As Ji Bozai’s words left his mouth, those around him were startled. Even though his Yuan Power was formidable, he wasn’t yet the heir. Such talk was premature and could cause trouble if it reached the ears of the Grand Duke of Mu Xing.
Ming Yi instinctively glanced at Qin Shangwu but found his reaction matched hers. His face showed no unusual expression, only furrowing his brow as he looked at Luo Jiaoyang and the others, concerned they might let something slip later.
Slightly relieved, she turned her attention back to Ji Bozai. Many young men at twenty were impetuous and arrogant, but perhaps due to his experiences, Ji Bozai appeared composed. He remained unmoved by the Grand Duke of Cang Xue’s remark, elegantly seated across from him, even smiling as he poured tea for the Grand Duke.
“I’m honored by Your Grace’s high regard, to speak of my succession while overlooking the princes of Mu Xing,” Ji Bozai said.
The Grand Duke of Cang Xue replied matter-of-factly, “Your Yuan Power is unmatched in Mu Xing, perhaps even in all six cities. In this world, the strong rules. If not you, who else could succeed in Mu Xing?”
Moreover, rumors circulated that the Grand Duke of Mu Xing had fallen ill repeatedly. Ji Bozai’s ascension might not be far off.
Judging solely on strength rather than birth was typical of Cang Xue’s way of thinking. Ji Bozai didn’t bother to argue this point further. He poured half a cup of tea before withdrawing his hand. “I can agree to Your Grace’s condition. However, we both know what opening a port entails. Is providing us with food, drink, and training grounds truly an equivalent exchange?”
Fairtrade required equality; an unequal exchange would surely bring trouble.
As Cang Xue City was known for its merchants, the Grand Duke understood this principle well. He pondered for a moment, then spoke while fingering his teacup. “I have a daughter, as delicate as a water lily and exceptionally beautiful. I’ve heard Lord Ji appreciates refined beauty. If you were to take her as your wife, we could negotiate other terms more easily.”
A princess by blood wouldn’t need to participate in collective breeding. By making this offer, the Grand Duke of Cang Xue was indicating his willingness to support Ji Bozai’s succession.
Ji Bozai was about to refuse, but he paused and glanced to the side.
How would Ming Yi react if he married another woman?
If she showed even the slightest hint of concern, even as small as a fingernail, he would have won.
However, when he looked over, Ming Yi was yawning.
She must have heard the Grand Duke of Cang Xue’s words, but she paid them no mind. Her expression was relaxed, her gaze languid. She had yawned so widely that her jaw was slightly askew, and she turned away to adjust it in the corner, grimacing.
Ji Bozai’s mouth twitched.
He turned back, addressing the Grand Duke of Cang Xue seriously, “I already have someone I love. She requires that I love only her in this life. To stay with her forever, I’m afraid I cannot accept the honor of marrying the princess. Please forgive me, Your Grace.”
At these words, Luo Jiaoyang and the others turned to look at Ming Yi.
Ming Yi, her jaw still not quite right, suddenly found herself the focus of everyone’s attention. She quickly composed her pained expression, only then realizing what Ji Bozai had said.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she pursed her lips, pretending not to have heard. When had she ever made such a demand? She had only expressed her expectations for a partner. Why was he rushing to fit himself into that mold?
The Cang Xue princess would be such a good match, bringing the entire Cang Xue City as his support. One more woman by his side wouldn’t make a difference. Even a fool would know how to make this deal.
The Grand Duke of Cang Xue also frowned. “Has Lord Ji changed his ways? I remember merchants from Mu Xing coming to Cang Xue specifically to buy beauties, offering extremely high prices. Over drinks, they said these were all for Lord Ji’s pleasure.”
Nearly losing his grip on the teacup, Ji Bozai coughed lightly and glanced at Ming Yi. “Your Grace must be mistaken. These small-time merchants rarely speak the truth.”
“They weren’t lying. Cang Xue women are scarce and usually not for sale, but that person offered an exceptionally high price, making it a satisfactory deal. I later had someone investigate his background. He was from your Mu Xing inner court. In his drunken state, he revealed that you brought three or four new beauties into your private residence each month…”
“Your Grace,” Ji Bozai wiped his face, “shall we discuss something else?”
The Grand Duke of Cang Xue belatedly noticed Ming Yi in her male attire and had a sudden realization. “Tired of women? That’s fine too. I have a son…”
“I can agree to the condition of opening the port,” Ji Bozai stood up and bowed. “As for what Mu Xing should receive in return, I ask Your Grace to consider carefully. It’s getting late, and if we delay further, the blizzard outside might make travel difficult. Perhaps Your Grace should take your leave now.”
Pleased with such a quick agreement, the Grand Duke of Cang Xue didn’t take offense at being dismissed. He removed the jade pendant from his person and exchanged it with Ji Bozai. “It’s a deal, then.”
“It’s a deal,” Ji Bozai bowed again, escorting him out of the small courtyard.
As soon as the beast-drawn carriage left, Ji Bozai turned back, only to find Luo Jiaoyang and the others behind him, but no Ming Yi.
A chill ran down his spine as he hurried towards her room, his mind racing with ways to explain away his past indiscretions.
However, upon entering, he found her not angry but tending to Fuling, who had caught a cold.
He paused at the doorway, let out a sigh, and leaned against the frame with a smile. “You are stone-hearted, aren’t you?”
Ming Yi turned to look at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you noticed anything different about me?” He stepped into the room, standing before her.
She looked him up and down, then nodded. “You’ve gotten stronger. Your recent training has paid off.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Ji Bozai said, slightly annoyed. “Didn’t I used to be unable to go without female company?”
“Yes, you did,” Ming Yi turned to fold Fuling’s discarded clothes.
Ji Bozai moved to face her again. “And now, aside from you, aren’t there no other women by my side? Those sent to me in Mu Xing, those they wanted to send me in Cang Xue—I haven’t touched any of them.”
Ming Yi looked up. “What is my lord trying to say?”
“I’m saying,” he began with some difficulty, “if I choose no one but you, would you reconsider?”
Her fingers paused on the clothes, and Ming Yi looked at him with a strange expression. “I’m not gentle.”
“I know,” he chuckled. “I’ve seen you kill plenty on this journey.”
“I have scars,” she pointed out. “The wounds from this journey were never treated properly. They won’t heal smoothly now.”
“I know. I have them too,” he raised his hand slightly. “We’re even in that regard. Neither of us should complain.”
“I’m not a domestic woman either,” she raised an eyebrow. “I can’t wash your clothes, cook your meals, or raise your children.”
“If I wanted that kind of woman, I wouldn’t be asking you,” he clicked his tongue. “Such women are a dime a dozen in the Qing Yun Realm.”
After a long, silent look at him, Ming Yi tilted her head. “Does my lord find me difficult to subdue and thus feel challenged, or do you truly wish to spend the rest of your life with me?”