Chapter 106: The Wager

Xiao Yi had deciphered Xue Fanzhi’s conflicted heart, and a smug smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Although A-Zhi had not fallen for him at first sight, he was certain that with his persistence, she would inevitably come to love him. It was just like in their past life, where they had been soulmates, teacher and friend, living a life of happiness and bliss. Yet, this time would be different; there would be no other woman to intrude. It would be just the two of them, building a home together.

The more he thought about it, the more delighted he became, and the gaze he fixed upon Xue Fanzhi was infinitely tender.

Xiao Jian clearly caught his ninth brother’s look. He swept his eyes toward Xue Fanzhi—a mere slip of a girl, and though pretty, she had yet to fully blossom. Whose daughter was she? And what was her connection to the Ninth Prince?

One thing was certain: the Ninth Prince had never been one for feminine charms. Anyone he kept by his side must be a true favorite. He chuckled to himself. So, the Ninth Prince had a taste for this type? If he had known, he could have found him a whole stack of them, enough to let him drown in the lap of luxury.

Seeing that Xiao Yi made no move to acknowledge him, Xiao Jian called out, "Ninth Brother, shall we lash the boats together?"

Xiao Yi raised his head and replied, "There is no room."

Xiao Jian: "..."

*Could you at least make up a more convincing lie?* The ships were massive; how could there possibly be no room? It wasn't as if everyone was blind. It was clearly a rejection, which was truly uncalled for.

"I meant, I invite you to join me on my ship."

Xiao Yi smiled again. "There is no room."

Xiao Jian: "..."

*Xiao Yi runs his own ship, so fine, he decides if there's room. But does he think he decides for my ship too?* However, he took one look at the people on Xiao Yi's deck; if he pressed the issue, Xiao Yi would surely use them as an excuse again. It was too much—that was the second time he had been snubbed in public.

In truth, Xiao Jian did not necessarily care to be with Xiao Yi, but when out in public, one had to maintain the appearance of brotherly harmony. He hadn't expected Xiao Yi to refuse even that.

Xue Fanzhi knew the reason why. Setting aside their natural rivalry—and the fact that after Xiao Yi became emperor, he had spared Xiao Jian, only for Xiao Jian to rebel later—even now, while many knew Xiao Yi’s mother was a descendant of the former dynasty's nobility, few knew that Xiao Jian’s mother was merely an adopted daughter of her own family.

Emperor Wanhong had seized the throne after killing the previous emperor. Xiao Jian’s mother, Consort Feng, had been sent into the palace by those currying favor with the Emperor because of her delicate beauty. Originally, Xiao Yi’s mother, Consort Shu, had already been betrothed to a man, but because Consort Feng also coveted him, she had recommended Consort Shu to the Emperor after she herself had gained his favor. Thus, Consort Shu was forcibly taken by the Emperor. Clearly, she had not wanted to enter the palace. The Emperor was fifty-six that year, while Consort Shu was only thirty-five—a gap of over twenty years. It could be said that Consort Feng had sabotaged Consort Shu. Although that was a different story, having been betrayed by the sister she grew up with, there was no way Consort Shu could ever be on good terms with Consort Feng.

Yet, she couldn't show her resentment, lest it appear she was dissatisfied with the Emperor.

In her past life, Xue Fanzhi had enjoyed a good relationship with her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law was a straightforward woman who, after the Emperor’s death, had made it perfectly clear that she despised Consort Feng. With mothers who were mortal enemies, it was only natural that Xiao Yi and Xiao Jian would not get along.

In reality, they also had their own private grievances. Xiao Yi had a childhood sweetheart, and Xiao Jian, assuming Xiao Yi was in love with her, had deliberately asked the Emperor to betroth the girl to the Seventh Prince. Although Xiao Yi had no romantic feelings for her, the Seventh Prince stuttered, and Xiao Yi was naturally saddened to see the girl he grew up with end up in an unhappy marriage. The point wasn't even that; it was that in Xiao Jian’s mind, even though Xiao Yi didn't like the girl, Xiao Jian’s actions were clearly intended to make Xiao Yi suffer. It was no wonder Xiao Yi couldn't be bothered with him.

Xiao Jian’s composure was decent; he didn't look angry—though whether he was fuming on the inside was anyone’s guess. He did not press Xiao Yi further. Instead, he called out across the water, "Ninth Brother, shall we have a contest? If you lose, how about you agree to one condition of mine?"

Xiao Yi’s handsome face darkened, and he remained silent.

Xiao Jian smiled. "Ninth Brother, you aren't that kind of person, are you? Are you afraid? We are brothers, after all; it’s just for fun. I won’t make things difficult for you. For instance, I won’t set the topic myself. Let’s both answer the question the host just posed. Whoever answers first wins."

Xiao Jian’s demeanor clearly showed his intention to recruit Xiao Yi. It made sense; the Crown Prince was gravely ill. Although it hadn't been announced, there were no secrets in the palace. Once the Crown Prince died, the distinction between the legitimate heir and the others would vanish; all would be sons of concubines, and the throne would go to the most capable. In theory, every prince would have a chance to rule the world. Xiao Jian must have assumed Xiao Yi couldn't become emperor, so he wanted to win him over.

They believed Xiao Yi couldn't ascend the throne because his mother was of the former nobility, which the Emperor feared, and because he was much younger than his adult brothers, having spent his time traveling and lacking a political power base. Little did they know, this was the first step of Xiao Yi’s plan to become emperor: to lull his enemies into a false sense of security.

Xue Fanzhi looked at Xiao Yi. Would he really let himself be courted by Xiao Jian like this?

But if Xiao Yi refused, and Xiao Jian continued to pester him so brazenly, and if Xiao Yi reacted too harshly, it would reach the Emperor’s ears as Xiao Yi’s fault. What could be done?

Just then, Xiao Yi said, "Very well! But if I defeat you, Elder Brother, I ask that you never bother me again!"

That was a declaration of finality.

When Xiao Yi finished, the expressions of everyone on the opposite ship, including Xue Fanzhi, shifted. Xiao Jian had been trying to win him over, but seeing this, it was clear the other party wanted to distance himself entirely. It would have been better not to try. His face turned sour with rage. But there was no turning back now; since it had been voiced, the contest had to proceed.

Xiao Jian sneered. "Fine! A gentleman’s word is his bond. Whatever you say, Ninth Brother!"

Xue Fanzhi felt a pang of worry. She whispered, "What if the host who set the question is one of the Eighth Prince’s men? Then you’re bound to lose and suffer a setback!"

"Are you worried I’ll suffer a loss?" Xiao Yi looked at Xue Fanzhi with delight, as if he had discovered a new world.

Xue Fanzhi rolled her eyes. "We are on the same boat now, and you are my lord. If you suffer a loss, don't I suffer one too? Besides, I pledged myself to you as my lord, not the Eighth Prince. If you lose, don't go betting me away too!"

"Haha!" Xiao Yi laughed heartily, clearly overjoyed. He then said to her, "Rest assured. I’m not afraid, so why are you? At worst, I’ll just agree to his terms!" Knowing that A-Zhi was worried about him made him happy, even if he were to lose.

Seeing him laugh so genuinely, Xue Fanzhi’s heart settled. Xiao Yi was a clever man who wouldn't do something he wasn't prepared for. He would certainly be able to answer the host’s question.

Xue Fanzhi asked, "By the way, what exactly is the question the host has posed?"