Ji Bozhai's Essence Power was indeed formidable, strong enough to lead Star Yearn City to the glory of the Upper Three Cities. However, Gong Wang believed that without the guidance of the experienced Ming Xian, his victory wouldn't have been so smooth.
Who was Ming Xian? Once the most powerful Fighter in the Azure Cloud Realm, even if she assisted an ordinary Fighter with purple Essence Power, that person would undoubtedly shine at the Six Cities Tournament.
Thus, Gong Wang thought that winning over Ji Bozhai was no longer feasible, but if he could recruit Ming Xian for his own use...
He turned his gaze toward Mingyi.
Mingyi, her hair elegantly coiled high and her long skirt trailing the ground, held the Nine-Phoenix Golden Cup as she looked at him, her brow slightly raised and her eyes shimmering like lake waters, as if intrigued by his words.
Gong Wang straightened his back and immediately continued, "Ming Guniang must also know Tianyin."
Mingyi nodded slightly. "Naturally, I do."
Delighted, Gong Wang was about to speak further when she turned her head and smiled at Ji Bozhai, saying, "Since she is with child, you must ensure she is well cared for upon your return."
Ji Bozhai appeared somewhat flustered. "I'm not, I don't—"
"She is your servant," Mingyi reminded him, her eyes narrowing slightly.
This expression didn’t seem like jealousy. Ji Bozhai studied her for a moment before realizing her intent.
She had been with him constantly lately, so she knew he hadn’t had time for dalliances. She was only saying this to dismantle Gong Wang’s attempt to sow discord.
Tianyin’s pregnancy—none of them knew the truth of it. But in such a public setting, since she was his servant, he had no choice but to acknowledge it, whether he wanted to or not.
As long as Mingyi didn’t take it to heart, the matter wasn’t a big deal.
With a quiet exhale, Ji Bozhai smiled and replied, "Very well."
Noticing this, the Tianguan nearby promptly bowed to Da Si. "Congratulations, Minister Superior! Not only has the Purple Star descended to save our Star Yearn, but now an heir is on the horizon. If Lord Ji becomes the successor, our city will enjoy decades of glory."
At these words, the crowd erupted in murmurs.
The nobles and high-ranking officials were secretly pleased—decades of glory for Star Yearn City meant decades of prosperity for them. This was an immense blessing.
But the princes couldn’t help feeling uneasy. The position of successor had originally been theirs by priority. Now, an upstart of slave origins was to rise above them?
No matter how powerful he was, without blood ties, how could he treat them well in the future?
The tradition of the Six Cities was that the strong ruled, and the continuation of a strong bloodline would produce even stronger Fighters to lead the city—this was what everyone hoped for, and the Minister Superior was no exception. Since the Tianguan had spoken thus, he naturally said, "If this is heaven’s will, let the Ministry of Rites arrange the subsequent matters.""
In an instant, everyone in the hall knelt, leaving only Da Si and Ji Bozhai seated, their gazes meeting across the room.
Da Si had aged, the sharpness of his youth long tempered, yet his authority remained. Ji Bozhai, young and vigorous, showed no trace of arrogance, appearing instead humble and amiable. In that single exchange, the transition of power over the city seemed complete.
The Minister Superior was quite satisfied. After all, Ji Bozhai had undeniably brought tangible benefits to Star Yearn, and he still had leverage over him. Though they lacked blood ties, betrothing his daughter to him would make them family.
But as Ji Bozhai looked at him, a storm of emotions churned within.If it weren't for him bringing Bo Shi from Moonchase City and bestowing her upon Prince Ping back then, Bo Shi wouldn't have met such a tragic end. After her death, he even refused her burial in the Dragon Mausoleum. The person he should most seek revenge against is actually himself.
But there's no hurry—now is not the time.
The welcoming banquet concluded with the confirmation of the heir. As the crowd dispersed, Ji Bozhai firmly held Mingyi's hand.
"No matter when, you must believe in me," he said.
Mingyi thought he was referring to the Tianyin matter and couldn't help rolling her eyes. "I grew up surrounded by schemes and plots—don't underestimate me."
At present, their cooperation was mutually beneficial while separation would harm both. Naturally, many would try to drive a wedge between them, but how could she possibly fall for such tricks?
Ji Bozhai said nothing more, only tightening his grip on her hand.
Though the rewards from Star Yearn City weren't as lavish as those from Sunspire City, for Mingyi at this moment, they were still a delightful surprise. She moved into a new mansion, gazing at the warehouses filled with gold, silver, and jewels that now belonged to her, grinning from ear to ear.
Ji Bozhai, however, had no interest in counting the rewards. He simply moved all the gift boxes piled in the courtyard to her residence.
And then, quite naturally, he settled in to live at her place.
"After all the twists and turns, it's still you, my lady," Granny Xun said upon seeing her, overjoyed. As she styled Mingyi's hair, she added, "With your victory, people on the streets these days walk with their heads held high—so proud."
Mingyi smiled. "Next year, we'll be able to collect tribute from other cities too."
"Yes," Granny Xun wiped her eyes. "It hasn't been easy."
"How is Twenty-Seven?" Mingyi asked.
Granny Xun paused, glanced outside the door, and whispered, "You might not know this, my lady, but the master has never mistreated Twenty-Seven. Knowing he's important to you, he assigned him to oversee a Soft Iron Mine. Twenty-Seven didn't disappoint—over the past half year, he's secured control of the mine. Now, all the soft iron in Star Yearn City is priced by him."
Mingyi raised an eyebrow. "A Soft Iron Mine?"
Though Divine Tools were powerful, the small amount of soft iron circulating in the market was usually enough for the inner court and patrols to craft them. What did they need a whole mine for?
A vague suspicion formed in her mind, but she kept it to herself, instead staring absently at her Bright Moon Earring in the mirror.
Ji Bozhai had been swamped with social engagements lately, but without fail, he returned to the residence every evening. Then, wrapping his arms around her waist, he would lie with her on the Soft Couch, watching the sunset and the stars together.
"They're so annoying. I've told them I don't need other women, yet they keep sending me a bunch. I didn't accept a single one," he grumbled, his tone slightly petulant. Resting his forehead against her arm, he sighed softly.
This man, so formidable outside, became almost childlike when he returned to her side. Mingyi couldn't help but laugh. "My lord, you are now the heir of Star Yearn City."
"The investiture ceremony hasn't happened yet," he muttered.
It was merely a formality at this point. Mingyi thought for a moment, then suddenly turned to him. "After your investiture, would you like to marry me?"
They had agreed on the journey back to request the Minister Superior's blessing for their marriage, but in the flurry of activity, it had slipped their minds.
Ji Bozhai lowered his eyes, smiling as he pulled her closer. "Yi'er wants to marry me?"
"...Just answer whether you're willing or not."
"Of course I am." He stroked her long hair. "It's just that things have been hectic lately. Once I'm done, I'll ask the Minister Superior for his blessing. How does that sound?"A glimmer of amusement lit up her eyes as Mingyi nodded, only to hear him continue, "Gong Wang has grown wary of me and has been looking for faults in my conduct lately. If possible, stay within this courtyard for now—it would ease my mind."
The thought of being confined to this courtyard didn’t sit well with Mingyi, but Ji Bozhai nuzzled her neck and whispered in a coaxing tone, "Yi'er~"
With that, Mingyi relented. Fine, she thought. She could always teach Bai Ying and the others their cultivation practice within the courtyard.
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