Chapter Eighteen: Presenting Betrothal Gifts to the Qiao Family

Deep within the palace, Yuan Shu was enjoying himself. Hundreds of beautiful concubines surrounded him, each more alluring than the last, truly enchanting. Although Yuan Shu treated Chu Feng fairly well, his attitude toward the common people was that of a ruthless exploiter. Under his rule, the populace was filled with resentment; cannibalism was common, yet he and his consorts lived in utter comfort, so much so that they had grown weary of the finest grains and meats.

At that moment, a eunuch approached to report, whispering a few words into his ear. Yuan Shu then donned his robes and proceeded to the main hall, where he turned to Li Bo and asked, "You say Feng intends to propose to Qiao Rui's daughter?"

Li Bo nodded timidly.

Yuan Shu frowned, his expression grave. Though he had heard tales of the extraordinary beauty of the Qiao sisters, Qiao Rui held a special position. Was Chu Feng's proposal to Qiao Rui, as Yang Hong suggested, truly a move to win favor and strengthen alliances?

"What else did he say?"

"The young master said he wishes to marry both Qiao sisters. Oh, and he specifically requested the proposal take place when you, Master, journey north."

Li Bo spoke, trembling.

"Why?" Yuan Shu's brow furrowed.

"The old servant does not know, but it likely relates to the fortune-telling the young master performed for the Qiao family recently."

"Fortune-telling? He knows such arts? What did he divine?" Yuan Shu was intrigued; this son continued to surprise him.

"The young master predicted that Lu Bu would release General Qiao, but also foresaw the general's imminent death in battle. The remedy, he said, was for the Qiao sisters to marry a man with the aura of an emperor."

Li Bo recounted simply.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shu's brows tightened sharply. The aura of an emperor? Was this a reference to himself? The boy truly sought fratricidal conflict—three birds with one stone: asserting his stance, winning over Qiao Rui, and claiming the beauties.

However, Yuan Shu had never publicly acknowledged Chu Feng's identity. Was this impatience not counterproductive? Moreover, Qiao Rui paled in comparison to the civil and military officials who favored Yao'er.

Yet Chu Feng also claimed that Qiao Rui would die, which suggested the coming battle would be perilous. Or was he simply concocting a tale for the sake of the Qiao sisters?

For a moment, Yuan Shu felt overwhelmed.

If Chu Feng truly sought the position of crown prince, he had hidden his intentions well.

"Enough, Li Wen, take a group to the Qiao residence to deliver the betrothal gifts. Remember, you represent the Chu family of Chu Manor. As for Qiao Rui, I will speak to him personally."

After much deliberation, Yuan Shu agreed.

No matter what, Chu Feng was his son—though not of legitimate birth, it was reasonable for him to marry a beauty, especially under the name of Chu.

"Understood, Master!" Li Bo bowed.

As Li Bo withdrew, Yuan Shu called out, "Summon Qiao Rui to see me!"

After some time, Qiao Rui arrived in haste. "Your Majesty, you summoned me?"

"No need for formality—it's a family matter."

Yuan Shu sipped honeyed water and then said, "Qiao Rui, I have an illegitimate son who wishes to marry your daughter. But Yao'er is grown; I do not wish to see brothers at odds."

He looked intently at Qiao Rui.

Qiao Rui's expression tightened; he understood the implication and quickly declared, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, the legitimate son inherits. This is the natural order, and I am well aware."

"Very good. I have sent someone to your residence with betrothal gifts. His identity is not to be revealed; the arrangements shall be made as for any commoner. When I travel north, someone will formally propose. Please do not take offense."

Yuan Shu made his intentions clear.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. For my daughter to marry your son is a blessing beyond compare. I am overjoyed," Qiao Rui replied heartily.

Though only an illegitimate son, it was still an advantageous match.

"But, Your Majesty, regarding the upcoming northern campaign—"

"Do not concern yourself. My son specifically requested you preside over the wedding. I cannot attend, so I ask you to take care."

Yuan Shu smiled.

"This…" Qiao Rui was at a loss. Yuan Shu had spoken plainly; what more could he say? Refusing such a favor would be a grave mistake. It seemed the campaign would not involve him after all.

————

The next day, at the Qiao residence.

As the drums sounded outside, excited maidservants rushed in, shouting, "Misses, someone has come with betrothal gifts!"

"Betrothal gifts?" The Qiao sisters were stunned.

"It’s from the master of Chu Manor—the same place you visited before," the maid explained.

"Master Chu?" The sisters were dumbfounded.

A strange thought flashed through their minds: could it be that Chu Feng was referring to himself all along? Was their meeting yesterday fate?

Was this why Chu Feng told them to wait at home?

It made sense, yet something felt amiss—almost as if... they had been deceived.

"Sister, does Master Chu want to marry us? Was this his plan from the start?" The younger sister narrowed her beautiful eyes, suddenly wary.

"Don't speak carelessly!" the elder sister rebuked.

Her expression was grave. This involved their father's life; even if Chu Feng had fabricated the story, she would marry, for peace of mind. If tragedy struck, she would carry guilt forever.

Moreover, Chu Feng possessed remarkable bearing—no ordinary man. She harbored a certain affection for him.

"Oh…" The younger sister lowered her head.

The elder looked at her innocent sibling, feeling a pang of compassion. To share a husband was not easy for either. She gently stroked her sister's head, saying with concern, "Sister, Master Chu said that if one of us marries him, our father will be spared from calamity. You should stay here."

With that, the elder sister folded her hands over her abdomen and walked gracefully to the front hall.

At that moment, Qiao Rui was warmly welcoming Li Bo and his entourage as they carried the betrothal gifts into the residence. Others might not know, but he was well aware that the gifts were from Yuan Shu’s illegitimate son.

"Miss Qiao, we meet again!" Li Bo greeted her with a gentle smile.

Qiao Rui: "You’ve met before?"

The elder sister swallowed her words, unsure how to explain.

Li Bo, however, smiled and said, "General Qiao, you may not know, but Miss Qiao has visited our Chu Manor several times and had our young master cast her fortune."

"Chu Manor? Fortune-telling?" Qiao Rui suddenly remembered.

His gaze shifted sharply, fixing on the elder sister as if to say: Was this Chu Master the one who practically wished me dead in battle?

Scheming against his own daughter?

This son-in-law was truly outrageous!

The elder sister lowered her head, uncertain how to explain. What puzzled her more was that her father showed no anger.

"General Qiao, where is your younger daughter?" Li Bo asked gently. His mission was to deliver betrothal gifts for both sisters; failure would likely result in criticism upon his return.

"The younger sister will not marry!" father and daughter replied in unison.

The elder sister did not wish to ruin her sibling's life; marrying one would suffice to break the fate.

As for Qiao Rui, he had not yet succeeded in marrying off his daughter and was already exasperated by Chu Feng’s audacity—wanting both sisters? Absurd.

Yuan Shu had made no such demand, after all.

"Manager Li, please inform your young master that my younger daughter is still too young and inexperienced," Qiao Rui said with a smile, though doubts gnawed at his heart.

Most sons-in-law are considered half a son, but this one—he won’t even be a son, nor a decent person. And he expects to marry both sisters? Wishful thinking!

If Yuan Shu knew Qiao Rui’s thoughts, he would say, "Qiao Rui, this is nothing—my son’s first thought upon meeting is to kill his own father! True filial piety!"

These days, fatherhood is no easy task.