Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Nan Wuxie's lips curled slightly, his tone unreadable: "Master Ji is indeed well-informed, but His Majesty mentioned it in passing—it shouldn't be taken seriously."

"The Marquis jests," Ji Zhou's smile deepened. "His Majesty's words carry weight; since he raised it, there's always some truth to it. Besides, the Chao family holds considerable military influence. If they were to form a marriage alliance with the Marquis, it would be an added advantage."

Seemingly considerate, this remark deliberately emphasized Chao Xiaochen's position within Nan Wuxie's command, hinting that their combined prominence would draw scrutiny, with a subtle undercurrent of provocation.

Nan Wuxie didn't respond, merely lifting his teacup for a sip.

The tea was fine, yet its flavor was ruined by the tension from the verbal sparring filling the room.

He glanced at Cui Shijie, who was obliviously stuffing tea snacks into his mouth with enthusiasm, like a sparrow pecking away in a forest, unaware of lurking hawks.

"Brother Yongci, do you think A Zhou is right?" Cui Shijie suddenly turned to ask.

Nan Wuxie set down his teacup and said flatly, "If His Majesty truly means it, I will naturally obey." He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ji Zhou. "Though Master Ji seems rather concerned with other people's marriage affairs."

Ji Zhou's smile remained unchanged: "Just casual talk, Marquis. Please don't take offense."

Autumn wind blew fallen leaves past the window, and the private room fell silent for a moment. Nan Wuxie observed Ji Zhou—this man was polished and tactful, clearly a product of the Ji family's meticulous upbringing.

The six great clans were deeply entangled, checking and connecting with one another. As the current head of these clans, the Ji family's approach now wasn't necessarily for Nan Wuxie's sake.

"This capital is certainly lively," Nan Wuxie said with a low laugh, leaning back comfortably in his chair, his gaze drifting pleasantly to the street view outside.

This seemingly casual remark made Ji Zhou's hand holding the teacup pause momentarily.

The teacup hovered half an inch from his lips, and the faint mist in Ji Zhou's eyes flickered briefly before settling back to calm.

He set the cup down gently on the table, smiling: "The Marquis has been long at the border; perhaps he's forgotten the capital's atmosphere. It looks like a sea of flowers here, but the slightest breeze can stir up a three-foot wave—not as straightforward as the frontier."

Ji Zhou, while saying "not straightforward," had answered with absolute frankness. He subtly hinted at the capital's complexity, as if offering a kind warning while also acknowledging the scheme of "stirring things up."

Nan Wuxie raised an eyebrow. "Straightforwardness has its merits, and liveliness has its conveniences."

He turned to Ji Zhou, his gaze carrying a casual sharpness: "For example, hearing things in a teahouse that you wouldn't elsewhere saves the trouble of investigating everywhere."

Ji Zhou's smile faltered for an instant before smoothing out again, though the warmth didn't reach his eyes: "The Marquis jokes. I merely share common sights and sounds—hardly worth the word 'investigation.'"

Beside them, Cui Shijie finally sensed something amiss and scratched his head: "Brother Yongci, what are you two talking about? It sounds strange."

Nan Wuxie turned to him, softening his tone: "Nothing, just discussing the latest news in the capital."

He reached out and patted Cui Shijie's shoulder. "You mentioned the autumn hunt at the suburban hunting grounds—when is it?"

Cui Shijie's eyes lit up instantly, casting aside his earlier doubts: "Early next month! My father said His Majesty will attend this hunt, so we'll see lots of military officers! Brother Yongci, you have to go and show them your skills!"

Nan Wuxie gave no direct answer to Cui Shijie, instead shifting his gaze back to Ji Zhou.

Ji Zhou was looking down at the foam in his teacup, fingers lightly tracing the rim, as if lost in thought.

Sensing the sudden quiet in the room, he looked up with a smile: "The autumn hunt is indeed a grand event. All the noble youths of the capital will be there. If the Marquis attends, he'll undoubtedly be the center of attention. Speaking of which, the Chao family's young lady is also an excellent rider and archer. Meeting her at the hunt would be quite a pleasant occasion."

Round and round it went, coming back to the betrothal matter.

Nan Wuxie gave a low laugh, lifted his teacup, and drained it in one go. The bitterness of the tea finally spread across his tongue. He set the cup down on the table with a soft clink: "Master Ji seems quite familiar with the Chao family's young lady."

"Only by hearsay," Ji Zhou inclined his head. "After all, the Chao family and our Ji family are both in the capital—we often cross paths."

"Oh?" Nan Wuxie's brow arched slightly. "The six great clans seem closer than I thought."

At these words, Ji Zhou's expression shifted noticeably. It was an open secret that the six great clans kept each other in check; no one willingly admitted to having too many private connections. Nan Wuxie's comment essentially pierced through that veil.

Ji Zhou managed a stiff smile: "Just ordinary interactions—nothing close about it."

Nan Wuxie didn't press further. He stood up: "It's getting late. I should return to the manor."

"Ah? Brother Yongci, we're not staying a bit longer?" Cui Shijie sprang to his feet, reluctant.

"No," Nan Wuxie straightened his robe. "Just back, and there are matters to attend to." He glanced at Ji Zhou. "Enjoy your tea, Master Ji."

"Farewell, Marquis," Ji Zhou also rose, cupping his hands in salute.

Nan Wuxie turned and descended the stairs. Cui Shijie followed behind, chattering on about visiting before the autumn hunt, asking if the Marquis's manor needed extra hands, as if he wanted to move in and live with him.

Listening to his prattle, Nan Wuxie's steps lightened. Reaching the teahouse entrance, he looked back at the window of the second-floor private room. The curtain swayed slightly in the breeze, and he could vaguely make out Ji Zhou sitting alone by the window.

He curled his lips, then led Cui Shijie out of the alley.

"Brother Yongci, do you dislike A Zhou?" Cui Shijie couldn't help asking. "I noticed the way you two were talking felt off."

Nan Wuxie looked down at him. The young man's eyes were full of honest confusion. He reached out and ruffled Cui Shijie's hair: "No."

***

The vermilion gate of the Nan manor stood slightly ajar. Nan Wuxie pushed it open; the hinges, long unrepaired, let out a faint creak.

The courtyard was carpeted with fallen yellow leaves. Wei Qinghe was directing servants in sweeping. Seeing his return, he immediately set down his work and hurried over: "Marquis."

"Everything settled?" Nan Wuxie stepped over the threshold and strode toward the inner courtyard.

"Yes, Marquis. The personal guards are quartered in the west wing, and the manor is fully tidied," Wei Qinghe followed behind, lowering his voice. "There are people watching outside the manor—thirteen in total, some in the open, some in the shadows."

Nan Wuxie let out a scornful laugh, casually unclasping the sword at his waist and handing it to a waiting maid. The pendant on the tassel swayed: "Let them watch. We've just returned to the capital—we have to put people at ease, don't we?"

He strode into the main hall and sat down. A maid served hot tea, and through the rising steam, he suddenly remembered something. Looking up at Wei Qinghe, he asked, "Any news from Wu Ye?"

"A letter arrived this morning. It says Nan Nan is having a fine time down south and won't return for a few more days," Wei Qinghe's tone softened. "Wu Ye says the journey is safe, and the Marquis need not worry."

Nan Wuxie's hand holding the teacup paused, warmth spreading in his eyes. That child, Nan Nan—found three years ago in Longxi, huddled among the dead, barely breathing—had now grown lively.

"Tell him to bring more men and keep a close watch," he took a sip, his tone casual. "Once she returns to the capital, keep her away from all this murky business."

"Yes."

Wei Qinghe acknowledged, and seeing his relaxed expression, finally broached the main topic: "Marquis, about His Majesty's proposed marriage to the Chao family..."

"You've heard about it too?" Nan Wuxie raised an eyebrow, glancing at him sideways, then chuckled, looking away. "That Wen Buchi has certainly spread the word far and wide."

"It's all over the capital," Wei Qinghe frowned deeply. "Although the Chao family is a military clan, in recent years the eldest Chao son has been leaning more toward the aristocratic clans. His Majesty is..."

"Trying to roast us over the fire," Nan Wuxie finished the sentence, his tone nonchalant. "The Nan family holds military power; the Chao family guards the border. If the two families marry, they'll become a target for everyone. Then, without Li Sheng lifting a finger, others will naturally pounce on us."

He paused, then suddenly laughed softly: "But he miscalculated one thing—I'm not in a rush."

Wei Qinghe was startled: "You mean, Marquis..."

"Old Master Chao—back in the day, he and my father fought side by side in the north," Nan Wuxie leaned back in his chair, posture relaxed. "Old Master is a wise man. He knows what to accept and what to refuse. The Chao family is even more afraid of accepting this betrothal edict than we are."

Wei Qinghe finally understood, yet still worried: "But His Majesty's will—they may not be able to refuse."

"No choice?" Nan Wuxie looked up, his gaze dark and heavy. "In this world, nothing is ever absolute."

He suddenly rose and walked to the window, pushing it open. The autumn wind swept in, carrying fallen leaves. "Just wait and see. Within half a month, that kid from the Chao family will come to me on his own."

His confident demeanor set Wei Qinghe completely at ease. Having followed Nan Wuxie for years, he knew that whenever he showed such a relaxed smile, he was already in full control.

Nan Wuxie turned around abruptly. "For the autumn hunt next month, have the guards prepare. We'll go and join in the fun."

"Autumn hunt?" Wei Qinghe was a bit surprised. "Your Lordship usually doesn't like getting involved in these social affairs."

"Before, it wasn't necessary. But now..." Nan Wuxie glanced at Wei Qinghe, paused, but didn't explain further. "Since they've set the stage for us, wouldn't we be letting them down?"

Thinking back to how Ji Zhou had been so smooth and diplomatic at the teahouse, and recalling Wen Buchi's hidden sharpness before the emperor, Nan Wuxie felt a rising interest. So many people were circling around him, making him seem like the most important piece on this chessboard.

As night deepened, Nan Wuxie changed into light casual clothes and was gazing absently at a map. Wei Qinghe entered with a late-night snack, noticing his finger tapping on a southern pass.

"Your Lordship, have some warm soup." Wei Qinghe set the bowl on the table; it had a hint of ginger.

Nan Wuxie murmured an acknowledgment but didn't take his eyes off the map. "Any more news from Wen Buchi?"

Wei Qinghe lowered his voice. "I heard he returned to the Wen residence at dusk, but didn't stay even half an hour before leaving. His expression wasn't good when he came out."

Nan Wuxie finally looked up, picked up the soup bowl, and sipped it slowly.

The ginger was a bit strong; it irritated his nose, making him raise an eyebrow. "That old man from the Wen family probably didn't give him a warm welcome again."

"Nobody in the Wen family treats him well," Wei Qinghe said, recalling information gathered, with a trace of pity in his voice. "With his unsavory background, being able to climb to the position of Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council is quite an anomaly."

Nan Wuxie raised his eyes, a glint of interest flashing through them. "Remarkable? To gain Li Sheng's complete trust and have such a lethal tool as the Listening Terrace placed in his hands, that requires more than just ability."

He set down the bowl. "Have you not heard about him?"

Wei Qinghe paused. "Your Lordship means... the rumor that he is fond of men?"

Nan Wuxie chuckled softly. "I heard that he personally confessed to Li Sheng, admitting he has a preference for men and has no intention of having children. Li Sheng believed him, thinking that a man without heirs would be safer to trust."

Wei Qinghe frowned. "For the sake of power, would he fabricate such a story?"

Nan Wuxie raised an eyebrow, took a sip of tea to rinse his mouth. "Who knows if it's true or false. Perhaps it's genuine, perhaps it's a deliberate act for Li Sheng's benefit. But either way, it was a risky and clever move."

"People in the capital say," Wei Qinghe lowered his voice as if afraid to be overheard, "that he is the emperor's boy toy, rising through the ranks on that relationship. Otherwise, how could someone of his status gain control of the Listening Terrace in just a few years and make even the six great families fear him?"

Nan Wuxie snorted. "Boy toy? Li Sheng isn't that debauched. What he wants is a blade sharp enough yet incapable of turning against its master. Wen Buchi has exactly sharpened himself into that blade. As for bed relations..."

He waved a hand. "At most, it's just the icing on the cake."

Nan Wuxie recalled vividly the image of Wen Buchi at the city gate that day—standing in the morning light, jade crown and blue robe, elegant as a painting. But the ambition hidden in those peach-blossom eyes was fiercer than the northern winds. Would such a man be content to be confined to the inner chambers, merely the emperor's kept man?

In the distance, the imperial palace was brightly lit, like a lurking beast. Nan Wuxie steadied himself and said slowly, "This man's lust for power outweighs everything. The Wen family is waning, yet he insists on climbing over their corpses. He's even willing to stake his reputation and the ability to have children as bargaining chips."

He turned back, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Someone like that—now that's daring enough."