Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 463 - Your Meaning Is? Equal Wife?

“What exactly is Chu Kingdom up to? And what does this remnant of Prince Shan, Liu Feng, want?”

After Liu Feng and Tang Ningzhi were taken away, Emperor Wu turned to Xiao Mochi and asked.

Compared to earlier, when Emperor Wu had respectfully addressed him as “Mr. Liu,” Liu Feng was now merely a “remnant of the former dynasty.”

Emperor Wu did, in fact, admire Liu Feng.

However, anything that threatened his rule or the foundation of Wu Kingdom meant only one thing—how and when that threat should die.

But now was certainly not the time for Emperor Wu to act against Liu Feng.

As for Chu Kingdom proposing a marriage alliance, Emperor Wu had never trusted their intentions.

He was no fool.

Did Chu Kingdom really want to strengthen ties with Wu by sending their princess over in marriage?

There was no way it was that simple.

Setting aside all else, if Chu Kingdom were to do such a thing, Emperor Wu could scarcely imagine the public outcry within their court.

Wouldn’t a large number of Chu officials protest with their lives, smashing their heads against pillars in opposition?

And then there was Liu Feng, a remnant of Prince Shan’s faction.

After Prince Shan’s failed bid for the throne, Liu Feng had disappeared.

For him to resurface now could not be unrelated to Prince Shan.

Not to mention that in recent times, remnants of Prince Shan’s faction had been stirring unrest throughout the capital. And now, suddenly, Liu Feng—Prince Shan’s most steadfast supporter—had reappeared?

This alone was telling enough.

The more Emperor Wu thought about it, the more he wanted to kill Liu Feng.

For years, Liu Feng had been the one person who truly unsettled him.

And yet...

Now, Liu Feng seemed to have aligned himself with Chu Kingdom, making it inconvenient for Emperor Wu to act.

Chu Kingdom was not weak, and its ruler appeared to value Liu Feng highly.

If anything happened to Liu Feng, Chu Kingdom might cause trouble for Wu.

Though Wu Kingdom was not afraid of war, the real problem was—what if Chu Kingdom allied with Beihuang (Northern Wastelands)? Wu was already bordered by the southern Demon Kingdoms, while also being flanked by Beihuang and Chu. Its geographic position was highly precarious.

And there was also the matter of Liu Feng’s apparent confidence.

This made Emperor Wu suspect that things were far from simple, and Liu Feng could not yet be touched.

A headache was beginning to form.

Xiao Mochi bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I do not yet know what Chu Kingdom and Liu Feng are planning. The remnants of Prince Shan’s faction have already caused a great commotion, throwing the entire capital into unrest. Based on the latest investigation from Jingzhao Bureau, the recent assassination attempt on Xu Pangda was very likely their doing.

And now, the greatest remnant of Prince Shan’s faction has arrived, bringing the princess of Chu with him to propose marriage.

Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it.”

Emperor Wu rubbed his temples. “Forget it. Let’s see what they’re up to first. Have the Jinyiwei keep a close watch on both of them.

Regardless, Xu Ming must not become Chu Kingdom’s prince consort.

If Chu Kingdom is truly determined to marry off their princess, then I shall grant their wish.

I’d like to see what kind of storm they think they can stir up by sending her here.

That being said, their princess can never be a primary wife—at best, she can be a concubine.”

“...”

Xiao Mochi gave no reaction to these words.

Making the eldest princess of Chu a mere concubine? That was simply impossible.

He knew the emperor was merely venting his frustration.

But if things really came to that...

A thought formed in Xiao Mochi’s mind.

“Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I am unsure if I should.”

Xiao Mochi spoke cautiously, watching Emperor Wu’s expression.

Emperor Wu glanced at him and chuckled. “Mochi, if you have something to say, just say it. Why bother with formalities?”

Xiao Mochi straightened up and said, “Since Your Majesty has put it that way, I shall speak plainly. If Chu Kingdom truly wishes to form a marriage alliance with Wu, it is not entirely impossible. The world is in great turmoil, and our Wu Kingdom’s geographical position is extremely unfavorable.”

Hearing Xiao Mochi’s words, Emperor Wu pondered for a moment before shaking his head. “I understand what you mean. If I had a son, or if Yan Han were born an ordianary daughter, things would be different.

But the problem is, among the young talents of Wu, apart from Xu Ming, who else is worthy of Chu Kingdom’s eldest princess?”

Xiao Mochi smiled faintly. “It can still be Xu Ming.”

“Oh?” Emperor Wu looked at him. “Explain.”

Xiao Mochi nodded. “Xu Ming is of immense importance to our Wu Kingdom. In literature, he is the leader of our literary world. In martial prowess, he ranks second on the Qingyun List. Not to mention, Xu Ming has helped forge ties between Wu and Beihai (North Sea). He must never be handed over to another dynasty.

Otherwise, even if he does not become a direct asset to Chu, the people of Wu would never accept it.

At the same time, the Chu princess cannot be made a primary wife. If she were, where would that leave Prince Qin?

Yet, if she were merely a concubine, Chu Kingdom would likely threaten war.

But, Your Majesty... what if this Chu princess were made equal in status to Prince Qin?”

For a moment, Emperor Wu seemed to grasp something. His eyes lit up. “You mean... a pingqi (Equal Wife)?”

—

Wu Kingdom’s highest-level diplomatic residence was a grand estate.

This estate had four courtyards and was reserved for royalty or prime ministers from other dynasties.

“Mr. Liu, do you think Emperor Wu will agree?” Tang Ningzhi asked with a smile.

Liu Feng chuckled and shook his head. “Emperor Wu is too cautious. Even if an opportunity is handed to him on a silver platter, he will still hesitate, overthinking every detail. Besides, he wants to marry his own daughter to Xu Ming.

Even if he were to agree, it would tarnish his daughter’s reputation, and the people of Wu would never accept it.

So, it is practically impossible.”

Tang Ningzhi nodded. She had expected this answer.

She had not come here with the true intention of marrying into Wu.

If she had genuinely wanted to marry into Wu, she would have fled long ago.

“But will Emperor Wu realize our true intentions?” she asked again.

Liu Feng shook his head once more. “Who knows? Wu Kingdom has many capable individuals, so it’s hard to say. But discovering our real purpose won’t be easy for them.”

“So what should we do now? Should we begin our plan?” Tang Ningzhi asked again.

“No need.”

Liu Feng stroked his beard.

“Patience is key. We must wait.

In the meantime, Your Highness can take this opportunity to explore the customs and traditions of Wu.

Besides—”

Liu Feng smiled and looked at Tang Ningzhi.

“Your Highness could also visit the Xu residence more often. I’m sure they would be most welcoming.”

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