Shang Bo explained, "After the destruction of the imperial city, a lot of changes in the Empire. The Shang Dynasty is going to be portioned into two empires, the Northern Phoenix Empire is going to be ruled by the Third Brother and the Southern Phoenix Empire is going to be ruled by the Eldest Brother.
Brother Lu thinks that this will ensure stability in the region while Father thinks that it could actually generate hatred within his own family for generations. But, he was helpless as Eldest Brother already promised Brother Lu to give a portion of his empire after he gets the throne. Not to mention, in this current situation, we need his help more than ever."
"Hmm, I see…" Li Xue nodded in understanding before something suddenly clicked in her head. "By the way, how did you escape alive? I thought everyone stuck in the imperial city died."
Shang Bo gave a meaningful smile, "Did you forget who I am? Our NET has a vast network enough to find out the formation lay upon the Imperial City. I restrained caution just in case and escaped with my mother." He then followed up with a sigh of disappointment, "If only we knew what it could do, we would have been able to save many more. That bastard is evil to the core.
Since you returned with Brother Lu, I guess you must have put an end to him."
Lin Xue nodded once again.
For a while, there was silence between them as they weren't acquainted enough to talk about other things, but eventually, Shang Bo took the initiative to prolong their conversation by bringing up his other brother. "Ms. Lin, may I ask if you are really going to marry my third brother?"
"Hmm?" Lin Xue halted her footsteps at once and abruptly turned her head with a frown, "why?"
"Ah, don't get me wrong." Shang Bo averted his gaze, feeling a bit shy as he explained, "According to what I have learned from the rumors, you were in love with Brother Lu's servant from the foreign realm named Allen, who mysteriously disappeared months ago alongside his sister Alina.
But, now, you agreed to marry my brother, who was chasing you for years. Brother Lu who is known to treat his servants the same as his siblings, on the other hand, instead of treating you harshly, first brought you from the imperial city, helped you take your revenge, and even went as far as giving the third brother a portion of the empire that Eldest Brother gave it to him.
Something just doesn't fit in this scenario, unless..."
At once, memories of Allen appeared in Lin Xue's head and her heartbeat spiked up. To hide her embarrassment, she furrowed her brows in displeasure and confronted the fourth prince, who didn't even finish his sentence, "Please watch out what you were about to imply, Your Highness."
Shang Bo scratched his cheek and hesitatingly spoke, "Well… I only have like half of the information. So, I couldn't help but form a theory. Either he formed a deal with a third brother to release you from the promise or he intends to control the Northern Phoenix Empire through you. The south is going to be in his control anyway as Eldest Brother wouldn't leave his side.
With the entire phoenix empire, Western Moon, Western Yan, and Eastern Sun on his side, almost half of the continent will be his puppet. If that is the case, then, I truly admire him."
When Lin Xue saw his face, she thought that the prince really looked like the guy who idolized someone.
With various good as well as disturbing thoughts filled in her head, she couldn't speak on the matter and kept her silence.
Meanwhile, Mark went to the King's study room to meet his biological father and the future father-in-law.
After greeting them with a light bow, he took a seat before them.
As the servant came forward and served him the wine, Mark directly went to the matter, "Prince Shang Bo informed me that you want to talk to me. What is it, Emperor Shang?"
Shang Fu, who looked as vibrant as ever for some reason, spoke with a smile on his face, "Don't worry. I won't talk to you about the partition. I called you here to talk to you about your marriage."
"Marriage?" Mark was slightly taken aback. Since when was this fellow interested in his marriage? Did that troubling mother of his urge him? He wondered. "What is it?" he asked after calming his mind.
Shang Fu answered, "Well, I recently learned that Xiao Wei is going to marry Lin Wuying's daughter. King Shen here is also telling me that you were looking for a proper time and date. So, I'm wondering why not hold a joint wedding?"
"Eh? Joint wedding?" Mark was taken aback once again.
King Shen Niu voiced his opinion this time, "Xiao Zhen, right now, the Phoenix Empire is in a state of turmoil. Millions of people are living in fear and panic. This even spread to our kingdom. Adding on top of that, the empire is going to be partitioned. So, we thought it is best to ease up the worries with celebration.
Holding a joint wedding will not only elevate everyone's mood but also send a strong warning to the foreign powers to keep their gaze away from the southern region of the Vermillion bird continent."
"Hmm…" Mark made a face like he was thinking about it deeply, but in reality, he wasn't. After all, there is still time till the completion of Allen's metamorphosis. Until then, he won't let Lin Xue marry anyone, much less Shang Wei. Not to mention, he swore not to start a new life until his revenge was completed.
Due to Shang Jun's greater evil act, he couldn't take credit for ruining the Shang Dynasty. He wanted to hurt Shang Fu with his own acts and that is only how he could truly have his heart at peace.
Hence, this isn't the time for marriage. But, how should he convince King Shen Niu? That is a big question.
It has been a while since he moved to Lunaris City and he has yet to be engaged to Shen Ling. Naturally, Shen Niu would worry about his intentions.
Adding on top of that, he also has to ease up Song Yue's worries. His new plan hasn't been shared with her yet and she might convince him that Shang Dynasty has already suffered enough. Knowing himself, Mark was confident that he had like 80% chance of listening to Song Yue's request. He didn't want that.
After sorting out his thoughts in a minute of silence, Mark opened his mouth, "Sister Lin is at a crucial stage of her cultivation. I think marrying her to the third Prince isn't a good thing at the moment. Not to mention, the third prince is going to be the emperor of the northern Phoenix. His attention should be on bringing stability to the region.
If he were to marry, his attention would be split and people might think that they were in dire status and their emperor is happily enjoying his wedding."
After taking Shang Fu by surprise, Mark shifted his gaze to Shen Niu, "I understand that you are worried but this isn't really the right time for my marriage too. Shang Jun was working with the Church of Doom. Now that I went under their noses and abducted his corpse, their target will be set on me. Announcing marriage right now is like inviting trouble to us.
Do you wish to risk the future of the kingdom for the sake of easing up the unnecessary worries of our citizens?"
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