Ji Bozhai was a smart man. Given their current situation, another war was the last thing they needed. Agreeing to Mu Xing Si's conditions was the best choice—efficient and effortless.
Yet, he actually suggested preparing to attack Mu Xing.
Buxiu sighed repeatedly and couldn’t help muttering, “If we knew it would come to this, why did we even…”
“The Lord had no choice,” Granny Xun said as she helped him to bed, her eyes filled with pity. “Without marrying He Lun, Mu Xing wouldn’t agree to send troops. And with Sunspire City already at our doorstep, if the Lord hadn’t stepped up, Mu Xing wouldn’t have had the morale to defeat Facing Sun.”
If that battle hadn’t been fought, both he and Mingyi might have already fallen into Sunspire City’s hands.
“But Ming Guniang was completely innocent. The Lord could have at least given her a heads-up.”
“How? Tell her to wait while he married someone else as a formality?” Granny Xun shook her head. “Ming Guniang doesn’t tolerate deceit. She’s not like other women who would settle for anything less than the Lord. The wedding ceremony was something she had long cherished in her heart. The Lord didn’t seek the imperial blessing for their marriage back then, probably thinking it was too troublesome. But then he turned around and married a princess—what was Ming Guniang supposed to think?”
This was indeed the Lord’s fault. Had he married Ming Guniang earlier, things might have been different. But he always felt marriage would restrict his freedom.
Well, someone accustomed to a carefree life wouldn’t willingly be tied down by a woman.
Granny Xun looked at the unconscious man on the bed and sighed. “Never mind. The Lord might grieve for a while, but once he meets another woman, he’ll surely move on.”
Come to think of it, the Lord had always been free-spirited. Since Ming Guniang would never return, he would eventually come to terms with it.
Buxiu glanced outside, more worried about Mingyi.
A young woman, having lost her beloved—would she do something reckless?
…
No.
Mingyi walked down Changyao Street and spotted a Chastity Arch by the roadside.
It had been erected for a woman who was divorced by her husband. Though cast aside, she had refused all suitors, remained chaste for her ex-husband for twenty years, and even raised his daughter. Thus, the arch was built to honor her as a model for other women.
The underlying message was clear: men could be heartless, but women must remain loyal. Men could have multiple wives and concubines, but women must stay devoted to one. Men could abandon you at any time, but women must cling to the past, waiting faithfully.
Mingyi stared at it expressionlessly for a moment, then reached out and gave it a light pat.
The arch crumbled into dust the instant she turned away, the massive cloud of debris coating a nearby lecturer who had been preaching its virtues.
Gasps erupted behind her.
Mingyi continued walking, returning to the former city lord’s inner residence.
She wasn’t well-versed in politics. Sunspire City’s internal affairs had always been managed by a few officials appointed by Ji Bozhai. But the first thing Mingyi did upon her return was strip them of their authority, replacing them with several high-ranking ministers recommended by She Tianlin.
She Tianlin was uneasy. “What about His Majesty’s opinion?”
“He said it himself—the Six Cities are to govern themselves, each retaining its own ruler. If he’s unhappy with this, I’ll gather the other five city lords to discuss it with him again.”
She Tianlin sensed something amiss. “Did you and His Majesty have a falling out?”
“No.” Mingyi shook her head. “I just finally saw him for who he is.”She Tianlin was taken aback and wanted to inquire further, but she waved her hand dismissively. "I've been used by others since childhood and know best how to be a tool in someone else's hands. All he wants is Sunspire City's submission—I can give him that without undermining his imperial authority. But beyond that, what I choose to do won't require his approval."
"Within the Six Cities, he reigns supreme. Within Sunspire, I reign supreme. Master, listen to me first this time."
She Tianlin was momentarily stunned by her words, then composed himself and bowed solemnly. "As you command."
"Also, I'd like to add some people to the inner court." Mingyi rested her chin on her hand as she surveyed the empty space, licking her lips.
"Add... people?"
"Every successive city lord has held a grand selection for their inner court upon ascension. Am I the only exception?"
"But," She Tianlin said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "you're a woman."
Mingyi found this odd. "What does being a woman have to do with it? Am I lacking in Essence Power or status?"
Naturally, she wasn't. But there was no precedent for a woman selecting an inner court. Not to mention the potential backlash it might incite among women across the land—Ji Bozhai certainly wouldn't stand idly by.
"I established schools for women and allowed them into the Academicians' Court to show the world that women are no different from men. What men can do, women can do too. If men can choose their partners selectively, so can women. If men can have multiple wives and concubines, so can women."
"Master, are you worried about setting a bad example? But this example of mine is inherently just."
She Tianlin was silent for a long while before admiration gradually filled his gaze. "Very well, I shall arrange it for you. But Minister Superior, you must understand—if even I have doubts, the court officials will undoubtedly oppose this vehemently. You must be prepared."
Mingyi nodded.
Thus, when Ji Bozhai awoke after three days of severe illness, his first instinct was to glance toward the bedside—only to find Buxiu there.
His eyes dimmed as he calmly sat up and asked, "Where are the others?"
Buxiu handed him a cup of tea and replied softly, "Headmaster Qin and Meng Daren are busy establishing the Academicians' Court across the Six Cities. Lord Luo did visit earlier, but you were still asleep, so he left after sitting for a while. Lord Fan has taken a liking to a young lady and is preoccupied with courting her—he said he won’t have time to pay respects recently. Lord Chu is meeting with envoys from Star Yearn City today and will come later."
After listing everyone, Ji Bozhai frowned. "And?"
"And... Granny Xun is outside doing needlework..."
"Buxiu," he interrupted impatiently, "you know who I'm asking about."
Buxiu knelt, hesitating before finally stammering, "I didn’t spread news of your illness, fearing complications. So... the city lord’s inner court might not know."
Meaning she hadn’t come to see him even once these past few days.
Taking a deep breath, Ji Bozhai told himself indifferently—this was just like her. When angered, she never took the first step to reconcile. Exactly as expected. But this time, he wouldn’t be the one to yield. He’d already apologized once; a man shouldn’t have to keep apologizing.
But... what if she truly didn’t know?
After a long silence, Ji Bozhai glanced at Buxiu. "Go to the inner court and speak with her."
Buxiu awkwardly twitched his lips. "These past few days... it might not be convenient."
"What’s inconvenient?" he frowned. "Is she refusing to see even you? Is she really this angry with me?""It's not that," Buxiu said with a forced smile. "The inner courtyard has been selecting people recently. If I go now, Ming Guniang might think you're trying to interfere, causing unnecessary misunderstanding."
Ah, the inner courtyard is selecting people.
Ji Bozhai chuckled lightly. "Why would I interfere? Her inner courtyard is indeed short on attendants and servants. Let her choose whoever she wants."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Suddenly, he felt something was off. "What exactly is she selecting?"
OpenNovel