The Villains Must Win-Chapter 36: Han Feng

"That’s right, Sister," the eldest daughter chimed in, her voice light and eager. "I have mastered the arts—I can teach you everything you need to know."

"And I have studied history," the second daughter added, her tone honeyed. "With the two of us by your side, your days in the palace will never be lonely. We will assist you in every way possible."

Assist me? Xue Li smiled gently, the very picture of elegance and grace. But deep inside, she scoffed. Get to know me? My ass.

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Where was this supposed sisterly affection before? When I was toiling away in the castle doing servants work.

It was obvious—they had no interest in her until now. Now that she was on the cusp of becoming Empress, they saw an opportunity. If they entered the palace as her attendants, they would have a direct path to the Emperor’s notice, a chance to seduce Han Feng and secure a higher place for themselves.

It was the same tired scheme that plagued countless palace intrigues, one Xue Li had read about far too many times in her real life.

Fortunately, it was Han Feng who spoke next.

The Emperor, ever sharp and discerning, let out a low chuckle, swirling the tea in his cup.

"This Emperor does not grant favors lightly, as all under Heaven well know. However, since you are kin to my dear Xue Li, I shall make an exception and bend the rules—for her sake."

Han Feng’s lips curved into a knowing smile as his gaze swept over them. "If you wish to serve my Xue Li, then it is only fitting that you first offer tribute to this Emperor."

The two sisters exchanged delighted glances, excitement flashing in their eyes. Their mother’s lips curled in a pleased smile as she reached for her husband’s hand, already urging him to pay whatever was needed for their daughters’ future.

But then—

"How much is Your Majesty’s required tribute?" Baron Wei Zhen asked cautiously, his voice wary.

Han Feng’s expression remained unreadable as he placed his cup down with a soft clink.

"Ten chests of gold each."

Silence.

The hall grew deathly still.

Baron Wei Zhen’s face drained of all color.

Ten chests of gold. Each!

That was twenty chests, the equivalent of his household’s entire wealth for decades. He almost fell from his seat, his fingers trembling against the armrest.

"Y-Your Majesty," he stammered, swallowing hard. His voice cracked under the weight of the sum. "That’s . . . that’s equivalent to all the wealth of my house!"

Han Feng merely smiled. "Is it now?"

His tone was mild, but his eyes held an unmistakable warning.

The message was clear—if the Baron truly wished to send his daughters into the palace, he would pay the price for his ambition.

Xue Li lowered her gaze, hiding the amusement dancing in her eyes. So, dear Father, what will you do now?

"Father, you must agree," the eldest daughter urged, her voice steady yet insistent.

"That is right, Father. Our future rests upon this," the second daughter added, her gaze fixed intently upon Han Feng.

Xue Li remained silent, allowing Han Feng to take the lead. She had long understood his ways—sharp, calculating, and always several steps ahead in matters such as these.

The baron’s face paled, his lips parting as he struggled to form words. "I . . . I . . ." His throat tightened, sweat beading on his brow. "We do not have that kind of wealth."

"Husband," his wife protested immediately, stepping forward.

"Father!" both daughters cried out, their voices layered with desperation and disbelief.

The baron silenced them with a sharp glare. "Enough! You know nothing of such matters!" His voice, filled with restrained fury, echoed through the chamber.

What do women understood of money? They only know how to spend it! His wife didn’t even oversee the household ledgers. Did they know the weight of each coin that passes through these halls? The butler handled these affairs, not her! They didn’t have twenty chests of gold to spare!

The baroness stepped closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Husband, listen to reason. This is an opportunity like no other. If even someone as unremarkable as Xue Li could capture His Majesty’s favor, then surely our daughters will fare even better. Think of what this could mean for us . . . for our family . . . for you . . ."

The baron’s gaze flickered between his wife and daughters, hesitation warring with hope. It was true—his daughters shared Xue Li’s delicate features. If Xue Li had won the Emperor’s favor, then perhaps his own daughters could do the same.

Yet, he had only enough gold for one.

His decision was swift. "Your elder sister shall go."

"What?!" The second daughter shot to her feet, anger flashing in her eyes. "And what of me?"

"You will remain here and be wed to the Marquis’s son," the baron declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"No! I refuse!" she cried, her hands clenched into fists. "I will not marry that wretched pig!"

"Lin! Mind your tongue!" the baron snapped, his expression darkening. "You stand in the presence of His Majesty!"

Tears welled in the second daughter’s eyes before she turned on her heel and stormed away, her fury trailing behind her like a storm.

The baron turned back to Han Feng, bowing deeply. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for allowing you to witness such disgrace."

Han Feng remained unbothered. "It is of no concern." His gaze was unreadable as he continued, "Then, I take it we have an accord?"

The baron hesitated. There was something in the Emperor’s tone that sent a shiver down his spine. Yet, he forced his doubts aside and nodded. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty."

He consoled himself with the thought that the Emperor had already provided ten chests of gold. He would not have to spent anymore for Mei to enter the palace. With her beauty, surely she would capture the Emperor’s favor, just as Xue Li had. Even a duke’s son had once sought her hand—there was no doubt in his mind that she would succeed.

Han Feng gave a slight nod. "Good. Then we shall not linger any longer. Come, Xue Li."

"Ah—Your Majesty, please wait!" the baroness called out hurriedly. "I shall see to it that Mei’s belongings are prepared at once."

Mei, meanwhile, had already begun to dream of the luxuries that awaited her in the imperial palace, her mind racing with thoughts of how Han Feng and she would end up together.

Han Feng, however, merely cast her a fleeting glance before stepping away, his expression unreadable.