Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Upon returning to the palace, I carefully examined the booklet Cheng Su had given me.

It detailed the life and secrets of Cao Shun, a powerful frontier official. Cao Shun’s ancestors had risen from humble beginnings, following Taizu to conquer the world. For generations, they had guarded the borders, their contributions to the empire beyond measure.

However, in my dream, for some unknown reason, Cao Shun had opened a gap at the border, allowing the Rong State to drive straight into Shangjing. Shangjing was breached, Father Emperor fled, and after partitioning the land with the Rong State, Cao Shun actually declared himself emperor.

Ambition does not grow overnight; it is nurtured bit by bit over long years.

I intended to eliminate Cao Shun, but he was far away at the border, beyond my reach. I did not know how Cheng Su had discovered my intention to deal with Cao Shun, but this had indeed helped me.

After finishing the booklet, I was left speechless for a moment. I never expected that such a formidable frontier official would be exceptionally henpecked. After his first wife died, he not only refrained from remarrying but also doted excessively on his daughter, Cao Mingyu, who bore a striking resemblance to her mother.

In my dream, it wouldn’t be long before Mother Empress began selecting a consort for Li Chun, and Cao Mingyu was among this year’s candidates. Yet, Li Chun did not choose her; instead, he chose an exceptionally beautiful woman. Was Cao Mingyu’s rejection the reason for Cao Shun’s rebellion?

I wasn’t certain, so I could only wait in anxious anticipation.

Sure enough, a few days later, Mother Empress announced the selection of a consort for Li Chun. The scenes from my dream were once again manifesting in reality.

One month later, Shangjing became lively. Countless carriages poured into the capital as officials from all regions sent their eligible daughters, hoping they would be chosen and elevate their families to the status of imperial relatives in one fell swoop.

In Mother Empress’s palace, I met Cao Mingyu. She was tall and strongly built, yet she wore the delicate, fragile style currently popular among the ladies of Shangjing. On her, however, the outfit felt more like military regalia. She had likely heard that Li Chun preferred gentle women, which was why she dressed this way. But instead of enhancing her beauty, it only made her look dull.

As expected, Li Chun frowned, and the spark in his eyes dimmed.

After Mother Empress asked Cao Mingyu a few comforting questions, she instructed Li Chun and me to take the candidates and various noble ladies of the capital for a stroll through the Imperial Garden.

Li Chun quickly struck up a conversation with the most delicate and charming of the women. I walked beside Cao Mingyu and saw a flash of resentment in her bright eyes, which vanished into a gentle smile when she turned to me.

“Your Highness, I heard you are fond of bright pearls. Saibei does not have pearls from the water, but we have the finest cat’s-eye stones. I brought this specifically for you; please accept it.”

She presented an exquisite box with both hands. Her etiquette was impeccable, possessing the grace of a daughter from the great Aristocratic Families, rivaling any in the capital.

A strong thought suddenly surged in my mind. This time, I could not let Cao Mingyu return to Saibei. I had to keep her here; only then could I restrain Cao Shun and ensure he never rebelled.

I smiled and ordered a maid to take the box. Then, looking at Li Chun, I said casually, “Men all love beauty, and my brother is no exception. A young man admiring a beautiful girl-this is the best time of life.”

Cao Mingyu fidgeted with her handkerchief, looking somewhat uncomfortable. “Beauty is innate; it is not something one can envy.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Did you intentionally dress like this to hide your beauty, hoping not to be selected?”

“Your Highness, what do you mean?” Cao Mingyu asked in surprise.

I studied her closely and smiled. “With such fine features, why did you choose an outfit that doesn’t suit you? If you intend to be chosen as a consort, why not choose what fits you best? If you have no such intention, then you shouldn’t have come.”

Cao Mingyu clearly hadn’t expected me to speak so bluntly. A look of confusion and helplessness crossed her face. But soon, she seemed to make a decision.

“Your Highness, I beg for your guidance. I have traveled thousands of miles; I do not wish to return in disappointment.”

I was startled by her intelligence and decisiveness, which only made me more wary of Cao Shun. How formidable must a man be to raise such a daughter? I didn’t dare imagine it.

I smiled, took her hand, and whispered, “Follow me.”

I led her into a side hall and summoned the palace’s most skilled female official in charge of hair styling. I also ordered someone to bring the Saibei attire I had prepared long ago.

Once Cao Mingyu had changed, the stylist’s clever hands reshaped her wild eyebrows into a spirited, heroic arch. After carefully applying powder and rouge, and accessorizing her Saibei clothing with bright pearls and jade, she was transformed into an exotic beauty with a unique flair.

This look suited Cao Mingyu perfectly. She clearly liked it too; her entire posture became relaxed and natural, and a glow of confidence radiated from her face.

I led her back into the Imperial Garden.

By then, Li Chun was chatting and laughing with a lady from the south. I nonchalantly plucked a bright red rose and handed it to Cao Mingyu, smiling. “A flower for a beauty. Consider this my return gift.”

The word “beauty” indeed caused Li Chun to turn his head. He looked at Cao Mingyu as if he didn’t recognize her, but soon, a look of delight appeared in his eyes. He added, “I didn’t realize Saibei clothing could be so beautiful.”

That one sentence allowed Cao Mingyu to fully relax. Her bright eyes overflowed with smiles as she replied, “The men’s clothing in Saibei is also very handsome. Would Your Highness like to try it some other day?”

Li Chun naturally agreed. Cao Mingyu seized the opportunity to walk beside him, accompanying him along with the southern lady.

When the palace banquet ended and it was time for farewells, I heard from a maid that Cao Mingyu and Li Chun had already made plans to go horse riding together.

I quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Li Chun had always been mediocre, with no achievements to his name. I hoped that this time, he would be of some use and keep Cao Mingyu here. If she became a Princess Consort, she might even become Empress or Empress Dowager in the future. With the blood of the Cao family in the veins of the Great Chu, surely Cao Shun would no longer collude with the Rong State.

However, Cao Shun still had to die. But that was a matter for the future. For now, I could only plan one step at a time.

The next day, a maid told me that the two had indeed gone riding. But soon, the maid returned with a look of panic, bringing dire news: Li Chun’s horse had bolted. Cao Mingyu had tried to save him but ended up in danger herself, only to be rescued by Cheng Su, who happened to be at the stables.