Burdens rested on Shen Lang’s back. Amongst the six candidates for marriage, he among them all was the weakest. But he did not mind it so. He believed strength blooms in the weakest of time. Just remember to rise and not let it crush him. Life can be a ray of sunshine, like the peaceful days with bright blue skies, or it can be the raindrops, falling like tears squeezed from one’s eyes. He needed to be strong, for his family so he maintained a calm composure all throughout, charming eyes lost in thought as if meditating upon the matters of life.
The seed player majority believed who’d come out as the winner was Wang Lian. The distant relative of Count Jin sat awkwardly, hands fidgeting around, but no matter, he was flushed deep red with excitement. What occurred was a blissful fairytale. He dreamt of this scene for many years.
He’s not a person of Nujiang State. He should be home with his clan, fully concentrating on his studies and preparing for the entrance exam, but instead, he’d a different plan in mind. He came to Xuanwu City and became a young official overseeing the prison. The official position, it’s not his lifelong dream. Matter of fact, he never liked it. He only came to this place for one purpose. Jin Mulan.
Of course, he knew Jin Mulan never wished to marry nor was she looking for one. The only thing which caught her eyes was the martial talent of young men which she proceeded to recruit in her army. But Wang Lian did not mind it so. He’s fascinated by her, fascinated by her lineage, the hundreds of years old tyrant history. Her family wields unlimited and tremendous power.
The Count’s court was incompetent so all power would be handed down to Jin Mulan. As her husband, he’ll have a share of her power. And the territories the Jin Family possesses, its thousands of kilometers long with thousands of private knights under their care. Surely the astronomical wealth the Jin Family possessed was enormous.
Therefore, Wang Lian’s determined to win. Except for that martial genius, Mo Ye, none posed a threat to him. Besides, Jin Mulan’s a rare talent in martial arts. It is only rightfully so she needs a scholarly husband to complement her. They’d be a powerhouse couple. Wang Lian truly believed he’d come out as a winner.
Not only did he preconceive the notion Jin Mulan would choose him, many others thought so too. The Count’s confidant, Jin Zhong brought him in. Personally speaking, Jin Zhong was confident Wang Lian would soon become the head of the Count’s Palace.
… … …
Jin Mulan’s shapely figure walked into the first study room. She and Wang Lian were separated by a thick, solid screen. Feeling the arrival of the peerless beauty, Wang Lian’s breathing quickened. He’s gasping for breath as nervousness overcame him. Soon, he’ll be her rightful husband; soon, her beautiful body will become his in bed as they make love.
His lifelong wish was slowly coming to physical existence.
“Wang Lian, if you’re to be my husband, what can you give me?”
Wang Lian’s heartbeat thumped sporadically. He found it difficult suppressing his excitement. “After the wedding, I will go and take the entrance exam. We complement each other. You in your martial talent and I in scholarly pursuit. Thereafter, I’ll make sure the Count’s Palace grows prosperous and roots of the Jin Family passes on for centuries to come. Generations after generations will remember us.”
He answered, foolishly believing what Jin Mulan wished to hear. After all, he thought maintaining the long history and stable foundations of her family was her lifelong pursuit.
“Thank you, Wang Lian.” Jin Mulan answered. Then, she went out.
… … …
Jin Mulan walked into the second study room. There sitting in a somewhat calm manner was Mo Ye. He’s a martial genius, a rare talent found in this generation. Unlike Wang Lian, his breathing did not change upon Jin Mulan’s arrival. He maintained a calm attitude. Though his heart did beat a little faster.
After all, his longing for Xuanwu City’s princess was no less than Wang Lian’s.
Though he’s a martial genius, he came from a humble ordinary background. Though he’s well versed in martial arts, he seemed to have reached a bottleneck. He’d need huge resources and techniques, things which cannot be bought with money. With respect to the Jin Family’s deep roots, surely he’d be able to finally make a breakthrough.
Besides, Jin Mulan’s a beauty. She’d cause the downfall of many. No sane man would refuse her.
“Sir Mo, if you’re to be my husband, what can you give me?” She asked the same question she’d given Wang Lian.
“Miss Jin…” Mo Ye paused. “I will bring the private army and knights of the Count’s Palace to fight everywhere. The Jin Family’s name will spread everywhere. We’ll build up meritorious deeds. The status and power of the Jin Family will soar to new levels!”
“Thank you, Sir Mo.” She stood up and left perfunctory.
… … …
Next, the beautiful flower walked into the third, fourth and fifth study room.
She asked all three the same questions as she’d done previously. Their answers were substantially similar. That is… they’d pledge their loyalty and willingness to die for Jin Mulan. They’d walk through icy thorns and hell for her without hesitation.