Chapter 118: Sun Ce's Little Scheme

As Sun Shangxiang was savoring another skewer of mutton, she noticed Qiao Feng approaching. Although it was clear at a glance that Qiao Feng was not a practitioner of the martial arts, there was a certain quality about her that resonated with Sun Shangxiang, who could not help but offer her a smile.

"Miss," Qiao Feng began, "I wonder if the Grand Marshal mentioned that it was the Empress and I who suggested inviting you to the palace for this banquet. We spend our days within these deep palace walls with nothing to do, so we thought of learning some horsemanship and martial arts. While His Majesty is well-versed in such arts, he is reluctant to spend too much of his time on us, and it is not convenient for other men to instruct us, so... we thought of you."

Upon hearing that there might actually be an opportunity to teach martial arts, Sun Shangxiang was so thrilled she could barely contain her excitement.

"Oh? And what level of proficiency have the Empress and you ladies reached so far?"

Seeing Sun Shangxiang’s reaction, Qiao Feng realized she was far easier to handle than Lady Mi, and her heart eased considerably.

"The Empress learned the basics while we were in Xuchang; riding is no problem for her, and she knows quite a bit of swordsmanship. As for us sisters, we have only just begun to scratch the surface, which is why we need someone like you to guide us!"

Sun Shangxiang grew even more eager. "Is that so? To what extent has the Empress mastered her riding and swordsmanship? Would Her Majesty be interested in a spar with me now?"

Sun Shangxiang often visited Sun Ce’s estate solely to spar with him. Even though he always held back and never took her seriously, she remained tireless in her pursuit, proving her deep passion for martial arts.

"The Empress has the exact same intention. If you have finished eating, there is a training field in the palace courtyard. Shall we head there to practice?"

"Excellent! Let us go at once!"

With just this single exchange, Qiao Feng had successfully identified Sun Shangxiang’s interest and her weakness.

Sun Ce, sitting not far away, had clearly overheard their conversation and added, "Since the Empress and His Majesty’s consorts wish to learn, Shangxiang, you must teach them well. If His Majesty permits, you should come to the palace often!"

Qiao Feng had not expected Sun Ce to provide such a divine assist, but it was a welcome development.

"Do not worry, brother. If the Empress and the others truly need me, I will naturally come often."

Sun Shangxiang, of course, did not mention that the palace was far more spacious than her own residence, boasting a training ground far superior to anything she possessed. Once she had answered, she followed Qiao Feng toward the training grounds, while Empress Fu Shou and Qiao Shuang walked slowly in the same direction.

The only one who seemed reluctant was Qiao Shuang. She could not understand why Liu Xie insisted they learn martial arts; she preferred a carefree life, and she found the prospect of training quite dull. Nevertheless, as a devoted admirer of Liu Xie, she followed the Empress with a pout, despite her internal reservations.

With the ladies gone, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others seemed to loosen up. They drank wine cup after cup and feasted on meat, the atmosphere becoming increasingly lively. Seeing how easily Qiao Feng had whisked Sun Shangxiang away, Liu Xie was also quite pleased. Once he relaxed, he joined in the revelry, and in Sun Ce’s eyes, he certainly appeared to harbor no ulterior motives.

As the night deepened, Sun Ce rose to take his leave, for even the finest mutton would eventually become cloying.

"Grand Marshal, pray wait a moment. Your sister is still at the training grounds. She must be delayed in teaching the Empress and the others. I shall send a maid to fetch her so she may depart with you."

Liu Xie’s words were perfectly reasonable; after all, Sun Shangxiang was not only Sun Ce’s sister but also an unmarried young lady, and it would be improper for her to remain in the palace too late.

However, Sun Ce’s response took Liu Xie by surprise. He waved his hand with a smile and said, "It is rare for the Empress and the others to have such spirit; let us not disturb them. If it grows too late, there are plenty of vacant halls in your palace, Your Majesty; it would be no issue for her to stay the night. Shangxiang is not one to be bound by trifles, and the fact that she has stayed this long shows she has truly hit it off with the Empress and the others. I shall take my leave now, Your Majesty—pray do not concern yourself!"

Before Liu Xie could offer a response, Sun Ce departed the palace with Zhou Yu and Zhang Hong in tow.

Watching Sun Ce’s jubilant silhouette, Liu Xie wondered if Sun Shangxiang was truly Sun Ce’s sister. If she were to stay the night and something were to happen—something that perhaps should not have—who would be held responsible?

Of course, given his status and character, Liu Xie would never allow such impropriety, but he was genuinely stunned by Sun Ce’s attitude. Yet, this surprise was not necessarily a bad thing; Liu Xie vaguely felt that this matter might be easier to manage than he had anticipated.

On the road back to the estate, Sun Ce shared a carriage with none other than Zhou Yu.

"Bofu, you left Shangxiang at the palace on purpose, did you not? But have you considered that His Majesty already has an Empress, and by all appearances, they are quite devoted to one another..."

Zhou Yu did not state it explicitly, but his meaning was clear.

"Let me ask you this, and answer me honestly: If I were to have Shangxiang leave the palace now, and tomorrow you came to my estate to propose marriage, offering the position of your primary wife to her, would you accept?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu’s calm demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of alarm as he waved his hands in refusal.

"Ah? Bofu, this is no joking matter! If such a bond were to exist between us, everything would change. Do not speak of this again, I beg you!"

Seeing Zhou Yu’s reaction, Sun Ce gave a wry smile. "Our talent in Jiangdong almost always responds this way. If I cannot even secure a primary wife position for her from you, why bother troubling His Majesty? His Majesty does not yet understand Shangxiang, but this is, at the very least, an opportunity. If it were to succeed, we could rest easier regarding His Majesty, could we not?"

Hearing this, Zhou Yu finally set aside his bitter smile. He understood the hidden motives behind Sun Ce’s actions, and as his loyal confidant, he realized he had no choice but to support them.