NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7:
Chapter 7: Imperial Father, You Don’t Understand That Blond Fool… the Heir:
At the same time…
In the imperial city of the Great Xia Empire, within the royal study.
Emperor Li Zaiyuan, sovereign of the Great Xia, reclined in his wooden chair. Though his presence exuded imperial majesty, his gaze held a distinct fondness—one reserved solely for his Seventh Princess, Li Yunrui.
“Yunrui… why the sudden change of heart? Weren’t you determined to call off the engagement before?”
He questioned his daughter gently, “And why did you slap Long Zhan?”
“Imperial Father, he crossed the line. He’s just a lowly Commander of the Imperial Cavalry, yet he repeatedly showed disrespect toward both me and Zhao Wujian…” Li Yunrui huffed slightly, her lips pouting.
Among all the princes and princesses, she had always been the most favored.
Before her father, she showed no fear of his imperial authority—only the willful demeanor of a pampered daughter.
Li Zaiyuan shook his head with a smile. He keenly noticed something different in her tone when she mentioned Zhao Wujian.
Compared to before, there was no trace of disdain in her voice. On the contrary… was that a touch of gentleness?
“Didn’t you used to hate Zhao Wujian the most?”
“It’s because I just realized today… Zhao Wujian’s actually pretty decent!”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
Li Yunrui bit her red lip lightly as Zhao Wujian’s image flashed through her mind. She slowly began to speak:
“He’s organized, thoughtful, and not at all the useless playboy people make him out to be.
As for all that talk about him being lecherous—I didn’t see a trace of it.
Father, you didn’t see it. When he looked at me, there was only simple admiration in his eyes—no filth, no lust.
In fact, he even seemed eager for me to break off the engagement…”
At that point, Li Zaiyuan interrupted her, “He wanted to break it off? My daughter was actually rejected by him?”
“Imperial Father, you don’t understand him,” Li Yunrui quickly explained. “He only thinks his current situation would drag me down. The world has misunderstood him too deeply. Zhao Wujian can endure what most cannot. He’s shrewd, reserved, and composed. He’s a good man.”
“Oh? So you’re saying he’s been hiding his edge? Why is he hiding his strength? And when does he plan to reveal it?”
Li Zaiyuan’s smile faded further, and deep in his heart, a dangerous thought took root.
He would actually prefer it if Zhao Wujian truly were a foolish and useless man.
The Li Royal Family had always been wary of the Northern Guardian Prince, Zhao Tingxiao.
When Li Zaiyuan had been the crown prince, he and Zhao Tingxiao had sworn brotherhood.
But now that he was Emperor, ruler and subject had to observe boundaries.
Zhao Tingxiao commanded a million troops in the northern frontier and was deeply beloved by the people.
Because of their sworn brotherhood, Li Zaiyuan had never found the right excuse to reclaim military power.
But now Zhao Tingxiao was dead.
Though Li Zaiyuan had mourned for a few days, what he truly felt was relief.
At least now, imperial authority was stable.
As for Zhao Tingxiao’s only son—Zhao Wujian…
Li Zaiyuan could accept Zhao Wujian being a debauched, spoiled scoundrel, a pile of mud that couldn’t be shaped.
But he could not allow Zhao Wujian to become a second Zhao Tingxiao!
That was why he had quietly permitted his daughter to break off the engagement today and sent Long Zhan as her escort. He didn’t want to give Zhao Wujian even the slightest chance of rising again.
And now, his daughter was saying that Zhao Wujian… had been hiding his strength?
“Imperial Father?”
Li Yunrui sensed her father’s voice had grown cold and her brows furrowed.
She wasn’t just a pretty princess. She understood her father’s long-standing wariness toward the Northern Guardian Prince.
But now, it seemed that even Zhao Wujian was on her father’s watch list.
Which meant—she absolutely could not reveal the secret that the Northern Guardian Prince was still alive.
If her father found out and rashly killed Zhao Wujian, then once the Northern Guardian Prince returned…
Li Yunrui didn’t dare imagine what would happen.
No matter what, the secret she had learned from Zhao Wujian’s inner thoughts—must never be revealed!
After some thought, she tugged on her father’s sleeve and spoke sweetly:
“Imperial Father, the Northern Guardian Prince has already passed. What’s there to worry about?
Why not treat Zhao Wujian kindly for my sake? He is, after all, your imperial son-in-law… and now, his household is broken, his family gone…”
Li Zaiyuan’s brow slowly relaxed.
Yes, Zhao Tingxiao was dead.
As for Zhao Wujian—showing him some imperial grace might even serve to demonstrate his own tolerance and benevolence before the court.
As long as Zhao Wujian had no ambition, no talent, and preferably… nothing at all.
He tapped the desk and said, “If Zhao Wujian wants to be my son-in-law, he must prove himself worthy of my daughter. Zhenghua!”
A voice answered from outside the royal study:
“Your old servant is here.”
“Summon Zhao Wujian to the palace.”
Li Zaiyuan’s tone was full of imperial majesty. After a moment, as if remembering something, he added:
“Bring Long Zhan too.”
“Understood.”
Chief Eunuch Chen Zhenghua accepted the order and departed.
“Imperial Father, why are you bringing that annoying Long Zhan along too?” Li Yunrui frowned, annoyed.
Li Zaiyuan smiled affectionately at his daughter’s little tantrum.
“To be honest, when it comes to ability, Long Zhan is young, talented, courageous, and clever. His martial skills are formidable.
Originally, after your engagement with Zhao Wujian was annulled, I intended to make Long Zhan one of the potential candidates to become your consort.”
“He’s not worthy!” Li Yunrui objected.
Li Zaiyuan chuckled. “I know you’re upset about what happened today, and that’s clouding your judgment. But he was just following orders. His minor overstep is forgivable.”
“Imperial Father!”
“Listen to me. Once Long Zhan and Zhao Wujian are put side by side, you’ll see for yourself just how mediocre Zhao Wujian really is.”