The next morning.
It was the second day of the exposition.
Li An was woken up early by the clanging system notification sounds.
Ding!
【The exposition continues to be a huge success!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +1000】
【Current National Fortune: 137,479】
Ding!
【Merchants from various countries are rushing to set up!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +1000】
【Current National Fortune: 138,479】
Li An lay in bed without opening his eyes, his lips twitching in disbelief.
It’s rising… still rising.
He hadn’t even gotten out of bed, and the national fortune had already increased by two thousand points.
He immediately buried his head in his pillow, trying to block out the system notifications.
But it was useless.
Ding!
【All nations pay homage; Great Qi’s prestige spreads far and wide!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +1000】
【Current National Fortune: 139,479】
“That’s enough!”
Li An sat up abruptly, yanking the pillow away.
Sitting on the edge of the bed with his hands on his head, he felt completely defeated.
After a whole day of exhausting efforts yesterday, he was utterly drained… and yet the national fortune still rose.
And today hadn’t even started, and it had already gone up three thousand points.
At this rate, he had no idea what sort of “compensation missions” he would face by the end of the first cycle!
Outside the door, Hongmei suddenly climbed in through the window, her gaze cold.
“Master, it’s time to get up.”
“No!”
Li An lay back down, pulling the covers over his head.
“I’m not going to the exposition today! Whoever wants to go, go!”
Hongmei entered the room and threw back the covers.
“Jin Daya has already sent people to urge you three times.”
“Let him handle it!”
Li An stubbornly refused to get up.
“He’s the on-site commander; he doesn’t need me there! I’ll just stay home, eat, drink, and sleep. Once it’s over, that’s enough!”
He turned over, facing away from Hongmei.
“Anyway, it’s already this popular. I give up and lie flat!”
Hongmei frowned. “The Princess of Northern Yan has to fulfill her bet today.”
“Bet? What bet?”
Li An froze, almost forgetting entirely.
Then he remembered.
The bet with Murong Xue was that if the exposition’s daily revenue exceeded ten million taels, she would marry Li An as a concubine.
Today’s first-day revenue had already… reached twelve million taels.
Murong Xue… had lost.
By all rights, Murong Xue should publicly announce the result today.
But what did that have to do with Li An?
He didn’t actually want to marry a Northern Yan princess!
He was already an undercover spy for Northern Yan. If he married another Northern Yan princess, whoa! What kind of situation would that be!
“Let her announce it herself. I’m not participating.”
Li An turned over again, playing dead.
“Tell Jin Daya that I’m feeling unwell and need to rest. Let him handle everything.”
“Master…”
Hongmei urged again.
“The princess specifically wants you to be there. Otherwise, she’ll have the emperor summon you…”
“…”
Li An was silent.
After a long moment, he slowly climbed out of bed, put on his clothes, and walked out with a deadpan expression.
Hongmei looked at his back, her face cold, but secretly pleased.
She knew her master had resigned himself to fate.
After all, the Northern Yan princess had specifically requested to see him. If he refused, what would happen if she really complained to the emperor?
Besides, from the looks of it, the Northern Yan princess didn’t know he was a spy. What if she unintentionally endangered their ally?
So no matter what, he had to go in person.
As for what would happen afterward…
Hongmei didn’t know.
She only knew that her master’s luck was always… unusual.
…
At the exposition venue.
The crowd was even larger and livelier than yesterday.
Li An wore a wide-brimmed hat, hiding most of his face, trying to quietly squeeze toward the stage.
He wanted to observe the situation first and then find a chance to escape.
As long as no one recognized him, he still had a chance to run.
However…
“Eh? Isn’t that Lord Li?”
From the crowd, a chubby merchant suddenly pointed at Li An.
“The one wearing the hat! The build is exactly like Lord Li’s!”
Li An froze, cursing silently in his mind.
Damn it!
“Lord Li! Lord Li is here!”
Someone recognized him and shouted, triggering a chain reaction.
Li An’s vision darkened.
The next moment, countless people surrounded him.
“Lord Li! Will today’s revenue break twenty million?”
A wealthy merchant in silk approached, brimming with enthusiasm.
“I’ve heard that many foreign delegations are coming to purchase today. The business will be even bigger!”
“Lord Li! Is it true that the Princess of Northern Yan will marry you?”
A young woman squeezed forward, her eyes sparkling.
“I’ve heard that the Princess of Northern Yan is as beautiful as a celestial being. Lord Li, you’re so lucky!”
“Lord Li! I’ve heard you’re the top talent of Great Qi—is it true?”
“Lord Li, you look so dashing today!”
“Lord Li…”
Li An was squeezed so tightly he could barely breathe, his head buzzing.
Why were these people so enthusiastic?
He had just organized an exposition, not become some big celebrity!
Ding!
【Li An’s fame reaches its peak; revered by all!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +500】
【Current National Fortune: 139,979】
Li An: “…”
In just a few steps, the national fortune increased another five hundred points.
I’m revered by all, but why does it also boost Great Qi’s national fortune?
System, you know I’m a Northern Yan spy!
Now, literally wherever he went, the fortune rose.
What was he supposed to do?
Fortunately, Jin Daya and the “Trouble-Making Squad” arrived just in time, forcefully opening a path through the crowd.
“Move! Move aside! Everyone, move!”
Jin Daya shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Lord Li is busy with official duties, give him space!”
Zhao Dadan and Liu Xi flanked Li An on both sides, keeping curious onlookers at bay.
Qian Xiaohai cleared the way behind them.
“Master! Finally, you’re here!”
Jin Daya’s face was full of excitement as he leaned close to Li An.
“The Princess of Northern Yan is already waiting on stage! The crowd is all waiting to see you!”
Li An glanced at the high stage.
On the stage stood a woman dressed in exotic attire—Murong Xue.
Today, Murong Xue was dressed exceptionally grandly.
Her golden hair was tied high, a red jewel adorned her forehead, and she wore a white Northern Yan palace gown with gold trim.
The style of the gown was completely different from Great Qi’s; the neckline was low, revealing a swath of snow-white neck.
The sleeves were wide and flowing, lifted lightly by the wind.
A golden belt at her waist accentuated her graceful figure.
With this outfit, she looked like a bride.
No, even more splendid than a bride.
After all, she was a princess of a nation!
Li An felt a pang of intimidation.
Why was she making such a grand display today?
Was she really planning to publicly announce she would marry him?
“Go!”
Jin Daya tugged Li An toward the stage.
“Master, don’t keep the princess waiting too long!”
Li An reluctantly dragged his feet, glancing back repeatedly, wishing he could just disappear into a hole and run.
…
On stage.
Murong Xue watched Li An approach, her smile radiant.
“Lord Li, long time no see.”
Li An forced a dry laugh. “Your Highness, we met just yesterday.”
“Yesterday is yesterday; today is today. Meeting today counts as a long time, doesn’t it?”
Murong Xue gracefully walked toward Li An, each step elegant.
Her eyes never left him, filled with a complex mixture of anticipation.
“Yesterday, I was Princess Nine of Northern Yan…”
“And today, I…”
She stopped in front of Li An and, in front of the countless people below the stage, bent deeply in a formal bow.
“I am willing to enter the Li Mansion as a concubine and serve my husband closely!”
The audience erupted!
The people below instantly went wild.
“The Princess of Northern Yan is willing to marry Lord Li as a concubine?”
“Oh my! Lord Li is so mighty!”
“As expected of Lord Li! Even the princess of Northern Yan is convinced!”
“Lord Li is truly the pride of Great Qi men!”
“This is a princess! She’s willing to become Lord Li’s concubine!”
“Lord Li is invincible!”
The cheers shook the heavens.
Ding!
【The Princess of Northern Yan is won over by Great Qi’s talented scholar!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +2000】
【Current National Fortune: 141,979】
Li An’s face turned green.
Was it supposed to be like this?
“Stop shouting! Stop shouting! Please, stop shouting!”
What are you people yelling about?
The national fortune just rose another two thousand points!
How is anyone supposed to live like this?
Yet all he could manage was a forced smile.
“Your Highness… please rise.”
Murong Xue stood up, noticing Li An’s expression, a sly glint in her eyes.
“Husband, Xue’er is serious, you know.”
Li An felt a thousand expletives racing through his mind.
Who asked you to be serious!
You lost your bet; what does it have to do with me!
I just wanted to quietly ruin a nation, why is it so difficult?
Before he could say anything, a commotion suddenly arose from the crowd below.
“Make way! Make way!”
“The daughter of the Guojiu Mansion is here!”
The crowd parted automatically as a woman in elegant attire, flanked by her maids, rushed onto the stage.
It was Liu Wanqing.
She too was splendidly dressed today, in a pink waist-length skirt and top, her hair adorned with pearls, and her face meticulously made up.
She clearly came prepared.
“Lord Li!”
Liu Wanqing immediately looped her arm through Li An’s other arm, giving Murong Xue a fake smile.
“Your Highness, I hope you are well.”
Murong Xue raised an eyebrow. “Miss Liu, why so enthusiastic today?”
“I heard that the Princess of Northern Yan is announcing her marriage into the Li Mansion today, so I came specially to offer my congratulations.”
Liu Wanqing’s eyes narrowed into slits as she smiled, her tone sharp and cunning.
“But you see, Young Master Li is already betrothed to me. Princess, if you wish to enter his household, the rules cannot be broken.”
Murong Xue’s eyes narrowed. “Liu Wanqing means…”
“My meaning is simple,” Liu Wanqing said, lifting her chin proudly. “Respect for order and seniority—first come, first served. If Your Highness enters the household, this cup of tea must be offered to me. I am the principal wife, you are the concubine!”
The crowd fell silent.
Two great beauties publicly competing for Li An—this was unprecedented.
The citizens below were dumbfounded.
“Wait… the daughter of the Imperial Uncle and the Princess of Northern Yan are fighting over Young Master Li?”
“Oh my! Young Master Li’s charm is unbelievable!”
“Two peerless beauties fighting over one man—this story could be turned into a play!”
Li An stood in the middle, Liu Wanqing on his left, Murong Xue on his right.
One was the daughter of the Grand Minister of Great Qi, the other the Ninth Princess of Northern Yan.
Both were breathtaking beauties, both gripping his arms tightly, unwilling to let go.
His only thought: escape.
But both his arms were held, so escape was impossible.
“That’s only natural.”
Murong Xue suddenly smiled. “I accepted the bet, so naturally I recognize my elder sister as senior. This cup of tea, I will offer to you.”
She actually took the teacup offered by a maid and respectfully presented it to Liu Wanqing.
Liu Wanqing froze.
She hadn’t expected the Northern Yan Princess to be so straightforward.
She had assumed Murong Xue would fight a little, struggle a little—but she surrendered outright?
Something felt off.
“Princess…”
“Please, sister, have some tea.”
Murong Xue smiled, offering the teacup to Liu Wanqing.
Liu Wanqing had no choice but to accept it and sip.
“Good… very good. Since Your Highness is so reasonable, then we are one family.”
Li An, listening to the back-and-forth between the two women, was breaking out in a cold sweat.
“One family?”
Who said they were family?!
He hadn’t even nodded once—how could they decide this on their own?
Yet at that moment, Murong Xue suddenly set down the teacup and walked up to Li An.
“Husband.”
She spoke softly, and in front of everyone…
She hugged Li An!
The crowd gasped.
In this era, men and women embracing in public was scandalous beyond belief!
The citizens below were stunned.
But Murong Xue was from Northern Yan, and the customs of the Hu people were open, so most assumed she was simply showing respect according to her native etiquette.
Some thought it inappropriate, but no one dared speak.
Only Li An knew the true purpose of Murong Xue’s hug…
It was to speak into his ear.
“Husband.”
Her voice was only for him, warm breath brushing his ear. “My father already told me—”
“Codename Lone Wolf, right?”
Li An’s heart jolted violently.
Lone Wolf?!
That was his undercover codename in Northern Yan! Only the top officials of Heishui Tai knew it!
Murong Xue actually knew?
And it was the Northern Yan Emperor who told her!
Of course…
His brain raced, immediately recalling the elderly man who delivered the imperial edict yesterday.
No way… that old man—I already sensed he was unusual yesterday!
And how could information travel so fast in ancient times?
I host this expo, and the Northern Yan Emperor already knows the situation, and even sends an edict?
So… that old man was the Northern Yan Emperor!
My goodness! The Northern Yan Emperor is bold beyond belief!
Then, in the next second, Murong Xue’s words left him even more speechless.
“You used prosperity to numb Great Qi, and merchants to corrupt the hearts of the people…”
“This strategy to ruin the nation—applied brilliantly.”
What?
Ruin the nation?!
Li An was completely bewildered.
When did he ever use a “ruin the nation” strategy?
He was clearly just using comedic performances to forcibly raise national fortune!
The expo was meant to lavishly spend, indulge corruption, and bankrupt the treasury!
Yet somehow, by sheer accident, it became the most profitable commercial event in Great Qi’s history!
Where does this “ruin the nation” idea come from?!
But Murong Xue wasn’t done.
“Husband, from now on, I’ll walk this path with you.”
Her voice carried a hint of sweet coquettishness. “Together… we’ll completely destroy Great Qi.”
Li An: “!!!”
He was completely dumbstruck.
What was happening?
Murong Xue thought he was plotting some grand scheme?
Thought the expo was deliberately designed to harm Great Qi?
Thought he was a great hero of Northern Yan?
And this Northern Yan Princess was embracing a “fight side by side” mentality, ready to “destroy the nation” with him?
He finally understood.
The Northern Yan Emperor’s praise last night was genuinely sincere; all of Li An’s helpless “failures” were interpreted as a brilliant, intentional “scheme.”
And then the Emperor told Murong Xue the truth.
Murong Xue now sincerely considered him “one of her own” for marriage purposes.
This…
Li An’s mind was in complete chaos.
He wanted to explain.
He wanted to say it was all a misunderstanding.
But could he say it?
If he did, wouldn’t he become a “traitor”?
Li An opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.
He could only maintain a “mysteriously profound” smile, gently patting Murong Xue’s back.
“Princess… let’s… discuss this properly later. We’ll talk another time.”
Murong Xue, hearing this, became even more certain of her judgment.
Her husband was indeed cunning! Speaking in front of so many people, he naturally couldn’t explain in detail.
She released him, stepped back, and performed a graceful bow. “Xue’er understands. Everything will follow husband’s arrangement.”
Li An twitched at the corner of his mouth.
“Follow husband’s arrangement…”
He truly had no arrangements at all!
Liu Wanqing, watching this, felt a surge of jealousy.
This Northern Yan enchantress actually hugged Li An in public for so long!
And whispered into his ear!
What did she say?
Why hug him for so long?
She took a deep breath, suppressing her jealousy.
Just wait—this girl will make sure you know who Li An’s true woman is!
Ding!
【Two beauties competing for a husband, Li An’s reputation rises further!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +800】
【Current National Fortune: 142,779】
Li An: “…”
He was numb.
National fortune kept rising.
Still rising!
He really didn’t want to care anymore.
Whatever happens, happens!
…
At that moment, the rapid sound of horse hooves arrived.
“Imperial edict!”
The crowd parted as a young eunuch rode up swiftly.
“Li An, receive the edict—”
Li An’s heart jumped; he quickly knelt to receive it.
“By the Emperor’s oral command.”
The young eunuch read in a sharp voice: “Summon Li An to the palace immediately; appear in plain clothes.”
“By decree.”
Plain clothes audience?
This wording… seemed off.
Generally, ministers are summoned in court dress.
A plain clothes audience usually implies a private meeting.
Li An took the edict, puzzled.
At this critical moment, why would the Emperor summon him to the palace?
Could it be because the expo earned too much and the Emperor wants to reward him in person?
Or… did the Emperor hear about Murong Xue marrying him and wants to “check in”?
Li An shook his head, unwilling to think further.
He stood, bowing slightly to Murong Xue and Liu Wanqing. “Ladies, His Majesty summons me; I shall take my leave first.”
Murong Xue smiled faintly: “Husband, take care. Xue’er will wait for your return.”
Liu Wanqing pouted: “Young Master, don’t keep the Emperor waiting.”
Li An forced a dry laugh, turned, and strode away.
His only thought: escape this battlefield first!
No matter how frightening the palace, it’s better than being caught between two women!
…
Hongmei followed Li An, looking at the palace gates ahead, a sense of unease in her heart.
The Emperor summons him suddenly, and it’s a plain clothes audience…
This is definitely not an ordinary reward.
She leaned close to Li An and whispered, “Master, why do you think His Majesty summons you?”
Li An shook his head: “I don’t know.”
He paused, then smiled wryly: “But whatever it is, it’s surely another nightmare for me. This past month, good fortune never comes, but bad fortune is relentless.”
Hongmei fell silent.
She realized… the Master made sense.
This past month, he truly had no luck.
Trying to ruin the nation, yet the national fortune soared.
Trying to lie low, yet chased by two women.
Trying to escape, yet summoned by the Emperor.
Truly… life is cruel.
Ding!
【Li An’s expo is a success; soon to be received by the Emperor!】
【Great Qi National Fortune +500】
【Current National Fortune: 143,279】
Li An’s heart jolted.
He hasn’t even entered the palace, yet the national fortune rose by another 500 points.
Really… unbelievable.
The palace gates slowly opened ahead. Li An took a deep breath and stepped inside.
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