As soon as he spoke, those around him were visibly startled.
Ji Bozhai wasn’t even the heir apparent at the moment. No matter how formidable his Essence Power might be, such words were premature. If they reached the ears of Da Si of Muxing City, it could spell trouble.
Mingyi instinctively glanced at Qin Shangwu, only to find his reaction mirrored her own—his expression remained unreadable, though he frowned slightly at Luo Jiaoyang and the others, likely wary of them accidentally letting something slip later.
Feeling somewhat reassured, she turned her gaze back to Ji Bozhai.
Young men in their early twenties were often brash and arrogant, but perhaps due to the hardships he’d endured since childhood, Ji Bozhai appeared remarkably composed. Unfazed by the Azure Snow Da Si’s words, he sat elegantly across from him, even smiling faintly as he poured tea for the minister.
“I’m flattered by Minister Superior’s high regard, bypassing the princes of Muxing to speak of my succession so directly.”
The Azure Snow Da Si looked as though this were only natural. “Your Essence Power is unmatched in Muxing—no, even among the Six Cities. In this world, the strong rule. If not you, then who else in Muxing could possibly inherit the throne?”
Moreover, rumors had been circulating about the frequent illnesses of Muxing’s Da Si. His succession likely wouldn’t be too far off.
Strength over lineage—this was indeed the typical mindset of Azure Snow’s people. Ji Bozhai couldn’t be bothered to argue over such rhetoric. He poured half a cup of tea before withdrawing his hand. “I can agree to this condition, but opening a ferry carries implications I need not elaborate on. In return, all you offer is good food, comfortable lodging, and a place to train?”
Transactions demanded equality; unequal deals inevitably brought unforeseen consequences.
Azure Snow City excelled in commerce, and the Da Si naturally understood this principle. After a brief pause, he twirled his teacup and spoke. “I have a daughter, delicate as a narcissus, with unparalleled beauty. I’ve heard Lord Ji is a man of refined tastes who appreciates lovely women. If you were to marry her, other terms could be negotiated.”
A legitimate princess naturally wouldn’t be subjected to Concentrated Breeding. By making this offer, the Azure Snow Da Si was signaling his intent to support Ji Bozhai’s succession.
Ji Bozhai nearly refused outright, but he hesitated, glancing to the side first.
What would Mingyi think if he took another woman as his wife?
If she showed even the slightest hint of concern—just the tiniest flicker—he’d have won.
Yet, when he looked over, Mingyi was in the middle of a yawn.
She must have heard the Azure Snow Da Si’s words, but they clearly hadn’t registered. Her expression was relaxed, her gaze lazy. In fact, her yawn had been so wide that her jaw had twisted slightly, and she’d turned away to hide in a corner, grimacing as she adjusted it.
Ji Bozhai’s lips twitched.
He turned back to the Azure Snow Da Si with utmost seriousness. “I already have someone I love. She demands my undivided devotion for this lifetime. To remain by her side, I fear I must decline the honor of marrying your princess. My apologies.”
The moment these words left his mouth, Luo Jiaoyang and the others all swiveled to stare at Mingyi.
Mingyi, still struggling with her jaw, suddenly found herself the center of attention. She hastily schooled her expression, only then processing what Ji Bozhai had said.
Her heart skipped a beat. Pressing her lips together, she pretended not to have heard.
When had she ever demanded such a thing from him? She’d only shared her personal expectations for a partner. He was the one who’d eagerly taken it upon himself.
The Azure Snow princess was a fine match, bringing the entire Azure Snow City as his backing. It wasn’t like one more woman by his side would make a difference. Even a fool would know how to handle this deal.The Azure Snow Minister Superior also frowned. "Has Lord Ji changed his ways? I recall merchants from Muxing specifically coming to our Azure Snow to purchase beauties before, offering exorbitant prices. Over drinks, they mentioned they were all to Lord Ji's taste."
Nearly dropping his teacup, Ji Bozhai coughed lightly and glanced at Mingyi. "The Minister must be mistaken. Such petty merchants rarely speak the truth."
"Nonsense. Women are scarce in Azure Snow—we don’t usually sell them. But the price was too good to refuse, and the deal went smoothly. Later, I had someone investigate his background. Turns out he was from Muxing’s inner court. And as they say, drunken words are sober thoughts—he claimed your private residence welcomed three or four new beauties every month..."
"Minister," Ji Bozhai wiped his face, "shall we discuss something else?"
The Azure Snow Minister Superior belatedly noticed Mingyi dressed in men’s attire beside them and suddenly understood. "Grown tired of women? Then men will do. I have a son—"
"I can agree to opening the ferry, but regarding what Muxing should receive in return, I trust the Minister will consider carefully." Ji Bozhai rose and clasped his hands. "It’s truly getting late. If we delay further, the blizzard outside will make travel difficult. Minister, you should take your leave now."
Pleased by his swift agreement, the Azure Snow Minister Superior didn’t take offense at being dismissed. He removed his jade pendant and exchanged it with Ji Bozhai. "A deal, then."
"A deal." Ji Bozhai gestured for him to leave, escorting him out of the courtyard.
The moment the beast-drawn carriage departed, Ji Bozhai turned back—only to find Luo Jiaoyang and the others behind him, Mingyi nowhere in sight.
A chill ran down his spine. He hurried toward her room, his mind racing with excuses for his past indiscretions.
But upon entering, he found her not angry but tending to Fuling, who had caught a cold.
His steps froze at the doorway. He exhaled and leaned against the frame, smiling. "You—are you made of stone?"
Mingyi glanced at him, puzzled. "What?"
"Don’t you notice anything different about me?" He stepped inside, standing before her.
She looked him up and down and nodded. "You’ve bulked up. Your training’s been effective."
"Not that." Ji Bozhai scowled. "I mean me—wasn’t I someone who couldn’t live without women?"
"Yes." Mingyi turned to fold Fuling’s discarded clothes.
Ji Bozhai circled to face her. "And now, aside from you, there are no other women around me. None of those sent to me in Muxing or offered here in Azure Snow—I’ve touched none of them."
Mingyi met his gaze. "What are you trying to say?"
"I’m saying," he began haltingly, "if I want no one else but you, could you... reconsider?"
Her fingers stilled on the clothes. She gave him a strange look. "I’m not gentle."
"I know." He smirked. "I’ve seen you kill plenty on this journey."
"I’m scarred." She pointed. "The wounds from this trip weren’t treated properly. They won’t fade now."
"I know. So am I." He raised his arm. "We’re even. Neither can judge the other."
"I’m not a homemaker either." She arched a brow. "I won’t wash your clothes, cook your meals, or play the dutiful wife."
"If I wanted that, I wouldn’t be here." He clicked his tongue. "Women like that are a dime a dozen in the Azure Cloud Realm."After silently staring at him for a long moment, Mingyi tilted her head slightly. "Does my lord feel competitive because I'm difficult to tame, or do you truly wish to spend the rest of your life with me?"
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