At dusk, Lu Zhuo and Fourth Master rode away from the Divine Martial Army camp together. Halfway through their journey, they unexpectedly encountered Qi Zhongkai.
Fourth Master smiled and rode ahead first.
Qi Zhongkai immediately glared at Lu Zhuo and asked, "I heard that yesterday you personally escorted the princess all the way from your family's residence back to the Princess Manor?"
Seeing that he was still wearing his Imperial Guard uniform, Lu Zhuo smiled and replied, "Did you rush to find me right after finishing your duty just for this?"
Qi Zhongkai had no reason to deny it.
Lu Zhuo urged his horse forward at a leisurely pace: "So what if I did?"
Qi Zhongkai kept pace with him: "Didn't you say she doesn't like you? Why are you still clinging to her?"
According to the rumors Qi Zhongkai had heard, the princess had even thrown a teacup at Lu Zhuo, yet he still followed her eagerly—wasn't that the very definition of clinging?
Lu Zhuo smiled with an air of complete confidence: "Where sincerity reaches, even metal and stone can be split open."
Qi Zhongkai's tiger-like eyes widened in disbelief. He wanted to spit out a retort telling Lu Zhuo he was dreaming, but as he looked at Lu Zhuo's handsome face, tinged with golden hues by the setting sun and appearing more godlike than ever, the words died in his throat. He felt increasingly less confident to compete with Lu Zhuo. Yet, if Lu Zhuo had always been this handsome, why did the princess still seek a divorce?
At this point, no one believed that the Lu Family had driven the princess away. It was clear that the princess was angry with Lu Zhuo and no longer wanted to marry him!
"Why did the two of you divorce in the first place?" Qi Zhongkai asked this old question once more, one he had posed countless times before. "Tell me the truth. If the princess is just temporarily angry with you and you truly have a chance to win her forgiveness, then I won't compete with you."
Lu Zhuo's smile faded as he glanced at Qi Zhongkai. He replied self-mockingly, "To be honest, I don't even know if I still have a chance. It's just that I can't live without her. However, if you truly like her, Brother Qi, we can compete fairly. No matter who wins or loses, let's not let it harm our friendship."
Lu Zhuo didn't care how many people wanted to compete with him for Wei Rao; what mattered to him was only Wei Rao's attitude.
Qi Zhongkai scratched his head: "You still haven't told me what you did to make her so angry. Did you secretly sleep with a maid, or did she catch you visiting brothels? But you're not that kind of person."
Lu Zhuo didn't want to discuss it and instead reminded Qi Zhongkai: "Think it through yourself, and sound out the Marquis and his wife. If they agree, you can directly send a matchmaker to propose. I had my grandmother propose to her on my behalf, but she refused, which is why I have no choice but to cling to her. A proper marriage proposal should follow the rules of etiquette."
A desirable woman attracts many suitors. As long as the men proposing to Wei Rao come from respectable backgrounds, the more proposals she receives, the more it highlights her excellence and won't invite gossip—just like his act of escorting her yesterday would never cast her in a bad light. Otherwise, how would Lu Zhuo dare offend her again? When Wei Rao threw things at him, it was because she was angry with him personally.
Qi Zhongkai hadn't expected Lu Zhuo to be so magnanimous—wanting to reconcile with the princess on one hand, yet not minding fair competition on the other.
Since that was the case, Qi Zhongkai didn't want to miss this opportunity!
If Wei Rao married Lu Zhuo, Qi Zhongkai would stop fantasizing about her. But now that Lu Zhuo might not have a chance, if he didn't strive for her himself, wouldn't he just be letting someone else win?
After returning to his residence, Qi Zhongkai went to discuss the matter with his father and mother.
The Marquis of Pingxi was so exasperated he wanted to whip his son: "What kind of friendship do you have with Shoucheng? How could you even think of proposing to your own brother's woman?"Qi Zhongkai hurriedly explained, "Shoucheng said he's willing to compete with me fairly, Father. You underestimate his magnanimity. If I were in his position, I wouldn't mind either. If the woman I like doesn't return my feelings, I'd rather see her marry a worthy brother I respect than some unworthy scoundrel."
As a military man, the Marquis of Pingxi wasn't overly concerned with formalities. Hearing his son's words, he became open to the idea and turned to look at his wife.
Madam Marquis of Pingxi had long known about her second son's interest in Wei Rao. Initially, she disapproved, but after Wei Rao was enfeoffed as a princess and Emperor Yuanjia's favor became increasingly evident—coupled with her son's stubborn refusal to marry at his age—she began to reconsider. If her son truly loved Wei Rao so deeply, this marriage could both fulfill her hopes for grandchildren and allow her to curry favor with Emperor Yuanjia through Wei Rao. Calculated this way, it seemed like a decent match.
Madam Marquis of Pingxi first discussed the matter with her mother-in-law, Old Madam Qi.
After careful consideration, Old Madam Qi had other thoughts. She decided to first speak with the Duchess of Yingguo, believing that maintaining harmony with the Lu Family was paramount.
"Zhongkai wants to marry Raorao?" the Duchess of Yingguo exclaimed in surprise.
Old Madam Qi smiled and recounted the conversation between Qi Zhongkai and Lu Zhuo: "Fair ladies are what gentlemen seek, after all."
The Duchess of Yingguo pondered for a moment before replying with a smile, "To be frank, elder sister, I also proposed to Raorao. But she's naturally free-spirited, having just become a princess and not yet had her fill of freedom, so she flatly refused me. If you propose now, she likely won't accept either."
Old Madam Qi said, "If she agrees, it would be Zhongkai's good fortune. If she refuses, it would be good for Zhongkai too, saving him from fruitless longing."
The Duchess of Yingguo replied, "Then I'll await your good news. Raorao is a fine girl—whether she marries Shoucheng or Zhongkai, it's like keeping fertile water within our own fields to me."
Having secured her attitude, Old Madam Qi returned home reassured to make arrangements.
That evening, the Duchess of Yingguo summoned Lu Zhuo and informed her grandson that the Qi Family intended to propose at the Princess Manor.
Lu Zhuo predicted, "She won't accept."
The Duchess of Yingguo raised an eyebrow. "How can you be so sure? Apart from being darker and slightly less handsome than you, Zhongkai's family background and talents are impeccable."
Lu Zhuo chuckled softly. "Brother Qi is indeed excellent, but the elders of the Qi Family treat her far less sincerely than you and Mother do."
Wei Rao was a proud person. Her rejection of him stemmed entirely from his past contempt and humiliation. Yet, during the palace dragon boat banquet years ago, when Wei Rao saved Qi Miaomiao, Madam Marquis of Pingxi had offered only a bracelet as thanks. How could Wei Rao possibly not mind?
Aside from Qi Zhongkai's sincerity, everyone else in the Qi Family was only interested because Wei Rao had become a princess.
The Duchess of Yingguo shared her grandson's perspective, which was why she wasn't worried about Old Madam Qi stealing her prospective granddaughter-in-law. Moreover, she had deliberately mentioned Wei Rao's stated reason for rejecting the Lu Family, so that when Wei Rao inevitably refused the Qi Family's proposal, Old Madam Qi wouldn't feel too embarrassed or think Wei Rao still held a grudge over past slights.
In mid-February, the Qi Family indeed sent a matchmaker to propose at the Princess Manor.
Wei Rao was genuinely surprised—had Qi Zhongkai really not given up on marrying her?Among the men Wei Rao had encountered, Qi Zhongkai was the most enthusiastic and respectful towards her. He did not mind her love for horseback riding and hunting despite being a woman; instead, he greatly admired her temperament. He appreciated her beauty, yet his gaze remained pure and devoid of any lewdness. Before heading to the battlefield, he would rush over in a flurry to confess his feelings to her, even though his words were clumsy and awkward.
Qi Zhongkai had a darker complexion and an overly burly, robust build. His voice was too loud, and in some aspects, he was too casual and unrestrained.
These were Qi Zhongkai's shortcomings, but his sincere passion for Wei Rao moved her deeply. Back then, she had considered him as a potential husband.
However, Qi Zhongkai's family did not like her. From Old Madam Qi and Madam Marquis of Pingxi to Qi Zhongkai's elder sister-in-law, Deng Shi, they all believed she had a tarnished reputation. They felt she was not only unworthy of marrying Qi Zhongkai but also undeserving of their most basic courtesy.
Three years had passed, and Wei Rao was no different from her fifteen-year-old self. She remained free-spirited and unrestrained, still far from being a proper, dignified lady. The only thing that might change the minds of Old Madam Qi and the others was her title as a princess and Emperor Yuanjia's favoritism towards her. But if she were to marry Qi Zhongkai, would Old Madam Qi and the others act like authoritative mothers-in-law, demanding she become a compliant daughter-in-law? She could live in the Princess Manor, but once she had children, would the women of the Qi Family come over to meddle and dictate?
Most importantly, Wei Rao did not like Qi Zhongkai.
When she had to choose someone to marry, Qi Zhongkai's sincerity was precious. But when there was no urgency to marry, Wei Rao only knew that Qi Zhongkai genuinely liked her—she felt nothing for him. There was no blushing heartbeat, no secret longing for him when they were apart, as described in romantic tales.
Wei Rao had already married once for the sake of利益. If there were to be a second marriage, she hoped to marry a man she deeply desired—one who would passionately pursue her, and whose affection would make her heart flutter with joy.
Wei Rao politely dismissed the matchmaker, using reasons similar to those she had given when rejecting the Duchess of Yingguo.
This outcome surprised Old Madam Qi and Madam Marquis of Pingxi. After all, Qi Zhongkai's qualifications were excellent—how could Wei Rao, a princess who had been divorced, bring herself to refuse him?
However, they had only agreed to propose the marriage out of consideration for Qi Zhongkai's earnest pleas, not because they were truly satisfied with Wei Rao. Thus, when the marriage fell through, the two elders did not dwell on it much and simply advised Qi Zhongkai to give up as soon as possible.
Qi Zhongkai was heartbroken.
Lu Zhuo had angered Wei Rao, so it was understandable for her to reject him. But he had never offended Wei Rao—why was he rejected?
Unwilling to accept this, Qi Zhongkai rode his horse to the gates of the Princess Manor, requesting an audience with the princess.
As the sole mistress of the Princess Manor, Wei Rao did not allow Qi Zhongkai to enter. Instead, she came out to see him, wearing a veil.
The guards and maids kept their distance.
Standing at the foot of the steps in front of the Princess Manor, Qi Zhongkai had to look up to meet Wei Rao's eyes. To his surprise, those beautiful eyes held no disdain—instead, they seemed to be smiling.
Confused, Qi Zhongkai stammered, "Princess, you... you rejected my proposal. Does that mean you don't dislike me?"Wei Rao smiled and said, "How could I dislike you? I've said before that I consider Second Master a friend in my heart. We share similar temperaments, and I'd love to go horseback riding and hunting with you if given the chance. But friends are friends—I have no romantic feelings for you, so I must decline your kind intentions. Please don't hold it against me."
Qi Zhongkai seemed to understand: "So, no matter how many gifts I give you or how I try to please you, you won't consider marrying me?"
Wei Rao nodded: "Yes, that's right. But if you ever encounter any difficulties, I'll do my best to help within my means."
Wasn't this just the affection of friends, the bond of comrades?
Qi Zhongkai didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The beauty he admired only saw him as a brother—it was somewhat embarrassing if word got out. Qi Zhongkai was genuinely despondent for a few days. Fortunately, the Imperial Guards dared not provoke their leader.
One day, as Qi Zhongkai finished his duty and exited the palace gates, he saw Lu Zhuo waiting outside on horseback, a faint smile on his handsome face that grew increasingly irritating the longer he looked.
"You knew all along that the princess wouldn't accept me, didn't you?"" Qi Zhongkai charged over, throwing a punch at Lu Zhuo.
Lu Zhuo sidestepped, grasping his iron arm, and asked curiously, "What did she say to you?"Qi Zhongkai was gracious in defeat and replied frankly, 'The princess said she only sees me as a friend and brother.'"
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhuo's expression darkened slightly.
At least she was willing to be friends with Qi Zhongkai. As for him, she probably couldn't be bothered to spare him a glance.
Author's Note: Rao Rao: My destined one must accept all my flaws and offer me fiery passion.
Heir: ...Passion?
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