Chapter 76: A Beauty That Could Topple a City—Two, in Fact

Chapter 76 - A Beauty That Could Topple a City—Two, in Fact Note: Don't Forget to join my Pãtreon : flokixy to get access to +60 Advance Chapters or unlock the full story from the shop support so I can bring more Chapters for you Cloud Consort's Palace "Mother, why have you summoned me?" Jun Hui asked, looking at the Cloud Consort seated above. The Cloud Consort gestured toward the chair beside her with a tilt of her chin. "Sit." Once Jun Hui had taken his seat and the palace maids had served tea before retreating, the Cloud Consort finally spoke. "Royal son, what do you think of Su Li, the eldest daughter of Minister Su?" Jun Hui thought for a moment before answering, "If we disregard her appearance, there is no woman in Tianqi who could match her." The Cloud Consort nodded. "Precisely. Behind her stands the Minister of Revenue and the Duke of Wei's household. The Minister of Revenue oversees Tianqi's finances, while the Duke of Wei holds military power. If you marry her, you'll be the only prince with such an advantage." Jun Hui agreed with a nod. "Mother, I share your thoughts. However, it seems the Su family and the Duke of Wei's household have no interest in aligning with the royal family." The Cloud Consort smiled. "Now is the perfect opportunity. The Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier has requested Su Li's hand in marriage, but the Empress has used the excuse that she is already betrothed. Tomorrow, you must go to the Su household to propose. Between marrying far away to the Northern Frontier or becoming the Sixth Prince's Consort, I believe if the Su family isn't foolish, they will know how to choose." Jun Hui stood up and bowed. "I understand what needs to be done. I will make the arrangements immediately!" Minister Su's Residence Su Li was oblivious to everything happening outside. As usual, she accompanied her parents for their meal before retiring to her courtyard. After washing up, she leaned against her bedhead to read for a while before dismissing her maids to rest. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, Su Li suddenly snapped her eyes open and whispered sharply, "Who's there?!" In an instant, she donned her veil, her hand secretly reaching for the dagger hidden under her pillow as she stared into the darkness. "Miss Su is indeed vigilant—even sleeping with a dagger beneath her pillow." Hearing this gentle voice, Su Li relaxed and lowered the dagger. Jing Prince Jun Mo was momentarily stunned. She trusts me so readily? Su Li threw on an outer robe, pushed aside the embroidered quilt, slipped on her shoes, and stood up. "I never expected the illustrious Jing Prince to have a habit of sneaking into a young lady's chambers at night." Jun Mo coughed lightly, half-amused and half-exasperated. "I came here out of goodwill to deliver news to Miss Su, and yet you accuse me of being a lecherous intruder." Su Li walked over to the table and sat down. Under the moonlight, she poured herself a cup of tea. After a moment's thought, she fetched another cup and poured one for him as well. "What news brings His Highness scaling walls and sneaking into courtyards in the dead of night?" Jun Mo lifted his robes and sat across from her, taking a sip of the tea. "Excellent tea." Su Li raised an eyebrow. Naturally—it was excellent. Her family wasn't short on silver, and in this life, she lived comfortably. While not extravagantly luxurious, her lifestyle was refined in every detail. After savoring the tea, Jun Mo spoke slowly and deliberately. "Miss Su, are you familiar with the Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier?" Su Li looked up in confusion. "Why do you ask?" If an ordinary young woman were questioned by a man like this, she'd likely unleash a torrent of insults—or at least, that would be the case if she had any self-respect. But Su Li knew Jun Mo wouldn't ask without reason. As she gazed at his gentle and refined features, he answered in a soft, melodious tone. "Today, the Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier, Liang Xuanting, entered the palace and offered two cities as a dowry, requesting my father to arrange a marriage between him and you." Su Li's eyes widened in shock. "How could this be! I've never interacted with the Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier!" Jun Mo maintained his elegant demeanor, staring at her for a long moment before a sly smile crept onto his lips. "Miss Su, perhaps you are unaware of your own beauty? The Crown Prince certainly thinks highly of you. A beauty that could topple a city—Miss Su, you've toppled two." Su Li ignored his teasing, finding the situation utterly absurd. Her vengeance remained unfulfilled—how could she leave Tianqi? Two cities in exchange for the daughter of a mere minister? The emperor would surely issue the decree immediately! No! She had to think of a way out of this mess! Seeing her restless, Jun Mo turned serious. "This time, you should thank the Empress. If she hadn't rushed to stop my father, the imperial edict might have been delivered to the Minister's residence today." Su Li exhaled in relief. Saving the Crown Prince really did give her a powerful ally. "Will His Majesty truly give up on two cities? What method did the Empress use?" "The Empress claimed you were already betrothed. However, I can see my father hasn't entirely given up. Therefore, I suggest Miss Su solidify this claim of an engagement. Moreover, the other party's status cannot be too low; otherwise, my father may force the Su family to break off the engagement." Su Li was taken aback. She hadn't expected the Empress to use such an excuse. But upon reflection, it was the only way to temporarily halt the arranged marriage. However, making the engagement seem real posed its own challenges. Where could she find someone of high standing willing to cooperate with her charade in such a short time? Jun Mo spoke again. "I suspect my father will bring this matter up with Minister Su tomorrow. We cannot delay." "If Miss Su doesn't have a suitable candidate, consider this: in gratitude for the medicine you once gave me, I am willing to lend a hand." Su Li looked at him in surprise. "You?" Jun Mo nodded, speaking slowly. "My status and position are fitting. Besides, I'm not unattractive. Rumors of our engagement won't tarnish your reputation. You treated my leg ailment, and I'll consider this repayment for your kindness. What do you say?" Su Li lowered her head in thought. Jun Mo was indeed an excellent choice. Jun Mo continued, "Once the Crown Prince of the Northern Frontier leaves, if Miss Su wishes, we can find a way to dissolve the engagement later." Though whether they'd succeed in dissolving it remained uncertain. He wasn't getting any younger, and his mother had repeatedly reminded him to settle down. In the royal family, their father was relatively lenient, allowing his sons to manage their own affairs. However, he had issued a final directive: if they didn't choose a consort by the deadline, he would arrange the marriage himself. Rather than letting his father arbitrarily decide, Jun Mo preferred to choose someone agreeable. The woman before him was currently the most suitable candidate—self-reliant, confident, and resourceful. Marrying her as the Jing Princess Consort didn't seem so bad. Su Li, desperate for revenge and determined not to leave Tianqi, found herself ensnared by Jun Mo's words. "Very well. Thank you, Jing Prince, for your assistance. Rest assured, once we deal with the Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier, I will not hinder Your Highness's plans." Jun Mo's lips curved slightly, his eyes gleaming. "Good. Then I shall visit your home tomorrow to propose!" Su Li was startled. "Don't you need to consult with Consort De?" Jun Mo chuckled. "My mother spends her days chanting sutras and is exceedingly kind-hearted. I've acted without her prior approval many times." It was the first time Su Li saw a mischievous expression cross Jun Mo's usually composed face. "Aren't royal marriages typically arranged by the Emperor himself? Won't His Majesty be angry when he finds out?" Jun Mo replied, "Let's put it this way: your status makes any minister hesitant to accept you as a bride. But marrying into the royal family? He would welcome it." Su Li understood the underlying meaning immediately. "In that case, let's proceed as planned." With that settled, Su Li remembered another matter. "Has there been any progress regarding the Crown Prince's poisoning?" Jun Mo's smile faded, and his expression turned solemn. "The culprit has covered their tracks well. We've only managed to uncover a few attendants from the laundry and some servants from the Eastern Palace." Su Li said, "As expected." Jun Hui's schemes ran deep—how could he leave such obvious traces? Jun Mo looked at Su Li. "That day, Miss Su left behind a cryptic remark. Do you know something?" Su Li glanced at Jun Mo and asked, "What does Your Highness think of the Sixth Prince?" Jun Mo thought for a moment before replying, "The Sixth Prince is humble and virtuous, widely respected in court. If not for Consort Yun's declining maternal clan, his achievements might have been even greater." "But sometimes, when someone seems too perfect, it feels artificial. I don't believe such a person exists." Su Li gave him an approving look. "Your Highness has keen insight. If I were to say the Crown Prince's poisoning is connected to the Sixth Prince, what would you think?" Jun Mo looked at Su Li in astonishment. "On what grounds do you draw this conclusion?" Su Li replied, "A physician's sense of smell is more acute than an ordinary person's. One of the Sixth Prince's attendants carried the faint scent of the poison—a trace left from prolonged exposure." Jun Mo was shocked. "If this is true, then my Sixth Brother's ambition runs deeper than I imagined." Su Li remained silent. Wasn't it obvious? His sights were set on the highest seat of power. Jun Mo stood up. "Thank you for informing me, Miss Su. It's late, and I must take my leave." Su Li glanced at the full moon outside the window. Indeed, it was late—the third watch had already sounded. "Is the Jing Prince going to verify his suspicions? It shouldn't be difficult. Perhaps you could investigate the Sixth Prince's assets—you might uncover something interesting." The Jing Prince gazed deeply at Su Li. "Thank you for your guidance, Miss Su. By the way, we'll soon be engaged. Calling me 'Your Highness' feels distant. Let's play the part fully. Call me Ziyuan." Su Li fell silent. Ziran? Since when had the Jing Prince become so familiar? Seeing her stunned expression, he chuckled softly, his laughter warm and low. Unable to resist, he reached out to ruffle her soft hair. Su Li froze again. By the time she regained her composure, Jun Mo had vanished into the shadows outside the window. His faint laughter seemed to linger in the night breeze. Su Li quickly shut the window, cutting off all traces of him. Returning to bed, she tossed and turned, sorting through her relationship with Jun Mo. In her past life, he was her enemy. In this life, he was her benefactor. Now, they were partners in a mutually beneficial arrangement. She treated his leg ailment, and he shielded her from trouble. Perhaps, in the end, they would share a common enemy—Jun Hui! Clarifying their relationship, devoid of romantic entanglements, Su Li sighed in relief and drifted off to sleep with a clear conscience.