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Of course, it's also because of the age gap, if he was much younger may be in his early or mid twenties he will accept immediately even if this was political. As he believes that he could cultivate the love, but now he just wants to ensure that his backyard won't get caught on fire since he will reach a critical point soon, in the unification of the land.
Finally, after a prolonged silence that stretched taut with unspoken anxieties, Lie Fan rose to his feet. His movements were fluid and decisive, betraying none of the internal debate that had just transpired.
He addressed Zhen Ji, his tone firm yet devoid of any condescension. "Since it is your wish, Lady Zhen, I will convey to your father my decision to decline the proposed marriage alliance. However," he paused, his gaze unwavering, "I want you to be prepared for the potential consequences of this decision. Your father, Zhen Yi, will undoubtedly have his own plans for the Zhen Clan's future, and a rejected proposal from me will not necessarily preclude other marriage arrangements."
Zhen Ji's breath hitched slightly. She understood immediately the unspoken warning in his words. Lie Fan's rejection of her as a wife in a political alliance did not equate to her escaping the clutches of political matrimony altogether.
Her father, Zhen Yi, was a shrewd and ambitious man. The Zhen Clan's influence, while not yet in precipitous decline, needed bolstering, and a strategic marriage was a well worn path to achieving that.
She would likely be offered to another powerful figure, a pawn in a different game. The brief flicker of hope she had felt began to dim, replaced by a familiar sense of resignation.
Lie Fan observed her silent contemplation, the subtle shift in her demeanor. She understood. He could see it in the way her shoulders seemed to slump ever so slightly, in the cloud that momentarily shadowed her eyes.
He shook his head almost imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment of the difficult position she was in. "You may take your leave now, Lady Zhen," he said, his voice gentle. As she turned to depart, he added, his voice carrying a new note of authority, "And please inform your father that I wish to speak with him."
Zhen Ji stood up and moved towards the door, her steps slow and measured. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Relief at escaping a marriage she dreaded warred with the certainty of facing another, potentially even less palatable, arrangement.
She remained silent, lost in her thoughts, mulling over the implications of Lie Fan's decision and the inevitable machinations of her father.
Seeing her lack of response, Lie Fan was about to call out for a servant to escort her and then summon Zhen Yi, when suddenly, Zhen Ji stopped. She turned back, her eyes fixed on him. "Wait a moment, my lord," she said, her voice surprisingly steady.
Lie Fan paused, his hand hovering in the air, a silent question etched on his face. Zhen Ji, seeing his arrested movement, heaved a small sigh, as if gathering her courage.
Then, with a tone and expression that spoke of a sudden, resolute decision, she asked, her voice trembling only slightly, "My lord, if… if I am willing to be married to you, could I… could I be freed from the control of my father?"
Lie Fan was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He studied her face, searching for any hint of deception or ulterior motive. What he saw was a desperate plea, a yearning for freedom that transcended the usual ambitions of noblewomen.
He responded slowly, deliberately, his eyes never leaving hers. "Of course, Lady Zhen. Even if our marriage were to be a political one, though I assure you, I would treat you with the respect due to a wife, you would still be my wife."
"Your father would have no right to dictate your life any longer. I would not allow such a thing. Once you are under my roof, your well being and your safety would be my responsibility."
Zhen Ji nodded her head gently, a small, almost imperceptible movement. A flicker of something akin to hope rekindled in her eyes. "Then… then I am willing to marry Lord Lie Fan," she declared, her voice gaining a newfound strength.
"As long as I can be freed from the controlling hand of my father, I will accept… I will accept to become your concubine, since the possibility of being your wife is no longer present. Since you already have four wives." The last part was spoken softly, a reluctant acknowledgment of his existing marriages.
Lie Fan's eyes softened as he regarded Zhen Ji, his sharp mind noting every flicker of emotion on her delicate face, the rapid rise and fall of her breath, the almost imperceptible trembling of her hands as she smoothed the silk of her sleeve, the glimmer of both fear and resolve in her eyes.
He hadn't expected this turn.
When she first entered his study alongside Zhen Yi, he had assumed she was here as a symbol, another pawn in the endless game of political alliances that defined the era.
But now, as she stood before him, her small figure straightening with determination, Lie Fan saw more than a mere daughter of a noble clan, he saw a young woman caught between duty and a desperate yearning for freedom.
For a moment, the silence in the study stretched, heavy and intimate. Only the faint crackling of the lantern by the window and the distant rustling of spring wind through the mulberry trees outside filled the space between their words.
Lie Fan drew a deep breath, folding his hands behind his back as he paced slowly across the room. His boots made the faintest thud on the polished wooden floor.
"I must admit, Lady Zhen," he began quietly, "you've surprised me."
Zhen Ji lowered her gaze, the tips of her ears turning pink. "I… I know this is sudden, my lord. But I've lived my whole life under my father's shadow. Every step, every breath… measured. If this marriage can give me even a sliver of freedom, I would rather place myself under your roof than be bartered away to someone I do not know, someone who may… treat me as little more than a decoration or a tool."
Lie Fan stopped his pacing, watching her carefully. Her voice was soft, but there was a hidden steel beneath it.
"Do you understand," he asked gently, "that even as a concubine, your life will not be entirely free? You would still bear the duties of the house, still be part of this vast machinery of power and responsibility that we all serve."
Zhen Ji lifted her head, her dark eyes meeting his. "I understand, my lord. But… I would rather serve a master who respects his people than be given to another who may treat me with cruelty. I have heard how you treat your wives and your household. That is enough for me."
Lie Fan felt a flicker of something in his chest, perhaps admiration, perhaps a faint melancholy.
He sits down in his chair, his elbows resting on the desk. "If I agree to this, you will have three things. First, your own quarters, separate from my other wives unless you choose to mingle with them. Second, an allowance and servants of your own choosing. And third—" He held her gaze. "You will not be forced into my bed. Not ever. That is not how I operate."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though her voice remained steady. "Thank you, my lord."
Lie Fan nodded. "But know this, if you ever wish to leave, if you ever find someone you truly wish to be with, you need only say the word. I will not cage you."
Zhen Ji's eyes widened. That, clearly, she had not expected.
Lie Fan allowed himself a small smirk. "Surprised?"
She swallowed. "I… yes. Most men would not offer such terms."
"Most men are fools," Lie Fan said dryly. "I have no interest in keeping an unwilling woman at my side. It's bad for morale."
A faint, almost disbelieving laugh escaped her before she could stop it. Then, just as quickly, she schooled her expression back into composure.
Lie Fan chuckled. "There. That's the first honest reaction I've gotten from you."
Zhen Ji hesitated, then dipped her head. "You are… not what I expected, my lord."
"Good." He pushed back from the desk and stood. "Then we are agreed. I will inform your father that I've reconsidered, that after speaking with you, I find the marriage alliance acceptable."
She rose as well, smoothing her robes. "What will you tell him about the… terms?"
"That they are none of his concern," Lie Fan said flatly. "Once you are under my protection, how I choose to treat you is my business, not his."
Zhen Ji exhaled, some of the tension finally leaving her frame. "Then… I will take my leave, my lord. And await your summons."
Lie Fan waved a hand. "Go. And tell your father to come in." With one last glance, Zhen Ji slipped out the door.
Moments later, Zhen Yi strode in, his rich robes whispering with every step, his face alight with expectation. He was a man accustomed to negotiations, to veiled speech, to the delicate dance of power.
"Lord Lie Fan," Zhen Yi said smoothly, "I trust you have had time to consider."
Lie Fan inclined his head. "I have. I will accept Lady Zhen Ji as a concubine into my household."
Zhen Yi blinked, his smooth mask flickering just briefly with surprise before reforming into a pleased smile. "My lord is wise. This alliance will strengthen both our houses."
Lie Fan smiled faintly. "Indeed. And as part of this arrangement, I trust that you understand Lady Zhen Ji's life henceforth belongs to my household. She is under my care and authority now."
For a fleeting moment, Zhen Yi's eyes flicked toward the door behind him, must be looking through and seeing his daughter who was on the other side of the door.
"Of course, of course," Zhen Yi said smoothly, though something in his tone hinted at displeasure barely veiled. They exchanged a few more formalities before Zhen Yi, satisfied and smiling, excused himself, promising to send gifts and formal arrangements within the week.
Lie Fan sank back into his chair with a sigh.
Jia Xu, who had been waiting in the adjoining chamber, slipped inside with a knowing smile. "A new concubine, my lord? And one so young?"
Lie Fan shot him a glare. "Don't start."
Jia Xu chuckled, pouring himself a cup of tea from the side table. "I merely wonder at your motives, my lord. The Zhen Clan's wealth is considerable, but was it truly necessary to take the girl in yourself? You could have secured their loyalty with a post for either of Zhen Yi's relatives or even Zhen Yi himself."
Lie Fan rubbed his temples. "It's not just about the Zhen Clan."
"Oh?"
"That girl is smarter than her father gives her credit for. And she's desperate. Desperate people make dangerous allies or dangerous enemies. Better to have her where I can see her." As he said so, Lie Fan took one of the documents in the stack he had made and opened it to read it.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 33 (200 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0