Chapter One: The Proud Princess Li Xiuning
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“Chen Xuan, born of a concubine, has stolen family wealth and leaked critical family secrets. According to clan rules, this warrants death by whipping, but in consideration of his parents’ meritorious service to the clan, the death penalty is hereby commuted. He is now ordered to select one wife and three concubines. He is to be exiled to the borderlands of Great Qian to serve as the head of a branch clan, to expand the family’s lineage and redeem his guilt!”
On the high platform, the Chen clan patriarch finished reading the decree embroidered on brocade, then fixed a cold gaze on Chen Xuan in the main hall.
“The family spares your life; you had better be grateful.”
“Choose your wife and concubines quickly and proceed to the borderlands to assume your role as branch clan leader!”
Chen Xuan, dressed in a simple azure robe, stood tall and handsome, his clear brows and refined features making him stand out in the crowd.
He slowly cupped his hands and replied calmly, “I am willing to obey the clan’s arrangement.”
Having been transported to this world for three days, he finally understood his identity.
The Chen family was one of the three great clans of the Great Qian Dynasty, wielding immense power.
He was the thirteenth child of the Chen family, born to a concubine; his parents had died early, and his uncles and cousins paid him no heed.
Because the original self had glanced a few times at the daughter of the Duke of Luo’an, whom his elder brother secretly admired, the eldest brother grew jealous and accused him of stealing family wealth, resulting in his imprisonment.
Though the Chen family’s power was overwhelming, its population was sparse; the new generation numbered only thirteen.
Hence the punishment of marrying and selecting concubines to propagate the family line was decreed.
Was this truly a punishment?
Chen Xuan thought otherwise—it was more like a reward.
Even if the border was fraught with war and peril, it was far preferable to the scheming and intrigue of the Chen family’s inner circle.
As long as he could escape this whirlpool.
Out in the world beyond, the sky was vast and birds could fly freely; anywhere could be home.
At that moment—
The Chen clan patriarch raised his voice:
“Bring the condemned women to the hall!”
The voice echoed several times in the spacious hall before fading away. Two guards clad in black with swords at their waists ushered in over a dozen condemned women.
Each one bore shackles and leg irons, their appearance pitiful.
Nevertheless, their graceful figures and radiant beauty, even beneath tattered clothing, still captivated onlookers.
Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
These women were noble scions who had offended the Chen family in the past and were framed and imprisoned—daughters of merchants, daughters of officials, even an imperial princess.
Marrying a wife and selecting concubines could be a blessing.
But to marry such women without absolute strength to control them was to invite disaster.
His gaze settled on the tallest woman at the front, standing proud and upright.
Her rounded, firm hips were striking even beneath her torn garments; her erect chest and resolute, beautiful face made her stand out in the crowd.
Li Xiuning, princess of the enemy nation, Tang.
Her noble demeanor attested to her exalted status. She had rashly entered Great Qian territory and inadvertently injured a member of the Chen family, leading to her capture and imprisonment.
Upon learning her identity, the Chen family feared retaliation and attempted to cover up the incident.
Only the Chen family knew of this matter.
Chen Xuan frowned slightly. Such an extremely dangerous figure should not have been paraded out as a condemned woman for marital selection.
Why was she here?
His eyes involuntarily shifted to the left side of the hall, where a young man in splendid attire with a venomous gaze stood among the crowd.
He understood.
It was his older brother Chen Tian’s doing.
Apparently, he wanted to use Li Xiuning to ruin him!
Chen Xuan shook his head silently.
This was no trap; it was a powerful backing—Li Xiuning and the Tang dynasty were being offered as a dowry to him!
The Chen patriarch returned to his seat and said coldly:
“Chen Xuan, according to clan rules, you may select one wife and three concubines. Once chosen, selections cannot be changed or revoked, or you shall face the severest punishment.”
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“Now, begin.”
“Understood.” Chen Xuan responded, and under the envious gazes of the clan members, he approached the dozen or so condemned women to examine them carefully.
The condemned women lowered their heads in shame and resentment, while nervously studying Chen Xuan.
For them, as condemned women, their fate was akin to a death sentence; even if they survived, they would be treated as playthings by the Chen clan.
Chen Xuan stroked his chin.
All of them were beautiful, each with unique charm.
Only four could be chosen; it was truly a difficult decision!
Suddenly.
Li Xiuning spat on the ground in front, her face cold with disdain.
“Lowly trash! I am the Princess of Pingyang of Tang. If you dare lay a hand on me, I will have my father annihilate your entire clan!”
Her threatening words had just fallen when the Chen patriarch’s eyes narrowed.
He glanced at the guards behind her, who immediately moved.
A whip cracked fiercely against her back.
“Smack!”
Her prison garment tore, revealing tender skin, and a red welt slowly appeared.
The guard said coldly, “The Chen family must not be insulted—it is death!”
He cracked the whip again.
“Smack!”
Chen Xuan stepped forward two paces, grabbed the whip, and turned to look at the Chen patriarch.
“Clan leader, I choose her as my wife.”
At these words, the hall erupted in shock.
“Is this boy crazy? Li Xiuning is a Tang princess with complex backing; choosing her is a death sentence!”
“Exactly. Though she is beautiful, she is not to be trifled with.”
“Better to choose the old woman at the back, at least she’s safeI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.