USWHC -Chapter 460 A Toad Wants to Eat Swan Meat (Part 10)

Zhu Jie only let out a faint sigh. “I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Do you know why Father is so afraid I’ll run away? Because he’s already promised me in marriage.”

Hearing this, Ji Yi grew serious. “When did this happen? I’ve been asking around these past few days, but I haven’t heard anything about it.”

“The person hasn’t arrived yet,” Zhu Jie said hoarsely. “Father has always been absolute in his decisions. Back then, Fourth Sister even threatened to die rather than marry. Do you know what Father said?”

“If you can’t die, then you must marry. And if you do die, we’ll carry your corpse and marry you off all the same!”

As Zhu Jie spoke, her whole body trembled. “Is that something a father should say? You’ve seen my Fourth Brother-in-law, haven’t you? He’s crippled!”

Ji Yi froze for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I’ve seen him once. At the time, I even wondered why His Majesty would assign such a consort to a princess.”

“Have you heard about the war between Qi and Liang a few years ago?” Zhu Jie said bitterly. “My Fourth Brother-in-law is the only surviving descendant of the Duke of Wei’s household. For the sake of winning over his ministers and calming public opinion, Father forcibly married Fourth Sister off to him!”

“And now, for the sake of his throne, he plans to sell me off too. Don’t you find it ridiculous? We’re supposed to be his favorite daughters!”

“The Qi–Liang war… what public opinion was there back then?” Ji Yi asked, frowning.

“There were rumors that Father claimed to be going to war, but was actually negotiating peace in secret. To prove his stance, he deliberately left the Duke of Wei’s forces alone against the enemy without reinforcement. In the end, the entire family perished on the battlefield, leaving only this last descendant—who later fell from his horse and became crippled.”

Zhu Jie continued quietly, “People said Father disregarded the lives of loyal ministers. Public sentiment became unstable, and some even stirred trouble in secret. To quell the anger, Father gave the Duke of Wei’s family a grand burial and betrothed Princess Lanxin to the only remaining grandson—that eccentric Fourth Brother-in-law of mine.”

“If he was willing to marry off a princess to a cripple, then me being married to a dying old man… sounds like a better deal, doesn’t it?” Zhu Jie suddenly laughed, though her smile carried a trace of sorrow.

“A dying old man?” Ji Yi frowned deeply. “How could he even think of that? You’re his own daughter! When will the imperial decree be issued?”

“The envoys for the marriage talks might arrive next month. Once they do, the decree will probably follow soon. After all, he’s afraid that delays will bring complications.” Zhu Jie sneered lightly. “I’m not exactly obedient—keeping me under watch like this must be exhausting for him too.”

“So the marriage hasn’t been finalized yet?” Ji Yi’s eyes lit up. “I remember His Majesty has more than just you as a beautiful princess. When the time comes, who gets married off isn’t necessarily certain!”

“It’s practically decided already,” Zhu Jie sighed. “Do you know why all the bad arrangements fall on me and Fourth Sister? Because our mother died early. We have no maternal family to rely on—no one to speak up for us. Everything is decided by the Emperor and the Empress.”

“Not necessarily,” Ji Yi said, raising an eyebrow mysteriously. “What if you had a greater use than being married off?”

“What use? Marry you?” Zhu Jie teased.

Ji Yi looked completely matter-of-fact. “Yes. Why not?”

He paused deliberately, then added in a low, confident tone, “What if I told you I’m certain I can defeat the State of Qi?”

“You?” Zhu Jie looked up in surprise, only to meet Ji Yi’s bright eyes—eyes filled with intelligence and determination. Somehow, they made people want to believe him. Perhaps… bluffing like this might actually be worth trying.

“As long as your father is willing to marry you to me, forget defeating Qi—even conquering it and handing it over to you would be no problem!” Ji Yi declared arrogantly.

Zhu Jie couldn’t help but laugh. “Have you ever been on a battlefield?”

“No.”

“Have you ever even seen one?”

“No. But I’ve studied military texts thoroughly!”

“Armchair strategizing—be careful you don’t get people killed!” Zhu Jie said with a look of disdain. “Forget it. If that’s the case, we might as well just run away. At least that way, fewer people will die following you!”

“That could work too… but can we really escape?” Ji Yi hesitated.

“Of course! Let’s run away!” Zhu Jie said excitedly.

“You’re really serious about running?” Ji Yi pouted, looking unwilling. “Can’t we at least have one proper wedding?”