Chapter One, If in the years to come I were to become the Azure Emperor
Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly. Since the opponent dared to make such bold claims, they naturally could not underestimate each other. Shen Qi was not the type to be blindly arrogant. When she saw Lanling Wang rise and cast his gaze in her direction, her heart tightened, only to realize that his gaze passed through her and landed behind her left hand, as if she were merely a transparent object or an annoying obstacle. Shen Qi knew who was behind her to the left; it was Mei Ruohan. It was as if she were merely a transparent object or an annoying obstacle. Shen Qi knew who was behind her to the left; it was Mei Ruohan.
Shen Qi smiled and turned to give a knowing glance to the person beside her. Someone had already prepared the necessary equipment for the ball court, and the attendees moved to the ball field located to the west of Chenghuai Garden. The reason Shen Qi chose this place for the gathering was simply because Chenghuai Garden had a ball court. In terms of the garden's exquisite beauty, Chenghuai Garden was far inferior to several other courtyards of the Shen family.
In Lanling, the number of women who could catch the eye of Shen Qi is exceedingly few, and Mei Ruohan happens to be one of them. Moreover, in Lanling, they each have their own admirers, and Shen Qi has never understood why, despite Mei Ruohan being inferior to her in terms of appearance and family background, she is able to stand on equal footing with her. Thus, she is compelled to regard Mei Ruohan with a different perspective.
Miss Mei Ruohan of the Mei family is renowned for her talent. Zhang Xinzhi immediately understood his master's intention; in fact, the person he most wanted to recommend was also Mei Ruohan. The earlier mention of Shen Qi was merely a way to vent Han Chen's frustrations. He knew that although Han Chen appeared cheerful on the surface, he likely harbored many unwilling thoughts deep down, and this first candidate was certain to be rejected. The Mei family is also a prominent family in Lanling; although not as esteemed as the Shen family, it is one of the four noble families of Lanling. Mei Ruohan possesses both virtue and talent, making her the ideal choice for the Princess of Lanling.
"Master, the Prince of Nalanling is truly..." Qian'er was staring wide-eyed from the side; she knew that her master could not freely gaze at that person, but as a servant, she had no such reservations.
"Shen Qi?" Han Chen murmured this name, as if he were swallowing her whole, savoring it with the tip of his tongue, before finally spitting out the last soft and tender Shen Qi, who seemed to be made of clouds and mud, no longer a person. "What is her full name?" Upon hearing this name, one could tell that this woman was likely the seventh child in her family, but it was certainly not her formal name; Han Chen assumed this was a nickname.
Shen Qichu was late to arrive, and his haughty demeanor, which was characteristic of a master, was not to his liking, especially given his childish words and actions. Observing Shen Qi, it was indeed true that she was stunningly beautiful, a description that was well-deserved. In the royal court, he had seen many captivating beauties, yet none could compare to this woman before him. She walked slowly, without the need for extravagant clothing or lavish displays; her very presence transformed the entire scene, making it feel as if they were not in the mortal realm but had entered the Jade Pool, encountering the princess of the Heavenly Emperor. Although Han Chen was somewhat displeased with Shen Qi's tardiness, he could not deny that in the moment he first laid eyes on her, he felt a sense of daze.
Do not judge a person by their appearance, be wary of those who are beautiful on the outside. Shen Qi was exceedingly self-assured, always believing that among those with stunning looks, only she was both beautiful on the outside and virtuous on the inside, while the rest were mere worthless rags. This assertion applied equally to both men and women. Observing the attention that everyone paid to Han Chen's appearance made her even more uncomfortable, as she felt that a man who relied on his looks could hardly be considered a true man.
What is the most urgent matter at present that one should trust in solitude?
On the 5th of September, the Chrysanthemum Society held its gathering at the Chenghuai Garden of the Shen family. Shen Qi had only arrived yesterday, yet today she was able to host a grand banquet, which is no small feat; she merely wished to showcase her abilities as the hostess.
It is only because Shen Qi is overly confident in her exceptional beauty that she does not pay much attention to the appearances of others. Naturally, the man she wishes to marry cannot merely be a decorative figure, beautiful on the outside but lacking substance.
Shen Qi opened her eyes, and the King of Lanling had arrived at Lanling Pass. Her father was in a hurry for her to return, likely for only one reason. He had never been anxious about his own marriage, embodying the demeanor of Jiang Taigong, governing through non-action, allowing those who wish to come forward. However, she was unsure why he was so anxious this time. Yet, her father's urgency did not mean that Shen Qi had to be anxious as well; the King of Lanling still needed to be kept at a distance. Only when more detailed information about him returned could Shen Qi determine whether this person was worth her making the trip back to Lanling in the heat of summer to see him.
Han Chen cast a light glance at Shen Qi, offering a faint smile, "It is better to obey than to show respect." On the surface, Han Chen appeared gentle and refined, exuding an air of scholarly elegance, showing no trace of the arrogance typical of a prince. Instead, he consistently presented himself as one who respects and values the talents of others, which only fueled the resentment of many who found him displeasing.
"What is the best way to trust someone?" To establish oneself firmly in the unfamiliar land of Lanling, relying on a good marriage is indeed an excellent strategy, yielding the quickest results and the highest benefits. Who can say it is not a good idea?
However, the deafening cheers and flashy performance skills provided no substantial assistance. Half an hour had already passed, and the match remained undecided. The team led by Lanling Wang was handling the situation with ease but was not in a hurry to attack. Each player maintained their usual demeanor, with only the captain occasionally glancing at Han Chan, waiting for his instructions. They did not dare to outplay the soldiers of Lanling, fully aware that their leader aimed to win people's hearts. Therefore, with every goal scored, they deliberately created opportunities for the opposing team, allowing them to gain an advantage.
The first recommendation is Miss Shen Qi, the seventh daughter of the Shen family
Among those who came to congratulate today was naturally Han Chen, the King of Lanling. Shen Qi did not personally come out to greet them; although she was the leader of the society, she was accustomed to being proud, and there was not a single person in Lanling City who could make her come out to welcome them with her shoes in hand
Shen Qi's eyes did not look at the people in the arena, as if they were positioned atop her head. She merely cast a quick glance at the Lanling King, Han Chen, so fleetingly that it was almost imperceptible. Shen Qi had to admit that Han Chen possessed the qualities that could captivate Mei Ruohan; his demeanor was elegant and imposing, harmonizing perfectly with his excessively handsome features, devoid of any trace of the plight of a fallen prince, instead exuding an air of sovereign authority.
Shen Qi's gaze began to shift towards Han Chan. In this situation, she was the host, yet the King of Lanling surprisingly did not seek her opinion, instead turning to consult others. This indicated that he did not regard her highly, which was particularly novel for Shen Qi, a man who had long thrived in the world of men without fail. However, she was taken aback by Han Chan's audacity. Although the people of Lanling were somewhat arrogant today, eager to show off, she knew that when it came to strength, they were not weak. These individuals had been specifically arranged by Shen Qi to take the stage, and naturally, they were not weaklings. Their purpose was to give the King of Lanling, this outsider, a warning.
The noblewomen of Lanling gather monthly in flower societies, engaging in discussions about poetry, philosophy, the notable figures of the world, and the tumultuous events of the times, rather than limiting themselves to trivial topics typical of young ladies. Each society must elect a leader; except for the months of July and August when Shen Qi is absent, and the Plum Blossom Society in January, she is the publicly elected leader of the flower societies in the other months. The women eligible to join these flower societies come from prestigious families, with strict requirements regarding their status. Unmarried daughters born of concubines are not admitted, married women who are not the primary wife are excluded, and those lacking talent or beauty are also barred from entry. Thus, despite the numerous daughters of the Lanling aristocracy, only a mere thirteen are able to join these flower societies. However, this society is one that all Lanling women aspire to enter; once admitted, their social standing increases significantly, and even their husbands' families regard them with greater esteem.
In a difficult situation, Emperor Hui of the Western Hua Dynasty conferred the title of King of Lanling upon his second son, Han Chen, with the fief of Lanling, in an attempt to control the increasingly unruly southern regions. However, although Han Chen was nominally a member of the Hua imperial family and a prince personally bestowed by Emperor Hui, the imperial family's influence was weak. It remained uncertain whether the various local clans in Lanling would recognize the authority of the Western Hua imperial family, and whether the newly appointed King of Lanling could suppress the local power brokers. All of this remained an unknown.
Zhang Xinzhi felt a moment of daze. The second prince Han Chen could probably be considered the son most disliked by the current Emperor Hui. The fertile land of Lanling was a position that would certainly not be given to Han Chen. However, because of his appearance, Emperor Hui had no choice but to select Han Chen. Zhang Xinzhi recalled the Emperor's hidden intentions, but based on his understanding of Han Chen, he feared that this prince, even if he appeared to accept it on the surface, likely harbored deep-seated resentment within.
In the final years of the Hua Dynasty, the northern regions beyond the Hua River were engulfed in warfare, with the Western Wusun, the Yuezhi, the Northern Rouran, and the Eastern Hu all eyeing the Hua Dynasty covetously. The northern borders experienced no day of peace, while internal strife within the imperial family of the Hua Dynasty left them unable to attend to external threats. In the tenth year of Emperor Hua Hui's reign, the traitorous minister Gao Huan established the eleven-year-old Prince Han Li of Dongping, the son of the late emperor, as emperor in Ye City, under the title of Donghua. Emperor Hua Hui's campaign against Gao Huan ended in failure, forcing him to flee west to Anyang, an event recorded in history as the Western Hua. Thus, the Hua Dynasty split into Western Hua and Eastern Hua, with central control significantly diminished.
Yet, he sees that the dazzling and captivating Shen Qi is nothing more than this
Han Chen did not see incorrectly; someone like Shen Qi is always prone to being arrogant due to her wealth. When she eventually understands this, the cost will naturally be considerable
"How did you lose your soul like this?" Shen Qi scolded, "Stop embarrassing me as your master."
Zhang Xinzhi smiled and said, "This Miss Shen is dazzlingly beautiful, radiating brilliance from the moment she was born, like a purple phoenix bringing good fortune. Everyone who sees her is amazed. The Marquis of Xinyang regards her as a precious jewel in his palm, unwilling to name her lightly, fearing that the name would not do justice to this Miss Shen. For the time being, she is referred to as Seven, but this name never quite settled in, and over time, everyone came to call her Shen Qi."
The Shen family is the most powerful aristocratic clan in the Lanling faction, but their ambitions are too conspicuous and difficult to control, making them not an ideal choice in Han Chen's mind
Shen Qi had stayed in Ninghai for a month and a half before lazily returning home in early September. She knew that the King of Lanling was the second son of Emperor Hui and was not particularly favored, thus he could be considered relatively powerless and insignificant, which did not pique her interest. The reason for her early return by half a month was merely because she had heard that Mei Ruohan was getting quite close to the King of Lanling, close enough that they could almost be discussing marriage.
Shen Qi turned back to the crowd's gaze and saw Mei Ruohan's face flushed with embarrassment. It was surprising to see such a shy expression on her usually cold face. Shen Qi was taken aback, but this color added a considerable charm to Mei Ruohan, leaving Shen Qi somewhat bewildered, let alone others. Lanling Wang smiled at Mei Ruohan, as if a spring breeze was brushing over the blue waves, stirring ripples in the hearts of every woman present.
Ninghai Town
Regarding the residence of the Duke of Lanling, although it appears to be the most prestigious mansion in Lanling, it is unfortunately merely a repurposed wasteland, and in comparison to other noble families, its grandeur is undoubtedly lacking. Han Chen is seated in the study of the Duke's residence, the Bamboo Pavilion, patiently listening to the counsel of his advisors.
This sentiment is quite good! The usual supporters of Shen Qi immediately echoed, and the atmosphere became lively once again. The game of polo is currently in vogue among the military and the populace of the Huachao dynasty, with noble youths, regardless of gender, flocking to it.
However, those involved are often oblivious to their own situation, and the young men of Lanling are no exception, as they go to great lengths to mock the weakness of the Lanling Wang team. In the end, Han Chan called for a halt. "If we continue to compare like this, who knows when a victor will emerge? I am willing to take on four opponents alone to determine the outcome. What do you all think?" Han Chan finally spoke, feeling quite pleased, as it seemed the people of Lanling were still filled with fervor and revered the victors. After careful observation, he devised this strategy.
After Han Chan turned and left, Shen Qian finally came to his senses, making a sound of "tsk" twice, as if savoring some delicacy and still wanting more. "Master, but he really..." Qian'er urged Shen Qi to hurry and leave.
In the arena, twenty individuals began to compete fiercely. The teams of the two sides, the Southern and Northern teams, were divided, each setting up their own boards. The boards had openings at the bottom serving as doors, and nets were added to form a pouch. Those who could strike the ball into the net would earn a point, and the outcome would be determined by the number of balls each side managed to score into the pouch. The shouts of the Lanling youths cheering from the sidelines echoed throughout the venue; they looked down upon those from the Xihua side, considering them to be unsophisticated and unaware of Lanling's prosperity. Moreover, the youths of Lanling indulged in this skill during their leisure time. Rather than a competition, it was more of a display, as each individual showcased various high-difficulty horseback maneuvers, capturing the attention and cheers of the women present.
Shen Qi was accustomed to such occasions and enjoyed them, relishing the way everyone would quiet down for her. Although the open space in the Guangfeng Jiyue Hall was vast, its tranquility allowed her softly spoken words to be heard by everyone, resonating in their hearts.
However, Han Chan's arrogance angered many people, who felt that he looked down on the people of Lanling, and the players in the arena began to feel indignant. The captain glanced at Shen Qi, and she nodded. Although winning ten and losing four was somewhat disgraceful, the arrogance of the Lanling King was too overwhelming, and it would be difficult to deal with him later if he was not suppressed now. "Brother, why don't you also go down and have a go?" Shen Qi said to her fifth brother, as it was widely recognized that Shen Qingqiu, the fifth brother of the Shen family, was the best at playing polo in Lanling City.
The two teams, each consisting of ten players, were already lined up on the field. Shen Qi exchanged glances, and the servants below immediately began to play "Quzi Music" from the Huashi Department, beating drums to rally support, while the spectators started to cheer and shout. Han Chen did not enter the field; although he was smiling, he was frowning inwardly. This game of polo was overly extravagant, truly something only those who are sheltered in a place like Lanling, oblivious to the hardships of the world, could come up with
Lanling is situated in the southeast of the Changjiang River, bordered to the east by the East China Sea, which serves as a deep abyss, and to the north by the Changjiang River, acting as a natural barrier. The region is rich in resources and its people prosperous, allowing them to enjoy peace during chaotic times. Furthermore, as the central authority's control sharply diminishes, local governors south of the Changjiang River are increasingly breaking away from control, with tax revenues no longer remitted to the court. Local aristocratic families are privately amassing soldiers, posing a significant concern for the southern regions of the Huachao dynasty.
The Duke of Lanling's Mansion
Ninghai is situated by the East China Sea, and Shen Qi enjoys coming here every summer to escape the heat, absolutely reluctant to return to Lanling before mid-September
When Shen Qi returned to Lanling, it was as if a fish had returned to the sea; that was her realm. The Chrysanthemum Society, which was originally scheduled to be established in mid-September, opened early due to her return, and naturally, Shen Qi was the unchallenged president of the society.
"Today is so lively, why don't we start with a game of polo? The winner shall receive a poem dedicated to them, celebrating today's chrysanthemum champion. " Shen Qi only made her appearance when all the invited guests had gathered in front of the Guangfeng Jiyue Hall at Chenghuai Garden. With her arrival, the entire venue fell into an uncanny silence, as if everyone had silently agreed to it; every gaze followed her steps, and some even held their breath, fearing to disturb her.
Han Chan scoffed, this is the result of being too precious, resulting in a name that is neither here nor there. "It seems she is a person of heavenly auspice, I fear I am unworthy to dwell in her presence. Such a person is likely the one destined to be a mother of the nation, which would complement the Emperor well," Han Chan thought, imagining the scene of a pear tree overshadowing a begonia, and couldn't help but laugh. A woman so radiant that she captivates the world, a woman born amidst such grand circumstances, Han Chan estimated that her fate could indeed be that of a mother of the nation, but her virtue might not necessarily match. Since he had no choice but to select a wife, he naturally sought someone who possessed both virtue and wealth.
Moreover, Shen Qi also gave him a warning, stating that he, the King of Lanling, was merely a distant guest, thereby creating a distinction between him and the people of Lanling, placing him and the locals in opposing positions, which was not the situation Han Chen wished to see. What he desired was to incorporate Lanling into his domain, making it a stronghold for his military operations
Zhang Xinzhi let out a sigh and finally spoke, "I believe that the most urgent matter is to arrange a marriage as the best strategy." This is indeed the beauty scheme of Emperor Hui, to win over the gentry of Jiangnan through Han Chen
On this day, the thunderous chariots outside Chenghuai Garden were connected, and the feathered canopies provided shade. It was indeed a fortunate event to receive an invitation from Shen Qi. Although the flower society consisted of only thirteen members, on the day of the society's opening, at least one hundred and thirty guests came to offer their congratulations.
However, her subsequent words and actions were rather unremarkable. The game of horse polo, which originated from the Northern Hu (a term used by the Huachao people to collectively refer to the four minority tribes in the northwest of Huachao), was initially a sport for valiant men to compete on the field. The people of the Central Plains transformed it into a leisurely pastime, allowing women and children to partake in the fun, thus discarding the original martial essence that men once held dear. Han Chen had always disapproved of this trend. Moreover, in Shen Qi's eyes, the victorious men were merely worthy of a poem from those women and children who only sought pleasure in these chaotic times. To promote literature while suppressing martial spirit during such internal and external turmoil was most inappropriate, and thus Han Chen did not favor individuals like Shen Qi.
"Marriage alliance?" Han Chanlang laughed and said, "Good idea!"
Today, with the esteemed presence of the prince, this humble girl feels truly honored. How about we form a team with the individuals brought by the prince from Huachao, and another team from Lanling, and have a friendly competition? Shen Qi expressed the heartfelt wishes of many young men from Lanling, which led to an even greater chorus of agreement. Many were captivated by Han Chen's appearance, drawing countless gazes, especially as he was about to win over the 'Plum Blossom Fairy' of Lanling. How could they accept this? However, it was not appropriate to resort to violence; thus, competing on this horseball field would be the best option.
"My lord, the master has sent word that the King of Lanling has arrived in Lanling, and I kindly ask you to return quickly," said Shen Qian, Shen Qi's maid, as she carefully chose her words while massaging Shen Qi's legs.
Moreover, Mei Ruohan is known for her high standards; she has previously stated that the person she marries in the future must be someone she personally selects, her one true love. Otherwise, she would rather remain a solitary figure, devoted to the quiet life of a monk. As a result, no one in the Mei family dares to pressure her into marriage. Shen Qi has now developed some interest and wishes to see what kind of person could possibly catch Mei Ruohan's eye.