Across the desert, yellow sand filled the sky. The sound of hooves stopped by a shallow stream.
“On recent patrols, we haven’t seen any Turkic raiders. We should rest for a while. After all these years of war, it’s finally peaceful. As for those few stragglers, leave them to me—no need for the elders to worry about their precious treasure.” The burly man squatted by the stream, splashing water on his face as he spoke.
Li Suyu sat on a dead branch by the water, his gaze fixed on the distance. His voice was flat: “Stop your noise.”
The burly man frowned, then rose, continuing to chatter: “You brat, I think that little lady from Bianjing has bewitched you. You’re even speaking rudely to your second uncle.”
Li Suyu’s lips curved faintly. He lifted his eyes to glance at the man, then smiled without answering.
“She’s just a pawn of the court. Don’t despise her—she’s a pitiful girl.” The man spoke earnestly.
Li Junshan sighed heavily, his tone tinged with sorrow: “These years our Li clan has sacrificed everything—what should be sacrificed, and what should not. The elders hoped to give you a noble bride, yet the court treats us like this. Truly, it chills the heart of our whole family.”
Li Suyu remained silent.
Li Junshan went on: “But the elders too… was there no girl in the north? Why insist on one from Bianjing? Think of Yuncheng—many girls there would marry you. But the wars left you no mind for it. Tell me, Suyu, do you have no girl you favor?”
Li Suyu bent one leg, resting his arm on his knee, his brows furrowing slightly: “Does Second Uncle not understand the elders’ intent?”
Li Junshan nodded: “Of course I do. They want you to wed a daughter of the capital’s noble clans, so you’ll remain in Bianjing. The north is nothing but snow, sand, war drums, and slaughter. Even in peace, it is endless desolation. Think of your parents, your uncles, your brothers—all buried here. Even I, your second uncle, survived only as a cripple. The whole family hopes you’ll leave descendants for the Li clan.”
“The Li family now is only old folk, women, and children.” Li Junshan patted his nephew’s shoulder heavily. “The elders miscalculated. When the birds are gone, the bow is put away. The court fears us—they will never allow you a powerful wife’s family.”
“So Second Uncle says the girl is pitiful?” Li Suyu rose, his steps steady and forceful, radiating pressure.
“Pitiful, yes—but not our fault. Once she enters our family, we’ll treat her politely. Later, back in Yuncheng, we’ll find you girls you like. A man having three wives and four concubines is normal.” Li Junshan spoke carelessly.
In the desert post station, night brought cold air pouring in. Suiqiu shut the window and turned to Yan Hui. “Miss, are you satisfied?”
Yan Hui’s expression was indifferent. She continued leafing through a booklet, not even lifting her eyelids: “Satisfied with what?”
“With the young master. I thought he’d be a rough brute, but he’s even more handsome than the eldest son.” Suiqiu was clearly pleased with the Li family’s second son.
At the mention of the eldest son, Yan Hui’s face froze briefly. She closed the booklet and replaced it in its box. “The northern frontier is the poorest land of the dynasty. If the resources of the central plains could be brought here, perhaps…”
“Miss, what are you thinking? If the Li family knew we were trading, they’d look down on us.” Suiqiu interrupted anxiously.
Yan Hui lifted her teacup, fingers stroking its surface, smiling faintly: “Men die for wealth, birds for food. What’s wrong with trade? If the Lis truly despise it, they can give me a divorce letter.”
Suiqiu frowned.
Yan Hui explained: “I mean, every profession, every person, is equal—none higher or lower.”
“Miss, your words always confuse me. Too shocking. If you speak like this in the Li household, what will happen?” Suiqiu fretted.
Yan Hui had no intention of continuing the discussion.
Just then, hoofbeats sounded outside.
Suiqiu rushed to the window. Through the crack, she saw the Li family’s troop returning. “Miss, it’s the young master,” she whispered.