Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Princess, Shall We?

Only when the appointed hour drew near did he finally settle upon this attire—

A robe of dark silk brocade with subtle cloud patterns, cinched at the waist with a belt embroidered in gleaming gold. His black hair was gathered elegantly atop his head, crowned neatly with an inky headpiece.

For a moment, Sheng Zhi Wan thought a beautiful youth had stepped out from a painting.

Suddenly, the images of those dozen or so portraits of handsome young men she’d seen earlier in the day flashed through her mind.

Liu Shang blinked, then blinked again.

[Second Young Master Shang truly is handsome.]

To dress so carefully for this meeting, he clearly cared deeply!

“Liu Shang, guard outside and let no one approach,” Sheng Zhi Wan instructed.

“Yes!” Liu Shang turned promptly and left.

Sheng Zhi Wan asked, “Second Young Master Shang, is there news of the Tang family from Lin Prefecture?”

Shang Hang Yu shook his head. “No word yet.”

Sheng Zhi Wan nodded slightly, then pursed her lips before saying what she had truly come to say tonight: “Second Young Master Shang, your previous offer—does it still stand?”

Shang Hang Yu paused briefly, then his eyes brightened fiercely.

Under his intense gaze, Sheng Zhi Wan’s heart filled with guilt.

She took a deep breath, speaking plainly, “But surely Second Young Master Shang knows—I do not have feelings for you.”

The fiery light in Shang Hang Yu’s eyes dimmed.

He had always known, yet hearing it again now, his heart still tightened painfully.

Shang Hang Yu forced a smile. “If Princess does not like me, why bring up my offer?”

“I don’t like you, but I don’t dislike you either. Imperial Father and Empress Dowager now wish for me to remarry…”

“I am willing!” Shang Hang Yu jumped to his feet before Sheng Zhi Wan could finish.

[Not liking me now doesn’t mean she won’t ever!]

He swiftly moved to stand in front of her. “Princess, look at me clearly.”

“My height, build, and face—I don’t mean to brag, but other than being older, Qi Shu Xian doesn’t compare to me in looks!”

“I am young and strong—”

“Quiet!” Sheng Zhi Wan’s ears reddened. [This shameless rascal dares to say anything!]

“So, Princess agrees?” Shang Hang Yu knelt on one knee, letting Sheng Zhi Wan see his earnest expression clearly.

From a young age, life had taught him to seize whatever he wanted swiftly—hesitation often meant losing the chance forever.

What did pride matter? He must ensure the Princess noticed him and cared.

“You…back away a little…” Sheng Zhi Wan raised one finger.

Shang Hang Yu retreated slightly. “Princess?”

That voice, those eyes—so familiar. Who did they resemble? Ah… Lai Fu.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes dimmed slightly at the memory.

Shang Hang Yu quickly stepped back further, realizing he had pressed too close.

“If Princess isn’t—”

“Aren’t you afraid I’m using you?” Sheng Zhi Wan suddenly asked, looking up at him.

Shang Hang Yu froze.

Sheng Zhi Wan lowered her gaze, continuing softly, “Actually, I am using you. I desire that position, and you desire me. If you hand over the Qin Trading House and all your private soldiers, I shall marry you. What say you?”

Shang Hang Yu stared in astonishment.

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted her eyes to his again, straightforward and clear. “Well? Does Second Young Master Shang agree? If so…”

Her finger extended slowly forward.

A spark like lightning raced up Shang Hang Yu’s jawline. He swallowed hard, turned abruptly, strode to the window, and leaped out.

A mocking smile tugged at Sheng Zhi Wan’s lips.

Yet, a heartbeat later, the window reopened, and a figure darted back inside—

“Princess, wait just a moment!”

What?

As Sheng Zhi Wan stared, bewildered, Shang Hang Yu once again disappeared like the wind.

Her mockery faded into confusion.

Wait? For what?

Her heart jumped, guessing wildly at what he might be doing.

[Impossible! Who would give up everything for one person?]

But…perhaps it wasn’t impossible. Sheng Zhi Wan scoffed bitterly—hadn’t she herself foolishly done the same last lifetime?

But Shang Hang Yu was strong enough to command private soldiers, even repelling the Eastern Wa invaders. Surely, he wouldn’t repeat her mistakes?

Meanwhile, Shang Hang Yu raced across rooftops, the icy wind stinging his cheeks. Yet, he laughed softly to himself.

“Mother? Did someone just laugh?” a childish voice murmured sleepily.

A woman sharply kicked the snoring man beside her awake. “I heard it too! Dear, quick, go check—is there a little thief around?”

Shang Hang Yu grimaced. [Little thief? Could any thief be as handsome and dashing as me?]

Moments later, he returned to the Princess’s residence.

The room remained lit. He paused briefly, smoothing his windswept hair and clothing, before quietly slipping inside once more.

Sheng Zhi Wan, startled by his swift return, glanced over and met his intense gaze.

“My men are called Yu Family Army. Here’s the token to command them, and the hidden businesses of the Qin Trading House,” Shang Hang Yu explained, presenting a black wooden box. “Since Princess desires them, let this be my dowry. Is it acceptable?”

Sheng Zhi Wan’s lips parted in astonishment.

Dowry?

He wasn’t proposing marriage to her; instead, he wanted to marry into the royal family!

Sheng Zhi Wan’s throat tightened, her eyes involuntarily drawn to the box.

Indeed, she desperately wanted it.

Yu Family Army! Fierce and undefeated, able to repel the powerful Eastern Wa forces in mere months…

To achieve her ambitions, with them by her side, success would be nearly assured.

Yet, the weight in her heart only grew heavier. She had once foolishly misplaced trust, and she refused to let Shang Hang Yu repeat her mistake.

Perhaps sensing her turmoil, Shang Hang Yu quickly spoke again. “Princess, what hesitations remain? I admire you. Everything I own belongs to you. Thankfully, you desire only that position, and that’s within my power.”

“If Princess asked for the stars, I’d have no choice but to leap to heaven and retrieve them for you.”

“Pfft—” Sheng Zhi Wan couldn’t help laughing.

[Stars from the heavens?]

“Princess, do you accept?” he eagerly pushed the box closer.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s fingertips touched the box gently. “You said this is your dowry?”

“Yes! My father cares nothing for me, my mother has passed, and my stepmother’s affections are superficial at best. This dowry—does Princess find it sufficient? If not, I can always earn more.”

“Also…” Shang Hang Yu continued earnestly, “Qin Trading House is divided into two parts. One is hidden, represented by the tokens inside this box.”

“The other half is openly managed—I plan to present it to His Majesty as a gift, hoping to win his approval for our marriage.”

“It’s only about five hundred thousand silver ingots. Does Princess think His Majesty will approve?” Shang Hang Yu asked eagerly.

Without realizing it, Sheng Zhi Wan began to consider his suggestion carefully…