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"Sit down." Zhao Zhen gestured to the seat next to him, and Zhan Zhao pulled himself together and sat down as instructed.
Zhao Zhen and Xuan Yuan Tianyi continued their unfinished game of chess. The white pieces advanced aggressively, while the black pieces advanced cautiously. For a time, the outcome remained uncertain.
While pondering the game of chess, Zhao Zhen casually asked, "Why didn't you bring Wuji along?"
“I sent her to the Southern Frontier.” Xuan Yuan Tianyi seemed to have anticipated Zhao Zhen’s question. After all, Xuan Yuan Wuji was Zhao Zhen’s only niece, and her brother Xuan Yuan Yizhi had died because of Zhao Zhen. Over the years, Zhao Zhen had always felt sorry for the princess and her mother.
Upon hearing Xuan Yuan Tianyi's words, Zhao Zhen looked up at her knowingly: "You're still not at ease after all!"
"Some things can only be put at ease after seeing them with your own eyes," Xuan Yuan Tianyi said calmly, looking back at Zhao Zhen.
“But Wuji…” Zhao Zhen was ultimately worried about his only niece.
“She needs experience!” Xuan Yuan Tian didn’t give Zhao Zhen a chance to continue, after all, Xuan Yuan Wuji was a descendant of her Xuan Yuan family.
With a helpless sigh, Zhao Zhen finally relented and said, "It seems I should follow your example."
Looking up at Zhao Zhen, Xuan Yuan Tianyi patiently explained, "If you can't experience things for yourself, the things in books will only ever belong to the authors. What the Xuan Yuan family needs is not a patriarch who is full of knowledge."
"One must possess both the talent to govern the world and the ability to govern people?" Zhao Zhen understood that the Xuanyuan family's ability to thrive for a thousand years naturally stemmed from its unique methods of cultivating future generations.
"After this matter in the southern border is resolved, I would like to let her stay in the palace for a while." Xuan Yuan Tianyi did not answer Zhao Zhen's question, because she knew that Zhao Zhen saw things more clearly than she did.
"Oh?" Zhao Zhen was somewhat surprised by what he had just heard.
Unsurprised by Zhao Zhen's reaction, Xuan Yuan Tianyi continued, "The intrigue and backstabbing in the harem are even more intense than in the court, and at the same time, they also constrain the court. Although I do not want to interfere in the harem, sometimes I have no choice."
"You want to investigate..." Zhao Zhen glanced at Zhan Zhao. There was more to Zhan Zhao's injury than met the eye this time. It seemed that Xuan Yuan Tianyi had found out something. He nodded knowingly. "That's good. It's better for her to come to the palace than for you to come. Besides, the experience in the palace is indispensable for her. I just don't understand why you chose Dali in the first place?"
After placing a piece in his hand, Xuanyuan Tianfang said, "Since ancient times, medicine, poison, and venom have been inseparable. Moreover, Dali governs the country with Buddhist laws, so there is much to learn."
After hearing Xuan Yuan Tianyi's words, Zhao Zhen seemed to remember something: "This morning at court, Dali sent a letter of state, intending to send a princess to marry into the Dali Kingdom."
"Oh?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi asked with considerable interest, "Which princess?"
"Princess Qingyuan." Compared to Xuanyuan Tianyi's keen interest, Zhao Zhen was much calmer.
"Qingyuan?" A playful smile appeared on Xuanyuan Tianyi's face.
"What?" Zhao Zhen asked casually.
With a slight smile, Xuan Yuantian said, "Qingyuan met Zhen when he was young."
"Oh?" Zhao Zhen looked up at Xuan Yuan Tianyi with some surprise.
"In Dali, she fell in love at first sight and vowed to marry no one but Zhen." Xuan Yuan Tianyi briefly recounted the events.
"Did you tell her my identity?" Zhao Zhen looked at Xuan Yuan Tianyi's somewhat gloating expression with some dissatisfaction.
"I was just doing a good deed for you." After saying that, Xuan Yuan Tianyi curled his lip.
"It seems I need to decline." Zhao Zhen, who had been nonchalant, was now looking thoughtfully at Xuan Yuan Tianyi.
Xuanyuan Tianyi covered her mouth and smiled charmingly: "Zhen won't."
Zhao Zhen chuckled and asked, "Why?"
Xuanyuan Tianyi looked at Zhao Zhen with an expression that said, "You're such an idiot." He said, "The situation in the southern border is unstable at the moment. If we make peace with Dali, we can stabilize the situation in the southern border and prevent Liao and Xia from taking advantage of the situation."
As if he hadn't understood the meaning in Xuanyuan Tian's gaze, Zhao Zhen showed no annoyance: "What if I say no?"
Seemingly having already figured out Zhao Zhen's temperament, Xuan Yuantian said casually, "Zhen is not a person who disregards the big picture. Besides, what Zhen's harem needs is not a lady from a respectable family with a pure background, but someone who can restrain Princess Haiping of Xixia, so that the Empress can be relieved of pressure."
"My harem has no need for those who give their true feelings, and I do not wish for anyone to be harmed." Whether he was speaking to Xuanyuan Tianyi or to himself, Zhao Zhen's tone had a hint of unreality.
Unsurprised by this answer, Xuan Yuan Tianyi put away his smile: "Sometimes, those who are willing to give their true feelings are better able to maintain the relative balance of the harem. Besides, how could you not know that Qingyuan might feel happy if she just married you?"
Zhao Zhen stared straight at Xuan Yuan Tianyi, his eyes filled with undisguised affection as he locked onto the person before him: "I cannot afford it."
After gazing at Zhao Zhen for a long time, Xuanyuan Tianyi finally sighed and lowered his head slightly: "Since ancient times, emperors have been fickle and are destined not to give their true feelings to one person. Although Emperor Ming and Consort Yang were deeply in love, they gave their lives for him. In the end, Consort Yang was reduced to a handful of yellow earth at Mawei Slope. An emperor should prioritize the well-being of the people."
"Should an emperor prioritize the well-being of the nation? Is this what you desire? Or is it that as the Master of Xiaoyao Tower, your heart is only set on this nation?" Zhao Zhen's coldness was tinged with anger, and his starry eyes flashed with a chilling light.
Ignoring Zhao Zhen's anger, Xuan Yuan Tianyi gently stepped back: "This is a responsibility that an emperor must shoulder, and it is what you have been striving for all these years."
Zhao Zhen gave Xuan Yuan Tianyi a deep look, then suppressed his aura. Years of being an emperor had taught him to keep his emotions hidden, and only this woman could easily sway his feelings: "What do you think?" Zhao Zhen turned to look at Zhan Zhao, who was sitting quietly to the side, his eyes now unreadable.
Zhan Zhao knew that Zhao Zhen had already made up his mind and didn't really want to hear his opinion. From a broader perspective, the marriage alliance between Song and Dali would play a crucial role in stabilizing the situation in the southern border region. However, thinking of Zhao Zhen's feelings for Xuan Yuan Tianyi, Zhan Zhao felt sorry for Princess Qingyuan. Looking at the two men locked in a stalemate, Zhan Zhao knew that no matter what he said, he couldn't satisfy both of them. He wanted to offer a vague explanation, but knowing Zhao Zhen's understanding of him, he wouldn't let it go. Helpless, he had to speak the truth: "I believe that the situation in the southern border region is on the verge of erupting. In war, it is the common people who suffer. A marriage alliance with Dali would encircle the southern border, preventing it from making any rash moves. This would benefit both the country and its people. This marriage alliance is not a political act by Dali to consolidate its territory, but rather a testament to Princess Qingyuan's love for Your Majesty. It is the princess's own choice, and accepting the marriage alliance fulfills her wish. However, it is indeed unfair to Princess Qingyuan."
"I have lost." The game of chess ended with the black pieces losing. Zhao Zhen ignored Zhan Zhao's words, straightened his posture slightly, and said, "It's getting late, I should return to the palace."
"Yes." Xuan Yuan Tianyi nodded gently.
Zhao Zhen stared at Xuan Yuan Tianyi for a moment, then remained silent. With a leap, he returned to the shore. Zhan Zhao looked at the smiling Xuan Yuan Tianyi, intending to offer some words of advice, but after thinking it over, he remained silent. Some things were beyond the help of others. He bowed slightly to Xuan Yuan Tianyi, then with a slight push of his feet, Zhan Zhao leaped into the air and landed lightly behind Zhao Zhen. He silently followed Zhao Zhen and his personal guard, Rong Wei, towards the gate of the mansion.
"I will consider your offer."
Hearing Zhao Zhen's words, though not loud, but clear, Xuan Yuan Tianyi looked up at the sky and chuckled softly. Qingyuan, we'll be meeting soon...
A month later, at the Yunlai Inn in the southern border region, Xuanyuan Wuji sat idly by the window. His silky long hair was tied high on his head with a gold ring, and his starry eyes, framed by jade-like skin, were intently watching the passersby. His hair swayed slightly with his breath, causing Xue Yuan, who had just entered, to momentarily lose her composure. After slightly adjusting her breathing, Xue Yuan walked behind Xuanyuan Wuji, her clear voice filled with respect: "Young Master, the Patriarch has sent a message by carrier pigeon."
"Speak." The girl's uniquely tender voice was like a clear mountain spring, pure and sweet, intoxicating to the ear.
"Princess Qingyuan will soon be going to Song for a marriage alliance. The patriarch has ordered us to secretly escort the marriage procession into Song territory." Xue Yuan, who had watched Xuan Yuan Wuji grow up since childhood, knew her young master's temperament. After speaking, she stood quietly to the side.
Hearing Xue Yuan's words, Xuan Yuan Wuji turned his head back and asked curiously, "Qingyuan? A marriage alliance? Marrying whom?"
“Emperor Song.” Xue Yuan’s voice was clear and crisp.
"Uncle Zhen? How is that possible?" Xuan Yuan Wuji frowned slightly. "Where is Aunt?"
“The head of the family arrived in the capital a month ago.” Although Xue Yuan did not say it explicitly, Xuan Yuan Wuji had already figured out that this marriage alliance was orchestrated by Xuan Yuan Tianyi. He couldn’t help but purse his lips and say, “Uncle Zhen is always like this. Aren’t there enough women in his harem? Every time he thinks that Aunt is about to enter the palace, he takes another woman as a concubine. At this rate, when will I be able to drink their wedding wine?”
“Young Master…” Xue Yuan looked at Xuan Yuan Wuji, who looked unwilling, and smiled helplessly, “If the Patriarch was willing to enter the palace, he wouldn’t have waited until now.”
"Sigh... Duan Qingyuan got lucky again this time." Xuan Yuan Wuji said, getting up and walking to the table to sit down.
Xue Yuan stepped forward and poured a glass of water for Xuan Yuan Wuji, saying softly, "In my opinion, Princess Qingyuan may not be able to gain this advantage."
After drinking the water in his cup in one gulp, Xuanyuan Wuji asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"
"Young Master, think about it. Emperor Song is deeply in love with the head of the family. How could he possibly have room for any other woman in his heart? Princess Qingyuan seized the opportunity presented by the court's desire to stabilize the situation in the southern border and proposed a marriage alliance. It's not that she's not clever, but she doesn't understand Emperor Song's character at all. His apparent weakness and inaction do not mean he is kind and easy to bully. On the contrary, although Emperor Song is not a narrow-minded person, he will never allow anyone to use the country as a bargaining chip. I'm afraid Emperor Song will not let go of the person who tried to stir up trouble this time, and that Duan Qingyuan may not really be able to catch Emperor Song's eye or enter his heart." Xue Yuan had been by Xuan Yuan Tianyi's side since childhood. Although she had been following Xuan Yuan Wuji later, she knew a lot about the relationship between Zhao Zhen and Xuan Yuan Tianyi. Although she felt sorry for the two lovers who had come to this point, she had never doubted their feelings for each other. Xue Yuan understood better than anyone else that what stood between Zhao Zhen and Xuan Yuan Tianyi was never the three thousand beauties in the harem, but the Song family's empire.
Hearing Xue Yuan's words, Xuan Yuan Wuji thought of the women in the harem who had been neglected by Zhao Zhen, and couldn't help but smile wryly. This time, his uncle's harem was likely to be even more turbulent. He wondered if Duan Qingyuan could remain unscathed in such a palace. However, it was undeniable that Zhao Zhen would be the biggest winner in this marriage alliance. It had temporarily stabilized the situation in the southern border region, while also lulling the enemy into a false sense of security, making them believe he was merely an incompetent emperor who needed to consolidate his power through marriage alliances.
Stretching lazily, Xuan Yuan Wuji suddenly felt inspired and called to Xue Yuan, "Let's go shopping."
With a doting smile, Xue Yuan obediently followed behind Xuan Yuan Wuji onto the street. Unlike the Central Plains, where Han Chinese lived in concentrated communities, Southern Xinjiang was a place where many tribes coexisted. People dressed in various costumes could be seen everywhere on the street. Xuan Yuan Wuji, being a child and visiting Southern Xinjiang for the first time, was curious about everything. He walked and stopped frequently, and the originally short street took two hours to explore. Looking up at the glaring sunlight, Xuan Yuan Wuji pointed to a restaurant on his right: "Xue Yuan, let's rest there." He then went inside first.
The two had just sat down at a table by the window when a waiter came up and asked, "Greetings, esteemed guests. What would you like to order?"
"Bring me a few of your signature dishes, and a pot of good tea, quick." If it were up to Xuan Yuan Wuji's personality, he would have originally wanted a pot of good wine, but thinking that the omnipresent guards around him would definitely report to Xuan Yuan Tianyi, he held back to avoid being scolded. Turning his head, he met Xue Yuan's knowing gaze and couldn't help but pout slightly.
About half a cup of tea's time later, all the dishes ordered by Xuan Yuan Wuji and the others were served. However, just as the waiter turned to leave, a burly man suddenly stood up at the next table, grabbed the waiter by the collar, and said, "Grandpa has been waiting for ages, and the food still hasn't arrived. They just got here and are already eating. Do you think Grandpa can't afford to pay for the meal?"
The waiter had never seen anything like this before, and his face had turned pale with fright: "Sir...sir...let's talk this out..."
"Damn it, you little brat, you deserve a beating..." Before the burly man could finish the sentence, he felt a numbness in his hand, and the hand holding the waiter's collar immediately loosened. "Ouch... Who, who ambushed Grandpa?"
At the same time, another, more refined-looking man at the same table as the big man grabbed the big man's hand: "Second brother, don't cause trouble, or you'll delay our business." As he spoke, his eyes kept glancing at Xuan Yuan Wuji.
Xuanyuan Wuji had only acted on impulse, wanting to teach the burly man a lesson, and had no intention of hiding his true intentions. Seeing that he had been seen through, he wasn't worried, merely glancing calmly at the refined-looking man. The man, already astonished that Xuanyuan Wuji possessed such profound skill at such a young age, was even more surprised that Xuanyuan Wuji could remain so composed after ambushing someone, and couldn't help but marvel at his own audacity. He turned and told his companion to grab a quick bite, and the two hurriedly left.
After watching the two leave, Xuan Yuan Wuji raised his hand and made a gesture towards the window. A figure flashed by, so fast it seemed like an illusion.
“Young Master is suspicious…” Xue Yuan naturally understood Xuan Yuan Wuji’s thoughts and asked softly.
Xuanyuan Wuji swallowed the food in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and then said, "It was just a gut feeling, I guess. Their appearance was too coincidental. Have you finished eating? Let's go back too."
Xue Yuan nodded, took out a few copper coins from her bosom and placed them on the table, then walked out of the restaurant with Xuan Yuan Wuji.
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