Chapter 82: The Imperial Princess
At the entrance of the courtyard, the servants saw Li Hao and quickly saluted him. They knew that this young master was greatly favored by the first madam.
The moon had just risen, and the starlight scattered across the sky.
Within the courtyard, lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow on the translucent window screens of the main hall. Laughter and cheerful conversation emanated from inside, suggesting a lively gathering.
Zhao Bo and Qingzhi followed Li Hao to the steps outside the main hall and stopped, standing silently with their hands lowered. They waited for the banquet to end, knowing they would only enter if summoned.
The rules of the Li family were strict, and the servants dared not overstep their boundaries lightly.
Inside the main hall...
Li Hao had just entered when his gaze fell upon a strikingly unfamiliar young woman.
She appeared to be about sixteen years old, a tender age of blossoming youth.
Standing around 1.7 meters tall, her slender and elegant figure exuded a serene grace. Her eyes, as tranquil as a frosty lake, carried a calmness uncommon for her age.
Though traces of her youthful, rounded cheeks could still be discerned, her features had matured into a refined beauty, like a flower about to bloom.
She wore an oyster-white dress, simple yet sophisticated, with folds of the fabric shimmering faintly as though embedded with crystals. While the style appeared casual, its craftsmanship was evidently exquisite. Combined with her cool and ethereal aura, she resembled a celestial maiden stepping out of a misty dream.
Clearly, this was Li Wushuang.
Beside her sat Li Yun and Li Zhining, the sibling pair, their heads lowered respectfully with their hands placed properly on their laps. Their faces carried silly smiles, and from time to time, their admiring gazes turned toward their elder sister.
That dazzling figure, as brilliant as a luminous pearl, filled their eyes with hope and joy, tinged with envy and delight.
This scene reminded Li Hao of five years ago when the siblings first arrived at Shanhe Courtyard. Back then, they had sat before him with their chins resting on their hands, eagerly listening to his stories with the same obedient demeanor.
“No wonder Shuang’er is so exceptional. She’s reached the Spiritual Wandering Realm at such a young age. To attain this realm at just fifteen years old, her talent ranks among the top prodigies. In this lifetime, achieving the Three Immortals realm is well within reach,” remarked Ninth Madam Jiang Xian’er softly from her seat.
She was the fiancée of Li Junye, the ninth son of the Li family, and an imperial princess.
Seeing her, Li Hao couldn’t help but show a trace of respectful admiration in his gaze.
Ninth Madam was the youngest among the madams, being only thirty-two years old. According to Second Master, Jiang Xian’er had lived at the Li family estate for a time during her childhood due to certain circumstances, which was how she had met Ninth Uncle.
The two had grown up together, forming a bond that deepened into love when they reunited during Ninth Uncle’s worldly travels. Despite being from vastly different worlds, they privately pledged themselves to each other.
Ninth Uncle, a man of extraordinary talent and hailed as a true dragon of his generation, was so esteemed that even Emperor Yu did not oppose the union and granted them a formal engagement.
Unfortunately, though the marriage was arranged, Ninth Uncle insisted on achieving merits and making his mark before their wedding, hoping to welcome Jiang Xian’er with grandeur. Yet, within just two years of joining the army, he fell in battle, leaving their union tragically unfulfilled.
Ordinarily, with the groom deceased, the engagement would have been annulled.
After all, it was unthinkable for an imperial princess to remain a widow.
But Jiang Xian’er’s devotion was profound. Declaring that she would marry none other than Li Junye in her lifetime, she caused an uproar in the imperial palace by challenging the emperor himself. In the end, she arrived in Qingzhou, bearing Ninth Uncle’s armor and memorializing their unfulfilled wedding. Thus, she became the Ninth Madam of the Li family.
This touching story was widely known in Qingzhou.
Even within the Li family, Jiang Xian’er was deeply respected by the other madams. Second Master and Fifth Master spoke of her with affection, not because of her imperial lineage, but out of genuine admiration for her steadfast loyalty.
When Li Hao first heard Second Master recount this tale, he had felt deeply moved.
In this era, where carriages moved slowly and communication was sparse, a lifetime seemed only enough to love one person.
A lifetime was also enough to remember only one person.
...
Unlike in his past era, where a mere swipe on a screen could lead to heartbreak eighty times in one night.
“Ninth Madam is too polite,” Li Wushuang said with a faint smile toward Jiang Xian’er.
To others, she rarely showed any expression, but toward this lover of her Ninth Uncle, she held considerable respect.
“Hao’er is here.”
At this moment, He Jianlan, seated at the center of the hall, noticed Li Hao. Her already smiling face brightened further, and she waved him over.
“Come, have a seat.”
The others also noticed Li Hao at this point. Jiang Xian’er turned her head to glance at him, offering a warm smile.
Li Hao returned the smile. Of all the madams he had interacted with over the years, only the First Madam and Ninth Madam made him feel at ease.
Walking to the table, Li Hao noticed two dishes on the table—ones he had earlier instructed Yuan Zhao to purchase. Smiling, he handed a gift box to his cousin.
“I heard that Cousin Wushuang has returned, so I specially prepared a small gift. I hope you’ll like it.”
Li Wushuang glanced briefly at the gift box before taking it without any change in expression. “Thank you.”
She immediately handed the box to the gift table behind her, clearly uninterested in its contents.
Sitting next to He Jianlan, Liu Yurong, always observant, chuckled. “Shuang’er, why don’t you take a look at what Hao’er has gifted you? It’s rare for him to give anyone a present.”
He Jianlan said calmly, “We lack for nothing. The food Hao’er sends, made by his own hands, is already the most valuable.”
“That’s true,” Liu Yurong agreed with a laugh.
Jiang Xian’er turned to Li Hao, smiling warmly. “Hao’er, come and sit. It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted your pastries.”
“If Ninth Madam would like, I’ll make some for you tomorrow,” Li Hao replied with a smile as he took his seat.
While Li Hao spoke with Jiang Xian’er, Li Wushuang furrowed her brows slightly. Though she had little interest in the gift, since Second Madam had spoken up, not opening it might seem overly indifferent.
She casually opened the gift box, revealing a porcelain bottle and a dragon horn comb.
As expected, mundane items. Li Wushuang shook her head internally, even less interested now, and moved to close the box.
However, Liu Yurong noticed and chuckled. “Hao’er really put some thought into this. The craftsmanship on this dragon horn comb is exquisite. What’s in the porcelain bottle?”
“It’s an God-Forge Pill,” Li Hao answered with a faint smile.
Li Wushuang raised an eyebrow and immediately closed the gift box, placing it on the gift table beside her. She said indifferently, “Do you think I need such pills?”
Her tone, though soft, instantly chilled the atmosphere.
The question was difficult to address—saying she needed it implied her talent was lacking and she required such aids. Saying she didn’t need it raised the question of why he had given it to her in the first place.
Li Hao paused briefly, then sighed inwardly. Indeed, gift-giving was a troublesome affair.
“Shuang’er,” said Fifth Madam Gao Qingqing, noticing the tension. She smiled to defuse the situation. “Hao’er’s gesture is well-intentioned. You haven’t seen each other in years, so he wouldn’t know what you like. The dragon horn comb seems excellent, and as for the pill, you can keep it even if you don’t use it.”
At this point, Li Yun, who had been sitting obediently, straightened up. Seeing Li Hao in an awkward spot, he leaned back with a smug grin, mimicking Li Hao’s usual calm demeanor, and said dismissively, “Li Hao, do you know that my sister has a Ninth-Class Battle Body? She’s a top-tier prodigy who doesn’t need any pill assistance. Giving her such a thing—are you looking down on her?”
He then glanced at Li Hao triumphantly, feeling emboldened by the presence of his elder sister.
Where did this silly farm boy come from? Li Hao thought as he glanced at Li Yun. This banquet was held for your sister; if I were to make a scene now, the embarrassment would fall on her, not me. Silly child.
As expected, Gao Qingqing’s expression darkened at her son’s comment. She quickly pinched the back of his neck, reminding him with a glare to mind his manners.
Li Yun winced, startled by the sudden pain. Glancing at his mother’s stern gaze, he realized he might have made a mistake.
But…what did I do wrong? Wasn’t I telling the truth?
While Li Yun remained bewildered, Li Hao smiled faintly, showing no signs of anger. Nor did he bother to explain.
“Cousin doesn’t need the pill, but it seems my younger cousin might benefit from it,” Li Hao said with a knowing smile. “As for the comb, Cousin, do you not like it either? If not, perhaps I should give it to Zhining instead.”
Li Wushuang’s expression darkened slightly at the subtle jab. Did he think her brother was incapable?
“What do you mean by that?” she asked directly, disliking ambiguous comments. To her, matters of face were unimportant, but she disliked being insulted.
“Cousin didn’t catch my meaning?” Li Hao feigned surprise. He thought to himself that this pair of siblings might lack common sense.
Li Wushuang’s eyes narrowed as she prepared to retort. However, Gao Qingqing coughed lightly, interrupting the exchange.
“Shuang’er, Hao’er is still young and doesn’t understand your situation fully. Giving you the God-Forge Pill was meant as a kind gesture. There’s no need to take it personally.”
Jiang Xian’er, seated nearby, smiled gently and added, “Shuang’er, if you don’t like the gift, I’ll make up for it on Hao’er’s behalf.”
“That’s right, Shuang’er,” Liu Yurong chimed in, trying to smooth things over. “Whatever it is, Hao’er’s intentions were good.”
Li Wushuang gazed at Li Hao for a moment but said no more. She simply picked up the gift box and placed it on the gift table behind her.
At that moment, footsteps approached from outside, followed by the cheerful voice of Li Yuanzhao. “Brother Hao!”
Li Hao turned to see Fourth Madam Xiao Yujing and Yuanzhao entering the hall.
Hearing her son’s greeting, Xiao Yujing’s mood soured slightly. This rascal—calling out to Li Hao first? Anyone who didn’t know better might think this was a celebration for Li Hao instead of Li Wushuang!
Though annoyed, Xiao Yujing quickly composed herself. With a warm smile, she stepped forward and greeted everyone. “Sisters and brothers, I apologize for arriving late. Is this Shuang’er? My, it’s been years since I last saw you. Look how tall and beautiful you’ve become, Qingqing—you’ve raised a wonderful daughter!”
Her compliments, light and cheerful, deftly shifted the focus of the room, glossing over her son’s misstep.
Seated at the table, Li Hao watched the scene unfold with a faint smile. These madams were truly masterful at navigating social dynamics.
Li Yuanzhao greeted Li Hao with a quick glance, his expression easing when he saw no tension lingering between them. He then presented a gift to Li Wushuang.
“What’s this?” Liu Yurong asked curiously.
“Open it, Cousin, and you’ll see,” Li Yuanzhao said with a smile. Though he didn’t know what his mother had chosen for the gift, he was clever enough to let curiosity guide the moment.
Li Wushuang frowned but reluctantly opened the gift, revealing a finely crafted dagger.
“It’s the famed dagger ‘Hanxiang!’” Gao Qingqing exclaimed in surprise, turning to Xiao Yujing. “Fourth Sister, this is a legendary weapon! It’s said to be sharp enough to pierce the defenses of a Three Immortals realm demon king!”
Xiao Yujing smiled graciously. “This is Yuanzhao’s gift. As long as Shuang’er likes it, that’s what matters.”
Gao Qingqing, regaining her composure, turned to her daughter and said, “Thank your cousin quickly.”
Li Wushuang’s eyes brightened slightly. Though she primarily used a sword, having a high-quality dagger for close combat was invaluable.
“Thank you, Cousin,” she said softly, her tone warmer than before.
Li Yuanzhao waved it off with a grin and took his seat beside Li Hao.
Soon after, the Third Madam and Eighth Madam also arrived one after another, and soon everyone was gathered.
He Jianlan, aware that Li Wushuang didn’t favor large crowds, had only invited the immediate family members, leaving out the concubines from the other courtyards. Though the gathering was smaller, it better suited Li Wushuang’s preferences.
Aside from the madams, Li Wushuang’s father, Li Xuanli, also arrived from the secluded meditation hall deep within the estate.
He appeared to be in his forties, with a scholarly demeanor. Years ago, he had sustained severe injuries on the battlefield, though he had managed to withdraw with his life—a rare feat compared to his brothers.
To survive an encounter with demons while heavily wounded was no easy accomplishment, as Li family members on the battlefield were often prime targets for powerful demons. Any injury risked provoking a frenzy of demonic attacks.
After all, for the demon clans, the Li family was one of the Four Divine General Mansions that had long protected the borderlands, slaying countless demons and accumulating enmities beyond measure.
To the demons, aside from the Wang family, each of the Four Great Divine General Mansions was an archenemy, a sworn target to be vanquished. They dreamed of devouring their flesh, drinking their blood, and using their skins as trophies.