61: Chapter 61 Royal Family's Fear

The morning mist had not yet dispersed, and a thin layer of frost clung to the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City in the capital.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor of the Qingxia Kingdom, Aisin Gioro Zaitian, sat behind his imperial desk, his expression terrifyingly grim.

He gripped a secret report, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"Three days ago, Li Ling's navy repelled the United Fleet composed of the Japan, the Meijian Country, and the British in the East China Sea?"

The Emperor's voice betrayed no emotion, but the head eunuch, Li Lianying, who stood to the side, shuddered.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the news is absolutely certain."

The secret agent kneeling in the hall dared not even lift his head, "Young Master Li's fleet not only repelled the United Fleet but also sank over twenty enemy ships, and the commander of the Japan's United Fleet was killed in action..."

Zaitian stood up abruptly and slammed the secret report onto the imperial desk.

"Over twenty ships! A commander killed!"

He paced back and forth, the hem of his dragon robe sweeping across the golden brick floor, "My Beiyang Fleet was completely wiped out by the Japan back then, and yet he, Li Ling, has built a navy capable of defeating the United Fleet of the Great Powers in less than five years?"

The hall was deathly silent; no one dared to speak.

Zaitian stopped and looked at Minister Rong Lu, who stood with his hands hanging down at his side, "Minister Rong Lu, what is your opinion?"

Minister Rong Lu was in his early sixties, sported a goatee, and his triangular eyes glinted with shrewdness.

He weighed his words, "Your Majesty, this man Li Ling... must be guarded against."

"Nonsense!" Zaitian said angrily, "Of course I know he must be guarded against! I am asking you, what should be done now?"

Minister Rong Lu pondered for a moment, "Li Ling has troops, guns, and artillery in his hands, as well as a fleet that even the Great Powers fear. His father, Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, also has an army of three hundred thousand. The military strength controlled by the father and son is likely no less than half a million..."

"I know that!" Zaitian interrupted him irritably, "I am asking you what to do!"

"In this old subject's opinion..." Minister Rong Lu looked up at the Emperor's expression, "A hard approach will not work. Li Ling's momentum is currently at its peak; the coastal people call him the 'Sea God,' and the soldiers in the army are devoted to him. If we act rashly, I fear—"

"Fear what?"

"I fear it will force him into rebellion."

As soon as these words were spoken, the temperature in the hall seemed to drop to freezing.

Zaitian's face turned livid, but he had to admit that what Minister Rong Lu said was the truth.

Li Ling was not the son of an ordinary regional official; he held in his hands an army capable of fighting the Great Powers.

Such power was no longer something the imperial court could easily shake.

"Then you mean, we should just watch?" Zaitian gritted his teeth.

Minister Rong Lu stroked his beard, "Has Your Majesty heard the saying—if you cannot beat them, win them over."

"Win him over?" Zaitian was stunned.

"Li Ling is twenty-two this year and has yet to marry," Minister Rong Lu said meaningfully, "Does Your Majesty not have three princesses?"

Zaitian narrowed his eyes.

He thought of his exceptionally clever daughter—Princess Heshuo.

She was eighteen this year, well-read, courteous, dignified in appearance, and had long held a reputation for virtue within the royal family.

"You mean... marriage alliance?"

"Exactly," Minister Rong Lu nodded, "No matter how strong Li Ling is, he is nominally a subject of the imperial court. If Your Majesty marries the princess to him, he will be a royal relative, an Imperial Son-in-law. Once he has this status, it will be difficult for him to do anything against the imperial court. Moreover, Your Majesty can use his strength to deter those restless forces."

Zaitian pondered for a long time.

This was indeed a solution.

Li Ling's power had grown too great to suppress, so he could only be won over.

Marrying the princess off to him would give him status and also provide an insurance policy for himself—he surely wouldn't take action against his father-in-law, right?

"But..." Zaitian hesitated, "I have heard that the German Empire is also negotiating a marriage alliance. If he marries the German Princess, will my marriage alliance still be useful?"

"Your Majesty is overthinking," Minister Rong Lu smiled, "Li Ling is an ambitious man; marrying more wives and concubines will only benefit him. He will marry the German Princess, and he will not refuse our Qingxia princess either. Besides, Your Majesty, think about it: if he marries our princess, he will be half a member of the royal family, and in the future, he will have to consider the royal family's reputation in his actions."

Zaitian nodded slowly.

At this moment, Prince Qing Yikuang, who had been silent all along, spoke up, "Your Majesty, this old subject believes this matter requires further deliberation. I have sent people to investigate this man Li Ling; he is cunning and not easily manipulated. Even if he marries the princess, I fear it does not necessarily mean he will be obedient to the royal family."

"Then what do you suggest?" Zaitian asked.

Prince Qing Yikuang thought for a moment, "Marriage is fine, but it cannot be the only thing. This subject believes the imperial court can take this opportunity to plant some people around him. Nominally, they would be attendants and maids accompanying the bride, but in reality..."

He did not finish his sentence, but everyone present understood.

Zaitian's eyes flashed with approval, "That's a good idea. By the way, there is one more thing—I heard that Li Ling has quite a few blueprints and production lines for new types of weapons?"

"That is indeed true," Minister Rong Lu replied, "The rifles and artillery he sold to the German Empire are praised even by the Westerners. It is said he has even more advanced ones in his possession, but he hasn't brought them out yet."

"Could we..." Zaitian trailed off.

Minister Rong Lu understood the Emperor's meaning, "Does Your Majesty want to acquire these technologies from him?"

"Yes," Zaitian nodded, "My Imperial Guard is still using old-fashioned rifles; compared to the soldiers under Li Ling, they are practically beggars. If we can get some new equipment from him, the imperial court's spine could also straighten up."

"That shouldn't be difficult," Minister Rong Lu smiled, "Once the princess is married off, Your Majesty can have him send a batch of equipment to the Imperial Guard in the name of a 'dowry,' surely he wouldn't refuse that?"

Zaitian laughed heartily, "Good! Let it be done!"

The atmosphere in the hall finally eased a little.

But Zaitian did not know that at the same time they were in secret talks, thousands of miles away in Jiangning Prefecture, Li Ling was bickering with his system.

"You say the royal family wants to marry a princess to me?" Li Ling lay on a grand armchair, crossing his legs, with a toothpick in his mouth, "How do you know that?"

The system's cold voice rang in his mind: [According to intelligence analysis, the royal family has already dispatched a secret envoy, expected to arrive in Jiangning Prefecture in three days. Host, your power has grown so great that the Emperor cannot sleep.]

"Isn't that obvious?" Li Ling rolled his eyes, "I spent five years training troops and building ships; if I still let the Emperor sleep soundly, that would be a failure."

[Can't you be a little humble?]

"What's the use of humility? Can humility build a Dreadnought? Can humility beat the Japan to the ground?" Li Ling argued, "I'm telling you, System, when can you change this personality of yours? I'm clearly doing big things, and you're always pouring cold water on me."

[I am only reminding the Host not to get carried away. The royal marriage alliance is not that simple; there must be something fishy going on.]

"Of course I know there's something fishy." Li Ling spat out the toothpick and sat up straight, "It's nothing more than wanting to win me over and, by the way, plant spies around me. If I couldn't see through such a small trick, I would have wasted these past few years."

[Then what does the Host plan to do?]

"Play along with their plan," Li Ling smiled, "Marrying a princess isn't a loss; I have to get a wife sooner or later anyway. Besides, with the status of a royal princess, when I unify the country in the future, I will have a righteous cause, which will save trouble."

[The Host is certainly open-minded. However, I must remind you that the romantic interest 2—oh no, the royal princess, is not someone easy to deal with.]

"Oh?" Li Ling became interested, "You know her?"

[According to the system database, Princess Heshuo, eighteen years old, is exceptionally clever, proficient in poetry and books, and has a gentle exterior but a strong interior. She is not the kind of princess who only knows how to embroider; she has real ability.]

"It's good that she has ability," Li Ling said dismissively, "What I fear most is those vases who only know how to weep. Only capable people can be of help."

[Is the Host not afraid that she is a spy planted by the royal family?]

"What is there to fear?" Li Ling smiled, "My greatest ability is turning enemies into friends. Even if she really is a spy, I can turn her to my side. Besides, once she has witnessed my power, would she still be willing to risk her life for that dying royal family?"

The system was silent for a few seconds: [Host, sometimes you are truly terrifying.]

"Thanks for the compliment." Li Ling stood up and stretched, "Alright, since they are sending a princess over, I have to prepare. I can't let them think I'm a country bumpkin."

[How does the Host plan to prepare?]

"First, tidy up the residence; it can't be too shabby." Li Ling counted on his fingers, "Second, prepare a generous gift as a return present. Third—"

He paused, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes, "Let my Special Forces hold a military parade to show the secret envoy sent by the royal family, so they know just how much wealth I have accumulated over these years."

[Is the Host trying to intimidate the royal family?]

"Intimidation is one aspect." Li Ling smiled, "More importantly, it's to let them know that cooperating with me is more worthwhile than opposing me. As long as the royal family doesn't do anything stupid, I won't touch them. But if they want to pull any small tricks..."

He did not finish, but the coldness in his tone made even the system fall silent for a moment.

Three days later, the secret envoy arrived as expected.

The person who came was the nephew of Prince Qing Yikuang, a smooth and worldly official in his early thirties named Zai Zhen.

This man had spent years in officialdom and was best at reading people and flattering them.

Li Ling received him at the new government office in Jiangning Prefecture.

Though called a government office, it had actually been renovated to the scale of a Governor-General's mansion, covering a vast area with carved beams and painted pillars, looking exceptionally grand.

This was all thanks to the "credit" of the royal princess—to be worthy of the princess's status, Li Ling had specifically had people renovate it.

"Young Master Li, I have long admired you." Zai Zhen entered with a face full of smiles, cupping his hands in a bow.

Li Ling also smiled and returned the gesture, "Lord Zai, you are too kind, please sit."

The two sat down as host and guest, and a maid served tea.

Zai Zhen picked up his teacup and took a sip, looking around, secretly shocked in his heart.

Although the furnishings of this office could not be called luxurious, they exuded a low-key sophistication everywhere.

Especially the sea chart hanging on the wall, marked with dense shipping routes, ports, and military deployments; it was clearly a top-secret military document.

"Young Master Li is truly extraordinary." Zai Zhen put down his teacup and got straight to the point, "I have come this time under the Emperor's orders, and I have a great matter to discuss with Young Master Li."

"Oh?" Li Ling pretended not to know, "What great matter?"

"His Majesty intends to betroth Princess Heshuo to you." Zai Zhen smiled, "This is a tremendous favor. Her Highness the Princess is talented and beautiful, well-read and courteous; she and Young Master Li are a match made in heaven."

Li Ling pretended to be surprised, "This... His Majesty is too kind to me. I am but a mere martial man at the border; how could I be worthy of Her Highness the Princess?"

"Young Master Li is too humble." Zai Zhen waved his hands quickly, "In these years, you have protected the borders and the people, repelled the Woying pirates, and shaken the seas with your might; who in the world does not know this? His Majesty holds you in high regard, which is why he thought of granting this marriage."

Li Ling pretended to be hesitant, "This... allow me to consider it?"

Zai Zhen smiled inwardly, but on the surface said, "That is only natural, that is only natural. However, Young Master, let me offer a reminder: this is the great imperial grace; if you were to refuse, I fear..."

He did not speak the threat out loud, but the meaning was already very clear.

Li Ling certainly would not refuse, but he could not appear too eager either.

He pondered for a moment, "Lord Zai, I am unclear about one thing. Why did His Majesty suddenly think of granting this marriage? Although I have won a few victories at the border, it shouldn't be enough to make His Majesty value me this much, right?"

Zai Zhen's smile did not change, "Young Master, you are joking. You didn't just win a few victories; you defeated the United Fleet of the Great Powers. Such a merit is tremendous at any time."

Li Ling sneered in his heart. Commendation? I fear it is apprehension.

But on the surface, he still showed an expression of being flattered, "In that case, I will respectfully obey. However, I have a presumptuous request."

"Please speak, Young Master."

"I hope to meet the Princess first." Li Ling smiled, "After all, she is someone I will spend my life with; I must see if we are compatible."

Zai Zhen was stunned, then laughed loudly, "Young Master, you are a man of true nature! I will report this to His Majesty; I believe His Majesty will not refuse."

The two chatted for a while longer, and then Zai Zhen took his leave.

Li Ling saw Zai Zhen off, returned to his study, and the smile on his face vanished instantly.

"Just as I expected," he muttered to himself, "The royal family wants to use marriage to tether me."

[Then what does the Host plan to do?]

"Didn't I say? Play along with their plan." Li Ling sat down and began to write a reply, "But I must let the Emperor know that I can marry the princess, but he shouldn't think about bossing me around."

[How does the Host plan to let him know?]

"Simple." Li Ling finished the letter and blew the ink dry, "Let my Special Forces hold a live-fire exercise and invite the Emperor's secret envoy to observe. Once they have witnessed my power, they will naturally understand what to do."

He called his adjutant and gave a few instructions.

Three days later, before leaving Jiangning Prefecture, Zai Zhen was invited to observe a military exercise.

On the exercise field, three thousand Special Forces soldiers demonstrated various unbelievable tactics: precise shooting, tacit cooperation, and swift assaults.

Especially the scene of over a dozen large-caliber artillery pieces firing in unison, shaking the earth, which made Zai Zhen's face turn pale.

"This... this..." he asked Li Ling, stuttering, "Are all the soldiers under your command such elite troops?"

Li Ling smiled, "This is only a small part of them. Lord Zai, rest assured, since I have agreed to His Majesty's marriage grant, I will definitely do my utmost to protect the safety of the royal family. Whoever dares to act against the royal family, my blade will not agree."

Zai Zhen shuddered and nodded quickly, "Young Master, your loyalty is commendable; I will certainly report this to His Majesty."

After he returned, he told Zaitian in detail about what he had seen and heard.

After listening, Zaitian was silent for a long time.

"Three thousand men are that powerful?" he asked.

"More than powerful," Zai Zhen said, still fearful, "I believe that even one hundred thousand Imperial Guards might not be able to defeat them."

Zaitian gasped.

He finally understood that Li Ling's power was even more terrifying than he had imagined.

Such a person must absolutely not be offended; he could only be won over.

"Pass the decree," Zaitian said in a deep voice, "Princess Heshuo is betrothed to Li Ling; choose a date for the wedding."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Minister Rong Lu, Prince Qing Yikuang, and others all shouted in unison.

No one knew that in the study in Jiangning Prefecture, Li Ling was sneering at the system's projected map.

"Step one, royal marriage alliance, complete." He drew a circle on the map, "Next, it is time to prepare to unify the country."

[Host, aren't you afraid the royal family will pull tricks at the wedding?]

"What is there to fear?" Li Ling smiled, "I have already arranged the tightest security measures. If they behave honestly, everyone will be happy. If they want to cause trouble..."

His eyes turned cold, "Then don't blame me for being impolite."

The system was silent for a while: [Host, you have changed.]

"I have changed?" Li Ling was stunned.

[When you first transmigrated, although you were cunning, you weren't this cold.]

Li Ling was silent for a few seconds, then smiled, "People always have to grow. This world is survival of the fittest; if I am not cold, the one who dies will be me, and the people around me."

[...I understand.]

"Alright, enough with the sentimentality." Li Ling stood up, "Prepare for the wedding. By the way, notify Empress Su Wanqing, Emily and the others, tell them not to be jealous."

[...Host, you are adding fuel to the fire.]

"Hahaha!"