500: Chapter 500 Accepting the Proposal

Xia Wei subconsciously wanted to turn around and avoid them.

Her status was awkward, her origins unknown; rushing in would only add to the awkwardness.

But as soon as she paused, she was spotted by the sharp-eyed Liu Xuaner.

"Oh? Is that Sister Xia Wei?"

Liu Xuaner's voice was clear and crisp. She put down her embroidery frame and smiled, waving:

"Come quickly and sit down, the sun is just right here!"

Su Yunniang and the others looked up at the sound, their gazes uniformly falling on her.

There was no scrutiny, no probing, no disdain, and none of the jealousy or exclusion she had anticipated.

Only gentleness, only calmness, only a faint hint of friendliness.

Su Yunniang even said with a soft laugh:

"Sister Xia Wei, you've arrived at a good time. I just had the kitchen make some Northern Frontier specialty milk shortbread. Would you like to try some with us?"

Xia Wei froze in place, feeling a bit awkward and at a loss.

Xiao Xia gently nudged her from the side, whispering encouragingly:

"Empress, go ahead. They all seem to have good intentions."

Xia Wei took a deep breath and slowly walked over.

Having been in the palace for many years, she had long grown accustomed to the treachery of human hearts, constantly treading carefully, accustomed to hidden daggers beneath smiles, and calculations within warmth.

She thought that no matter which prominent household she entered, women would ultimately be unable to escape vying for favor and mutual suppression.

Especially a woman like her, who had come with a special purpose, was, in the eyes of others, an invader here to "share favor."

But reality completely overturned her imagination.

They enthusiastically offered her a seat, handed her warm tea, and pushed a plate of sweet and crispy milk shortbread in front of her, speaking naturally, as if she were just a new sister in the manor.

During their conversation, they didn't pry into her past, inquire about her Family background, or delve into her relationship with Situ Jun; they only chatted about light, trivial everyday matters—

They talked about how late spring arrived in the Northern Frontier, about the first snowmelt, about the first blooming grass;

They talked about the infant in Su Yunniang's arms, when he would smile, when he would fuss, her eyes filled with unconcealed happiness;

They talked about insights into cultivation, the subtle sensations during the circulation of spiritual power, occasionally offering each other guidance with sincere tones;

They talked about the flowers and trees in the manor's garden, which one sprouted first, which one was cold-resistant, and which one would only bloom in late spring...

The topics were trivial, everyday, and ordinary, yet full of vibrant, warm life.

Xia Wei listened quietly, occasionally responding softly with a word or two.

The more she listened, the more profoundly she was moved.

These women were not at all the deep-seated concubines she had imagined, dependent on the strong and vying for favor.

They each had their own temperament and integrity.

Su Yunniang was dignified and gentle, yet composed, with every word and action showing the demeanor of a mistress; Nangong Xue had a cold and aloof temperament, yet her words were humble and neither servile nor overbearing; Liu Xuaner was gentle and charming, yet maintained proper decorum; even the few silent ones had independence and clarity hidden in their eyes.

What surprised her even more was that they all subtly possessed spiritual power fluctuations, strong or weak.

They were not ordinary women, but cultivators.

When they spoke of Situ Jun, their tone was natural and peaceful, with trust and attachment, but not a hint of subservient flattery.

They supported each other, looked out for each other, and in this Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion, they became each other's reliance.

This was as different as heaven and earth from the atmosphere of constant trepidation, intrigue, and self-preservation in the imperial harem of the capital.

"Sister Xia Wei, you've just arrived in the Northern Frontier, so you must still be a little unaccustomed to it."

Su Yunniang smiled gently and advised:

"Spring in the northern lands is cold, and the wind is strong in the mornings and evenings, so you must wear more clothes and keep warm. If you feel bored in your courtyard, or if you lack anything, just come to us. Don't be reserved, and don't be afraid."

Her tone was sincere, her eyes gentle, without a hint of falsehood.

At that moment, the hard shell that had been ice seal in Xia Wei's heart for so long seemed to be gently pried open by the warm spring sun and this sudden kindness, revealing a tiny crack.

A faint warmth secretly seeped in.

This brief gathering was like a pebble dropped into the lake of her heart, sending out ripples that lingered for a long time.

Xia Wei began to consciously approach them, listening to their casual talks, and from their words, she pieced together bits of information about this City Lords Estate, this Northern Frontier land, and Situ Jun's way of life.

She learned that the former Northern Frontier City was once a precarious border city, constantly plagued by wars, with its people displaced.

It was Situ Jun who, with decisive measures, quelled the border chaos, rectified military discipline, and appeased the populace, transforming a dangerous city into a stable and prosperous haven.

He was strict with his subordinates but fair and benevolent to the common people, with clear rewards and punishments, showing no partiality, and deeply beloved by the military and civilians.

She also learned that most of the female dependents in the manor had their own stories; some were wives neglected and abandoned by their husbands, some were young maids, and some had experienced difficult circumstances, yet all had found belonging and peace under Situ Jun's protection here.

They no longer had to struggle for a livelihood, no longer had to suffer bullying in a chaotic world, and certainly didn't have to be confined to a small space their entire lives like women in deep chambers.

They could cultivate, practice martial arts, manage household affairs, and raise children, possessing dignity, freedom, and their own place in the world.

Most importantly, she gradually understood—

Situ Jun might not have brought her here solely for the so-called Pure Yin Precious Physique.

If he truly only coveted her Physique, he could have forcibly imprisoned her and used her as he pleased, without giving her such a quiet and elegant courtyard, without giving her relative freedom and respect, and certainly without allowing her to interact calmly with everyone in the manor.

A faint glimmer of light slowly ignited in the depths of her dark heart.

It turned out that women were not destined to be caged birds or garden flowers.

It turned out that in this distant Northern Frontier, they could also wield power, possess dignity, and live their own lives.

Just as her emotions were gradually calming down, the long-awaited person finally appeared.

It was an evening when dusk settled.

The evening breeze began to rise, carrying the fresh scent of earth and new leaves, and the branches of the old plum tree cast long shadows in the twilight.

Situ Jun, dressed in simple plain clothes, walked steadily into her small courtyard.

He still carried the dust from outside and a faint chill, with a hint of fatigue in his brows from handling official duties, yet his gaze remained profound, and his Aura steady, making people dare not look directly at him.

He offered no superfluous greetings, instead sitting directly on a stone bench in the courtyard, looking up at her with a calm tone:

"Sit."

Xia Wei's heart tightened. She sat down as instructed, her fingertips slightly curled.

"Are you accustomed to living here?" he asked, his voice low, betraying no emotion.

She lowered her eyes, her voice light and steady:

"Thank you for your concern, City Lord. Everything is well."

Situ Jun watched her quietly for a moment.

His gaze wasn't sharp, yet it seemed to penetrate her heart, clearly seeing her days of tossing and turning, fear, and struggle.

After a moment, he slowly spoke:

"Your Pure Yin Precious Physique, combined with Water and Wood Spiritual Roots, is rare in the world. If guided by a suitable Cultivation Technique and ample resources, once you step onto the path of cultivation, your cultivation speed will be several times that of ordinary people."

Xia Wei looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with urgency and unease.

Her greatest fear had still come to pass.

"City Lord... what do you want me to do?" Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Situ Jun spoke frankly, without any concealment:

"You have been in the manor for many days. Have you thoroughly considered my previous proposal? Your Physique complements the Cultivation Technique I practice, which is beneficial to my cultivation. But I do not wish to force anyone—I hope you will stay by my side, as one of my Dao Companions."

He paused, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable certainty:

"I will give you Cultivation Techniques, resources, and guidance to help you embark on the immortal path. The Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion will be your new home. Yun Niang and the others will also be your sisters. Here, you can cultivate, live peacefully, and no longer need to concern yourself with the troubles, schemes, and constraints of the capital."

One of my Dao Companions.

Cultivation.

New home.

Sisters.

Each word resonated in her ears, making Xia Wei's heart tremble, leaving her at a loss.

She bit her lip, gathering all her courage, and softly asked:

"Am I... only valued by the City Lord because of my Physique?"

"Your Physique is a reason, but not the only one." Situ Jun said frankly, "Your Heart-Nature is acceptable, your Family background is clean, and you possess such a Spiritual Root. Remaining in a place of strife like the capital would only wear you down and exhaust you. I brought you north to cherish your Aptitude and to give you an opportunity to choose a different path forward."

His words were direct, even somewhat harsh, yet strangely, they made her feel a sense of reality.

There was no sweet talk to deceive, no false promises, no grand illusions, no traps.

He laid out the conditions, benefits, and objectives one by one before her, letting her choose for herself.

Xia Wei's heart struggled intensely at this moment.

Should she continue to wallow in the humiliation of losing everything, stubbornly resisting to the end, ultimately enraging this City Lord who held the power of life and death, and suffer a truly miserable fate?

Or should she seize this rope, which seemed unequal but could completely rewrite her destiny, accept this unspoken "transaction," and strive for the possibility of possessing power, autonomy, and a future?

She recalled the endless darkness of the imperial palace.

She recalled the Emperor's heartlessness and weakness.

She recalled her Family's precarious situation due to her loss of favor.

She recalled those days of intrigue and constant trepidation, living on thin ice, unable to control her own fate.

Then she looked at the present—

Although the spring wind in the Northern Frontier was cold, it was free.

Although the rules of the City Lords Estate were strict, they were fair.

Although there were many women in the manor, they were harmonious.

And the words "cultivation" represented a grand path she had never even dared to imagine before.

Fear remained, and reluctance had not completely dissipated.

But deep in her heart, a stronger impulse, like a wildfire on the barren plains, roared to life.

She no longer wanted to be a pawn at the mercy of others.

She no longer wanted to be a fallen flower drifting with the wind.

She didn't want to be like a useless old object, abandoned in a corner, slowly decaying.

Even if the road ahead was unknown, even if the price was to commit herself to this powerful City Lord, even if the future remained unpredictable—

At least, this time, it was the path she chose herself.

After a very long time, Xia Wei slowly raised her head.

In the twilight, she met Situ Jun's eyes, profound as a cold abyss, yet encompassing everything.

She took a deep breath, as if expending all her strength.

Her voice was very soft, yet exceptionally firm, carrying a sense of complete severance from her past:

"I... accept."

As the words fell, she felt as if all her strength had instantly drained away, and she swayed slightly, yet her back remained straight.

Tears streamed down her cheeks without warning, not of sadness, not of grievance, but a burning release after being suppressed for too long.

Situ Jun looked at the tears in her eyes and the undeniable resolve, and a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flickered in his profound gaze.

He never wanted lifeless obedience or forced submission.

Only when she recognized reality and chose willingly, could their Dual Cultivation in the future be harmonious and yield double the results, without resentment causing internal discord.

"Very good."

He stood up and walked over to her.

He reached out, his fingertips gently wiping away the tear stains on her cheeks.

The gesture wasn't particularly gentle, yet it carried a peculiar calming power that gradually settled her turbulent emotions.

"From today onwards, you are a person of the Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion."

His voice was steady, every word clear and forceful:

"The past is gone, the future is promising. Rest well; I will come for you again in three days."

He did not rush to demand, nor did he press her further.

He gave her the final time to adapt, to accept, to embrace a brand new life.

With his words, Situ Jun turned and left.

His dark figure merged into the deepening twilight, his steps firm, his back steady.

Xia Wei stood alone in the courtyard, motionless for a long time.

The evening breeze blew, bringing the fresh scent of earth and new leaves from the courtyard, and the old plum branches trembled slightly, as if bidding farewell to her old year and welcoming new life.

Her tears had dried, and the turbulent ocean in her heart gradually calmed.

No longer endless darkness, no longer bone-chilling cold.

She turned, looking towards the warm lamplight inside the house.

Xiao Xia stood quietly under the corridor, wanting to speak but hesitating, her eyes filled with tenderness and relief.

Xia Wei smiled softly.

She knew that from the moment she uttered the words "I accept," her life's trajectory had completely shifted.

Whether the path ahead held fortune or misfortune, destiny or tribulation, she did not yet know.

But at least—

This time, it was her own choice.

Spring arrives late in the Northern Frontier, but once it comes, it never turns back.

Just like her at this moment.