Chapter 868 – The Northern Overlord (Part Five)
Wei Ci said, “Our Lord’s ambitions have yet to be realized; you shouldn’t let such childish sentiments hinder your progress.”
At that moment, Feng Zhen made a rather unrefined gesture, digging into his ear with his pinky and direct set a jab at Wei Ci.
“Did I hear you correctly? Are you implying that according to Zixiao’s interpretation, you and our Lord are a couple with romantic feelings?” Feng Zhen’s expression was one of discovery, as if he had stumbled upon a new continent. “I only said you secretly admire our Lord, but I never said our Lord has any response to you. How did it turn into a mutual affection on your end? Is there some hidden story?”
Wei Ci’s face turned pale as he realized he had fallen into Feng Zhen’s trap, feeling furious inside.
If not for his good upbringing, he would have lost control and kicked Feng Zhen out long ago.
“With such a pretty face and charm all over, it’s no wonder you’re adored and obsessed over. Let me ask, are there few noble ladies who are enamored with you?” Feng Zhen’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he relished Wei Ci’s otherworldly appearance, showing the kind of annoyance and embarrassment that only a mortal man would have. He continued, “Our Lord is no ordinary woman, but she is also a flesh-and-blood person. It’s only natural for outstanding women to be pursued by men, and outstanding men by women. Being in close proximity naturally gives you an advantage; it’s better to make your move early than risk her falling for someone else later. There’s just one thing: a woman like our Lord can only be ‘married’ by someone like you.”
Wei Ci: “…”
After a moment, Wei Ci gritted his teeth so hard it almost hurt and squeezed out a reply.
“You scoundrel Feng Zhen, your words and actions truly live up to your nickname!”
Wei Ci was furious; Li Yun might be shocked, but Feng Zhen wouldn’t be.
“Just kidding! Why are you so serious about it?” Feng Zhen rolled his eyes disdainfully. “Our Lord is eighteen, and in two years, she should consider marriage. Do you really think she’s a celestial being, living a carefree life, unbothered by the world? Even if Zixiao idolizes our Lord, has he ever thought about the successor? This question will eventually come to haunt us.”
Being an outsider, Feng Zhen naturally had a clearer view than Wei Ci.
He could also see that Wei Ci treated Jiang Pengji less like a lord and more like a deity to worship.
Little did he know, the deity in Wei Ci’s eyes was ultimately just a mortal.
Feng Zhen’s words subdued Wei Ci’s blazing anger for a moment.
“Continuing the family line is a basic human affair,” Wei Ci said despondently. “I have never had any inappropriate thoughts towards our Lord.”
Now it was Feng Zhen’s turn to be puzzled.
Admiration is admiration; what’s there to avoid?
Earlier, Wei Ci had been nearly drowned in a pot of jealousy, yet now he was adamantly denying it.
This awkwardness did not resemble that of a straightforward man at all.
He was merely acting like a little princess.
Feng Zhen huffed, “I really don’t get what you’re struggling with!”
Wei Ci rubbed his temples in frustration and replied, “Some things… you won’t understand until that time comes.”
With experiences from a past life, Wei Ci knew this matter wasn’t just about love between men and women; it involved many intricate interests.
If their Lord wasn’t destined to be the ultimate victor, what good would it do to bear his heart openly?
But he believed it was impossible; their Lord would inevitably win, and she would certainly create an unprecedented prosperous era for all.
Wei Ci didn’t want to become a stain on her reputation, giving careless tongues a reason to attack her.
If possible, he wished to stand by her side, silently clearing away obstacles so she could walk steadily.
Feng Zhen was about to make more jokes, but seeing Wei Ci’s deeply furrowed brows and genuine pain, he could only awkwardly stop.
He was a scoundrel; how could he understand that the more one loves and admires, the harder it is to approach?
“Ha, if it isn’t you, it will be someone else,” Feng Zhen said, arms crossed, his words sharp enough to stab into Wei Ci’s heart, “Just now, Han Mei merely made a slip of the tongue, and you became all jealous. What will happen when ‘nightmares become reality’? Tsk tsk—”
Feng Zhen added, “Why can’t you just understand?”
Wei Ci said nothing in response.
The scoundrel continued, “I don’t get what you’re worried about, but thinking it through, I can guess a bit. You’re concerned about gossip and future disputes over heirs? It’s not hard; just change your surname and become part of her family!”
Wei Ci: “…”
To prevent Feng Zhen from going further off the rails, Wei Ci couldn’t hold back and retorted, “It’s not just that.”
Feng Zhen asked, “Then what is it?”
Wei Ci rubbed his temples and said, “Do you think… our Lord has the potential to ascend to power?”
After pondering for a moment, Feng Zhen replied, “If she can successfully deal with the troubles from the northern borders, she can certainly claim the title of Emperor.”
If she could conquer the northern borders, along with a significant part of Dongqing, claiming the title of Emperor wouldn’t be far-fetched at all.
Wei Ci asked again, “If a woman becomes an Emperor, should her husband be esteemed above all?”
Feng Zhen instinctively wanted to say “absurd,” but suddenly stopped.
Wei Ci smiled bitterly, “If her husband is esteemed above all, it would undoubtedly lead to the external family holding all power, making a mockery of the so-called Emperor. The ministers in court might tolerate a female Emperor, but would they bear two or even three? If the throne is passed to a son, the strife among relatives will only escalate. Look around; powerful families are everywhere, controlling military might. If a male Emperor ascends, the harem becomes a tool for those families to manipulate the Emperor. No matter how one looks at it, it’s wrong… Although all this seems distant, it’s something we must face eventually.”
Feng Zhen listened, wide-eyed, realizing he hadn’t thought this much at all.
“Wait—by your reasoning, does that mean our Lord should live her life without an heir?”
Or should she wait until she has conquered the world, then adopt a brother’s child, effectively handing the world over?
“How could that be?” Wei Ci’s gaze turned cold as he said, “To have children while keeping the father’s lineage is the best method.”
Feng Zhen was startled, eyes twitching.
Wei Ci said, “Enough; why are we discussing such distant topics? If you have nothing to do, just go home.”
Standing in front of him, Wei Ci found Feng Zhen annoying.
Feng Zhen picked up on Wei Ci’s distaste but stayed, still mulling over what Wei Ci had said earlier.
If their Lord truly could claim the highest throne, offspring would indeed be a problem.
Moreover, Wei Ci had also mentioned the issue of powerful families.
Now, with so many families boasting military power, it was fine in chaotic times, but as the world moves toward unity, it could lead to another fragmentation. Knowing their Lord’s temperament, how could she enjoy being hindered? Either she would weaken those families thoroughly, or those families would retaliate, turning her into a puppet—one set of interests completely opposed to the other, leaving little room for reconciliation.
Feng Zhen furrowed his brows, contemplating multiple scenarios.
Meanwhile, Wei Ci had calmed down and picked up the teapot from the kettle, showcasing his tea-making skills.
The topic had successfully shifted!
