I'm the One Taking Him as My Husband!

"What... do you think, Father?"

As Li Zhiwei finished speaking, the hall fell silent once more.

Li Bingzhang sat there, his brows drawing into an increasingly deep frown.

He did not answer immediately, but instead sank into thought.

There was no denying that Jiang Xiaobai's words had shaken him considerably.

Especially his observations about the political situation and all the changes a marriage alliance between the Jiang and Li families would bring.

Even he, the chancellor, had to admit after hearing them that Jiang Xiaobai saw... far further ahead than he had imagined.

Indeed, if he too became a target over the purchase of an official post, and the matter escalated, he would never escape responsibility as the reigning chancellor.

But if the two families forged a marriage alliance, the Chancellor's Residence would indeed be safe.

Moreover, he knew perfectly well how badly His Majesty wanted to reclaim the Jiang Family's military authority.

On that basis alone, His Majesty... might truly agree.

But the problem was...

Li Bingzhang sighed and looked at Li Zhiwei. "Zhiwei, this concerns your lifelong happiness, after all..."

"You're worrying too much, Father."

Before Li Bingcheng could finish, Li Zhiwei cut him off. Her clear eyes blinked gently, then she slowly shook her head. "Since this is a partnership, I certainly won't blunder into it and sacrifice myself."

"If this truly goes ahead, I will lay down three rules with him."

At this point, Li Zhiwei's expression grew serious. "What he may do, what he may not do, which rules he must follow, and which lines he must never cross-I will make all of that clear beforehand."

She was not acting on a passing impulse. She had considered these questions carefully, or she would not have come here specifically to discuss them.

Only then did Li Bingzhang's expression ease a little.

But before he could fully breathe a sigh of relief, Li Zhiwei softly added, "Besides..."

Her voice paused briefly, and a faint, unusual look flickered across her brow. "Besides, he really isn't quite like the rumors."

"I actually find him... rather interesting."

As she said this, unmistakable interest filled Li Zhiwei's eyes.

Of course, this was not affection, but curiosity.

She was curious about how someone the world had long since judged could suddenly reveal an entirely different side to her beneath all those layers of scandalous reputation.

It was a strange feeling, one she had never experienced before!

Yet as Li Bingzhang watched his daughter's expression, his heart involuntarily lurched.

Oh no!

Yes, he understood his daughter all too well.

If she were merely considering the family's interests, merely pursuing this so-called partnership, she would never wear such an expression.

Now that Li Zhiwei had shown interest, it meant that Jiang Xiaobai had already left a rather different impression in his daughter's heart.

The moment that thought surfaced.

Li Bingzhang's already complicated feelings grew even more tangled.

Before he could say anything, Li Zhiwei spoke again. "However..."

"I'm afraid things will be a little more difficult for you, Father."

"After all, the conflict between you and Marquis Jiang runs deep. If this is truly to happen, someone will have to bow his head first and pay the other a visit."

"And since Heir Jiang would be marrying into our family, that means you should be the one to take the initiative!"

At those words, Li Bingzhang's expression immediately turned awkward.

She had struck him right where it hurt.

Only a short while ago, he had been sipping tea while treating Jiang Jingcheng and his son as a laughingstock.

Especially when Jiang Jingcheng had come to see him earlier, every word he spoke had carried a barb, without the slightest regard for the man's dignity.

And how much time had passed since then?

If he now had to turn around and personally visit Jiang Jingcheng to discuss a marriage alliance...

Swallowing his pride would be no small feat!

At that thought.

Li Bingzhang gave a light cough, his expression looking somewhat unnatural.

"Well... that is rather troublesome."

As the reigning chancellor, he had always placed great importance on dignity, while Jiang Jingcheng happened to be a military man with a foul temper and a stubborn streak.

Over the years, the two had fought both openly and in secret, neither able to stand the sight of the other.

If he had to take the initiative and visit him.

Merely picturing that scene made Li Bingzhang feel uncomfortable.

Yet when he thought again of the words Li Zhiwei had just relayed, his expression gradually grew serious once more.

Because he knew that if this were merely a matter of wounded pride, he could let it be.

But if things truly were as Jiang Xiaobai had said, and the trap surrounding the Jiang Family was not theirs alone-if tugging one hair would set the whole body in motion-then he could no longer concern himself only with a moment's resentment.

"Ah!"

Li Bingzhang sighed and suppressed that lingering discomfort. "I'll think it over."

Those words alone showed that he was already wavering.

"Then I'll take my leave, Father!"

Li Zhiwei naturally heard it too. She did not press him further, merely dipping into a bow with the maid beside her before slowly withdrawing.

Once she had left the hall and reached the corridor outside, the maid who had been following beside her finally could not hold back.

She first glanced to either side. Seeing no one nearby, she hurried closer and lowered her voice. "Miss, are... are you really planning to marry that wastrel?"

Her tone was filled with shock, and even a measure of disbelief.

Clearly, the idea had dealt her quite a blow.

Yet upon hearing this, Li Zhiwei stopped and turned to look at her, a faint smile slowly appearing on her face.

"You've got it wrong."

"Huh?"

The maid was visibly taken aback.

Then Li Zhiwei gently raised her eyes. Her voice was quiet, yet carried an indescribable composure.

"I'm not marrying into his family!"

"I'm taking him as my husband."

At those words.

The maid froze on the spot, utterly dumbfounded.

Her mouth hung slightly open, and for a long while she could not recover.

Li Zhiwei offered no further explanation. With a hint of a smile, she simply continued walking forward.

Moonlight spilled over her figure, making her elegant grace all the more striking...

The night passed.

Early the next morning.

Jiang Xiaobai rose early in the Northern Guardian Marquis's Estate.

Although he had not gone to bed particularly late after returning the previous night, he had matters weighing on his mind, so he woke a little earlier than usual.

Once he had washed, dressed, and eaten a simple breakfast.

A respectful voice suddenly sounded outside the door. "Young lord!"

Hearing it, Jiang Xiaobai set down his teacup, his gaze shifting slightly, then rose and walked toward the door.

In the courtyard, the guard who had accompanied him to the Chancellor's Residence yesterday stood respectfully waiting.

Jiang Xiaobai was not surprised by the sight.

After all, he had specifically instructed this guard yesterday to come and wait here early this morning.

"You're here quite early."

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at the guard and spoke with a smile.

The guard hurriedly cupped his fists. "With your orders, young lord, how could I dare delay?"

"By the way, I still don't know your name," Jiang Xiaobai said, looking at the guard.

"Your subordinate is Zhang Xinnian!" the guard replied respectfully.

"Zhang Xinnian? A fine name!"

Jiang Xiaobai offered a word of praise. "Come, accompany me on an outing."

With that, Jiang Xiaobai strode straight out of the courtyard.

"Yes!"

Zhang Xinnian answered respectfully and hurried after him.

Still, he felt somewhat puzzled.

Indeed, this was the most critical moment.

Of the three-day deadline, only the final two days remained.

His young lord had caused such a commotion at yesterday's Poetry Gathering, yet instead of staying quietly at home today, he was going out again?

What... is he planning to stir up now?

Though puzzled, as a guard he did not dare ask too much and could only follow Jiang Xiaobai outside.

Soon.

The two reached the gates of the Marquis's Residence, where a carriage had already been prepared.

After Jiang Xiaobai climbed aboard, Zhang Xinnian asked, "Young master, where are we going?"

"To see someone."

Huh?

Zhang Xinnian was taken aback. "May I ask who you wish to see, young lord..."

"Oh..."

Inside the carriage, a sharp gleam flashed in Jiang Xiaobai's eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Li Zhiwei's teacher, the former Grand Tutor... Elder Lin!"