Isolated town in northern border region

The marriage proposal ceremony was held in the East Garden of the Jing Kingdom's royal palace.

Palace lanterns lit up one after another along the corridor pillars, illuminating the entire courtyard as if it were daytime, with palace maids and eunuchs coming and going, busy incessantly.

Xiao Lie arrived very early; the palace eunuchs had received an imperial decree to escort him into the palace ahead of time.

When he stepped into the East Garden gate, the civil and military officials were already seated at the banquet, but the two rows of seats in the middle were still empty, presumably because the participants of the marriage selection event had not yet taken their seats.

Xiao Lie was dressed in a plain black python robe, looking majestic and extraordinary.

As soon as he stepped onto the steps, all the guests' eyes fell on him.

Some were curious, some scrutinizing, some disdainful, and there was also a middle-aged man with triangular eyes whose gaze was filled with obvious hostility.

He ignored it and simply walked along the path paved with white jade bricks toward the main seat.

The new ruler of Jing, Jiang Jun, sat in the main seat; he was in his early twenties.

His bright yellow dragon robe accentuated his handsome face, and his eyes and brows exuded the refined elegance characteristic of a scholar, making him appear gentle and refined.

When he saw Xiao Lie approaching, he actually stood up and personally walked down the steps to greet him.

"The King of the Northern Frontier has come from afar; I have failed to greet him properly. My apologies."

He spoke in a very warm tone, and as he spoke, he turned to the side to indicate a spot on his left.

"I have prepared a special seat for the King of the Northern Frontier. Please take a seat."

That position was set below the main seat and above all the guest seats, only half a step lower than Jiang Jun's dragon throne.

According to the etiquette system of the Jing Kingdom, this was the highest level of reception for foreign envoys, almost equivalent to being treated with state honors.

The guests all looked at the empty seat with varying expressions.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Xiao Lie did not refuse and went over to sit down.

As soon as he sat down, Jiang Jun came over with a glass of wine. He didn't return to his own dragon throne, but sat down in the guest seat next to Xiao Lie, his posture as intimate as if he were catching up with an old friend.

"I have long heard of the Northern Frontier King's deeds in recovering the five prefectures of the Northern Frontier."

"To stand against the iron cavalry of the northern barbarians with only the remnants of a city, they truly are the pillars of the Great Chu."

He spoke very naturally, without the slightest awkwardness, and even raised his hand to signal the palace servants behind him to pour wine for Xiao Lie.

Looking at the smile on his young face, Xiao Lie felt increasingly uneasy.

This person clearly knew that he and Jiang Min were engaged, but he refused to admit it. He held a marriage contest for Jiang Min in front of him, yet he treated him with excessive courtesy and enthusiasm.

These two things, when put together, create an extreme contradiction.

Schizophrenia? Or is there something more to it?

Xiao Lie didn't drink the wine; he looked at Jiang Jun.

"Your Majesty, I have come here today to discuss my engagement with Princess Minyue."

Jiang Jun's smile faltered slightly, then turned into a troubled expression.

"King of the Northern Frontier, this matter... I am indeed in a difficult position."

He sighed.

"Although Minyue is renowned for her talent, she is, after all, the daughter of a Noble Consort, and in terms of status... she is probably not worthy of the Prince."

"Furthermore, the marriage between the princess and the prince is neither arranged by their parents nor by a matchmaker; it is improper!"

"In my opinion, only a princess born directly to the Empress is worthy of a person like the one from the Northern Frontier."

He clapped his hands.

"Someone, please fetch Princess Zhaoyang."

The beaded curtain was lifted from the side hall, and a young woman walked out.

She was a year or two younger than Jiang Min, with dignified features and graceful demeanor, already showing signs of being an empress.

She walked to the table, stood in front of Xiao Lie, and personally took the wine pot to fill his wine cup.

"My name is Jiang Rou. I was favored by the late Emperor and was granted the title of Zhaoyang."

"Greetings, Your Highness, King of the Northern Frontier."

As Jiang Jun watched this scene, his tone became increasingly natural.

"Zhaoyang is my younger sister, born of the same mother as the Empress. She is of noble birth and possesses both beauty and talent."

"If the King of the Northern Frontier is willing, I am willing to forge an eternal alliance with the Northern Frontier and even the Great Chu."

He paused, as if setting the stage for an even more important turning point.

"I've heard that the railway in northern Xinjiang has been built all the way to Bingzhou, and the blueprints for that steam engine..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning couldn't be clearer.

Xiao Lie finally understood.

The third prince of Jing Kingdom, Jiang Tai, was imprisoned but failed to hand over the technology he obtained from Jiang Min. This forced Jiang Jun to now want to bypass the middleman and directly negotiate business with Xiao Lie, the main party involved.

In order to sever ties with Xiao Lie's third son, Jiang Tai, the person sent for the marriage alliance was directly replaced by Princess Zhaoyang.

Once Xiao Lie agrees to cooperate, Jiang Tai will lose his last remaining value and will likely "commit suicide" in prison that very night.

Xiao Lie took the wine cup from Princess Zhaoyang's hand and turned to carefully examine the beautiful princess.

"The princess was beautiful, with pearly white teeth and bright eyes; every smile and frown was as radiant as the moonlight."

"If I could gain the princess's favor, it would be a great fortune..."

Xiao Lie picked up the cup of wine poured by Princess Zhaoyang, but didn't drink it; he just twirled it in his hand.

"However, I am not a man of my word. Since I have made a prior agreement with Princess Minyue of your country, I can only disappoint His Majesty and the princess."

As soon as Xiao Lie finished speaking, Jiang Rou, who had just been smiling, froze, a hint of jealousy flashing in her eyes.

As for Emperor Jing, he seemed not to have heard and continued to speak with a smile.

"Your Highness, my younger sister is an exceptional tea brewer. After this marriage contest, don't rush off; stay and have a taste."

Seeing that Jiang Jun was still pretending to be stupid, Xiao Lie stopped beating around the bush.

"Your Majesty, I have only one condition."

"The engagement remains unchanged!"

"Jiang Min is to marry me. The Third Prince, Jiang Tai, is to be released and sent to the Northern Frontier."

"I guarantee that these brother and sister will never set foot in Jing Kingdom again in their entire lives."

"In return..."

He put down his wine glass.

"I offer up all the technology of the Northern Frontier as a dowry."

Jiang Jun's smile didn't disappear, but a barely perceptible cold glint flashed in his eyes, and then he naturally began to calculate.

Just as he was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside the hall.

More than a dozen young masters from prominent families entered, led by a palace attendant.

At the very front was a young man in brocade robes. He walked through the corridor with unhurried steps and elegant posture.

He wore a snow-white robe with cloud patterns embroidered in gold thread at the hem and a phoenix soaring in silver thread on the lapel. A piece of high-quality mutton-fat jade hung at his waist.

As soon as he entered, he went straight to the open space in front of Xiao Lie. After standing still, he slightly raised his chin and glanced at Xiao Lie as if he were examining a not-too-valuable ornament.

Jiang Jun spoke at the opportune moment.

"King of the Northern Frontier, this is Sima Chunfeng, son of Grand Marshal Sima Yuanchen."

"This is the top scholar of our Jing Kingdom this year, and also..."

He paused, as if considering his words.

"The one who requested my permission to marry Princess Minyue."

"Just a few days ago, it was Grand Marshal Sima Yuanchen who personally proposed marriage."

Sima Chunfeng bowed slightly to Xiao Lie, his posture elegant, but the contempt in his eyes was undisguised.

"I have long admired the reputation of the King of the Northern Frontier, and seeing him today, I can confirm his extraordinary bravery and prowess."

"only……"

He smiled and gently waved the folding fan in his hand.

"Princess Minyue is the most talented woman in the world. Her husband should be someone who can be a perfect match for her."

"Although the King of the Northern Frontier has made outstanding contributions, he must also know that in the eyes of the world, the State of Chu has always been a 'barbarian land' that only knows how to fight and is not literate."

"I meant no disrespect, I was just worried..."

He smiled again.

"The princess will suffer if she marries him."

After he finished speaking, a low chuckle of agreement rippled through the crowd, as if it had been rehearsed beforehand.

Xiao Lie didn't speak, nor did he even glance at Sima Chunfeng. Instead, he turned to look at Jiang Jun.

"Your Majesty, I have a question to ask..."

He pointed at Sima Chunfeng.

"Jing Kingdom prides itself on being the cultural heart of the world, yet its personally selected top scholar is so ignorant of etiquette?"

"Even the Emperor of Jing treats me with great courtesy, how dare this mere top scholar be so presumptuous?"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

"I would like to ask, is the surname of the State of Jing Jiang, or Sima?"

Xiao Lie's tone was relaxed, as if he were joking with an old friend.

But Sima Chunfeng's expression changed!

He quickly turned around and bowed in Jiang Jun's direction.

"Your Majesty, I was only eager to marry Princess Minyue and misspoke. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Jiang Jun waved his hand and laughed it off.

"The top scholar is young and impetuous, and it is difficult for him to suppress his affection. The King of the Northern Frontier need not take it to heart."

He turned back to Xiao Lie, his tone still warm.

"If the King of the Northern Frontier is willing to form a marriage alliance with Zhaoyang, I am willing to give the Caifeng Division as part of his dowry."

"The Fengsi's intelligence network spans the entire world, which will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the development of the Northern Frontier."

Then, the triangular-eyed man who had previously glared at Xiao Lie with hostility stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"If Your Highness were to obtain the Bureau of Folk Customs, you would be like a tiger with wings. I fear that within half a year, you would be able to take control of the Great Chu and ascend to the throne!"

Xiao Lie looked in the direction of the sound and snorted coldly.

"And who are you?"

The man bowed slightly.

"Your humble servant, Sima Yuanchen, Grand Marshal of Jing State."

Xiao Lie laughed heartily, raised his cup, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then turned to congratulate Jiang Jun.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations!"

"A minister in charge of the army actually dared to advise a foreign minister to ascend the throne!"

"These threads are truly...utterly loyal!"

"Yes! Just because his surname is Sima, he's utterly loyal!"

Xiao Lie paid no attention to his image, slapping his thigh and laughing loudly, looking more like a bandit than a prince.

Emperor Jing, Jiang Jun, froze for a moment, but then burst into laughter.

"Your Highness is truly witty!"

"Such jokes are not to be taken lightly. If I were a narrow-minded emperor, Minister Sima would have to prove his innocence."

Xiao Lie and Jiang Jun exchanged a glance and then laughed together.

At this moment, Xiao Lie was certain in his heart that the Sima family was the greatest help in Jiang Jun's ascension to the throne!

This seemingly glorious emperor was actually all show and no substance; in fact, the man surnamed Sima had more power than the emperor himself!

As for Jiang Jun, he had made up his mind to find a way to deal with Xiao Lie, then strengthen his forces and get rid of the Sima family!

The two foxes exchanged a glance, each having already made their own plans.

Jiang Jun raised his glass in a toast from afar.

"I wonder what Your Highness's thoughts are on this marriage arrangement?"

Xiao Lie did not answer; he simply stood up.

The moment he stood up, the room fell silent for a moment.

He was almost a head taller than Sima Chunfeng, with broad shoulders and a pure, fierce physique. Standing under the lamplight, he resembled a silent wall.

He looked down at Sima Chunfeng, his gaze as cold as if he were looking at a lamb to the slaughter!

Xiao Lie's murderous aura was forged from countless lives on the battlefield; how could Sima Chunfeng withstand it?

With just one glance, Sima Chunfeng felt a chill run down his spine under Xiao Lie's gaze, and instinctively took several steps back.

Xiao Lie smiled and turned to look at Jiang Jun.

The message in his eyes was crystal clear—see this good-for-nothing? If you want to deal with the Sima family, start with him!

Jiang Jun had never seen Xiao Lie's "advice" so childish before, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Xiao Lie then looked at Sima Yuanchen, who was pretending to be deaf and dumb, and deliberately provoked him.

"The Grand Marshal commands the army of an entire nation. Sima Chunfeng is supposed to come from a military family, is this all?"

"I wonder if the Sima family's school teaches needlework?"

"Look at Young Master Sima's clothes, did you embroider them yourself?"

Sima Chunfeng's face turned from white to green and then to red. His lips trembled, and he wanted to say something but couldn't get the words out.

Before he could speak, Xiao Lie had already turned back to Jiang Jun, his voice regaining its calmness.

"Your Majesty, cooperation is possible."

"I can back down... but there are still two conditions."

"First, I must participate in the marriage selection event."

"Secondly, on the day of my marriage, I require the Third Prince Jiang Tai to go to the Northern Frontier to be my witness."

He paused.

"I will present you with all the technology from the northern frontier as a betrothal gift."

"Whether it succeeds or fails depends entirely on Your Majesty's decision."

Jiang Jun sat there watching him, his fingers tracing the rim of his wine glass, a smile still on his face, but the light in his eyes was frighteningly bright!

"The King of the Northern Frontier speaks his mind!"

"In that case, I will order someone to arrange the rules for the competition."

He nodded to the eunuch beside him.

"The marriage proposal event will be postponed by one day and will officially begin tomorrow."

"By the way, please invite Princess Minyue to attend and have a good look at the Prince's handsome appearance!"

After the banquet ended, Xiao Lie had just stepped out of the East Garden when Bi Su, who was waiting outside, came to greet him.

"Your Highness, how is it?"

"Have you seen Sister Jiang Min?"

Xiao Lie was taken aback by what he heard, somewhat surprised.

"Sister Jiang Min? When did you become so close to her?"

Bisu stammered for a long time, and finally stomped her foot in anger.

"Oh dear! Your Highness!"

"Please don't ask about my daughter's affairs!"

"Saving Sister Jiang Min is the most important thing right now!"

Xiao Lie tapped Bi Su's head.

"How dare you!"

"They're getting more and more disrespectful!"

"Jiang Min's matter is basically settled, don't worry."

Xiao Lie recounted what had happened in the East Garden to Bisu, who listened in a daze, unable to process it for a long time.

"That's not right!"

"Your Highness, you've only qualified to participate in the marriage contest; that doesn't guarantee you'll win!"

"I've heard that the people of Jing Kingdom prefer talented scholars with extraordinary literary skills. A young general like you might not be suitable."

Xiao Lie was so angry at Bi Su that he almost laughed.

"You think this marriage contest is actually about finding a husband?"

"The Sima family helped Jiang Jun ascend the throne, and Jiang Min was Jiang Jun's return gift to the Sima family!"

"The Sima family controls the military power of the Jing Kingdom. They can then use Jiang Min, the most talented woman in the land, to win over the literati, or even create another Bureau of Folk Literature with Jiang Min's help!"

"By then, the Sima family will definitely rebel!"

"Now, I have reached a tacit understanding with Emperor Jing. In return, I will help him deal with the Sima family and he will release Jiang Min and Jiang Tai."