The Villains Must Win-Chapter 24: Han Feng

Xue Li blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in his words. She had only been offering a solution she had learned from the novels and games she had read and played before with the same scenario as this.

"Xue Li have read much, Your Majesty," she lied. "Books on strategy, on leadership. It is in these pages that Xue Li got the answers."

Han Feng’s brow furrowed for a moment. She had learned this from books? His gaze fell on her, the sharpness of his intellect meeting her calm, steady eyes. He had seen the volumes of books she devoured in the past months—her thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He had seen the spark of brilliance in her, but now, it was undeniable.

He stood, his cloak swishing behind him as he paced the room, deep in thought. Then, with a sudden resolve, he turned to her.

"Xue Li," he declared, his tone both serious and filled with admiration, "It seemed this emperor had underestimated you. You are more than worthy to replace the men who sit in my court. You have seen beyond your own desires. You think of the kingdom. You think of the future. Your wisdom is unparalleled."

Xue Li bit her lip. She had not expected such praise. But Han Feng’s eyes, filled with sincerity and respect, made her feel a little guilty. That suggestion might be commonplace in the modern world, but in this one, it seemed their understanding hadn’t quite caught up yet.

"Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice betraying her surprise, "I—"

"No," Han Feng interrupted, stepping closer to her and grabbed her hands. "Do not humble yourself. You are the strategist the empire needs, not these feeble men who seek only their own gain. I shall review your plans, and I will have it put into action. This is the course Han must follow, and it shall not be delayed."

Xue Li bowed her head, hiding her triumphant smile. Now she could only hope that everything would go well.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

Han Feng nodded, his gaze lingering on Xue Li longer than usual. His eyes held an intensity that unsettled her, stirring a strange, unexpected feeling deep within her soul. freēwēbnovel.com

"Is there something else, Your Majesty?" Xue Li asked, her voice steady, though her heart beat a little faster.

Han Feng leaned back slightly, his expression shifting to one of quiet contemplation. "This emperor has been reflecting, Xue Li. In the months I have known you, you have shown a thirst for knowledge that is unparalleled, all while carrying yourself with an air of humility. Your love for books and your disdain for the excesses of silk and luxury are rare among those in the palace. Your simplicity, your kindness, and your wit have stirred something profound within this emperor. Time and again, you have demonstrated brilliance far beyond what anyone could expect.

"Who else would suggest draining the stagnant water around the palace walls to prevent disease, a solution so simple yet overlooked by my ministers? Or the clever advice to rotate our grain stores to avoid spoiling the older stock, thus ensuring a steady supply during the winter months? Even your insight to install iron reinforcements on the outer gates before the bandit attack saved countless lives. Your mind is as sharp as any sword in this empire, and it has surpassed every expectation."

Xue Li glanced to the side, biting her lip guiltily. To her, those were just simple suggestions, hardly worth noting. But in this timeline, their knowledge hadn’t advanced to such ideas yet, making even the most basic solutions seem extraordinary.

Han Feng’s voice softened, yet there was an undeniable power behind his words. "And now, Xue Li, this emperor is certain. You are the only woman this country needs. You are the one I need."

Xue Li’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. "Y-Your Majesty . . ." Her heart raced, unsure if she had heard him correctly. Was this really happening?

Han Feng stood slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, and approached with a quiet intensity. Kneeling before her, he took her hand gently in his, his lips brushing the back of her hand with a tenderness that caught her completely off guard.

"Marry me, Xue Li," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Become my Wang Fei. Be the mother of my children, the strength beside me as I rule this land."

The world seemed to stop around them. Xue Li’s heart fluttered wildly, and for a brief moment, she found herself caught in the depth of his gaze, where sincerity and longing intertwined.

"Xue Li . . . Xue Li never thought . . . ," Xue Li stammered, lost for words.

"Say yes, Xue Li," Han Feng whispered, his voice a soft plea. "Together, we will build something more than this empire. We will make history."

Of course, Xue Li didn’t answer Han Feng right away. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to; it was a carefully calculated move. She wasn’t about to come off as eager to be his main wife.

She understood the power of keeping him waiting, making him stand on his toes, just a little longer. In this delicate game of hearts, the timing of her response was just as crucial as the words themselves.

But, in truth, Xue Li had little choice. If the Emperor demanded it, then he would force her to marry him. And yet, Han Feng loved her, more than he realized, and far too deeply to force her into a role that was meant to be hers willingly.

Xue Li’s ultimate goal was to be his wife, but she was not the type to become just another main wife inside a palace with a long line of concubines. No woman wanted to share the man she loved with others—especially not a traditional woman who believed in true love and the ideal of being someone’s one and only, much like the many otome games she had played.

Ironically, while she enjoyed harem tropes in fiction, living one in real life was definitely not her idea of romance.

Fortunately, the concubines surrounding her seemed intent on weaving their own downfall, sparing Xue Li the need to lift a finger. Their unchecked arrogance and reckless actions were hastening their inevitable demise.

Xue Li, ever patient, understood this well. All she needed was to bide her time, awaiting the moment when their fall from grace would come of their own making.