“You’re too noisy, go back,” Leng Yichen said coldly. He glanced at his guard Leng Yu, signaling him to escort Leng Yunmo out of the study.
“General Leng, please.”
As he walked away, Leng Yunmo muttered, “Hmph! I’m just concerned about you. Cold, emotionless, dull—who knows if you’ll ever fall in love?”
Ironically, he himself was still single, yet worried about his friend’s romantic life.
That night, Su Lele rarely suffered from insomnia. She only fell asleep very late, and by morning she was already awake—unable to fall back asleep, feeling somewhat irritable.
Should she escape the marriage and run away?
No—that wasn’t possible. Her family had treated her so well. If she ran away, what if they were punished because of her?
Feeling restless, Su Lele decided to go out for a walk.
At this moment, she and her maid Qiuyu were sitting in the restaurant Yipin Ju in the eastern district, eating breakfast absentmindedly.
At a nearby large square table, several people were chatting.
“Have you heard? The brilliant and cold Second Prince, gifted in both literature and martial arts, will turn 22 in half a month. If he is not married by then, he will likely be betrothed to the Minister’s daughter, Yun Zhishu.”
“I’ve seen Yun Zhishu. She is refined, well-educated, and breathtakingly beautiful. She and the Second Prince, talented and handsome, are a perfect match.”
“There are rumors she has admired him for a long time. She is almost 18 and still unmarried, rejecting many talented suitors.”
Su Lele was not originally against marriage, but in this era, once married, a woman’s freedom would be greatly restricted. Most would stay home raising children, making it difficult to do business.
She did not want to give up her career.
After hearing the conversation beside her, she made a bold decision.
Eastern District – Second Prince’s Residence
Looking at the towering gates and the black plaque inscribed with the words “Second Prince’s Mansion,” Su Lele took a deep breath.
“Don’t panic.”
Then she bravely walked up to the gatekeepers.
“Two gentlemen, sorry to disturb you. I am Su Lele, daughter of Su Qinghe from the Northern District Su family. I have something to discuss with your Prince. Please inform him. If he refuses to meet, please tell him I wish to propose a business transaction.”
The guards looked at her calm and composed demeanor and hesitated for a moment before going inside.
At that time, Leng Yichen was sitting in the pavilion, playing chess against himself.
“General Leng, someone claiming to be Su Qinghe’s daughter from the Northern District Su family requests an audience with His Highness.”
“What kind of person does the Prince meet just because they ask?” Leng Feng said firmly, assuming the Prince would refuse.
“She said it involves a transaction with His Highness.”
At those words, Leng Yichen paused mid-move with a black chess piece.
“Bring her in.”
Leng Feng was stunned. He did not expect his master to agree.
Su Lele and Qiuyu followed the guard through the mansion gates, walking along long corridors. The residence was grand and luxurious—painted ceilings decorated with birds, colorful murals, jade-like stone floors, and elegant pavilions surrounded by bamboo and strange rocks stacked in dramatic formations.
Su Lele, full of curiosity, looked around as she walked, unlike her maid Qiuyu who was nervous and trembling.
The mansion was enormous—at least ten times larger than the Su residence.
Finally, they arrived at Yijing Pavilion.
Leng Yichen looked at the woman approaching him. She wore a floral dress, her skin fair as snow, eyes bright and lively, with a delicate oval face and graceful figure.
“Su Lele greets Your Highness,” she said calmly.
The rumored Second Prince was indeed extraordinary—handsome, imposing, and cold, his presence naturally intimidating.
Without wasting time, Leng Yichen asked directly, “What transaction do you seek?”
Since he was straightforward, she replied just as directly.
“Your Highness, I wish to marry you.”
The moment she said it, everyone was stunned—except him.
Then she added, “For two years. After that, we divorce.”
After careful thought, this was her decision.
“Give me a reason. Why should I agree to such an unsuitable marriage?” His voice was low and unreadable.
Su Lele smiled. “After two years of marriage, you will regain complete freedom. In Great Yun, there is no rule requiring remarriage after divorce.”
“With your talent, ability, and status, yet still unmarried at 22, it is clear…”
“If you do not want constraints and have no beloved woman, then this arrangement benefits both of us. During the marriage, we do not interfere with each other’s lives. No need to share a room. If cooperation is needed, I will fully cooperate. And in return, I only ask for freedom to do business.”
“You could choose any woman with this condition in the entire kingdom,” he said.
“Then I will choose the strongest,” she replied. “I need power and backing. My business will grow, and I will face many difficulties. Without power, it is hard to survive. So, Your Highness… are you willing to cooperate and lend me your influence?”
Her hands slightly tightened the hem of her dress as she looked directly at the cold, expressionless prince.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
“Go back and wait for news.”
Not a rejection—there was still hope.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
After she left Yijing Pavilion, Leng Feng reported, “Your Highness, should I investigate the Su family?”
“Send Leng Dian. I want everything about Su Lele.”
“Understood.”
It seemed the Prince was interested. Even Leng Feng thought this proposal was unusual—this young lady was very different from ordinary noblewomen.
Outside the mansion, Su Lele finally exhaled deeply.
“Qiuyu, keep this absolutely secret. Whether it succeeds or not, no one must know—including Grandfather.”
“Yes, Second Miss. I will keep it confidential.”
Qiuyu understood the seriousness and nodded firmly.