In Peng City, the capital of the Great Chu, Fan Li received a letter from Hangu Pass. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
He even received intelligence from the Fan Clan Trading Company's branch in the Great Ming Dynasty. Sage Ruler Yao Guang's influence had spread even there. Several women from prominent families and officials, having read a circulated version of the Holy Yin Scripture, had secretly fled the country.
Emperor Jiajing of the Great Ming, like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, had chosen to ignore the exodus.
"Fan Li, why aren't these emperors stopping the women from leaving?" Lu Fubao asked, sitting beside Fan Li.
Since the conclusion of Yao Guang's sermon, Lu Chunqiu had returned to Lu City with his disciples. During the Three Emperors' Summit, Lu Chunqiu had promised Emperor Jiajing that he wouldn't publicly align himself with the Great Chu for ten years.
He had departed, but left his daughter behind, entrusting her care to Fan Li.
Fan Li had asked Lu Fubao about her plans, suggesting she return to the imperial palace, but she had simply rolled her eyes. She remained at the Fan residence, seemingly content with her current arrangement.
"Losing tens of thousands of citizens is unfortunate," Fan Li replied, burning the letter in a candle flame. "But their hearts are no longer with us. Forcing them to stay would be pointless, potentially creating unrest. Sometimes, it's best to cut your losses, just as a brave warrior would amputate a poisoned finger."
He picked up his teacup, only to discover the tea had gone cold. He frowned. Since his arrival in this world, he had grown accustomed to a comfortable life. However, with Lu Fubao constantly by his side, the servants, under orders to avoid any gossip regarding the Imperial Noble Consort's presence in the Fan residence, were often absent.
"Let me warm up some tea for you," Lu Fubao offered.
"Ah, yes, thank you," Fan Li replied, nodding.
He sensed something amiss in her demeanor.
He was right.
Over the past few days, Lu Fubao had been struggling with her emotions. She wanted to stay by Fan Li's side and had no intention of returning to the imperial palace, where she was merely an Imperial Noble Consort in name only.
However, she felt useless, a mere ornament in his presence. This lack of purpose unsettled her.
"She…" Fan Li watched Lu Fubao scurry away with the teapot, her usual grace replaced by a hint of clumsiness.
Lu Fubao was intelligent, resilient, and talented. Why was she content with menial tasks?
He realized that some of the women who had fled to the Pure Land, though misguided, might have been seeking a sense of purpose, a chance to start anew.
Was the Fan residence truly the right place for Lu Fubao?
"Ding!"
"Xiang Ning is requesting a video call. Accept?"
Fan Li's thoughts were interrupted by the Dust Destiny Necklace hanging around his neck.
"Accept."
A moment later, an image materialized, revealing Xiang Ning's face, her usual beauty marred by anxiety.
"Fan Li! What's going on? Why have tens of thousands of women fled the Great Chu for the Pure Land? And women from the Great Ming, Han, Wei, and Wu! Is Sage Ruler Yao Guang planning to conquer the world?"
Fan Li chuckled.
Conquer the world?
It wouldn't be that simple.
"You're laughing? I entrusted the Great Chu to you, and this is how you repay my trust?"
Xiang Ning's eyes reddened. The empire, passed down through generations, was now experiencing a mass exodus of its citizens.
She was upset, but she knew it wasn't entirely Fan Li's fault. Even if she were still Emperor, facing Yao Guang's blatant actions, she wouldn't have been able to stop it.
"Your Majesty…"
"...Yes?"
"Did you receive the gift box I sent you and Qing Qiu through unofficial channels?"
Xiang Ning blushed.
"You mean the 'Fan Clan Global Limited Edition Whitening Toner and Emulsion Skincare Set'? I… I received it."
She unconsciously touched her cheek, its smoothness rivalling an infant's skin.
"Good," Fan Li replied with a smile. "It's a limited edition, made with ingredients used for crafting Heavenly-grade medicinal pills. Even the Fan Clan Trading Company only has a few sets. I hope you like it."
"It's that valuable?!" Xiang Ning gasped.
Fan Li nodded. "Although these skincare products are applied externally, they are absorbed through the skin. Their effects are comparable to consuming Heavenly-grade pills. You mentioned that the pills were bitter, and you dislike taking medicine. I thought this would be a suitable alternative."
Xiang Ning was speechless. Heavenly-grade pills were incredibly precious. Even seasoned cultivators struggled to obtain them. The Fan Clan Trading Company had been supplying her with a steady stream, which had led her to complain about their bitterness. She hadn't expected Fan Li to take her casual remark so seriously.
"Your Majesty, regarding the population loss, I have a strategy in place. Please rest assured."
Fan Li explained his plans regarding dual citizenship and the skincare products.
Xiang Ning stared at him, astounded.
How… despicable! No, how brilliant! No, how far-sighted!
She struggled to find the right words. She knew Fan Li was a skilled administrator, but she hadn't expected him to turn Yao Guang's aggressive tactic into an opportunity.
"Soon, everyone in the Brahma Sound Pure Land will be dependent on our exclusive skincare line. The profits will flow into the Great Chu. One day, even the citizens of the Pure Land will flock to the Great Chu! This is how you win the hearts of the people!"
Fan Li concluded his explanation, expecting praise.
"You are truly despicable…" Xiang Ning murmured.
He froze.
Had she just voiced his inner thoughts?
They stared at each other, their embarrassment palpable. The awkward silence was broken by Lu Fubao, who approached with a freshly brewed pot of tea.
"The tea is ready. Would you like some?" she asked, kneeling gracefully beside Fan Li, pouring him a cup.
"Imperial Noble Consort Lu?! Why are you at Fan Li's residence?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Lu Fubao's hand trembled, spilling tea onto the table.
"Your… Your Majesty?!"
Though she knew Xiang Ning's true gender, Lu Fubao felt as if she had been caught in a compromising position. Seeing Xiang Ning on the screen, her face flushed with shame, and she instinctively hid behind Fan Li.
Fan Li mentally cursed.
He was innocent, but her actions made him look guilty.
"Fan Li!!!"
As expected, Xiang Ning was furious.
Trapped between two women, Fan Li was speechless. The tense atmosphere persisted until a third woman entered the scene.
Sage Ruler Qing Qiu approached Xiang Ning and sat down.
Fan Li was surprised to see that Qing Qiu, who normally eschewed makeup, had a layer of shimmering gloss on her lips.
He recognized it. It was lipstick from the gift set.
"You were so eager to have a video call with Fan Li. Why are you arguing now?" Qing Qiu asked, her expression impassive.
Her words mortified Xiang Ning. "Master!" She pointed at Fan Li. "He… He kidnapped my Imperial Noble Consort!"