Chapter 18: Princess Changle

Never married?

Fan Li had encountered many shameless people in his life, but never anyone whose audacity reached such heights. He glanced at his younger sister, Fan Yuehua, with a hint of concern. If, by any chance, she was even remotely interested in such a man, he would not hesitate to play the villain for once. He would personally send Jiangbei’s so-called foremost scholar to the afterlife.

Fortunately, Fan Yuehua's attention was already elsewhere. The scenery by Luo Lake was enchanting, and with the literary gathering today, even a casual stroll offered endless sights to behold.

“Uh…ahem,” Dong Zhong coughed awkwardly, realizing he had failed to pique Fan Yuehua’s interest. He took out a token, holding it with both hands, and presented it to her.

“Miss Fan, this is your pass to the literary gathering. With it, you may roam freely.”

Fan Yuehua eyed the token, puzzled. “Only one? What about my companions?”

Dong Zhong hesitated. He did have extra tokens, but preferred to reserve them for favors. These two ‘unknown nobodies’ simply weren’t worth the trouble.

“You go ahead. I’ll wander for a bit,” Fan Li interjected suddenly.

The literary gathering occupied only a small portion of the gardens; Fan Li was in no hurry to join. The meeting itself held little appeal for him—he was far more interested in the beauty of Luo Lake.

“Yes, yes!” Dong Zhong quickly echoed, pleased by Fan Li’s tact. “Even without the gathering, touring the lake is worthwhile.”

Fan Yuehua always listened to her brother, so she simply complied. Once separated, Fan Li began to stroll aimlessly. His handsome appearance, coupled with the strikingly aloof beauty of Wu Zhu at his side, naturally drew attention wherever they went.

Fan Li, however, cared little for such scrutiny. His memory served him well; scanning the crowd, he saw no officials from the court—no one likely to recognize him.

Confident in his anonymity, Fan Li was abruptly stopped in his tracks. A young maid appeared quietly before him, bowing in greeting.

Fan Li was shocked. Despite reaching the third tier of the Body Refining Realm, he had not noticed her approach at all.

Moreover, he sensed her exceptional bearing; her every gesture was refined beyond what any wealthy household might instill. She seemed as if she belonged to the imperial palace.

“She’s at the first tier of the Golden Core Realm,” Wu Zhu whispered.

Fan Li’s eyes widened. The imperial guards of Great Chu were selected based on this very standard. Which family could afford to have a first-tier Golden Core cultivator serve willingly as a maid?

The young woman, whose cultivation had been exposed, showed a fleeting look of fear—the terror of being thoroughly seen through. Quickly, she composed herself, displaying admirable poise.

“Second Master Fan, my mistress wishes to meet with you privately,” she said softly, gesturing toward a waterside pavilion not far off.

The pavilion occupied a unique position—within the bounds of the gathering, yet elevated, offering a commanding view of the event below.

Fan Li was secretly startled. “Who is your mistress?”

Clearly, she was no ordinary person; not only had she revealed his identity in a single sentence, she dared to address him as ‘Second Master Fan.’ While there were reasons to conceal his identity, such familiarity required significant standing.

As for her obtaining such a prime seat at the gathering, Fan Li was not surprised. If it were him, he could easily do the same.

“My mistress holds the title Princess Changle,” the maid replied quietly.

“What!?” Fan Li was truly taken aback.

Princess Changle? There was no such princess in Great Chu, but the title was genuine!

Princess Changle was the beloved daughter of the current Han Emperor, Liu Xie—the Princess Changle of Han.

Fan Li knew well that Princess Changle was presently in Great Chu.

“Princess Changle once studied arcane arts at the Pure Land of Brahma, forging friendships with many noblewomen of Chu. Thus, she visits as a friend, but her true purpose is almost certainly to pursue a marriage alliance with the Chu Emperor.”

“A union between Chu and Han, to intimidate Ming.”

Fan Li quickly reviewed the intelligence in his mind. The reason he intended to facilitate a Chu-Han alliance at the Three Emperors Summit, aside from mutual survival, was precisely because Han had discreetly sent Princess Changle to Chu.

“Lead the way,” Fan Li said solemnly.

The princess’s maid turned to guide him. Fan Li surreptitiously signaled Wu Zhu.

“I’ll wait outside the pavilion to ensure your safety,” Wu Zhu murmured.

With Wu Zhu’s assurance, Fan Li felt secure. After all, the maid had requested a private meeting.

The Pure Land of Brahma was a sacred site for cultivation, its residents all women of extraordinary talent and aptitude. Princess Changle was no naive girl—her own strength might be considerable.

At minimum, anyone qualified to cultivate there could easily outclass someone like Fan Li, who was merely third tier in Body Refining.

“What does Princess Changle want with me?”

“Come to think of it, she’s been in Pengcheng for months, yet seemingly hasn’t met with Xiang Ning.”

“If she learns Xiang Ning is the Empress…good heavens…”

The more Fan Li pondered, the more daunting it seemed.

Unconsciously, he arrived before the pavilion. Wu Zhu dutifully halted, leaving Fan Li to meet the princess alone.

Entering, Fan Li expected Princess Changle to be waiting, but found the pavilion empty. Seats and fragrant tea were prepared, but no one was present.

“The princess asks that Lord Jin rest here awhile. Once you have witnessed the brilliance of Chu’s scholars, she will meet with you,” the maid announced respectfully.

Fan Li felt somewhat manipulated, as if he’d walked into a trap.

But Chu and Han needed each other; as the true power behind Chu, he advocated their alliance. Why would Princess Changle scheme against him?

“Could it be she doesn’t know the truth, and assumes I am just another powerful minister? Is she planning to kill me today as a token for her future husband, Xiang Ning?”

The idea was so absurd that Fan Li almost chuckled.

Princess Changle was not some outlaw seeking to prove herself.

The pavilion’s vantage was indeed superb. From above, Fan Li could even see Fan Yuehua seated below.

“We scholars cultivate noble spirit, and harbor a heart for the world.”

“Self-cultivation, family management, governance, and then the pacification of all under heaven.”

A voice echoed from the skies, sonorous and stirring.

All present were Confucian cultivators; within them flowed not ordinary spiritual power, but what was known as Noble Spirit.

Hearing the broadcast, the scholars flushed with excitement, applauding enthusiastically.

Fan Li, however, was perplexed.

Were they cheering for the speaker’s cultivation, or his ideals?

“Such plain, pedestrian principles—are they really so thrilling?” Fan Li muttered under his breath.

“Farmers till the land, craftsmen ply their trades, scholars cultivate themselves, manage their families, govern the state, and pacify the world—each to their own. Is that truly worth such applause?”