Rear Courtyard of the Prince’s Residence.
Quiet Reflection Courtyard.
The Princess Consort of the Borderland Prince sat on a stone bench, while Qiu An respectfully stood in front of her.
“An’er, do you realize that your actions just now have offended five prominent military families?”
“Mother, must I have offended them just because I didn’t choose one of their daughters? Wouldn’t that mean I’ve offended even more people in the past?”
Qiu An looked at the Princess Consort with a carefree expression.
“You think what you did today is the same as before?”
The Princess Consort glared at Qiu An, clearly displeased.
“In the past, you rejected everyone, so no one could complain. Besides, back then your talent was…”
At this point, the Princess Consort’s expression darkened, not wanting to mention the past, so she changed the topic.
“If today you had chosen any one of those five girls, or even none at all, they wouldn’t have minded too much.”
“But in front of them, you chose a disfigured maid instead. Isn’t that an insult? As if saying they’re not even as good as a scarred servant girl?”
“They really aren’t. Just look at them—more muscular than me, not a trace of femininity. I’d rather stay single forever than marry one of them.”
Qiu An muttered under his breath with his head lowered.
The Princess Consort shook her head. Even though Qiu An was muttering, as someone at the Martial King level, she heard every word clearly.
“An’er, tell me honestly—do you truly want to marry that maid, or is it just to avoid marrying those five daughters of the military families?”
Though angry, the Princess Consort still wanted to understand Qiu An’s true thoughts.
“Mother, I really do want to marry that maid. In this life, I will marry no one but her. If she can’t be the Crown Princess, then I’d rather never marry at all.”
Qiu An raised his head, looking resolutely at the Princess Consort, thinking to himself:
“What a joke! That green-clothed maid is the key to activating the system—my future depends on her. How could I marry anyone else? It’s just a couple of scars. Even if her whole face were scarred, I’d still marry her. She’s my destined partner.”
“What?!”
The Princess Consort was so shocked she stood up from the stone bench, staring at Qiu An in disbelief.
“An’er, even if you don’t like those five girls, I can still help you find other suitable candidates. Why must it be that maid?”
“An’er, listen to your mother. I’ll find you a girl as beautiful as a flower in the coming days.”
The Princess Consort tried earnestly to persuade him.
“Mother, do you look down on her because she’s a maid? Or because of the scars on her face?”
Qiu An stared at the Princess Consort, eyes full of disappointment.
Seeing the disappointment in his eyes, the Princess Consort felt a pang in her heart. She sighed softly and said:
“An’er, I don’t despise her because she’s a maid or because of her scars.”
“If this were before, I wouldn’t interfere in your marriage at all. But now, things are different. I must consider your future.”
“Your father and I can’t protect you forever. He has made many enemies. Once we’re gone, who will shield you from harm?”
“Everything I do is for your own good. Just listen to your mother this once, alright?”
The Princess Consort’s expression was one of loving concern, mixed with helplessness. Her eyes were full of affection for Qiu An.
“Mother, rest assured. I’ve already prepared for the future you fear. Even without anyone’s help, I’ll live just fine.”
Qiu An gently held her hand and spoke softly.
How could Qiu An not understand her concerns? Ever since his misfortune three years ago, he had begun making preparations. And now, with the system ready to be bound, he needed no one else’s help.
“What preparations have you made? You barely leave your courtyard these days.”
The Princess Consort clearly didn’t believe him.
Seeing her disbelief, Qiu An felt the urge to reveal everything, but held back, knowing the time wasn’t right.
After a moment’s thought, Qiu An remembered that his father, the Borderland Prince, might have some idea of his situation through the secret guards. So, he decided to take a gamble.
“Mother, since we can’t agree, how about we make a bet? You write to Father and explain the situation. Let him decide—will he support you or let me make my own decision?”
“If Father sides with you, I’ll accept his decision and marry whomever you choose. How about it?”
“Hmph! You mean it?”
The Princess Consort immediately brightened up. Despite being a mighty general and peak Martial Emperor to the outside world, the Borderland Prince was quite henpecked at home.
“Yes. I’ll keep my word.”
Seeing the Princess Consort’s pleased smile, Qiu An felt a tinge of regret. But it was too late now—he’d just have to risk it. Worst-case scenario? He’d just back out of the deal.
No one could stop Qiu An from activating the “Soft Rice System” and enjoying its benefits. Maybe it could restore his cultivation—he might even reach Martial Saint!
“Very well, then Mother won’t pressure you anymore. Spend this next month preparing for the wedding.”
Whether Qiu An married the maid or not, the Princess Consort planned to have him wed within a month and produce an heir. Since he could no longer cultivate, she’d pin her hopes on his offspring.
“Mother, since I’ve agreed to your bet, could you also do me a favour?”
“Hmm?”
The Princess Consort, in good spirits now, nodded.
“Could you transfer her to serve in the Qingfeng Courtyard right away?”
Though Qiu An didn’t name her, the Princess Consort knew exactly who he meant. She was about to refuse but thought it over and agreed. Turning to the nearby Lady Rong, she instructed:
“Go now and assign that maid to An’er’s Qingfeng Courtyard.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Lady Rong bowed and left to carry out the order.
“Thank you, Mother. I’ll take my leave now.”
Without waiting for a reply, Qiu An hurried off.
He had long wanted to return to Qingfeng Courtyard and explore the “Soft Rice System”—to see just what it could do. But the Princess Consort had hauled him here for a lecture first.
Watching Qiu An rush off, the Princess Consort shook her head.
“This temperament of his… I don’t know who he takes after—so impulsive.”
She sat for a while longer before heading to her study to write a letter to the Borderland Prince, asking him to support her decision.
Qingfeng Courtyard.
Study.
“Qiu Jian, deliver this letter to c. Have him get it to Father as fast as possible.”
Qiu An handed a sealed envelope to Qiu Jian.
“Yes, Young Master. I’ll inform Old Ye and make sure the letter reaches the Prince swiftly.”
Qiu Jian carefully tucked the letter into his coat and turned to leave.
“Wait.”
Just as Qiu Jian stepped out the door, Qiu An called him back.
“Do you have further instructions, Young Master?”
Qiu Jian returned.
“Tell Old Ye that whether I live a happy life from now on depends on this letter. Make sure he delivers it with all speed.”
Qiu An stressed again.
“Yes, Young Master. I will relay the message word for word.”
Qiu Jian didn’t immediately leave but hesitated slightly.
“Why are you still here? Don’t you know this is urgent?”
Seeing Qiu Jian frozen at the door, Qiu An glared at him.
“Yes, I’m off now.”
Qiu Jian smiled bitterly to himself and left. He had lingered just in case Qiu An had more to say.
Once Qiu Jian was gone, Qiu An leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and focused on the system in his mind.
“System, what are your functions?”
Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Bonus chapters on reaching milestones.
Happy reading!