The Princess Royal as His Wife, the Imperial Husband, Together Ruling Great Zhou's Vast Realm

His smile widened. "Governor Li truly is a Pillar of the State, your loyalty beyond reproach. But... Her Highness knows your ambitions are great. How could she think ordinary fame and fortune would be enough to tempt you?"

"Oh?"

Li Xinge smiled faintly.

"I'm all ears."

He wanted to see just what sort of bargaining chip this Princess Royal could offer to win him over.

Cao Jin gritted his teeth. "Her Highness said that if the Governor is willing to give her his full support, she will take you as her Cultivation Partner. Once she inherits the throne and ascends to the imperial seat, you will become Great Zhou's Imperial Husband, ruling the realm alongside Her Highness and sharing in Great Zhou's vast lands."

After Cao Jin finished speaking, he held his breath, his eyes fixed on Li Xinge, not missing the slightest change in his expression.

Cao Jin was certain that no man in the world could resist such an offer.

Beauty, power, status, and a future—Her Highness the Princess had offered him almost everything.

Yet Li Xinge's reaction was difficult for Cao Jin to read.

A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, then he was calm again.

Time passed in silence.

Cao Jin's heart gradually sank.

At last, Li Xinge spoke. "I've long heard that Her Highness the Princess is a Heavenly Human of incomparable bearing, with literary and military talents surpassing any man. I admire her greatly. Her Highness's favor leaves me overwhelmed."

Cao Jin's face brightened.

He knew it. Who in this world could refuse the Princess Royal?

But Li Xinge changed course. "However... please forgive me, but I cannot accept."

The smile froze on Cao Jin's face. For a moment, he thought he must have misheard.

"G-Governor Li, what do you mean?"