Ji Bozai’s Yuan Power was indeed strong, enough to lead Mu Xingcheng to the glory of the top three cities. However, Duke Gong felt that without the experienced Ming Xian’s guidance, he wouldn’t have won so easily.
Who was Ming Xian? Once the most powerful fighter in the Qingyun Realm. Even if she assisted an ordinary purple Yuan Power fighter, that person would surely shine in the Six Cities Conference.
So Duke Gong thought that winning over Ji Bozai was impossible if he could get Ming Xian on his side…
He turned his head to look at Ming Yi.
Ming Yi had her hair in a high bun and wore a floor-length dress. She was holding a golden cup and looking at him with slightly raised eyebrows and shimmering eyes, seemingly interested in what he was saying.
Duke Gong straightened his back and immediately continued: “Miss Ming must also know Tian Yin.”
Ming Yi nodded slightly: “Of course I do.”
Duke Gong was delighted, but before he could say more, he saw her turn to Ji Bozai with a smile: “Since she’s pregnant, you must ensure she’s well cared for when you return.”
Ji Bozai looked somewhat agitated: “I’m not, I didn’t…”
“She’s your lordship’s maid,” Ming Yi reminded him, her eyes narrowing slightly.
This expression didn’t seem like jealousy. Ji Bozai looked at her for a moment longer before realizing it.
She had been with him recently, so she naturally knew he hadn’t had time for dalliances. She said this only to break Duke Gong’s attempt to sow discord.
They didn’t know how Tian Yin had become pregnant, but in public, since she was his maid, he had to acknowledge it whether he wanted to or not.
As long as Ming Yi didn’t take it to heart, it wasn’t a big deal.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Ji Bozai smiled and replied, “Alright.”
Seeing this, the nearby Celestial Official immediately bowed to the Grand Judiciary: “Congratulations, Your Excellency. Not only has a purple star descended to save our Mu Xing, but now there’s an heir in prospect. If Lord Ji becomes the heir to the main seat, our Mu Xing will surely enjoy decades of glory.”
This statement caused a commotion among the crowd.
The noble families were secretly delighted. If Mu Xingcheng had decades of glory, they would surely have decades of good times. This was a tremendous blessing.
But the princes were inevitably disgruntled. The position of heir was originally their priority, and now a boy of slave origin was to ride above them?
Even if he was powerful, he ultimately had no blood ties. How would he treat them kindly in the future?
It was the tradition of the six cities that the strong should rule. The continuation of a strong bloodline would produce even stronger fighters to lead the city. This was what everyone hoped to see, including the Judiciary. Since the Celestial Official had spoken thus, he went along with it: “It is heaven’s will. Let the Ministry of Rites arrange the following matters.”
At once, everyone in the hall knelt, leaving only the Grand Judiciary and Ji Bozai seated, gazing at each other from afar.
The Grand Judiciary had aged, the sharp edges of his youth completely subdued, yet his residual authority remained. Ji Bozai was young and vigorous, but he showed no trace of sharpness, instead appearing humble and amiable. With just one look between them, the transfer of power over the entire city seemed complete.
The Judiciary was quite satisfied. After all, Ji Bozai had brought real benefits to Mu Xing, and he still had leverage over him. Although there was no blood relation, giving his daughter in marriage to him would make them family.
Ji Bozai, however, looked at him with tumultuous emotions.
If it hadn’t been for him bringing the Bao clan from Yuyue City and giving them to Prince Ping back then, the Bao clan wouldn’t have met such a tragic fate. After Bao’s death, he didn’t even allow her to be buried in the Dragon Tomb. He was the person Ji Bozai should seek revenge against the most.
But there was no rush. Now was not the time.
The welcoming banquet ended with the heir being decided. As everyone dispersed, Ji Bozai firmly held Ming Yi’s hand.
“No matter when, you must always trust me,” he said.
Ming Yi thought he was talking about Tian Yin’s matter and couldn’t help but roll her eyes: “I grew up amidst schemes and plots. Don’t underestimate me.”
At present, their alliance was mutually beneficial, and separation would harm them both. Naturally, many people would try to drive a wedge between them, but how could she fall for such tricks?
Ji Bozai didn’t say anything more, just held her hand tightly.
Although Mu Xingcheng’s rewards weren’t as lavish as Chaoyang City’s, for Ming Yi now, they were a series of pleasant surprises. She moved into a new mansion and was overjoyed at the sight of her warehouse full of gold, silver, and jewels.
Ji Bozai wasn’t interested in seeing how much the rewards were. He simply moved all the gift boxes piled in the courtyard to her residence.
Then he naturally took up residence at her mansion.
“Who would have thought, after all the twists and turns, it would still be you, Miss,” Xun Mama was delighted to see her. While combing her hair, she said, “Since your victory, people on the streets have been walking with their heads held high, so proud.”
Ming Yi smiled: “Next year, we’ll be able to collect tributes from other cities too.”
“Yes,” Xun Mama wiped her eyes. “It wasn’t easy.”
“How is Twenty-seven?” she asked.
Xun Mama paused, looked at the door, and whispered to her: “Miss might not know, but the lord has never mistreated Twenty-seven. Knowing he’s important to you, he put him in charge of a soft iron mine. Twenty-seven didn’t disappoint and has taken control of the soft iron mine over the past half year. Now, he sets the price for all soft iron in Mu Xingcheng.”
Ming Yi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this: “Soft iron mine?”
Although divine weapons were powerful, the small amount of soft iron circulating in the market was usually enough for the inner court and patrols to make divine weapons. What was the need for a soft iron mine?
She had a vague guess but didn’t say anything, only staring at her Mingyue hairpin in the mirror, lost in thought.
Ji Bozai had many social engagements recently, but he always returned to the mansion every evening. He would then lie on the soft couch with his arms around her waist, watching the sunset and stars with her.
“They’re so annoying. I’ve told them I don’t need other women, but they keep sending me a bunch. I didn’t accept any of them,” he said with a slight whine, his forehead resting against her arm as he sighed softly.
The man who was so powerful outside was like a child when he returned to her side. Ming Yi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “My lord, you’re now the heir of Mu Xingcheng.”
“The ceremony hasn’t been held yet,” he mumbled.
It was just a matter of a ceremony now. Ming Yi thought for a moment, then suddenly turned to him and said: “After your investiture ceremony, do you want to marry me?”
They had agreed earlier on the road to ask the Judiciary for a marriage decree upon their return, but they had forgotten amid their busyness.
Ji Bozai lowered his eyes, smiling as he held her tightly: “Does Yi’er want to marry me?”
“…Just say whether you’re willing to marry me or not.”
“Of course I’m willing,” he stroked her long hair. “It’s just that affairs are complicated recently. When I’m done with my tasks, I’ll ask the Judiciary for a marriage decree, alright?”
Joy welled up in her eyes as Ming Yi nodded, but then she heard him continue: “Duke Gong has become wary of me and has been looking for faults lately. If you have nothing to do, it’s best not to leave this courtyard for now. It will ease my worries.”
The thought of staying in this courtyard all the time didn’t please Ming Yi much, but Ji Bozai nuzzled her neck with his nose and softly coaxed her: “Yi’er~”
So Ming Yi thought, well, it might be fine to stay in the courtyard and teach Bai Ying and the others to cultivate.