Peace Order

"Welcome, Mr. Xue."

"Hahaha, welcome indeed, Lord Nan!"

Within the Xue Family courtyard, Nan Hanwen and Xue Daoyong displayed mutual respect. Both were seasoned figures, having emerged from turbulent times, understanding well each other’s status and stance with the founding Emperor Qin. They inherently had no conflicts.

Moreover, this occasion was for the grand wedding.

Auspicious time and splendid scenery, matters of national significance.

They only spoke of pleasant topics without delving into sensitive issues, maintaining cheerful expressions. Yet, it was under such circumstances that unique situations often arose. Just as Xue Daoyong held Nan Hanwen’s arm to head towards the inner courtyard of the Xue Family, a commotion arose.

Many direct descendants of the Xue Family came out, gathering together.

Amongst them was a rather handsome man, holding a box, striding forward.

This man was a direct descendant of the Xue Family and stopped before Nan Hanwen’s group.

He performed a long bow and said loudly, "I am Xue Yuheng from the Xue Family, here to greet the Elder Head of the Family and Lord Nan Hanwen."

Nan Hanwen’s brow furrowed slightly as he glanced at Xue Daoyong beside him:

"Mr. Xue, what is this..."

Xue Daoyong, however, remained unchanged in expression, saying, "Yuheng, you have returned from the northwest, facilitating trade routes with great effect. Now that you are not taking rest at home, why are you suddenly here? What is the matter?"

Xue Yuheng replied respectfully, "I’ve come to know that my niece is to marry His Majesty, and hence I obtained a treasure from the northwest to specially congratulate them."

Nan Hanwen warmly said, "Mr. Xue Yuheng, you are indeed courteous."

Xue Yuheng responded respectfully, "His Majesty has swept across the realm, remade the world, opened up trade routes so that goods from the four corners can be circulated everywhere, benefiting the entire land, laying the foundation for generations to come. Each of us looks forward to this, hence I should come to offer my congratulations over this event."

Hearing these words, Nan Hanwen had already assessed the situation.

He discerned Xue Yuheng’s true intentions, thus smiling, "Mr. Xue Yuheng, you have been considerate. I shall certainly speak ’well’ of you before His Majesty."

He looked again at Xue Daoyong, saying, "Mr. Xue, please."

Unexpectedly, Xue Yuheng suddenly performed a grand gesture, saying, "Lord Nan is too kind. My niece Xue Shuangtao, if marrying His Majesty, will be the Empress. Our Xue Family then becomes the imperial family, related to His Majesty."

"Now, as the country is established, the land is vast, far exceeding the past, the Four Seas united, one nation under heaven. Yet, after the turmoil, many things await revitalization. Our Xue Family’s sons possess great talents and can surely serve His Majesty."

"Though I manage the Xue Family’s northwest trade routes, with much toil and labor, I’m a mere commoner. I wish His Majesty would, like the previous Red Emperor, grant positions to the sons of the Xue Family. As relatives of the founding sovereign, being mere commoners would indeed invite scorn."

"It wouldn’t reflect well on His Majesty."

Nan Hanwen furrowed his brow.

This was a straightforward request for benefits.

It’s an attempt to emulate historical precedents of founding eras, a common practice termed rewarding merit, an established tradition. The Red Emperor’s lineage, Chen Country, Ying Country, all followed this principle.

However, for our Great Qin...

Nan Hanwen’s gaze turned cold. He felt a sense of quietness around him and looked up, seeing the Xue Family’s sons neither supporting nor stopping Xue Yuheng, merely watching in anticipation.

Even if someone found the straightforward request for benefits somewhat embarrassing, stepping forward, they whispered urgently, "Yuheng, what a grand occasion today! How could you act like this? Isn’t it shameful? Quickly get up; His Majesty requires no reminders of such matters."

He tried to pull Xue Yuheng up.

Failed to move him.

Xue Yuheng stood firm, not resisting the pull. He merely watched Nan Hanwen intently with peripheral vision. The surrounding Xue Family shared this look, not opposing him but with eyes filled with desire, silently waiting.

Especially, Xue Daoyong did not immediately intervene to stop this.

It was like a growing flame, the fire of ambition, a yearning for position, quickly spreading with breathing and glances.

Nan Hanwen sighed.

Riches and fame stir the heartstrings; the Xue Family already has wealth and now definitely desires power and status. It’s human nature, but... he finally turned his gaze towards Xue Daoyong.

This fierce tiger of turbulent times stroked his long beard, saying nothing, seemingly tacitly approving.

If it had been any ordinary person, this would indicate that Xue Daoyong also hoped for the Xue Family to reach the heights of nobility. Yet, Nan Hanwen, a student of the poison warrior Tantai Xianming amid chaotic times, having weathered decades of tumult, was too shrewd.

He sensed a trace of something amiss.

Just as the flame within the heart of the Xue Family grew increasingly turbulent, footsteps suddenly echoed.

"Impertinent!"

A calm voice dropped like a sharp sword, severing the unseen hope, desire, and expectation within the Xue Family members, momentarily halting their thoughts.

Nan Hanwen paused, glancing up to see a young woman in a green gown striding out from the path leading to the Xue Family’s inner courtyard, black hair tied with a wooden hairpin, a green bamboo flute at her waist, holding a sword with a commanding presence.

The voices of the Xue Family members noticeably softened:

"Miss..."

Xue Yuheng laughed pleasantly, "Ah, my niece is here, no worries, no worries, there’s nothing to fuss about, we’re just here to bring gifts."