"First wife?"

The three words "first wife" were spoken three times, as if all the air in the room had been sucked away.

The three people looked at each other, as if they had become deaf and couldn't hear any sound.

After a long time.

Ying Wuji sat on the chair, supporting his head with both hands, his voice hoarse: "Let me think in silence first!"

Zhao Ling, that is Zhao Ning!

So, in order to pursue the little wife, did I cheat on the first wife?

No, it shouldn't be distinguished by size, they are all equal!

But is that the point?

What is the point again?

Damn it!

My head hurts.

Where did my mind go?

Zhao Ning also felt a headache, sitting beside him, rubbing her head.

"I'll also think in silence!"

Ying Wuji's reaction confirmed many of her thoughts.

But she still couldn't understand why Ying Wuji didn't know Li Caimei's identity, and they could still have such a happy relationship.

And the more crucial question is...

What do we do now?

He obviously understands the technique of changing his form, but he only knows that he is a woman, not that he is the crown prince. The several strands of energy from the Hundred Schools of Thought are also his betrothal gifts to himself.

But she, obviously has to live as a man for the rest of her life!

Fortunately, apart from him, there shouldn't be anyone else who knows that "the crown prince is a woman."

But how should she handle it?

Li Caimei's emotions fluctuated too much, her mind was full of question marks, and she couldn't even think.

She could only sit down as well.

"I'll also think in silence!"

In the room, there was silence for a while.

Fortunately, the three of them were not too foolish.

After calming down, they roughly guessed the current situation.

Zhao Ning took a deep breath: "Brother Ying, Caimei!"

Ying Wuji: "Hmm..."

Li Caimei: "Hmm..."

Zhao Ning rubbed her head: "Let's clarify the cause and effect of this matter! Brother Ying, let me ask you a question first, when did you complete the transformation?"

"It was probably the day before I met you with your false identity!"

"So, you didn't know I was the crown prince at that time?"

"I didn't know."

"So, no one else knows that the crown prince is a woman?"

Ying Wuji nodded: "Of course not! I didn't know until today either!"

Zhao Ning breathed a sigh of relief: "So when you said you wanted to marry two princesses, you were referring to me and Caimei. The two strands of energy you showed were also betrothal gifts for me? Caimei, don't worry, I won't compete with you for men!"

Li Caimei: "..."

...

After a full hour, the group of people finally understood what had happened.

Ying Wuji felt very annoyed. He didn't expect that the erotic novel he wrote to punish Tieniu would directly burn Tang Tang's CPU, causing such a big misunderstanding.

Zhao Ning, this damn woman, what was she doing stealing his manuscript when she had nothing to do?

And she didn't even read it, she just gave it to Li Caimei directly.

Wasn't she just bored?

So, what should they do now?

In this era, the status of women is indeed much higher than in the era of bound feet.

But being an empress... is a bit difficult.

Zhao Ning's female identity is an absolute taboo for Zhao Ji, and she had probably stirred up a hornet's nest.

Li Caimei's eyes turned red, her gaze lowered: "Zhao Ning! I rarely ask you for anything, let him go. From today on, I won't step out of this courtyard, and I won't let anyone in. No one will leak your secret."

Ying Wuji's heart tightened: "Lock me up too!"

Zhao Ning looked at the two of them and felt annoyed, asking in return: "Then where will I stay?"

Li Caimei was taken aback: "Ah, you..."

Ying Wuji instinctively wanted to say "Let's stay together", but he thought it was a bit perverse, and they were still in danger, so he decided not to say it for now.

"Ah!"

Zhao Ning stood up: "This courtyard has been sealed by a formation, you can't leave now. Wait here for a while, nothing will happen... I will do my best to protect you!"

After speaking, she quickly left the courtyard.

After she left, there were only two people left in the room.

Ying Wuji looked at Li Caimei, and saw that her eyes and the bridge of her nose were slightly red.

Their eyes met.

Li Caimei hurriedly wiped away the tears on her cheeks and shifted her gaze to the side.

"Tang Tang..."

"Don't call me Tang Tang, leave that name for your future wife!"

Her nose was a little sour.

She believed that everything that happened before was real, even more real than she had imagined.

Because this annoying ghost in front of her didn't even come for her Kun Cheng identity.

Although there were still political marriage factors involved.

But compared to before, it was much purer.

She liked this purity.

But the price was a bit high.

She didn't really like it when Ying Wuji called her "Tang Tang" before, because it felt a bit cloying.

Allowing him to call her that was only because she disliked the identities of "Li family member" and "crown princess".

But now.

Search bit.ly/3iBfjkV for the original.

This name no longer belonged to her.

She felt like crying.

Ying Wuji pursed his lips: "But I want you to be my future wife."

"Is that possible?"

Li Caimei forced a smile: "Do you want to hear what you're saying?"

Ying Wuji: "..."

It seemed a bit outrageous.

Although Zhao Ning is a woman.

Although Tang Tang is still a virgin.

But she is still the crown princess, and the King Li has his dignity, and the Li royal family also has their dignity!

Ying Wuji never dared to underestimate the danger of conventional ideas, so when he proposed to marry two princesses, he already felt that he was being wild.

Now...

How can he face it?

The most important thing is to keep the secret of Zhao Ning's female identity.

This is Zhao Ji's fundamental interest.

Whoever touches this secret.

Zhao Ji will make them die!

There is no need to think about it, there is no room for maneuver.

So, Tang Tang cannot leave the palace until Zhao Ning completely takes control and succeeds in the reform.

This process...

Ten years?

Or twenty years?What's the difference between this and lifelong imprisonment for a girl?

Ying Wuji was a little angry: "Then I will go and talk to the Great Li. As long as he gives you to me, I will assist Zhao Ning in unifying the world with my life."

Li Caimei: "..."

She felt a little sour in her nose. She looked at him for a while and lightly hummed, "His Majesty despises impulsive people the most. How can he believe that you can help Zhao Ning unify the world like this?

Besides, you only said what you want, but you didn't ask if I'm willing to be with you.

Don't think too much. I never had any feelings for you, nor did I ever think about being with you!

You are useful to His Majesty. As long as you behave well, he won't kill you.

I, I quite like it here. Don't disturb me in the future."

"You're lying!"

"I'm not! I have never had any feelings for you."

"But you said you wanted to leave."

"Forget it! I don't even have the qualification to miss this matter."

"I have promised you, how could I forget?"

"..."

Ying Wuji stood up: "Whether or not I fulfill my promise is my own business. I advise you not to meddle in it!"

After speaking, he walked towards the gate of the courtyard under Li Caimei's shocked gaze.

"Duang!"

"Duang!"

"Duang!"

"Open the door!"

"Zhao Ji, open the door for me!"

"If you have the ability to act with me, then you open the door!"

"I caused this, I admit it!"

"You want to kill, I understand!"

"But if you want to kill, do it in front of me!"

"No one can judge me!"

"Let me out, I want to negotiate with you, like a man!"

Ying Wuji was very excited, but a man should stand tall.

Let him be impulsive!

He had long recognized himself.

Always like this.

Love it or leave it.

...

Chongli Palace.

"You fool!"

"Zhao Ning! Why have you been ruling the country for so long and still act so impulsively?"

"What he said, do you really believe it?"

"If you are still arrogant and self-righteous, how can I trust you to hand over the throne?"

Zhao Ji leaned slightly forward, pressing his hands tightly on the desk.

Looking at the daughter he had raised as his own since childhood, there was an undisguised disappointment in his eyes.

Because Zhao Ning had just said a lot of things.

But summarizing it, there were only four pieces of information: the secret of her being a girl had not been leaked; Ying Wuji and Li Caimei were trustworthy; Ying Wuji was still capable of great use; if possible, he could even fulfill an unnamed marriage.

This crown prince was useless.

He couldn't be kept.

Under the pressure of a powerful expert in the Enlightenment Realm, Zhao Ning's legs were trembling, but her expression remained unchanged as she calmly met Zhao Ji's gaze: "Father King! The judgment I made is not impulsive! Ying Brother has made a blood oath. As long as the Zhao family does not betray, he will do his best to assist me in achieving great things."

"Hmph!"

Zhao Ji snorted coldly, "His master, in a short period of time, was able to elevate his embryonic transformation to completion. How do you know that he hasn't found a way to break the blood oath?"

Zhao Ning remained calm: "At least his blood oath is still in effect, which is enough to prove that he has not done anything harmful to the Zhao family. Father King is skilled at judging people, and should be able to see Ying Wuji's character better than me."

Zhao Ji's face darkened slightly, "People can change! Now he won't break the oath! But what about in the future? He is the sacrificial official of the Imperial Academy, his master is the chief palace master, and the Imperial Academy will be the place where the Great Li selects officials in the future. With power in his hands, how can you be sure that he won't have ulterior motives? By then, he will have the handle of your identity..."

"Father King!"

Zhao Ning interrupted Zhao Ji for the first time.

She raised her head, looking directly at Zhao Ji without flinching, took a deep breath, "By then! I will definitely have become a powerful lord. If a mere girl can stop my footsteps, how can I talk about dominating the Central Plains? Ying Wuji understands politics, but he can never become a politician. I have confidence."

Interrupting the king's speech was an extremely rude behavior.

But unexpectedly, Zhao Ji didn't get angry. Instead, it seemed like even the previous anger had dissipated.

Because what made him angry just now was Zhao Ning's impulsiveness.

But now, it seemed that his crown prince's actions were more based on self-confidence.

Zhao Ning was not wrong.

Ying Wuji understood politics, but he could never become a politician.

He couldn't become a lord, let alone a hegemon, because this person's character flaws were too great.

Just like now.

After going through great difficulties and obtaining one of the highest positions in the Great Li Imperial Academy, and making great contributions to the Li Kingdom.

But in the end, for the sake of a woman, he was willing to give up everything?

Seeing him silent, Zhao Ning finally showed a smile, "Father King! When Ying Wuji deduces reforms, he uses all kinds of ruthless methods. Do you think he can make the right decisions when he actually does it himself?"

"At most three points!"

Zhao Ji gave a fair evaluation.

"That's what I want to say. Ying Wuji knows what is right, but when making decisions, he can only act impulsively. This kind of person has the greatest value and is the easiest to manipulate."

In her heart, Zhao Ning silently added that she only needed to give a little worthless sincerity from the royal family.

She took a deep breath and continued, "Ying Wuji doesn't have the temperament to command troops or govern a country. If he has any evil intentions, he doesn't even need me to take action, he will bring destruction upon himself."

Zhao Ji did not deny this viewpoint, but still said in a deep voice, "How can you be sure that when he brings destruction upon himself, it won't harm the foundation of the country?"

Zhao Ning smiled and shook her head, "I'm not sure! There is nothing certain in this world. I only know that the Great Li now needs jade soap, needs reforms, and needs the military deterrence of Kingdom Qian. If these are lost, it is more uncertain than even the things that may not happen, and it will harm the foundation of the country!"

When this statement came out, there was a brief silence in Chongli Palace.

Because this was the crux of the problem.

After a long time.Zhao Ji suddenly smiled, as if all the anger he had just shown was just an illusion.

He looked at Zhao Ning calmly and said, "You want to establish this marriage, hoping to keep Li Caimei and bind Ying Wuji. But once this marriage is done, the child born will be extraordinary. Ying Wuji may not seek power for himself, but how can he control the ambitions of his own child? Do you have a plan for this?"

Ying Wuji's current strength is very strong.

Although it is only very strong and has not reached the level of being shocking, it is still not comparable to a true monster.

But Li Caimei is the Kun inheritance, who can guarantee that she will not give birth to a monster that can rival Ying Wuque.

If this child has ambitions, then...

Zhao Ning's expression was somewhat reluctant, but she still said, "I have a plan!"

Zhao Ji said calmly, "Tell me!"

Zhao Ning took a deep breath and said, "If a child is born, it should be entrusted to the royal family for upbringing. As the father, I will only teach the ways of warfare and not pass on the principles of governing the world. I will reward their achievements, give them wealth, take their power, and tarnish their reputation."

Zhao Ji raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who will be the next king?"

Zhao Ning's expression became somewhat unnatural, "I, I, well..."

Zhao Ji impatiently waved his hand, "While I'm still alive, establish your authority as soon as possible, then go into seclusion for ten months and give birth to a son. After that, make a blood oath to have no relationship with Ying Wuji. Can you do that?"

"I can do it!"

Zhao Ning's tone was firm, with a hint of pain flashing in her eyes.

In the royal family, everything is a tool.

Including her own body.

Including the bodies of Ying Wuji, Li Caimei, and the child.

This is the only method she can think of to convince Zhao Ji, and it is also the most beneficial approach for Kingdom Li.

"Can you do it? Can those stubborn donkeys do it?"

"Well..."

Zhao Ning hesitated, then took a deep breath, "I will do my best. If they don't agree, they can also be given time to consider. In this chaotic world, Kingdom Li is their only place to settle."

Zhao Ji neither agreed nor disagreed, and asked again, "How should we handle the marriage?"

Zhao Ning said in a deep voice, "Among the princesses, many are already tired of the confined life in the palace. They can be granted freedom and marry someone from the Qian family. Your Majesty... what do you think?"

Zhao Ji simply waved his hand, "Go and invite them. I have already prepared a banquet in advance. The marriage will be decided tomorrow. It is only right for the bride's family to have a meal with the new groom. Let them come quickly, or the food will get cold."

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning bowed and then hesitated, "Your Majesty! Have you already prepared this banquet?"

Zhao Ji looked at her meaningfully and asked in return, "What if I haven't?"

Zhao Ning: "..."

She thought this was a test for Ying Wuji and Li Caimei.

But she didn't expect it to be a test for herself.

She thought she already understood her father well, but she didn't expect that she couldn't even distinguish his true anger from fake anger.

"Go!"

"I take my leave!"

Zhao Ning watched her leave.

Zhao Ji sighed deeply.

Preparing the banquet in advance was true.

Getting angry at Zhao Ning was also true.

The reason for agreeing was not because he believed that Zhao Ning could completely control Ying Wuji with "sincerity" and tactics for a lifetime.

It was because stabilizing Ying Wuji now was the best strategy for Kingdom Li.

No matter how big the hidden dangers on Ying Wuji were, they couldn't be bigger than the Wei family and the Han family.

This kid is right.

There is a strategy called a united front.

And Ying Wuji is the target of his current united front.

His closeness to the royal family is even higher than that of the imperial family!

As long as the secret of Zhao Ning's daughter's identity is not revealed, he also sincerely does not want to fall out with Ying Wuji.

Li Caimei?

Send her away!

His own crown prince is a daughter, and having the Kun inheritance is useless.

It's better to rely on her to firmly lock down Ying Wuji.

Ying Wuji is a bit clever. As long as the royal family doesn't mind this absurd matter, he will definitely understand that Kingdom Li is the most suitable place for him to settle down.

It would be best if they could have a son and a daughter, raise them according to Zhao Ning's plan, and in the future, Kingdom Li will have a renowned and infamous general. Once the new ruler establishes his authority, he will have a handy divine weapon.

Both children will be considered Zhao Ning and Li Caimei's children in name, and everything about Ying Wuji will belong to the royal family.

Very stable, but this stability has two prerequisites.

First, Ying Wuji's character does not undergo major changes, and he cannot have offspring with other women.

Zhao Ji is not particularly suspicious of the first half of the sentence, but the second half...

Second, Zhao Ning can really control Ying Wuji as she said.

He is more worried about this point.

Zhao Ning did speak logically just now, but there was still a hint of sentimentality that a monarch should not have.

The same result.

It should be negotiated with Ying Wuji by the royal family!

And it should not be Zhao Ning who takes the initiative to propose it!

This crown prince.

Still needs a little more time.

Still needs... to add another firewood!

...

Outside the courtyard.

Zhao Ning hesitated for a long time at the door.

When she had just come out of Chongli Palace, she was full of confidence. She felt that she looked just like Ying Wuji when he had just successfully negotiated with the bookstore.

But the more she walked, the weaker her momentum became.

Because she knew that Ying Wuji and Li Caimei might not be satisfied with the result of this deal.

But after thinking about it, she had done her best, so why feel guilty?

So she took a deep breath and pushed open the courtyard door.

As soon as she pushed open the door, she saw Ying Wuji standing at the door, as if he had been waiting here all along.

Zhao Ning said, "Brother Ying..."

Ying Wuji interrupted directly, "Lead the way! I don't want to hear the result of your plea. I'm going to negotiate with His Majesty now!"

Zhao Ning pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you... not satisfied with our marriage?"

"Of course I'm not satisfied... What nonsense are you talking about?"

Ying Wuji was confused, "Are you saying that I... with Tang Tang..."

Li Caimei also froze and hurriedly stood up, "Your Highness, what did you just say?"Zhao Ning smiled and said, "Tomorrow, King Qian will come out of seclusion, and the wedding date will be set. Father said that the son-in-law should have a meal with the bride's family!"

Ying Wuji: "......"

Li Caimei: "......"

Fifteen minutes later.

Chongli Palace.

The food on the table was even more sumptuous than last time.

Ying Wuji sat upright, feeling a bit dizzy.

First, a toast.

Then another toast.

Goodnight, baby?

Go to bed early, baby?

Brother, do you have another party?

The key is that the main person he drank with both times was the same person?

If it weren't for the presence of the queen, Zhao Ning, and Li Caimei, he would even suspect that he had been drunk and had a dream.

The atmosphere was a bit dull.

Zhao Ji was a little dissatisfied, "As the son-in-law, shouldn't you toast to the father-in-law?"

"Oh, oh!"

Ying Wuji finally sobered up a bit and quickly poured two glasses of wine, "Father-in-law, I toast to you!"

Zhao Ji smiled kindly, took the wine and drank it all, looking at him with a smile that was not a smile, "You can toast to me, I am very satisfied! But you are much more restrained in toasting than last time, and I am very unhappy."

Ying Wuji: "......"

Nonsense!

Last time, I was going to marry your daughter.

This time, I'm going to marry your daughter-in-law.

Can they be the same?

If they can still be treated separately, how embarrassing would I be!

Zhao Ji appeared very friendly.

But he knew that this marriage was definitely not something that could be arranged so easily.

Everything that is free has a hidden price.

Seeing Ying Wuji looking a little embarrassed, Zhao Ji couldn't help but smile, "And your mother-in-law too!"

Ying Wuji quickly poured two more glasses of wine, "Mother-in-law, please!"

The queen appeared even more kind than Zhao Ji.

After taking a sip of wine, she looked at Ying Wuji with a smile, "Your father said that although you are eccentric in your actions, you have a wild temperament. It seems that the rumors are true, but compared to your father, you are still lacking."

Ying Wuji was stunned, "Ah?"

The queen smiled faintly, "Your father harmed a girl from another family back then, without any remorse. Even when he returned to Kingdom Qian, he didn't think about taking her with him."

Ying Wuji: "......"

The atmosphere was a bit too relaxed, making him feel uncomfortable.

On the other hand, the Zhao couple behaved very naturally and talked about some ridiculous things that Ying Yue did when he was in Kingdom Li as a hostage. Then they shifted the topic to the marriage and both looked at Li Caimei.

Li Caimei instinctively held onto her skirt, "Father, Mother..."

Since entering the palace, she had always called them like this.

But usually, it was very smooth to call them, but today it felt unnatural no matter how she called them.

Zhao Ji sighed lightly, "Caimei! Since you entered the palace, you have suffered a lot, but it was all for a reason. If you look at it objectively, how have I and the queen treated you?"

Li Caimei took a deep breath and said seriously, "When Caimei was in danger, it was the king and queen who reached out to help. Although I have been living in seclusion for many years, my life is even better than that of the princesses. I am very grateful!"

"Then, can you toast to your father and mother as a daughter?"

"Father, Mother..."

Li Caimei was a little absent-minded, were they really planning to marry her to Ying Wuji in the name of marrying their daughter?

Her mind was a bit complicated, and she didn't know what to say.

She could only pour two glasses of wine seriously.

"Father!"

"Mother!"

"Toasting to you, my daughter!"

She drank it all in one go, feeling a little flustered.

Before entering the palace, she had always been the carefree little follower behind her sister.

It wasn't until her sister had an accident that she realized how cruel the world could be.

After entering the palace, she rarely had contact with court affairs, and Zhao Ning was her only way to connect with the outside world.

She couldn't understand why Zhao Ji agreed to this.

But she knew that Zhao Ji's purpose was definitely not to fulfill her.

She didn't understand.

She could only wait quietly.

Ying Wuji was tormented and felt uncomfortable, so he had to speak first, "Father, how do you plan to arrange this marriage?"

Zhao Ji looked at him with a smile that was not a smile, "Since I have promised you, I should keep my word. You drew two paintings, and I will marry both daughters to you. Are you satisfied?"

"But, but..."

Ying Wuji was a bit speechless, "But what about their identities? How can they be married like this?"

Zhao Ji looked at Zhao Ning, "Ning'er, explain it to him!"

Zhao Ning took a deep breath, "Brother Wuji! This is how it is..."

He listened carefully.

Ying Wuji finally understood after listening to the whole story.

Both wives were his.

But Zhao Ning was still the crown prince, and Tang Tang was still the crown princess.

Both wives could give birth to his children.

But in name, the children were born to the first wife and the second wife.

Of course, the two children were not completely unrelated to him.

He could be the "stepfather" of both children, without worrying about the tragedy of father and son separation.

This sounded bizarre, but it seemed acceptable.

And it seemed more exciting.

At that time, the new ruler of Kingdom Li would intimidate the lords, and the queen would be respected by the world.

Who would have thought that behind them stood the same man.

The most important thing was that, considering all the factors, there was no better outcome.

But...

Ying Wuji looked at Li Caimei, who had lowered her eyelids and tightly held her skirt. He already understood what she meant.

He asked, "Is it necessary to have children?"

Zhao Ji said in a deep voice, "Kingdom Li needs at least one Zhao king!"

Ying Wuji breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, he roughly understood Li Caimei's state of mind.

The two sisters had a good relationship, and as the daughters of the Kun inheritance, Li Caimei was willing to even destroy this ancient bloodline to free herself from the shackles.

How could Li Caimei, as the younger sister, be willing to be a baby-making machine?

As long as this child was not necessary, everything would be fine.

He looked at Li Caimei.

Li Caimei took a deep breath, and a faint smile appeared on her pale face, "Thank you, Father and Mother!"Zhao Ji smiled faintly, everything was under his control. If Li Caimei did not exist, although Kingdom Li would lose a fierce general, there would be one less unstable factor.

"Then the marriage is settled!"

"Father-in-law, I have one more question!"

"Speak!"

"The deep palace is too cold, I dare to ask for some opportunities for Caimei to go out."

"Granted! I will arrange it myself."

"One more question!"

"Why do you have so many questions?"

Zhao Ji glanced at Ying Wuji with disdain.

Ying Wuji asked, "With the current arrangement, a princess in name only will be married into the Marquis's Mansion. But on the day of the wedding, there must be a bride, right..."

Zhao Ning took a sip of wine and said, "I understand the art of transformation. I will be the substitute bride!"

Ying Wuji: "..."

Awesome!

Even a substitute bride is here.

Zhao Ji waved his hand and said, "Let's eat! After eating, go to sleep. There are many important matters to attend to tomorrow."

The meal went smoothly.

Zhao Ji and the Queen looked at Wuji like ordinary parents, genuinely happy.

Of course, some of it was genuine, and some of it was an act. Who knows.

Zhao Ning behaved normally, not like a woman about to get married, but more like an elder brother seeing his little sister off to marriage.

Li Caimei didn't say much throughout the whole process, just smiled and raised her glass when everyone toasted.

After a while, the banquet ended.

Zhao Ji and the Queen left hand in hand.

This marriage seemed to have been settled peacefully.

Zhao Ning stood up and said, "Caimei, we should also go back and rest. Wuji, you left something at my place, let's go together!"

In the carriage.

Silence all the way.

After closing the courtyard door, Zhao Ning finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She glanced at the two of them, her lips moved, and she softly said, "I have done my best!"

Ying Wuji chuckled, "Thank you, Zhao Xiong. Let's sleep together when we have the chance!"

Zhao Ning gave him a disdainful look, "Wuji! You should think about how to coax Caimei first!"

"Huh?"

Ying Wuji was taken aback.

Zhao Ning sighed lightly, "You still don't understand her enough. I'll go inside to get something, you two can talk in the courtyard!"

After saying that, she shook her head and hurriedly went back inside, closing the door.

Ying Wuji looked at Li Caimei, only to see her eyelids slightly drooping, not angry or resentful, but her mood seemed a bit low.

At first, he thought she was just emotionally exhausted from the ups and downs.

But now, it seemed that it wasn't the case.

"Caimei, don't you accept this outcome?"

Li Caimei sat on a stone chair and bit her lip, "I don't want to accept it!"

Ying Wuji was puzzled, "If you don't accept it, you can just refuse. I know it might be difficult, but as long as you refuse, I will..."

Li Caimei raised her head and looked into his eyes, forcing a smile, "Don't be silly! This is already the best outcome. If I don't appreciate it, wouldn't I be ungrateful to the Crown Prince?"

"But I still don't understand why you're upset."

"Because I am just that kind of ordinary woman!"

Li Caimei suddenly became a bit agitated.

Ying Wuji fell silent, not quite understanding what she meant.

Li Caimei shifted her gaze to the side, "Since I was young, I knew that my sister and I were the heirs of the family. I asked my sister what it meant, and she said it meant enjoying all kinds of love before the age of fifteen.

I asked my sister what it meant after fifteen?

She didn't answer.

But on her fifteenth birthday, she ruined her own body.

Her actions ruined an important marriage for the family, and she almost got beaten to death that day.

That day, I understood the meaning of being the heir.

Fortunately, she survived and asked me what kind of life I wanted in the future before she left on a journey.

I answered that I hoped the husband arranged by the family would love me for who I am, not just because I am the heir. I want a husband who loves me, to have a cute son with him, a family of three or four, and live a good life.

She laughed at me back then, saying that she, Li Caitan, had extraordinary courage and was a rare heroine in the world. How could she bring up such an ordinary and useless sister.

But that's who I am!

Before, the Crown Prince promised me that once he had power, he would give me freedom.

So I hoped and hoped, hoping that everything would go smoothly for her, hoping that she would ascend to the throne soon, and being careful not to cause her any trouble.

I looked forward to the day when I could regain my freedom, go to a place where no one knows me, and find a man who is with me not because I am the heir.

But now, I am bound by being the heir again.

Why?

Why can't the child I give birth to be mine and my husband's?

I know I can choose not to give birth!

But I want to have a child!

Before my sister was taken away, she told me to be rational in everything I do, otherwise, I would end up like her.

But why do I feel so tired every time I try to be rational!"

Her voice was not loud.

She restrained herself from venting her emotions on Ying Wuji.

So she could only become more and more aggrieved as she spoke.

She raised her head, "Ying Wuji, do your promises still count?"

Ying Wuji nodded, "They count!"

"Don't force me, okay?"

"Okay!"

"I don't want to give up having a child for the sake of being considerate. I don't want to have a child for someone else's sake, even if that person is Zhao Ning. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I understand!"

Translated, it means: I just want to have a child that belongs to you.

It sounds like it's filled with feudal romanticism.

But why does it feel so heart-wrenching?

Ying Wuji thought for a moment. Li Caimei's "ordinary" choice and Li Caitan's madness that destroyed her own body were actually not fundamentally different. They both just wanted to have control over their reproductive rights.

But for them, it seemed difficult.

"Do you really understand?"

"I really understand!"

"Then, can you wait for me to get through this hurdle first?"

"I will wait for you!"

"Phew..."Li Caimei took a deep breath and took a step forward, gently embracing him. "When you came out of the closet today, you looked like a hero."

Ying Wuji finally smiled a little. "What do you mean 'looked like a hero'? I am one!"

"Thank you!"

"Mhmm..."

"Go back and rest!"

After saying that, she let go of her arms, took a few steps back, and stared at Ying Wuji for a while before turning around to leave.

"Wait!"

Ying Wuji called out to her.

Li Caimei turned around. "Is there something else?"

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji took a deep breath and took two steps forward, getting closer to her.

Li Caimei didn't dodge, she just looked up at him and said softly, "Then tell me!"

Ying Wuji thought for a moment and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "I will become very powerful. I won't have to care about anyone's opinions. When the time comes, you can have as many children as you want, and they will all call me father."

Li Caimei: "..."

Ying Wuji's face turned serious. "I'm not joking!"

Li Caimei: "But..."

"There's no but!"

Ying Wuji held her face and pecked her slightly cool lips.

Li Caimei was both embarrassed and angry. "You, you said you wouldn't force me!"

Ying Wuji held her hand. "I just wanted to tell you that in situations like this, women shouldn't force themselves to overcome obstacles. Men should fight like real men."

Li Caimei blushed and said angrily, "Then you should have just told me directly. Why did you..."

Ying Wuji remained calm. "I wanted to express my determination with this action. It's definitely not to be a rogue! Alright, let's not do this again. Goodnight, Tang Tang..."

After saying that, he disappeared into the ground.

Li Caimei stood in place, touching her lips for a long time before coming back to her senses. She muttered softly, "What determination? Clearly, he was being a rogue..."

She turned around, hands behind her back, and her steps became unconsciously lighter.

After a while, she suddenly realized something.

"I never said I would have children for him!"

...

An hour later.

Ying Wuji returned to the entrance of Shangmo Bookstore.

It took him an hour to walk a distance that should have taken only fifteen minutes.

He used to only think about relying on some force to survive, reaching the peak, and conquering the world.

But today, after hearing Li Caimei's words, he realized that while he might be fine, his teammates would suffer.

He didn't want his wife to suffer, and there was also the troublesome issue of Bai Zhi's demonic body.

He didn't intend to become enemies with the Great Li.

But he needed a force that could influence the world.

This force.

At the very least, it should ensure that his wife's children could openly call him father.

It sounded strange.

But that's how it was.

It was already late at night. He brushed off the dirt on his body and pushed open the door, ready to go straight to his room and sleep.

But he didn't expect to see a yard full of people as soon as he pushed open the door.

To be precise, it was a yard full of Mohists.

Ying Wuji was startled. "Zhai Brother, what does this mean? Are you planning to turn this place into your base?"

Zhai Yun slapped his thigh. "Believe it or not, Wufuzi really wants to develop this place as a branch."

"Why?"

"Why?"

Zhai Yun grinned. "Do you know how much your head is worth on the black market?"

Ying Wuji's mouth twitched. "Black market? Is there such a ruthless black market? This is the Capital of the Great Li. They dare to lay hands on me? Are they crazy?"

"Technically, it's not the black market!"

"Then what is it?"

"Mingdu!"

"Mingdu..."

Ying Wuji's eyebrows jumped. He had actually heard of this place.

He even had a key to Mingdu, but he hadn't used it yet.

But he couldn't help but confirm again, "The sacred place that was established for me?"

"Hey? I didn't expect you to know so much!"

"Is that the main point?"

Ying Wuji rolled his eyes. "Who is offering a reward to kill me?"

Zhai Yun spread his hands. "I didn't say they want to kill you! Who doesn't know that the Capital of the Great Li is your father-in-law's territory? Are they tired of living to assassinate you?"

Ying Wuji choked. "Then why is my head valuable?"

"Isn't it because your head contains memories related to reform? They are offering a reward for those memories!"

Ying Wuji instantly understood. There was no need to guess.

It must be the Wei and Han families.

They only knew that his calculations for the success rate of the reform were very high, but they didn't know how he calculated it.

It was normal to panic a little and be afraid of hindering the reform.

But he was still a little shocked. "How can memories be rewarded?"

Zhai Yun helplessly said, "I don't know! But Master said that among the core members of the Wufu who practice the demonic cultivation method, there are quite a few who are skilled in searching for people's memories. They can do all sorts of things like killing in dreams and creating instant illusions."

Wufuzi is afraid that something might happen to you and hinder the reform, so he sent us to protect you!"

Ying Wuji grinned. "They use mental attacks, but you guys are carrying swords. How are you going to protect me?"

"Put this on!"

"What is this?"

"Lingming Jade! It has the effect of keeping your mind clear. Once your mind is disturbed by external forces, it will emit a bright light."

"And then?"

"Then..."

Zhai Yun took out a pack of acupuncture needles from his pocket and added, "Then we will give you a few needles to ensure that you wake up immediately."

Ying Wuji: "???"

Zhai Yun looked a little embarrassed. "I'm afraid I might doze off, so I brought a few brothers with me to take turns watching over you while you sleep, so as not to miss any important matters."

Ying Wuji sighed. "Thank you so much! You can stop now. Go back and rest. I'll keep this Lingming Jade. Don't worry, I'll find someone to help me with the acupuncture. Trust me!"

"Hey hey hey!"Zhai Yun was somewhat reluctant, but he was still pushed out of the courtyard. As he was closing the door, he didn't forget to remind, "Be vigilant, be vigilant, remember!"

"Thanks, thanks!"

Ying Wuji wiped the sweat from his forehead.

He turned around and entered his own bedroom.

He closed the door.

He put up a soundproofing charm.

Looking at the middle-aged man reading by the moonlight in front of the window, he asked with a smile, "Aren't you supposed to be healing in seclusion?"

Ying Yue closed the book, smiled faintly, "Just a few poison bugs, how long do they think they can waste my time?"

At this moment, he was dressed in a simple linen robe.

Dressed as a commoner, he still looked extraordinarily noble.

Ying Wuji smacked his lips, "True! After all, you are a spirit realm powerhouse. But if you wanted to see me, you could have just called me. Why sneak into my room? It's quite beneath your imperial dignity."

Ying Yue was not angry, he said lightly, "Today, there are only father and son, no emperor."

Oh?

Ying Wuji was somewhat surprised, "You suddenly acting as a father, I'm not quite used to it! So, what is it that an emperor can't do, but a father can?"

Ying Yue's smile was very warm, "Bring his son home."

"…"

Ying Wuji instinctively took a few steps back, "It's late at night, let's not tell scary stories, it's kind of creepy."

"Do you want the position of the crown prince?"

"Are you serious?"

"Serious!"

"What are the conditions?"

"Open up a cultivation resource channel for the Kingdom Qian, and the latest iron smelting technology, as well as the whole process of your reform. Do you want the position of the crown prince?"

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji added, "But I have one condition."

Ying Yue said solemnly, "Speak!"

Ying Wuji grinned, "I'm used to being alone, I'm not used to being with people my age. If possible, I want to be an only child, in the physical sense."

Ying Yue: "???"

Ying Wuji chuckled, with the current situation in the Kingdom Qian, as long as Ying Wuque was still alive, the so-called position of the crown prince was almost like a blank check.

This old man might as well just say: Son, your father wants to freeload off you for the Kingdom Qian.

He was becoming more and more aware of the dangers of this reform.

Not only were the Wei and Han families watching closely.

Even the Kingdom Qian was eyeing him.

His successful reform had indeed attracted scholars from all over, and greatly enhanced Zhao Ji's prestige in the royal family.

But at the same time, it had also aroused the vigilance of the Kingdom Qian.

If they were to use their military to intimidate, it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This was like bargaining with a tiger!

After all, in his reform, there were several times when he almost collapsed under the military exercises of the Kingdom Qian.

Moreover, reality had more variables than the reform.

How should he handle this?

But the situation was unpredictable, with multiple forces all wanting to stir things up in secret.

This situation seemed like a paradise for opportunists.

Should he... take advantage of it?

(End of the chapter)