Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Wen Qiao gazed at the man lying on the couch.

He appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen, dressed in luxurious robes and exuding an air of nobility. With a handsome face that resembled fine jade, sword-like eyebrows, and sparkling eyes, he had a warm smile on his lips even before speaking, giving off an approachable and amiable demeanor that instantly won people's favor.

This was a prince with regal bearing and unparalleled beauty.

Though Wen Qiao rarely ventured out, she had heard of the Seventh Prince of Dongling. Rumor had it that he was one of the few handsome men in the royal Ning family. Despite being unable to cultivate, he possessed an excellent demeanor, much beloved by Emperor Chenghao. Everyone who met him regretted that his Primordial Spirit Root was ruined, for if not, the Ning royal family might have produced another genius martial artist.

Prince Ning Yuzhou rose from the couch and said warmly, "Miss Wen, it's our first meeting. I am Ning Yuzhou."

Wen Qiao returned the gesture, lowering her gaze to conceal her thoughts as she softly replied, "Greetings, Your Highness Seventh Prince."

The Seventh Prince's gentle starry eyes swept over her pale countenance, his voice turning even warmer, "Miss Wen, there's no need to be too formal. Please have a seat."

There weren't many people in the chamber. Apart from a guard whose cultivation level was indiscernible, there was also a young eunuch from the palace, clean-cut and fair-skinned. After serving tea, they both left the room, taking the bewildered Lian Yue with them.

In an instant, the spacious chamber was left with only Wen Qiao and the Seventh Prince.

Ning Yuzhou handed her the tea steaming with white mist on the table, his voice warm as he said, "This is Spirit Tea made from large-leaf dendrobium, Miss Wen. Please have a taste."

Wen Qiao sipped gently, the tea's clarity was cool, with a slight warmth upon entry. It carried a subtle bitter edge that soon gave way to a sweet aftertaste. Her body, weakened by insufficient blood and qi, now felt a gentle warmth seeping in. The faint essence of spiritual energy meandered through her meridians, soothing and nourishing the depleted, fragile channels.

This is Spirit Tea.

It was a fine spirit tea, with an excellent appearance.

Wen Qiao couldn't help lifting her gaze to the man across from her. She found his bright and clear eyes gazing at her, his handsome face carrying a gentle smile. His demeanor was as warm as a spring breeze brushing past willow branches, effortlessly soothing her heart without her even realizing it.

Ning Yuzhou suddenly said, "I've heard that you're not in the best of health and can only consume things imbued with Primordial Spirit."

Wen Qiao replied coolly, "The Dongling Kingdom has scarce Primordial Spirit, so there are very few items that carry its essence. Ordinary food and medicine will suffice." Even if it meant she would continue to endure pain, but she had long grown accustomed to it.

Upon hearing her words, a hint of concern shadowed Ning Yuzhou's face.

"I'll be here for you from now on," he gazed at her tenderly.

Feeling a sense of oddity in her heart, Wen Qiao found her fiancé's behavior peculiar. She put down her teacup and spoke seriously, "Prince Qi, there's something I don't understand. Would you mind enlightening me?"

Ning Yuzhou's smiling eyes curved slightly as he chuckled softly. "Miss Wen, are you asking about the arranged marriage?"

Wen Qiao acknowledged with a soft "Mm."

Ning Yuzhou poured her another cup of tea, watching as she drank it before continuing, "In truth, this marriage was arranged by Wen Boying."

A hint of surprise finally appeared on Wen Qiao's calm face. She had imagined many possibilities, but never that her deceased parents had made such a decision.

"When the demonic beasts were rampaging back then, Wen Boying happened to save my life. Before he passed away, he made an agreement with Father Emperor that upon your coming of age, Father Emperor would bestow our marriage."

Despite the brief account, Wen Qiao quickly grasped the essence. Her father had saved the Seventh Prince's life during the demonic beast uprising, and in return, Cheng Hao Emperor had promised her hand in marriage as a form of gratitude. It was also partly due to her being an orphan with a frail constitution, needing protection. By tying her to the royal family, it was the best way to safeguard her.

No wonder, despite the lack of elders in the Wen family's main branch, no one dared to mistreat her over the years. Apart from some deductions in daily supplies and medicine, she was not treated unfairly. Otherwise, why would the Wens support a sickly, non-contributing member? Most of her parents' legacy had likely been channeled to other branches of the Wen family, ensuring their prosperity.

As for why news of the marriage pact hadn't surfaced until now, it was probably because they feared she might not survive long enough to fulfill it. Of course, there could have been Emperor Cheng Hao's personal considerations as well – he might not have wished for his beloved youngest son to marry a frail maiden, especially one with a short lifespan, taking up the position of a wife without truly fulfilling the role. How could a father be pleased with such a situation?

It was better to pretend ignorance and provide secret protection instead.

Within a few breaths, Wen Qiao had already grasped the situation and its implications, her expression relaxing slightly.

Ning Yuzhou's gaze never left her face as he continued, "Since you've come of age, it's natural to fulfill our marriage agreement. I'll ask my father, the emperor, to bestow our union." Pausing, he asked apologetically, "Miss Wen, what are your thoughts on this marriage?"

Wen Qiao tilted her head in thought before shaking it. "I don't have any particular thoughts."

These past few days, thanks to him, the Jishui Courtyard had gained many benefits, and her status within the Wen family had unknowingly risen. Wen Qiao found this marriage quite agreeable – Lian Yue seemed almost eager to dote on the Seventh Prince.

A hint of surprise flickered across Ning Yuzhou's face; he hadn't expected such an indifferent response from her.

His fiancée seemed quite different from other young ladies.

Then, Wen Qiao spoke up, "In truth, it's you who's at a disadvantage. You must have heard that the physicians have determined that I won't live past twenty. By then, I might become a burden to you."

Although the Seventh Prince couldn't cultivate, with the abundant resources of the royal Ning family, extending the lifespan of mortals was a simple matter. Compared to her, who couldn't survive beyond twenty despite all the treasures, the prince indeed had the shorter end of the stick.

Ning Yuzhou froze, then declared earnestly, "I won't let you die!"

Wen Qiao looked at him again, offering no comment.

Ning Yuzhou only mentioned it once and didn't persist, swiftly changing the subject to inquire about their wedding date. Though cultivators typically married and bore children later in life, if they chose a cultivation partner, it was naturally better for both parties to have higher cultivation levels, as dual cultivation would prove more effective. However, one was an ordinary person unable to cultivate, while the other was a frail person who wouldn't live past twenty; thus, they followed the common customs and aimed to marry as soon as possible.

Wen Qiao understood his intentions, knew the origins of this marriage arrangement, and had heard the Seventh Prince's words. Naturally, she didn't object.

In the end, this marriage had nothing to do with romantic feelings but served as a form of protection.

Ning Yuzhou asked, "What do you think about a month from now?"

Wen Qiao responded, "…Isn't that too rushed?"

"No," the Seventh Prince said calmly. "In a month and a half, the Scale Platform Hunting Valley will open. It's a grand event in Dongling that occurs every three years, where the country's prodigies gather. Don't you want to participate?"

Wen Qiao was again astonished by the prince. "Me?"

Ning Yuzhou nodded, his gentle and handsome face devoid of any jesting expression.

Staring at him for a moment, Wen Qiao reminded, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, you should be aware that my cultivation level is only at the middle stage of the Foundation Entry Realm."

The Foundation Establishment realm was equivalent to barely stepping into the realm of martial arts, where even a low-level demonic beast could easily crush one. With such a meager cultivation, going to the Scale Platform Hunting Valley would be tantamount to delivering oneself on a platter. Wen Qiao was not an ambitious person; she had never intended to court death just to survive.

"I understand. I'll take care of the arrangements," Ning Yuzhou replied with a smile in his eyes. "Do you want to go?"

Of course, she did!

Despite her frail body, she harbored a heart of martial arts.

As a cultivator, who wouldn't yearn for the highest realm, to become a mighty powerhouse capable of controlling the elements at will, transcending physical limitations, and embracing the boundless path to ascension into higher realms?

Although she didn't express it, Ning Yuzhou could read her thoughts.

A hint of compassion flashed across his eyes, and his voice softened even further, as if he were afraid of startling her with any increase in volume. "Miss Wen, there's no need to worry about your safety. Since I dared to bring you along, I'll make sure everything is in order. You just focus on recuperating and cultivating."

Wen Qiao looked at him in surprise, wondering where this mortal got his audacity from. Could it be because of Cheng Hao, the emperor?

Before she could figure it out, Ning Yuzhou began discussing their marriage preparations.

Though not naive, Wen Qiao had grown up in seclusion within the Wen family, with limited interaction with her siblings. She was still quite innocent, hardly a match for the cunning prince from the imperial palace. Before long, her thoughts were swayed, and she found herself following his lead, discussing the details of their wedding.

By the time Wen Qiao realized what was happening, he had already arranged for the betrothal gifts – all that was left was for her consent, and they would be delivered the following day.

Wen Qiao: "......" There was something off about this situation.