Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 493: Discussing marriage

He couldn’t give him up more especially if it was Lee Ya who wanted to pounce after him the moment he let him go. His father would probably be angry when he found out about his refusal. This meant they were going to war then.

While Qie Xieling was sitting pretty on Luo Muchen’s lap Jolie was up to no good. She couldn’t get what she wanted so she decided to mess with Zi Mixen’s carriage. Once it broke down she would be forced to share with someone else. She would have succeeded in making her very uncomfortable. The Zi family had only one carriage left after they got attacked by the bandits. She smiled like a villain before skipping away seeming so innocent.

***

Master Lee’s heart raced as he held the golden parchment in his trembling hands. The elegant calligraphy on the invitation bore the seal of the Golden Larch Palace, a place steeped in mystery and whispers of a forgotten era. The invitation had come from none other than Master Zi himself, a man known for his enigmatic nature and heartlessness. He was just as cunning as his father before him who had betrayed the king.

Curiosity mingled with trepidation as Master Lee read the words, inviting him to the very heart of the palace for a private discussion. The mention of his son and the young miss intrigued him further. He had initially refused Luo Muchen to marry that Zi girl because she was weak. If she were to die in their family home wouldn’t this crazy bastard blame them?

The Zi family weren’t physically strong but they were the most cunning. Getting into a deal with him was like getting into a deal with the devil and the potential to get betrayed was high.

With a resolute nod, Master Lee decided to accept the invitation, despite his nerves screaming that this was a very bad idea. Instead of heading towards the martial arts competition with the other elders, he took a detour heading towards the Golden Larch. The longer the journey, the more arduous it was but anticipation fueled his every step.

As he arrived at the ghostly palace that was prestigious and boisterous in the past his heart shivered. It didn’t take long before he entered the back courtyard but for him, it felt like an eternity.

The atmosphere crackled with energy. Men dressed in different coloured robes engaged in archery, their arrows piercing the air with precision. Master Lee’s gaze fell upon a painting of the dethroned King. Something about those eyes tugged at the depths of Master Lee’s memory, but he dismissed the thought for the moment.

Cupping his hands respectfully, Master Lee approached Master Zi, who stood at a distance, his gaze fixed on the archers. "Master Zi," he greeted, his voice filled with deference. "I am honoured to stand in the presence of such an esteemed company."

Master Zi’s piercing eyes, the colour of stormy skies, turned toward Master Lee. He shot one last arrow, his aim unerring, before discarding the bow with a dismissive flick of his wrist. The tension in the air was palpable, the unspoken question hanging between them.

"Why," Master Zi began, his voice tinged with a hint of accusation, "do you seek a union between our families after you rejected our proposal? I guess my daughter wasn’t worth it for your bastard son."

Master Lee’s brows furrowed. Why did everyone refer to his son as a bastard when he had a father who was him? Illegitimate was more like it but not bastard. And who in this world didn’t have illegitimate children? Just this man alone had five which he suppressed in favour of his daughter whom he treated like a princess.

Master Lee’s mind raced, searching for the right words. "Master Zi," he replied, his voice steady, "I understand that our families have crossed paths before, but I believe in the power of unity. Our children, when joined in marriage, can forge a bond that transcends the past. They can bring about a new era of harmony and prosperity."

Master Zi’s gaze hardened, and he regarded Master Lee with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "Harmony and prosperity pēi," he repeated, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Do you truly think such things are attainable? Or do you harbour ulterior motives?... Your clan is weak and you fear that it will fall under your in-laws’ influence if your daughter takes over after you... Humans are just like any other beast. They fear their legacy will be annihilated once they vanish into obscurity. Isn’t that what you are afraid of?"

Master Lee’s heart sank, realising that his intentions were exposed. "...Now that Master Bi betrayed you and replaced your son’s bride with that hoe you have come back to beg at my feet."

Master Lee took a step closer, his voice laced with sincerity. "Master Zi, I assure you, my only desire is to see our families grow closer. The mistakes of the past need not define our future. Let us forge a new path, one where trust and understanding prevail."

Silence hung heavy in the air as Master Zi studied Master Lee, his eyes searching for any sign of deceit. A long moment passed before Master Zi’s stern expression softened, and a glimmer of laughter shone through. His eerie laughter broke through the silence and the men surrounding him laughed as well. It was like being surrounded by vile demons taunting him. He suddenly regretted coming here. Every nerve in his body tensed as Master Zi patted his shoulder hard.

"Very well, Master Lee," he finally spoke, his words laden with derision. "You have piqued my interest. Let us delve deeper into this matter. But remember if your son so much as hurts my daughter... I will personally drive a dagger in his heart."

Master Lee shivered the chill spreading deep to his bones. They had nothing to worry about. His son knew what was important and he would most definitely treat her with uttermost care. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Master Zi gestured for Master Lee to follow him, leading him to sit down while the others continued disgracing the fallen king’s image. Master Lee took a deep breath as he watched a servant pour out some wine for the two of them. Master Zi handed him a cup and at first, he was hesitant but in the spirit of cooperation, he took it.

Master Zi clicked his cup with his causing some of the wine to spill on Master Lee’s fingers.