Chapter Thirty-One: The Royal Marriage Alliance

Zhu Yu pressed Little Fish with one sentence after another, each word piercing his heart like a sharp blade. Since Zhu Yu began speaking, Little Fish’s face had grown increasingly pale and ashen, until finally he could bear it no longer and interrupted Zhu Yu.

“That’s enough, Young Master Zhu. I understand what you mean. I will treat these days with Little Fairy as nothing more than a dream. Rest assured, I will not harm her.”

Hearing this, Zhu Yu’s demeanor changed completely; he was no longer feigning but truly showed his agitation as he replied,

“Hey! Wait! Don’t misunderstand me. I have no intention of breaking you two apart. I merely wanted to lay out the problems you might face in the future. As a friend, I will help you overcome them.”

Now Little Fish was bewildered. What did he mean by that?

Zhu Yu cleared his throat and continued, “I know you’ve just left Villain Island and haven’t yet explored the martial world or enjoyed its wonders. I can give you a year to indulge yourself freely. But if you truly care for Murong Fairy and wish for her to live well, and if you want Murong Invincible to approve your marriage, come to me. I will provide you with a respectable position; if you do well, you will receive what you deserve. Don’t forget my status—I can issue an imperial decree for your marriage.”

All Zhu Yu’s earlier words had been leading to this—recruitment.

Little Fish found Zhu Yu’s offer reasonable and began to ponder deeply.

As he considered, Little Fish realized he had quite a few matters to attend to. Meeting Zhu Yu’s expectant gaze, he raised three fingers.

“Your Majesty, your words make perfect sense, but thinking it over, I have many affairs to settle. Three years—within three years I will come to the capital to see you. I only hope you won’t forget a humble person like me by then.”

Zhu Yu accepted Little Fish’s answer, though it differed from his expectation, it was at least some consolation—not a complete waste of his efforts.

Originally, Zhu Yu thought Little Fish would pledge his loyalty directly. It now seemed Little Fish’s feelings for Murong Fairy were not as deep as he had imagined.

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Time passed swiftly. After Murong Invincible finished the ancestral rites, Little Fish finally received the Fire Lingzhi he had longed for. After bidding farewell to Zhu Yu and Murong Fairy, he spurred his horse onward to save his friend.

Having completed this episode, Zhu Yu felt he had gained something, and ordered Yu Huatian to pack their belongings, preparing to visit Jiang Biehe’s estate.

Just then, before Zhu Yu could depart, Murong Invincible sent word: Liu Xi had arrived, requesting an audience with the Emperor.

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Zhu Yu furrowed his brow and ordered someone to summon Liu Xi, wondering why Liu Xi had come, since he already knew that the Absorbing Skill didn’t allow for remote energy extraction. What business could he have?

Reflecting, Zhu Yu’s impression of Liu Xi worsened. In his recollection of the plot, Liu Xi was the only one among the three chief eunuchs who dared to harm the emperor’s consorts.

Still, in the original story, no matter how formidable Liu Xi became, he always remained respectful to the Emperor.

In truth, Zhu Yu was fairly satisfied; after traveling to this world, he had been gifted three relatively loyal eunuchs. Had he received someone like Wei Zhongxian, there would have been no hope, only a quiet place to await death.

Lost in thought, Zhu Yu awaited Liu Xi’s arrival.

After the formalities, Zhu Yu asked directly, “Why aren’t you staying at the Eastern Depot? What brings you here?”

Liu Xi was taken aback, wondering what had happened—the Emperor’s tone was off.

Not dwelling on it, he replied, “Your Majesty, this is a matter of great importance! Half a month ago, the overseas nation of Izumo submitted a state letter, proposing a marriage alliance with our country. We thought such an important matter should wait until your return to the palace, but unexpectedly, Izumo sent another letter a few days ago, stating they have already dispatched envoys and a marriage delegation to our Jing Nation. Princess Lixiu of Izumo is among them. Their letter specifies the marriage partner—Your Majesty yourself.

In less than three months, the envoys and marriage delegation from Izumo will arrive in the capital. Please return to the palace soon to preside over this major affair!”

Zhu Yu had expected Liu Xi to be here about gathering the Five Yangs and Two Yins, but instead Liu Xi brought a bombshell.

What was Izumo? Did such a country even exist? And who arranges a marriage alliance without prior negotiation—who simply sends the bride outright?

Regardless, this was a matter between nations. Zhu Yu considered briefly and said, “I understand. Rest outside for a while, then return to the palace with me. Also, call Yu Huatian in.”

“As you command, your servant obeys.”

His plan to visit Jiang Yuyan was thwarted, so he could only write a letter for Yu Huatian to deliver, hoping it wouldn’t cause further complications.

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On the journey back, Liu Xi stayed close to Zhu Yu, serving him diligently.

In Liu Xi’s mind, it must be Yu Huatian who had slandered the Eastern Depot to the Emperor. Otherwise, he had done nothing wrong—why would the Emperor treat him so coldly?

As usual, Zhu Yu sat quietly in the carriage, while Liu Xi drove outside. Dozens of martial experts surrounded the carriage, ensuring Zhu Yu’s safety.

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“Liu Xi, come in. I have some questions for you.” Zhu Yu suddenly remembered something important that needed clarification.

Liu Xi handed the reins to another and entered the carriage, sitting opposite Zhu Yu. “Your Majesty, what are your orders?”

Zhu Yu asked, “I suddenly recalled that state letters ought to be opened and read personally by the Emperor. How did you know their contents? Did you open the letter without permission?”

This question startled Liu Xi so much that he stood up abruptly, bumping his head against the roof of the carriage. The cramped space prevented him from standing upright or kneeling properly.

In a panic, Liu Xi’s face flushed red. He could neither stand nor kneel—sitting was out of the question, and he could only maintain an awkward posture as he loudly protested his innocence.

“Your Majesty, you wrong me! I would never dare. I don’t even know what a state letter looks like, let alone open it.”

“Then how did you learn its contents?”

“It was the Empress Dowager! Eunuch Wu and Supervisor Cao both tried to stop her, but it was no use. The Empress Dowager said, since Your Majesty was absent from the palace, delaying important matters was unacceptable, so she forced it open.

She also said, although she isn’t related to Your Majesty by blood, her affection for you surpasses that of a true mother. Even if you were present, you would agree with her actions.”

Hearing this, Zhu Yu’s expression darkened. The Empress Dowager! With Prime Minister Cai dead and Yu Huatian now loyal, he had thought he could ignore her, but who knew this old woman could cause so much trouble.

“Sit down,” Zhu Yu said, finding Liu Xi’s half-kneeling posture awkward.

But seeing the Emperor’s gloomy face, Liu Xi dared not sit.

“Did you not hear me? Sit down!” Zhu Yu, growing impatient, snapped at him.

Seeing no choice, Liu Xi gingerly perched on the edge of the seat, ready to stand at a moment’s notice.