation, the so-called Celestial Maiden, Fan Yuehua, was held in high esteem throughout the land. No matter which powerful family she chose to marry into, they would surely become the Fan family’s most loyal followers.

With the Fan clan wielding such power, would a royal alliance not serve to secure the imperial authority of the Xiang family for generations to come?

“Could it be that he has devised this perfect solution for my sake? No bloodshed, no mutual injury—just a marriage between our two families. I become the female emperor, and he remains the foremost among all the ministers and officials.”

As Ning Xiang’s thoughts spun, she realized with a start that there was even a touch of delight in her heart.

She shot Fan Li a sidelong glance, this time truly appreciating him as a man for the first time.

So, Fan Li was actually so strikingly handsome.

Among all the officials at court, none could compare with him; he was like an immortal descended to the mortal realm.

“Then…” Ning Xiang’s cheeks flushed as her voice softened, “If Duke Jin thinks it best, then I suppose I do as well.”

Fan Li let out a sigh of relief.

She was quite agreeable today—so obedient, in fact.

If that was the case, barring any system tasks, he resolved not to trouble her further.

With a smile, Fan Li declared in a clear voice, “Your Majesty is wise. Then, during the upcoming Three Emperors’ Summit, I ask that you personally propose marriage to Emperor Liu Xie of Han.”

“Liu Xie? Propose marriage?”

Ning Xiang was stunned for several seconds, Liu Xie’s image gradually surfacing in her mind.

It was from a portrait presented by the Han envoys. She had glanced at it once and lost all interest.

In the painting, Emperor Liu Xie of Han appeared gentle in manner and scholarly in appearance, possessing the air of a renowned Confucian.

But Ning Xiang had no fondness for such men.

She admired the heroic founding emperor, believing that a true man should exude the rugged masculinity of someone like the great Xiang Yu.

“What does Fan Li mean by this? He refuses to marry me himself, yet wants me to propose to Emperor Liu Xie…”

“How old is Liu Xie, anyway? I distinctly recall he has three daughters, all seemingly my age!”

“Fan Li, you scoundrel! Knowing I am a woman, you still want me to propose to Liu Xie? Even if a sovereign’s marriage is beyond their control, when has a woman ever proposed to a man?”

The more Ning Xiang thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt, nearly brought to tears by indignation.

Fortunately, she remembered she was still disguised as a man, standing before the entire court.

Her tears did not fall, but her gaze was as sharp as blades; she could scarcely restrain herself from stabbing Fan Li on the spot!

“What’s wrong with this woman?” Fan Li was puzzled as well.

Nonetheless, he continued, “May Your Majesty propose marriage to Princess Changle of Han. She is of similar age to Your Majesty and is famed as the foremost talented woman of Han. Even in the Pure Land of Brahma, Liu Man’s reputation is widely known.”

At his words, all the officials below the throne broke into applause.

“Duke Jin’s plan is brilliant! His Majesty and Princess Changle are truly a match made in heaven!”

“The Princess is currently in Great Chu. I have long heard of her renowned beauty, outstanding intelligence, and rare aptitude in cultivation!”

“If His Majesty were to wed Princess Changle, it would not only win Han’s favor, but also draw Great Chu closer to the Pure Land of Brahma!”

The court buzzed with praise for Fan Li’s ingenious scheme.

Yet Ning Xiang, seated upon the dragon throne, felt her frustration mounting with nowhere to vent it.

How could this be?

Fan Li, acclaimed as a loyal and capable minister?

And I must accept his harebrained idea?

She had no choice but to face the reality: Fan Li had not seen through her disguise, and, in fact, in the matter of a Chu-Han marriage alliance, he was right.

With not a shred of grounds to refuse, Ning Xiang felt even more stifled.

“Your Majesty, what say you?” Fan Li asked, curious. He had already offered the suggestion, and the court supported it—why was she still dawdling?

Ah, perhaps she was concerned about her gender?

But Fan Li was not about to mention that. First, considering Princess Changle’s intelligence—or perhaps her cunning—she would have little trouble handling Ning Xiang. Second, unless absolutely necessary, he had no intention of exposing a woman’s secret.

“Such an important matter, I must first discuss it with the Empress Dowager!”

“As for Lücheng, I will depart tomorrow!”

With that, Ning Xiang swept her sleeves and left, her displeasure written on her face.

Back in the harem, she threw herself into the arms of the Empress Dowager.

“Mother, what should I do?”

Choking back tears, she recounted everything that had happened at court.

The Empress Dowager frowned at her words, but after a long silence, finally said, “Fan Li is right.”

Ning Xiang was horrified. “Mother! How can I possibly marry Princess Changle?”

The Empress Dowager replied, “Such matters are not so difficult to handle. Since ancient times, there have been many secrets within the inner palace. Ordinary folk may not know of them, but I have heard plenty.”

“What should I do, then?” Ning Xiang asked.

“My child, you have important duties ahead. For now, simply see the Three Emperors’ Summit through. As for Princess Changle, when you depart for Lücheng, I shall speak to the princess privately.”

Ning Xiang was left confused.

“Mother, should I marry the princess or not?”

In her heart, Ning Xiang wished every day to shed her disguise and resume her true self.

As emperor, she longed to rule as a woman. If she could take a male consort, she would be truly delighted.

At this thought, Fan Li’s image inexplicably surfaced in her mind.

She longed to declare to him with imperial authority: “By ancestral decree, no consort may interfere in state affairs!”

But the prospect of marrying the princess filled her with a thousandfold reluctance!

The Empress Dowager said, “So long as the princess understands the greater good, you must marry her! As for your relationship, it is all a charade for the public—nothing more.”

“But my reputation…” Ning Xiang still felt wronged.

“Hmph! As sovereign, all must be sacrificed to power! If it will secure your throne, even allow Great Chu to unify the realm, then not just one princess, ten would be acceptable! You have no grounds to refuse!”

“Yes…”

Ning Xiang was left speechless, forced to leave her marriage in the Empress Dowager’s hands.

As for the Three Emperors’ Summit, she would still rely on Fan Li to manage affairs on her behalf.

When the monarchs of Chu, Han, and Ming met at Lücheng, they would of course be accompanied by armies and senior ministers to ensure their safety.

Fan Li, as Duke Jin and Prime Minister of Chu, could hardly shirk this duty!

The next day, Ning Xiang’s imperial procession departed the eastern gate, bound for Lücheng.

“Lücheng—its lord, Lü Chunqiu, descends from the hereditary Marquis Wenxin of the previous dynasty.”

“When the old dynasty fell and the realm split three ways, the Lü clan built Lücheng and declared it neutral.”

“The Lü are said to be the greatest mortal family, renowned for their scholarship and moral teachings.”

“Today, over seventy percent of the world’s most respected scholars hail from Lücheng, disciples of the Lü family.”

“Recognizing their immense contributions to culture, the three kingdoms acknowledge the Lü clan’s neutrality and hereditary marquisate.”

In his mind, Fan Li swiftly reviewed all the relevant information about Lücheng.