Chapter 58: Embracing the Destiny of Phoenix!

Within the Yuan family, as the patriarch, Yuan Shao held absolute authority.

Despite how much Yuan Shang was favored, he could not and dared not defy his father’s will. Thus, no matter how deeply dissatisfied he felt, he had to suppress it within himself.

Seeing Yuan Shang silently kneeling on the ground, Madam Liu’s heart ached for her son. She stepped forward, helped him up, dusted off his clothes, and gently counseled him, “Your father only wants what’s best for you. He loves you dearly and seeks a marriage alliance with a more influential noble clan.”

“You’re already grown; it’s time to set aside your whims. Always prioritize the interests of our family above all else.”

Madam Liu undoubtedly cherished her youngest son, Yuan Shang.

However, she understood the importance of weighing priorities correctly.

As the matriarch of the Yuan family, she must consider the welfare of the entire clan.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shang composed himself, regaining his usual demeanor. Nodding, he said, “I understand, Mother. I shall abide by Father’s arrangements.”

“Mother, please excuse me now.”

With those words, he bowed to Madam Liu and turned to leave.

Watching her younger son walk away, Madam Liu sighed heavily.

She could clearly see the lingering resentment in Yuan Shang’s eyes, but there was nothing to be done about it. The interests of the family always come first.

After leaving the Lodging Institute, Yuan Shang didn’t return to his residence within the Yuan Manor. Instead, he exited the estate and headed for the official residence by carriage.

Shen Pei and Feng Ji were handling administrative matters in the main hall of the official residence when they spotted Yuan Shang’s arrival. They intended to report on government affairs but were taken aback as Yuan Shang ignored them and walked straight past without a word.

The two exchanged puzzled glances.

“What’s troubling Third Prince…?” Feng Ji asked Shen Pei, confusion written all over his face.

Normally, Yuan Shang engaged with them jovially and amicably; today’s reaction was markedly different from usual.

Even Shen Pei couldn’t discern the reason, so he suggested, “Let’s go see what’s wrong.”

He could clearly tell that Yuan Shang was in a particularly poor mood. What had happened?

Together, they proceeded to the rear hall where they found Yuan Shang sitting alone behind a table, lost in thought, his chin resting on one hand. It was unclear what occupied his mind.

Shen Pei and Feng Ji shared a glance, with Shen Pei about to inquire when Yuan Shang unexpectedly spoke first.

“Mr. Shen,” Yuan Shang turned towards Shen Pei, his eyes slightly red-rimmed, “Tell me, do you truly believe I’m inferior to Er Ge?”

Caught off guard by this sudden question, even with his deep composure, Shen Pei struggled momentarily for a response. Unsure how to address it directly, he asked, “Why does Third Prince ask such a question? Has something occurred?”

Yuan Shang sighed, deciding not to withhold information. “Today, when I went to visit Father, I overheard Mother discussing marriage arrangements for Er Ge and me.”

“Father intends to arrange a marriage between Er Ge and the Zhongshan Zhen Clan, with one of their daughters.”

Upon hearing this revelation, Shen Pei and Feng Ji’s expressions visibly startled.

The Zhongshan Zhen Clan was a renowned aristocratic family in Jizhou, known for its deep roots and significant influence. Most importantly, they possessed immense wealth, making them exceedingly affluent.

“My lord plans for Second Prince Yuan Xi to marry into the Zhen Clan?”

“And what about you, Third Prince? Which daughter does my lord intend for you?” Feng Ji pressed, as it seemed unlikely that only Yuan Xi would be considered for marriage without including Yuan Shang.

Yuan Shang clenched his teeth, saying, “That’s precisely why I’m furious! Father arranged for Er Ge to marry the Zhen woman but refused to do the same for me!”

“He claimed I lack maturity and promised to find a more suitable noble clan for an alliance. How am I lacking in maturity? Isn’t the status of the Zhen Clan prestigious enough?!”

In Yuan Shang’s view, claims of his immaturity and promises of finding a better alliance were mere excuses!

Excuses stemming from his parents’ favoritism towards his brother Yuan Xi!

After listening to Yuan Shang, both Shen Pei and Feng Ji finally understood the root of his discontent - it all stemmed from this matter.

“Please calm down, Third Prince,” Shen Pei began soothingly. “Our lord has always favored you dearly. How could he possibly show such favoritism? He must be seeking an even more prestigious match for you…”

“But I want to marry the daughter of the Zhen family!” Yuan Shang interrupted Shen Pei with evident annoyance.

He had grown tired of hearing this same rhetoric.

Shen Pei momentarily fell silent, realizing that his young master wasn’t genuinely interested in marrying the Zhen daughter; rather, it was about swallowing his pride over being slighted.

As they pondered how to persuade Yuan Shang, another voice suddenly spoke up: “If the Second Prince marries into the Zhen family and gains their substantial support, he will undoubtedly overshadow the Third Prince further.”

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Shen Pei, Feng Ji, and Yuan Shang all shifted dramatically.

They turned collectively towards the door.

Standing there was a scholar dressed in simple attire.

Recognizing him, Shen Pei frowned and asked, “Secretary Guo, what do you mean by that?”

He knew this scholar-clerk as one of their advisors. However, the man usually kept a low profile, unremarkable in appearance. Only recently had he voluntarily taken on duties at Yuan Shang’s residence, so their interactions were limited.

This scholar was none other than Guo Jia, who smiled slightly upon being addressed. “What I mean, Secretary Shen should well understand.”

“The wealth and influence of the Zhongshan Zhen Clan in Jizhou surpasses that of any ordinary aristocratic families, making them unrivaled here. As my lord’s stronghold, he has invested considerable time and resources in Jizhou, establishing deep roots—its significance is self-evident.

“If the Second Prince gains the support of this influential local clan, I dare ask, what chance will the Third Prince have to contest control over Jizhou in the future? This marriage alliance likely holds another profound intention from our lord.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shang’s expression shifted dramatically, and with growing anxiety, he turned to Shen Pei and Feng Ji, asking, “Gentlemen…is what Secretary Guo says true?”

The ownership of Jizhou essentially represented the distribution of power within Yuan Shao’s lineage.

Whichever of the three Yuan sons controlled Jizhou would become the legitimate heir!

Initially, Yuan Shang thought the arranged marriage was merely his father showing favoritism. However, after Guo Jia’s insight, he sensed something more significant at play.

Shen Pei wore a complex expression, remaining silent;

Feng Ji, too, appeared visibly uneasy.

In truth, they shared similar concerns but dared not voice them. Such baseless speculation could easily strain the relationship between Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, potentially inciting Yuan Shao’s wrath.

As advisors, stirring discord among brothers would invite suspicion about their intentions—a consequence neither strategist could afford.

The consequences were too heavy for any advisor to bear.

Seeing their reactions, Yuan Shang instantly understood.

“My father, he…he actually…” Yuan Shang clenched his jaw, his eyes burning with indescribable fury!

No wonder Er Ge Yuan Xi was chosen to marry the daughter of the Zhen family.

It seemed Yuan Shao had already secretly designated him as the successor!

All claims about finding a more suitable marriage alliance for Yuan Shang were mere excuses - deceitful pretexts!

At that moment, Yuan Shang felt deeply betrayed and enraged.

He abruptly rose from behind the table, approached Guo Jia, tightly grasped his hands, and almost pleaded, “Please assist me, sir!”

Yuan Shang’s disappointment grew due to Shen Pei’s silence. In contrast, Secretary Guo, who had just joined them recently, spoke what Shen Pei dared not utter, giving Yuan Shang a glimmer of hope.

“Third Prince, there is no need to panic; we still have room to maneuver,” Guo Jia said with a smile, casting a glance at Shen Pei and Feng Ji. “Governor Shen and Envoy Feng aren’t withholding information out of unwillingness; it’s simply inappropriate for subjects to discuss such matters.”

“Moreover, this is merely speculation. Our lord may not truly harbor such intentions.”

He graciously offered an explanation for their hesitance.

Yuan Shang nodded and reassured Shen Pei and Feng Ji, “Gentlemen, rest assured. I understand your predicament, and I will not hold it against you.”

“However, although it’s just conjecture now, we cannot dismiss the possibility that Father might have secretly chosen Er Ge as his successor. Since both of you have chosen to support me, let us see this through together!”

“I shall never forget this kindness!” Yuan Shang expressed, deeply bowing to them with utmost sincerity.

“Third Prince, you’re too kind!” Shen Pei and Feng Ji hastily returned the gesture, helping Yuan Shang back up.

Given Yuan Shang’s earnest plea, refusing assistance at this point would be ungrateful on their part.

With these matters laid bare, the subsequent discussion became straightforward - how to prevent Yuan Xi from marrying the Zhen maiden!

Yuan Shang invited Guo Jia, Shen Pei, and Feng Ji to the study room behind the main hall to deliberate further.

“Mr. Guo, you mentioned earlier that there might be room for maneuvering. Do you already have a strategy in mind?” Yuan Shang respectfully asked Guo Jia.

Guo Jia smiled. “Persuading our lord to agree with the Third Prince marrying Zhen’s daughter will be difficult, almost impossible. However, preventing the Second Prince from marrying her is quite simple.”

“Please enlighten me!” Yuan Shang’s eyes lit up as he eagerly sought guidance.

Truthfully, he had no strong feelings about political marriages and didn’t particularly care whether he wedded Zhen Mi or not. His main concern was ensuring his elder brother Yuan Xi did not marry her!

Instead of answering directly, Guo Jia posed a question, “If my guess is correct, the Zhen maiden whom the Second Prince intends to marry is the youngest daughter of the former Zhen family patriarch, Zhen Yi - Zhen Mi?”

“That’s right,” Yuan Shang nodded.

Upon hearing this name, Shen Pei expressed surprise, “So it’s her?”

Yuan Shang, puzzled, asked, “Has Mr. Shen heard of her too?”

Feng Ji, standing nearby, explained, “The Third Prince may not be aware, but this Zhen maiden is quite renowned in Jizhou. Not only is she extraordinarily beautiful, but she is also exceptionally intelligent.”

“I’ve heard that Zhen Mi had a great love for reading since she was nine years old, possessing exceptional memory and comprehension skills, instantly grasping any text she read,” Feng Ji began summarizing the young woman’s accomplishments to Yuan Shang. “Moreover, she matured early. During the turmoil and suffering of recent years, she advised her elder brother to open their granaries and provide relief to the local people. This act greatly enhanced the Zhen family’s reputation, leading to increased wealth rather than loss—a truly remarkable lady.”

Yuan Shang, hearing this for the first time, felt both astonished and even more envious of his second brother, Yuan Xi.

“Indeed, Father clearly favors him!”

Marrying such an outstanding woman to Yuan Xi—how could it not be favoritism?

Taking a deep breath to suppress his resentment, Yuan Shang continued, “So, Mr. Guo, how do you plan to prevent this marriage?”

Guo Jia smiled and turned to Shen Pei, asking, “Governor Shen, have you ever heard a certain prophecy related to Zhen Mi?”

“The prophecy, yes, I am aware of it.” Shen Pei nodded, then suddenly realizing something, looked at Guo Jia with surprise, “Could it be you intend to…”

“That’s right.”

Listening to their cryptic conversation, Yuan Shang’s face was filled with bewilderment.

What prophecy?

What do they plan to do?

What are they even discussing?

Speak plainly, will you?!

Yuan Shang desperately sought help from Feng Ji, but Feng Ji could only offer a wry smile and shrug, indicating he too couldn’t understand their exchange.

This dialogue belonged exclusively to the realm of the intelligent and insightful.

With a complex expression, Shen Pei glanced at Guo Jia before explaining to Yuan Shang, “Regarding this Zhen woman, apart from her early wisdom, there is also a widely circulated prophecy.”

“Once, a renowned physiognomist examined her and declared her fate beyond measure, endowed with the destiny of a phoenix, destined to become an Empress in the future.”

“What?!” Yuan Shang’s eyes widened, unable to hide his shock.

Endowed with the destiny of a phoenix, fated to be an Empress!

Did this not imply that Zhen Mi could potentially become a Queen in the future?

Guo Jia continued, “This prophecy is highly famous, and fortunately for Third Prince, it can be leveraged to prevent the marriage between Second Prince and the Zhen family.”

“All you need to do is spread rumors about the impending marriage and hire people to discuss the prophecy, creating public discourse. Given our lord’s concern for reputation, he would undoubtedly reconsider allowing Second Prince to marry Zhen Mi.”

In this era, people held deep reverence and belief in divination, physiognomy, fortune-telling, and similar practices. Moreover, there were indeed gifted individuals with extraordinary abilities.

The prophecy of “empress’s destiny” meant that Zhen Mi would either marry an emperor or wed someone destined to become one.

With Yuan Shu having just declared himself Emperor, if Yuan Shao allowed his son to marry Zhen Mi, who bore the empress’s destiny, what message was he conveying? Did he also aspire to be emperor?

If no one mentioned this prophecy, it might not matter. However, once brought up and deliberately spread, Yuan Shao would immediately face intense scrutiny and controversy!

“What a brilliant plan!” Yuan Shang exclaimed gleefully but then hesitated, expressing concern, “But wouldn’t this disrupt any alliance between our Yuan clan and the Zhen family?”

“My father will undoubtedly be furious if he discovers I orchestrated this.”

Yuan Shang wanted to halt the marriage, yet he feared damaging the interests of the Yuan clan and risking his father’s wrath. After all, he remained a member of the Yuan lineage.

“This is simple.” Without hesitation, Guo Jia offered a solution: “The Third Prince aims to prevent the union between the Second Prince and the Zhen family while avoiding harm to the Yuan clan’s interests.”

“In such a case, when the time comes, suggest offering Zhen Mi to the Emperor. This way, the Zhen family will naturally align themselves, and no one could criticize your actions, my lord.”

By offering Zhen Mi to the Emperor, who was currently under Yuan control, it would naturally strengthen their influence as rulers of Jizhou. With no other viable option, the Zhen family had no choice but to align themselves with the Yuan clan.

“Mr. Guo’s wisdom is truly remarkable!” Yuan Shang pondered deeply over Guo Jia’s suggestion and found it increasingly perfect, his satisfaction growing.

He then expressed his admiration to Guo Jia, “With such brilliant strategies, Mr. Guo, why have I never heard your name before?”

Modestly, Guo Jia replied, “My lord has numerous advisors; my contributions are indeed insignificant compared to esteemed figures like Manager Shen and Chief Secretary Feng.”

“This time, I merely happened upon a suitable plan and felt compelled to share. It brings me joy if it can alleviate Third Prince’s concerns.”

Yuan Shang’s appreciation for Guo Jia grew even more after hearing this response, and he smiled, saying, “In that case, we shall rely heavily on you in the future, Mr. Guo.”

“Ah, I will certainly do my utmost,” Guo Jia assured him.

On the side, Shen Pei watched Yuan Shang and Guo Jia engage enthusiastically in conversation, his brows furrowed tightly.

It wasn’t out of jealousy or envy; rather, something about Guo Jia’s proposed strategy seemed peculiar to him, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint what. The plan appeared flawless, so what could possibly be the issue?