Lu Shuo?

Wen Chan recalled her past life. When she and Lu Shuo were already very familiar with each other, she had once asked him what kind of person he liked and why he hadn't married yet. Lu Shuo's reply had been for her to mind her own business and think less about matchmaking.

It wouldn't seem strange for such a person to remain single and unmarried for his entire life.

However, since the Emperor had brought up Lu Shuo, it reminded her of another matter. "Young Master Lu is a good man, but he grew up at Imperial Father's knee since childhood, so he is like a brother to me. Besides, he is Imperial Father's adopted son. Why must you use a marriage to win him over? It would be more worthwhile to send him out to win over others."

"Nonsense," the Emperor chided her, then said with a serious expression, "How can a matter as important as marriage be called 'winning over'? You two are of similar age and know each other well. He certainly would not treat you poorly. In that case, I can also rest assured."

Wen Chan's hand, which was lifting her teacup, paused. Then, she let out a soft laugh. "With Imperial Father here, who would dare to treat me poorly?"

Although she had wielded immense power in her past life, she had indeed lived a very difficult life. For a moment just now, Wen Chan had seriously considered starting over in a different way—marrying the descendant of a meritorious noble or a famous official, enjoying a relaxed life without the need to toil and scheme, and without having to endure any more criticism.

But the Emperor's words had scattered that fleeting thought of hers—even though she was born into the Imperial Family, even though she was a high and mighty princess, when it came to the matter of her future destiny, even her own father could only place his hopes on the conscience and self-awareness of her husband's family.

One must know that in her past life, she had sent Pei Rusong off to the bitter cold of the Northern Border with a single command. In her presence, the head of the Pei Family, the current Imperial Secretary Pei Luan, didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.

Once tasted, the flavor of power is hard to let go. No one, man or woman, is an exception. After all, besides herself, no one in this world was reliable. No one would treat her well forever and for no reason.

The Emperor did not know what she was thinking. Looking at her side profile, which resembled Empress Chu's, he couldn't help but feel a moment of sentimentality. "In the blink of an eye, my children have all reached the age of marriage and starting their careers. I only hope that you will all be safe and sound. If your mother were still alive, she would have meticulously selected the best Prince Consort in the world for you..."

"There are countless talented young men in the Capital City, so we can surely pick a suitable one. As long as Imperial Father is willing to nod his head then." Wen Chan did not want to accompany him in reminiscing about the past. Her mind turned, and she started a new topic. "From what I heard in Imperial Father's words just now, do you plan to keep Lu Shuo in the Capital City from now on?"

The Emperor glanced at her helplessly. "You sure have a wide range of concerns. Your own matter isn't even settled, yet you're already worrying about others."

Wen Chan said, "I'm just asking out of concern. After all, I've just cut off his path to becoming Prince Consort, so I should at least find him a good alternative."

The Emperor was helpless against her roguish attitude. He pointed a finger at her and sighed, "I want to find a marriage for Lu Shuo and have him stay in the Capital City. The Imperial Guard is currently short-staffed, so he can fill a position. The Lu Family was a household of loyal martyrs. His father sacrificed himself for the country and died on the battlefield. I truly cannot bear to send his only orphan to the battlefield as well."

Wen Chan also sighed softly.

The Emperor, Wen Jingxing, was a very soft-hearted person, gentle and kind but weak. He was very tolerant toward his trusted aides and court officials. As long as they didn't make a major mistake that crossed his bottom line, he generally would not turn hostile. Perhaps because he had obtained the throne too easily, and the preceding Emperor Suzong had left behind a relatively peaceful and stable situation, Wen Jingxing had always lacked a certain sharp edge. The entire court's atmosphere also leaned toward being conservative and seeking stability. This could be seen from their attitude toward the Chuohan Tribe—they would rather spend a fortune to raise a wolf than sharpen their own claws.

The Emperor probably did not yet have the idea of deliberately restraining Lu Shuo to prevent the military power of the Yizhou Army from falling back into his hands. He was simply pitying him, feeling that the bustling Capital City was enough for him to live a peaceful life. Why was there a need to go to the bitter cold of the borderlands to eat sand?

"If Imperial Father only wants to compensate the Lu Family, whether by granting a title or giving rewards, why go to such great lengths to bring Lu Shuo into the palace to raise him?" Wen Chan said. "Even a sword of the finest quality, if kept hidden in its scabbard, unsheathed and unbloodied, is nothing more than a piece of iron inlaid with gold and jade."

"What you say is reasonable, but the battlefield is dangerous, and swords have no eyes. If he were to perish, would it not become my fault?"

"Imperial Father's sincere heart that cherishes talent and feels pity shouldn't just be kept in your own heart. It would be better to let Lu Shuo bathe in your holy grace as well." Wen Chan advanced by retreating. "I just feel that him being a wealthy idler in the Capital City would be a waste of his talents. Why doesn't Imperial Father personally ask him about his wishes another day, and test his abilities while you're at it? Perhaps you might change your mind."

The Emperor didn't respond to this, asking instead, "If he were to be sent out for a few years of training, where do you think he should be placed?"

"I would not dare to speak rashly on matters of state and military," Wen Chan said with a smile. "But if I must say, I think Wuyuan Commandery is very good. There's no princess for a political marriage, so sending an adopted son over isn't a bad idea either."

The Emperor: "..."

Wen Chan: "In my humble opinion, the only reason you don't want Lu Shuo on the battlefield is that you fear he'll fixate on the Tongluo to avenge his father's death. Then let him go deal with the Chuohan Tribe. That is a place where war cannot be easily started, yet it cannot be neglected. With Governor Xiao holding the fort there as well, it's the perfect place to train him."

The Emperor was silent for a moment before finally letting out a long sigh. "You..."

He had experienced Wen Chan's wit and cunning more than once. In his heart, he often lamented that if Wen Chan were a boy, and if that fated prophecy did not exist, he would definitely spare no effort in teaching and cultivating her to be the future heir to the throne.

But then again, it was precisely because of these innate limitations that he didn't have to be on guard against her as he was with the other princes. There were some things he could say to Wen Chan with confidence, and he could even listen to her opinions.

"It's nothing special." Wen Chan, however, seemed to understand his unspoken words and answered faintly, "If Imperial Father were to ask my elder brothers or the court ministers about this, you might get an answer far more thorough and proper than mine. You just haven't seen me for too long, which is why you think I seem very clever."

Wen Chan knew very well that she was currently just the Emperor's unmarried daughter. Although she had rendered meritorious service, no one would take it seriously, and her words still wouldn't carry much weight. For now, all she needed to do was discern the Emperor's will, so that the Emperor would remember to ask her when making decisions. That was enough. Before long, the Emperor would discover that those matters that were "neither here nor there" and "not quite handy" were perfectly suited for her to handle—and that person who always filled the gap would silently infiltrate his side, gradually becoming his indispensable right-hand woman.

"Alright, as for Lu Shuo's matter, I will think about it again," the Emperor said. "You shouldn't be idle either. I have already ordered people to hurry up and paint the portraits of the Prince Consort candidates. Once they are done, they will be sent to Roufu Palace. You choose a satisfactory one."

Wen Chan rose to take her leave. She was quite perfunctory about her own affairs, dragging out her syllables in a lazy drawl, "Yes, I obey your decree."

The Emperor slapped the armrests with a crack. "Pay more attention to your own affairs! Don't you dare drag this out until next year for me!"

Soon, the news of Princess Chiming selecting a husband spread throughout the palace and beyond. Scrolls of paintings flowed into Roufu Palace like a stream, and many invitation cards even reached her hands through the palace consorts, likely as a gesture of goodwill.

Although Wen Chan had already given up on the idea of a loving and respectful marriage, a Prince Consort was, after all, a large piece of decoration, and it was difficult to choose a suitable one in a short time. Fortunately, the new year was approaching, which allowed her to drag it out for a few more days. Wen Chan did not accept any of the invitations sent by the various families. The only one who managed to invite her was the current Grand Princess Ningsi, who had been imperially decreed to renounce the world and practice Daoism.

Grand Princess Ningsi was the Emperor's full-blooded younger sister and Wen Chan's paternal aunt. She could not refuse to give her face. Moreover, Grand Princess Ningsi and Wen Chan had always gotten along well, and she happened to need a reason to leave the palace, so she took the opportunity and agreed.

The Imperial Guard unit arranged to escort her that day was the Left Divine Army led by Lu Shuo. When he came to pay his respects, Wen Chan was being helped into a large cloak by a palace maid, holding a hand warmer and looking up at a small cat sunning itself on the roof.

"Your Highness."

Lu Shuo was dressed in the narrow-sleeved uniform of a military officer. His posture was ramrod straight, like a sword exuding a chilling glint. He bowed to her in salute. "The Imperial Guard has already assembled outside Shangyang Gate. Your Highness's carriage may depart."

Wen Chan nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."

Her face was hidden under the hood, revealing only her pointed chin. Lu Shuo could not see her expression, nor could he see through her as a person.

Although he had grown up in the palace since he was young, he was, after all, a man with a different surname. He usually studied and practiced martial arts with the princes and had little interaction with the princesses. The only one he could exchange a few words with was Princess Chiming, and that was only because he had to pay his respects to the Empress during festivals.

He had never felt that there was anything special about Princess Chiming, until three years later when she returned from outside the palace. On that night of mutiny, fraught with deadly peril at every step, when everyone was busy panicking, only she had struck first with a slash that was calm to the point of coldness, carving out the crucial step that turned the tide of battle.

When Lu Shuo stepped out of the crowd, he hadn't thought that much; he simply felt that Princess Chiming was worthy of his high regard. After the northern inspection tour ended, the two had no further contact. Just as he himself was about to forget, the princess had silently returned him a great gift.

Wen Chan sat on the palanquin at the palace gate. Lu Shuo walked alongside it. After a moment's hesitation, he took the initiative to speak, thanking her in a low voice, "I was summoned by His Majesty the day before yesterday. Thank you, Princess, for putting in a good word."

In her past life, Wen Chan was very familiar with him and was used to being casual. Seeing him so cautious and respectful now, she felt a little unaccustomed to it. She had to exercise great restraint to remain composed. "It was a small effort, no need for thanks. It seems Imperial Father has already agreed to let you go out?"

Lu Shuo replied, "It is about fifty percent certain. After the new year, the transfer order may be issued."

The palace had many eyes and ears, and this matter was still far from being settled, so the two of them could not speak too deeply or at length. Wen Chan nodded and revealed a gentle, faint smile. "That's good. It can be considered your wish come true. From now on, the sky is high and the sea is vast. I wish the General resounding military success."