The Prince Can Do Divination-Chapter 124 - 116: The Grand Scheme Takes Shape, the Two Women Reconcile, Enjoying a Man’s Bliss

Chapter 124: Chapter 116: The Grand Scheme Takes Shape, the Two Women Reconcile, Enjoying a Man’s Bliss

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit stiff, Wang Zhaoyan took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Mr. Qi and I have just tentatively set the wedding for ten days from now. I wonder what you think, Champion Marquis."

The Champion Marquis thought for a moment and nodded. "I have the utmost trust in Elder Mr. Qi."

Then, his tone shifted. "However, I’m afraid ten days is a bit too long. I’ve sensed the Court intends to dispatch troops to the Northwest Three States soon, with the Holy Netherworld as the target. If so, I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the wedding."

This topic immediately caught Lu Mingyuan’s attention.

’Prince Zhenbei’s campaign was a success. Is the Champion Marquis going to make a move now, too?’

’It seems the Court wants to press its advantage.’

Qi Xingyan deeply agreed. "I have observed the situation at the Northern Pass, and it is indeed excellent. With the Demon Country preoccupied with its own affairs, it is a good time to mobilize our forces. Such opportunities are fleeting. However, there are also concerns and potential troubles. The Demon Country currently has no time to look south and cannot spare the energy to deal with the Great Yan Army. But once their internal affairs are settled and they turn their gaze southward, they will come to settle the score and launch a massive war. That is a huge potential risk."

Lu Mingyuan couldn’t help but nod. ’Qi Xingyan is truly worthy of his title as the former Prime Minister. His foresight is remarkable.’

’He’s worried the Great Yan Court will be penny-wise and pound-foolish, falling into a quagmire of war from which it can’t escape.’

’After all, once a war starts, it’s like a boulder rolling down a mountain—it won’t stop until it smashes into something significant.’

’They won’t agree to a truce until they’ve torn a chunk of flesh from you.’

’And until you’re destroyed, the hatred will never subside.’

The Champion Marquis clearly agreed with this sentiment. He nodded lightly and said, "Mr. Qi is right. I also think expanding the war is not a wise move. We would face retaliation from the Demon Country afterward. Given Great Yan’s current strength, we cannot sustain several large-scale, nationwide wars. However, after the recent major reshuffle at Court, most of the officials are new. Many of them are eager to make a name for themselves in history, so the desire to wage war is strong."

"Even Yuan Xuangang, who typically just makes the final call, has agreed to send troops. The Holy Emperor must have given his approval."

Qi Xingyan didn’t respond. He believed the Holy Emperor had a deeper purpose for mobilizing the army, one he just couldn’t see yet.

It would be inappropriate to discuss this any further. They were in the Imperial Palace, after all.

Wang Zhaoyan interjected, "If ten days won’t work, we’ll have to either move it up or postpone it. If you’re being dispatched to war, Champion Marquis, we’ll have to move it up. The next auspicious date is three days from now."

"Three days? That’s so soon." Even Lu Mingyuan couldn’t help but remark on how rushed it was.

"Then let’s make it three days from now. It will be close to the Mid-Autumn Festival by then."

"Yes, early autumn is a good time for a military campaign."

Neither Qi Xingyan nor the Champion Marquis had any objections, so the date was tentatively set.

Suddenly, Qi Xingyan shot Lu Mingyuan a teasing smile.

"After the wedding, I wonder, when does Your Highness plan on having a child?"

Hearing this, Qi Muxue’s eyes went wide. She gave her father a reproachful look. "Father..."

"I’m already an old man. Can’t you let me hold my grandchild a little sooner?"

Qi Xingyan said, raising an eyebrow.

Lu Mingyuan scratched his head in embarrassment.

"I’ll do my best."

’He knew Qi Xingyan was joking. With his level of Cultivation, he could easily live for several hundred more years.’

Hearing Lu Mingyuan’s reply, Qi Muxue’s cheeks flushed faintly.

Only Huo Hongling’s clear eyes kept darting about, unfocused.

A knot formed in her chest.

’Before, I definitely wouldn’t have felt this way. But now... there’s this unhappiness I can’t quite put my finger on.’

’To be honest, I really admire the bond between Qi Muxue and Lu Mingyuan. After all, many people in the Imperial Capital don’t understand their relationship and view it with suspicion. A great number of people are completely baffled by it.’

"You should have a healthy baby boy with His Highness soon, too."

The Champion Marquis patted his daughter’s shoulder, a wide grin on his face.

Huo Hongling was so mortified she wanted to die.

’I’ve never even held a man’s hand—the most I’ve done is have His Highness carry me on his back. And now I’m supposed to have a child? That’s like skipping from the First Floor straight to the Tenth Floor!’

’It’s too much!’

Lu Mingyuan’s Recognizing People ability allowed him to see her embarrassment and shyness at a glance.

’He understood what she was thinking and sympathized completely.’

’In truth, this was the reality for many women in Great Yan.’

’There weren’t many men and women who could truly connect on a deep level.’

’If you could confide in just any spouse, what would be the point of brothels and the Music Bureau?’

’In the Imperial Capital, wasn’t the purpose of a Qing Guan to provide a place of solace for the dejected, the heartbroken, and the failed scholars to seek comfort?’

’Many married couples treat each other with formal respect, but there’s no real love between them. That’s why, for any reason or no reason at all, the men run off to the brothels.’

’Some go to vent the frustrations they feel at home. Some want to find someone to talk to. And others simply want to see what other women are like, since all it costs is money, with no responsibilities attached.’

’There were also plenty of cases where men ended up marrying women from the brothels.’

The rest of the evening was a cycle of toasting and eating, eating and toasting.

Overall, the banquet was quite pleasant.

The things Lu Mingyuan had been worried about never came to pass; the two families got along wonderfully.

He didn’t use his Martial Dao Primordial Qi to dispel the alcohol, so it wasn’t long before his face flushed and he became pleasantly tipsy.

"I’m going to step out for some fresh air."

Lu Mingyuan put down his chopsticks and squinted slightly.

Qi Muxue immediately stood up to support Lu Mingyuan, and they headed outside.

Seeing this, the Champion Marquis gently kicked the heel of Huo Hongling’s boot. She shot her father a reproachful glance and pouted, but her expression softened as she stood up to follow, taking Lu Mingyuan’s other arm.

"I’ll go get some tea and fruit," Wang Zhaoyan said, standing up to fetch the refreshments herself.