456: Jiang Wanlian, widow

Li Xuan turned his head, picked up the cold tea that had long since cooled on the table, and drained it in one gulp.

The icy tea slid down his throat and into his stomach, clearing his Chaos-filled mind slightly.

He set down the teacup, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion, yet also a measure of decisiveness:

"First, Jiang Wanlian. Second, Liu Airu. Third, Chen Jingling. These three women can either help my Li Family continue its lineage, or help stabilize the foundation of my Li Family's domain. What does the National Preceptor think?"

Seeing Li Xuan finalize the selection, Mysterious Clarity Master stroked his beard, his smile deepening as he nodded repeatedly:

"The Ruler truly has great foresight. The appearance, talent, and wisdom roots of these three women are all top-tier choices rarely seen. Take Jiang Wanlian, for example; this old Daoist performed a minor divination on her fortune. The hexagram shows a sign of the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate. In the future, she will certainly be able to..."

Halfway through his speech, Mysterious Clarity Master suddenly stopped, as if someone had choked him.

His expression instantly turned awful. His previously smiling face was now ashen, and fine cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

Damn it!

How could he have forgotten this detail!

Jiang Wanlian's hexagram was more than just the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate; it clearly indicated the Luck of a Phoenix Presiding Over the World!

Moreover, this woman's Physique is extraordinary; it is the rare "Supreme Yin Phoenix Physique." If paired with her master Situ Jun's "Pure Yang Dragon Physique," it would be a match made in heaven!

With the Yin and Yang harmonized, her master's Cultivation would certainly advance further, and a Breakthrough past his restraints would be imminent!

Not only does this woman possess the destiny of a Phoenix Presiding Over the World, but she is also a rare virtuous helper. If she follows her master, it will be of immense benefit to her master's Cultivation and the development of the Northern Frontier!

How could he have been so muddle-headed as to include Jiang Wanlian in the selection?

If Li Xuan were to take her into the Imperial Harem or establish her as the Empress, wouldn't that be provoking his master's wrath? At that time, the consequences would likely be even more severe than refusing to hand over Xia Wei!

He immediately looked toward Li Xuan, opening and closing his mouth, wanting to speak but holding back, his expression shifting rapidly, filled with anxiety.

Li Xuan frowned, keenly sensing his unusual behavior, and asked in a deep voice:

"Why is the National Preceptor silent? Is something amiss?"

More than just amiss! It's tremendously amiss!

Mysterious Clarity Master wished he could slap himself hard. He truly had been muddle-headed just now, his mind clouded by lard!

He looked at Li Xuan's puzzled eyes, his lips moving. He wanted to say that Jiang Wanlian absolutely could not be chosen, but he didn't know how to start—he couldn't possibly tell Li Xuan that this woman was reserved for Situ Jun, could he?

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent waves in his heart, and with a long face, bit the bullet and said:

"Ruler, in the opinion of this humble Daoist, it is best to exclude Jiang Wanlian. This woman is the widow of the Marquis of Zhengdong... Although her conduct is proper, her Family has declined, and her reputation is not prominent. If she were established as the Empress, I fear she would draw criticism, saying that the Ruler established a widow as the Empress, which would harm the image of Tianqi."

Hearing this, Li Xuan nodded, finding his words reasonable.

Jiang Wanlian's Family background was indeed too weak; establishing her as the Empress might make it difficult to gain public support.

But before Mysterious Clarity Master could sigh in relief, Li Xuan spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of regret:

"The National Preceptor speaks reasonably. However, it would be a great pity not to bring such a woman, beneficial to the national fortune and the continuation of the lineage, into the palace, even if she cannot be the Empress. How about... taking her as an Imperial Harem Concubine, settling her properly, and allowing her to bear several heirs for my Li Family."

Mysterious Clarity Master was instantly dumbfounded upon hearing this, as if struck by a lightning bolt, standing frozen and speechless for a long time.

He looked at Li Xuan, his expression colorful—alternately green, white, and black—more dramatic than a face-changing performance on stage.

How could Your Majesty not understand this?

Is Jiang Wanlian someone who can just be casually brought into the Imperial Harem? That is Situ Jun's future wife!

Mysterious Clarity Master felt a bitterness in his throat, as if he had swallowed Coptis. He looked at Li Xuan, his lips moving, wanting to say something but unable to find the right words.

When Li Xuan's puzzled gaze fell upon him, Mysterious Clarity Master quickly composed himself, carefully chose his words, and spoke with difficulty, his voice carrying a hint of pleading:

"Ruler... this woman... this woman cannot be brought into the palace."

Li Xuan's frown deepened, and a flicker of anger subtly appeared in his eyes.

Having barely managed to suppress his anger over losing Xia Wei, he was now growing impatient with Mysterious Clarity Master's repeated obstruction:

"Why not? Didn't the National Preceptor just say that this woman's destiny is noble beyond words, compatible with my birth characters, and capable of helping me continue my lineage? Why have your words changed in the blink of an eye?"

Mysterious Clarity Master sighed lightly, knowing that if he didn't give a proper reason, it would be difficult to dispel Li Xuan's idea.

He gritted his teeth, hardened his resolve, lowered his voice, and practically leaned into Li Xuan's ear to speak:

"It is all due to this humble Daoist's temporary oversight just now; I didn't interpret the hexagram clearly. This woman... this woman cannot enter the Imperial Harem. Her marriage destiny is not within the palace, but rather in..."

Mysterious Clarity Master paused here, but ultimately decided to state it directly:

"The Northern Frontier."

The last two words, Mysterious Clarity Master spoke extremely softly, yet every syllable was clear.

How intelligent was Li Xuan? He understood his meaning instantly.

Jiang Wanlian, too, was someone Situ Jun had his eyes on?

The expression on his face shifted restlessly, showing unwillingness and regret, but ultimately turning into a long sigh. He nodded helplessly and looked at Mysterious Clarity Master, saying:

"Forget it. Since that is the case, I shall follow the National Preceptor's advice. The matter of Jiang Wanlian shall not be mentioned again in the future."

He paused, looked at Mysterious Clarity Master, and continued with a note of weariness:

"Then let us establish Liu Airu as the New Empress. Lord Liu is loyal and devoted, and his daughter is gentle and virtuous; establishing her as the Empress is suitable. However, if we suddenly change the candidate for the New Empress, how can we silence the gossip of the people? And when should the Grand Ceremony be held? We cannot let the envoys from various nations wait too long."

Seeing that Li Xuan had finally abandoned the idea of bringing Jiang Wanlian into the palace, Mysterious Clarity Master let out a long sigh of relief.

He composed himself, stroked his beard, smiled slightly, and a glint flashed in his eyes as he said:

"Ruler, you need not worry. It is only just past noon, so there is still time. The Ruler should immediately order the Ministry of Rites to redraft the Imperial Decree, changing the New Empress candidate. Use the eight-hundred-li urgent dispatch to inform the entire city, and post the new Imperial Edict of Conferment at the city gates and in the bustling market square. Liu Airu, as a favored Imperial Harem Concubine, is dignified and virtuous and deeply beloved by Your Majesty; establishing her as the mistress of the Imperial Harem is only natural. As for outsiders wondering why the New Empress candidate was temporarily changed, the Ruler only needs to publicly announce that Imperial Consort Xia Wei was found to possess exceptional Cultivation talent and was highly regarded by a major Sect power, who specially took her as a Personal Disciple. To avoid delaying her path of Dao Cultivation, Your Majesty reluctantly let her go, and temporarily changed the Empress candidate. Wouldn't this preserve the dignity of the Imperial Family and silence the gossip of the world, achieving the best of both worlds?"

Although Li Xuan was filled with anger and humiliation upon hearing this, he also knew this was the best solution currently available.

Not offending Situ Jun while preserving the dignity of Tianqi was already a blessing in misfortune.

He could only nod, forcefully suppressing the gloom in his heart, and agreeing with Mysterious Clarity Master's words.

He waved his hand wearily, his voice hoarse:

"Very well, I shall follow the National Preceptor's plan. The Grand Ceremony will proceed tomorrow as scheduled. I trouble the National Preceptor to negotiate with Situ Jun and ensure he is satisfied. This Ruler must also summon the Minister of Rites and the Minister of Revenue to discuss changing the Imperial Decree and the Grand Ceremony arrangements."

Mysterious Clarity Master nodded, rose to bow, and turned to walk out of the Imperial Study.

Li Xuan looked at the sunlight outside the window, but his heart felt heavy.

Today's events were both helpless and infuriating. The ambition of this Lord of the Northern Frontier is likely far more than just one Imperial Consort... What he wants might be the entire Tianqi Dynasty.

Inside the Imperial Study, Li Xuan sat alone on the Dragon Throne, looking at the empty hall, the porcelain shards scattered across the floor, and the curling blue smoke of the Dragons Saliva Incense. His eyes were filled with helplessness and sorrow.

He slowly raised his hand and stroked the cold Dragon pattern on the armrest of the Dragon Throne. That was the symbol of imperial authority, the foundation of his Li Family's Legacy for generations.

Yet, this vast Tianqi Dynasty must ultimately rely on the goodwill of others.