The Villains Must Win-Chapter 35: Han Feng

"Why don’t we dispense with these pleasantries, Baron?"­

All eyes turned toward Han Feng, whose presence alone carried the weight of an emperor’s authority. His expression was unreadable, his fingers lightly drumming against the table’s edge as he regarded the Baron with cold amusement.

"Surely, you do not expect us to believe that you invited my Xue Li here merely so she could carry your name after all these years?" His tone was polite, yet laced with an unmistakable edge. "No, Baron Wei Zhen, we are not so easily deceived."

The room grew still, tension thick as ink.

Baron Wei Zhen swallowed, his fingers tightening slightly over the carved armrest of his chair.

Xue Li remained silent, a slow smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Let us see how you explain yourself now, dear ’father.’

Baron Wei Zhen let out a practiced chuckle, his hands folded before him as he inclined his head.

"Of course not, Your Majesty," he said, his voice laced with feigned sincerity. "I am but a humble father, wishing only to see my daughter well before her marriage. In fact, I have prepared a dowry for her."

Han Feng arched a single brow, his expression unreadable. "Oh?"

Baron Wei forced a smile, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease. "Yes. Five treasure chests for Xue Li. I have nothing much, but I hope this will suffice for her marriage into the imperial harem and time in the palace."

A murmur rippled through the hall.

Five chests of gold. It was a generous offering—on the surface. For a Baron, such wealth equaled ten years’ worth of salary. To most, it would seem a grand gesture, a father bestowing riches upon his beloved daughter.

But Han Feng was no fool.

Five chests of gold. A pittance compared to what the Baron would gain once Xue Li ascended as Empress. A mere investment, wrapped in the guise of fatherly affection. He thought Xue Li naïve enough to accept his ’generosity’ and feel indebted to him.

How laughable.

Han Feng’s lips curled in amusement.

"Though I appreciate your concern for my Xue Li," he said, his tone smooth yet firm, "the Emperor has no need for gold. I could provide everything and anything for Xue Li."

The Baron’s smile stiffened.

"In fact," Han Feng continued, his voice carrying through the hall, "as Xue Li’s father, it is only right that I bring gifts for you."

Before anyone could react, Han Feng raised a hand.

At once, a procession of servants entered the hall, each carrying a gleaming chest of gold in both hands. The air hummed with the weight of ten chests—double the amount Baron Wei had offered.

Gasps filled the room.

Han Feng leaned back, his expression composed.

"A total of ten treasure chests," he declared. "Though such an amount pales in comparison to Xue Li’s true worth, I hope this is enough to show the Emperor’s gratitude for bringing her into this world."

The Baron’s breath hitched.

His wife’s eyes gleamed with barely concealed greed, her fingers twitching as though she longed to reach for the wealth before her. Even his daughters, who had spent the evening casting shy glances at Han Feng, could not mask the hunger in their gazes.

Baron Wei quickly regained his composure, bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty, this is . . . far too generous." He swallowed, voice trembling with delight. "This humble one is truly honored."

With this fortune—twenty years’ worth of wealth—he could retire in luxury, never lifting a finger for the rest of his days. Even if he failed to secure a stronger connection with Xue Li, this alone was a victory.

Or so he thought.

"The Emperor is truly benevolent," Baron Wei Zhen’s main wife said smoothly, her tone carefully laced with admiration. She smiled, though Xue Li could see the calculated gleam in her eyes.

"If this humble subject may be bold . . . ," she hesitated, casting a meaningful glance at her son before continuing. "My young son will soon be entering the palace to take the imperial examination. If Your Majesty would be so kind as to offer him some guidance, I am certain that with his elder brother so close to Xue Li, she would feel much at ease."

I’d rather not. Xue Li thought.

Xue Li barely kept herself from rolling her eyes. The meaning behind those flowery words was all too obvious—she wasn’t asking for mere guidance. She wanted Han Feng to ensure her son’s success.

Han Feng raised a brow, feigning confusion. "Help? What help could this Emperor possibly provide?" He leaned back, eyes glinting with amusement. "Surely, you do not expect me to hand him the answers, do you?"

The hall fell silent.

The main wife’s face paled, her confidence visibly wavering. "T-that’s not what I meant, Your Majesty . . ."

Han Feng sipped his tea leisurely before speaking again, his voice carrying an unmistakable chill. "If your son is truly capable, then he will earn his place through his own abilities. This Emperor does not bestow titles upon the undeserving."

The underlying warning was clear.

The main wife stiffened, suppressing her rising panic. She had hoped for an imperial recommendation, a backdoor to ensure her son’s effortless entry into court. But now, under the weight of the Baron’s sharp glare, she bit her tongue.

However, she would not retreat so easily. Her son’s prospects might be lost, but there was another path to securing a future for herself.

With a graceful smile, she quickly shifted the conversation. "This lowly subject acknowledges Your Majesty’s wisdom. My son shall prove himself worthy."

She hesitated before her eyes flickered toward Xue Li, her tone turning warm, almost affectionate.

"However . . . my daughters, Your Majesty. They simply wish to get to know their elder sister better. I hope you could approve of their request."

She turned to Xue Li, her false kindness sickeningly sweet. "My dear Xue Li, your sisters have long wanted to know you. Could it be possible for them to accompany you to the palace as your ladies-in-waiting? They can serve you well."