TRT -Chapter 58 Political Marriage

From far away, I spotted at a glance the man in magnificent robes seated in the upper position of the side hall.

Slim yet vigorous, tall and straight, elegant in manner, dressed in immaculate black. His long, narrow eyes tilted slightly upward at the corners. His voice was cool and steady, his gaze sharp and authoritative…

He… he… he… he…

Big Fox?!?!

My left toe hooked my right heel, and I executed a smooth backward turn, preparing to flee on the spot!

“Hey—Miss Minmin, where are you going?! I can’t carry this alone…”

“Shh!” I hurriedly raised a finger.

Too late.

Martial artists had sharp ears. Everyone in the side hall lifted their heads and looked over.

With no choice, I braced myself, lifted the pastry box to cover my face, hid behind Nana, and shuffled toward a table farthest from Big Fox.

No one spoke.

In the dead silence, Nana’s crisp introduction sounded especially piercing.

My heart pounded wildly as confusion rose inside me.

Why was I so scared? This was White Hair’s territory. Broad daylight. Surely he wouldn’t dare do anything to me.

Then… why was I still this nervous?

It felt like there were only ten minutes left in an exam, and I still had three big questions unfinished—legs trembling, palms sweating.

…It must be because back then, when I fled with White Hair, I’d gotten used to treating him as an imaginary enemy.

“…This tea is our grassland specialty—butter tea. Paired with roasted barley, it’s fragrant and sweet, refreshing and unique. Honored guests, please enjoy!”

After Nana finished her speech beside Big Fox’s table, she kept signaling me with her eyes to hurry up and bring over the roasted barley.

I was truly stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Fine. I’d go all in.

I lifted the lid to cover my face, carefully placed the box in front of Big Fox, and turned to flee—

Snap!

My wrist was grabbed.

I had no choice but to stop, lowering my head as much as possible with my back to him.

“Miss…”

Big Fox spoke slowly.

My scalp went numb.

“I am quite interested in this roasted barley. Could you explain it to me?”

Countless thoughts flashed through my mind.

Did this damn fox recognize me or not?

If he hadn’t, opening my mouth now would expose me.

I was debating whether to pretend to be mute when Nana stepped in unhappily.

“She’s new and doesn’t know much. If Your Highness the Fourth Prince is interested, let this servant explain.”

“…Very well.”

His voice was indifferent.

The grip on my wrist loosened.

I didn’t even bother to bow. Holding the lid, I bolted like my life depended on it.

Only after running outside the hall did I finally catch my breath.

I cursed inwardly.

Why would Big Fox come beyond the border as an envoy?

He should be locked in fierce political battles with the emperor right now. Why would he obey and serve as ambassador?

…Wait.

This was exactly the best chance for both factions to win over frontier forces.

Why would the emperor give him this opportunity?

Unless… he couldn’t stop it.

So the intelligence was true.

The Fourth Prince now controlled the Sixth Prince’s troops and the Xiao family’s border army—stronger than the imperial army.

Houming’s regime was becoming unstable…

Tonight was the first day of the Bazang Festival.

After daytime tributes, wrestling, and horse racing, everyone was excited.

Bonfires burned everywhere outside the palace. People sang and danced. Roasted lamb rolled slowly over flames, filling the air with irresistible aroma.

I wandered slowly across the cold palace floor. The silver bells on my ankles chimed softly, echoing in the empty halls.

Clover flowers swayed in the moonlight. A gentle breeze passed by.

Peaceful and pleasant.

I didn’t go out to join the fun—not because I loved solitude, but because I was afraid of meeting Big Fox.

Technically, I was still his adopted daughter.

If he insisted on taking me back, it would be reasonable. I’d have no argument. White Hair couldn’t stop him.

Unless…

Unless I was already married to White Hair.

Then he’d have nothing to say.

Thinking of marriage made me depressed.

After meeting Big Fox today, White Hair had looked gloomy all day.

After asking around, I finally learned why.

The Houming envoys had come for two reasons:

First, to congratulate the new Grassland King.

Second, to discuss a political marriage between Houming and the Wind-Chasing Tribe.

I trusted White Hair.

But behind him stood elders and ministers.

From a political standpoint, this marriage was extremely beneficial.

The tribe had just unified the grasslands after years of war. They were exhausted and unstable.

Marrying into Houming meant support and a powerful backing.

Border wars harmed both sides. For generations, marriage alliances had been the best solution.

This time, Houming even took the initiative.

They had sent a princess—said to be the emperor’s own sister.

They clearly meant business.

People inside and outside the palace looked at me with pity and comfort.

Close maids secretly encouraged me:

“Forget the alliance! We support Miss Minmin and Young Master!”

More mature ones advised gently:

“It’s just politics. You know where his heart is.”

Like Peifu, reckless and hot-tempered, even declared:

“If Brother Luan dares marry another woman, I’ll help Miss Minmin cripple him!”

Honestly, they didn’t need to worry.

If I weren’t in this position…

I’d never let such a good deal slip away.

If I weren’t Zhao Minmin…

I’d be the first to jump out and support this profitable marriage.

But I was Zhao Minmin.

And I liked White Hair.

So I was miserable.

I raised my head and howled at the moon twice.

Then I suddenly noticed someone standing by the lake outside.

He staggered, clearly drunk.

At such a lively banquet, there were plenty of drunks.

But I got worried.

Most tribesmen couldn’t swim.

If he fell in, it’d be dangerous.

And if a guest drowned, it’d cause huge political trouble.

I was about to call guards—

When he swayed violently.

Splash.

He disappeared.

Cold sweat broke out.

He’d fallen in!

Most guards were outside. This area was remote.

Calling for help was too slow.

Panicking, I rushed over myself.

The water was calm.

My heart raced.

What if he’d already drowned?

Without thinking, I kicked off my shoes and jumped in.

It was pitch dark.

I couldn’t see anything.

I searched blindly.

When I surfaced for air—

An arm suddenly wrapped around my waist.

Another hand brushed my neck.

Wet, pale, alluring lips whispered in my ear:

“Minmin… finally caught you…”

B-B-B-B-Big Fox?!

I froze.

Forgot to tread water.

I sank immediately.

He pulled me up and began swimming.

Not toward shore.

Toward deeper water.

My limbs went numb.

I didn’t know if he’d used some shady drug.

White Hair was busy outside.

Spoon was locked in the back hall.

No one could save me.

“Why are you so nervous, Minmin?”

He held me close, chin brushing my collarbone.

I could hear his breathing.

“So long… I’ve missed you…”

Danger alarms screamed in my head.

He lifted his head and stared.

“Have you missed me?”

Given the situation, I hurriedly said:

“Yes! Very much! Haha… Your Highness looks healthier…”

“Is that so?”

He sneered.

“Too many troubles. I’m probably just getting old.”

“No, no! You’re in your prime!” I flattered desperately.

He suddenly covered my eyes.

“I’m not here for flattery.

Or… do you think I’m not worthy of your honesty?”

I didn’t know how to answer.

“Minmin… I’ve heard of your deeds.

Your strategies. Your vision.

Following that arrogant boy is a waste.

Come back.

Help me unify Houming.”

So I was that useful?

I laughed softly.

“You flatter me.

I’m only alive because of his protection.

I’m happy here.

I like these people.

I don’t want to leave.”

“Is it because of this place…

Or because of him?”

His arms tightened.

I struggled.

“It’s because of him!

What, are you going to kidnap me?

Remember who you are—and whose land this is!”

“You’re the one who’s forgotten.”

He sneered.

“The elders have agreed to the marriage.

Once he marries the princess, what are you?

She’s beautiful and noble.

Who’s to say he won’t fall for her?”

I stared at him.

“They… already agreed?”

He leaned close and smiled.

“She’s someone you know.

Guess who?”

I shook my head.

“When did I know a Houming princess?”

His eyes flashed slyly.

“It’s… Yue Luo.”