THE GOD'S OF CHOSEN WARRIOR

The Cunning of Prince Wang Wei

"Are you stupid or what, Wang Wei? I called you here because I wanted to discuss our arranged marriage. Two days ago, my father asked me about your father's request to betroth us."

"So, what was your answer, Princess? Are you willing to accept me, this handsome man, as your husband and the father of our future children?"

"I'm not blind, Wang Wei! If we're talking about looks, that annoying young man downstairs is more handsome than you. And you know very well that my father is the Prime Minister of the Shang Dynasty. There's no way I would agree to marry someone of lower status than me!"

Prince Wang Wei clenched his fists, holding back his anger. The princess’s words were an indirect insult. However, he was not a fool. He wouldn’t let go of the beautiful Princess Yuan Li so easily.

"Is there any special condition for you to accept this arrangement?"

Princess Yuan Li nodded. "If you can win the upcoming tournament and become a Commander, I will accept the marriage. But remember, Wang Wei, your competition is neither few nor weak. Many princes from smaller kingdoms will be participating. In short, the man who will be my husband must hold at least the rank of Commander."

A wide grin spread across Wang Wei's face. He believed his chances of winning Princess Yuan Li were high. He was confident that the vacant Commander position in the Shang Dynasty would soon be his.

"Why are you grinning like a horse?"

"Your words are sharp, Princess Yuan Li. Insult me all you want now. But once I become a Commander, you will bow beneath my feet," Wang Wei thought to himself.

"Are you deaf, Wang Wei?"

"I'm thinking, Princess. That Commander position will be mine. Those small kingdom princes won’t stand a chance against me in the tournament."

"Say whatever you want. The bottom line is, I will only accept the marriage if you become a Commander!" Princess Yuan Li responded coldly.

Meanwhile, Li Jie and Mei Lian had already left the restaurant. After asking a villager for directions to the capital, they continued their journey, which was about an hour away.

"Why did you stop me earlier? My hands were itching to punch that soldier’s mouth!"

"Li Jie, we are newcomers here. We know nothing about this place. At the very least, don’t create unnecessary trouble if we can avoid it. Please control your temper! I know you can’t stand injustice, but I’m telling you again—we must adapt to this new environment before making any reckless moves."

Li Jie took a deep breath. He knew Mei Lian was right. "You're right, Mei Lian. Sometimes, I do let my emotions get the best of me. Luckily, you’re here with me. You always manage to advise me when I make poor decisions. To me, you’re the perfect wife-to-be."

"Hmph, sweet talker! Keep flattering me… Do you think I didn’t notice how you were staring at that beautiful princess?"

Li Jie was caught off guard. Mei Lian’s words about him being insensitive were actually a sign of her jealousy toward Princess Yuan Li. He suddenly felt guilty.

Meanwhile, after Princess Yuan Li left the restaurant, Wang Wei’s guards, who had been tasked with monitoring Li Jie and Mei Lian, were shocked to find that the two had already disappeared.

The guards hurried upstairs to report to Wang Wei.

"Find them immediately... don’t lose their trail!"

Wang Wei gritted his teeth in frustration. If they failed to locate them, he might miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful girl he had just seen.

His four guards quickly searched every inn in the village, leaving no stone unturned.

Elsewhere, Li Jie and Mei Lian had finally entered the capital of the Shang Dynasty. The pair, who had traveled from a distant land, were awestruck by the sight before them.

The grand, towering buildings, unlike anything they had seen before, now lay in full view. The lively streets were packed with people, merchants calling out to sell their goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

"Let’s find an inn first, so we have a place to rest tonight."

"But I want to explore the capital first, Li Jie," Mei Lian whined, her tone slightly spoiled.

"We’ll do that after securing a room. Do you want to end up sleeping in the carriage if we can’t find an available room?"

Mei Lian giggled and shook her head. "Fine. But I want us to stay in the same room. I don’t want what happened last night to happen again."

"Oh no… If we keep sharing a room, I might end up being the one to take advantage of you instead of some stranger!" Li Jie chuckled softly, careful not to attract attention.

Mei Lian shot him a glare, but Li Jie pretended not to notice, keeping his gaze forward. Occasionally, he glanced around when something caught his attention.

Bugh!

A light punch landed on his left shoulder.

"Why did you hit me?"

"Keep pretending you don’t see me!" Mei Lian huffed.

"Are you saying you want me to take advantage of you? People say it feels like floating in the clouds." Li Jie chuckled again.

"No! It’s better if we wait until after marriage."

Li Jie glanced at Mei Lian briefly before looking straight ahead again.

"Are you sure I’d even want to marry you?" he teased in a cold tone.

Mei Lian’s face fell. She hadn’t expected him to say that. She fell silent, her hopes of being with him suddenly shattered.

She understood that as a prince, Li Jie would eventually be surrounded by beautiful women, making it easier for him to choose a bride.

Li Jie glanced at her. He saw her looking down, sadness written on her face.

"Why are you so quiet? Do you suddenly have a toothache?"

Mei Lian remained silent. The happiness she had felt after Li Jie kissed her the previous night had completely vanished.

"It’s nothing. I just don’t feel like talking."

"Alright. We’ll stay at that inn," Li Jie said, pulling the reins to stop the carriage in front of an inn.

He hopped down and headed toward the entrance, but stopped when he realized Mei Lian hadn’t followed.

"Aren’t you coming down? What if someone kidnaps you?"

Reluctantly, she stepped down and walked toward him.

A middle-aged woman with excessive makeup stepped out to greet them.

"Are you looking for a room?"

"No, Ma’am. We’re here to buy farming tools," Li Jie replied.

The woman scoffed, annoyed. "This is an inn, not a farming supply shop!"

"If you knew it was an inn, why did you even ask? Of course, we’re here to rent a room," Li Jie chuckled.

Mei Lian found his teasing amusing but held back her laughter.

"You’re quite the joker, handsome young man!" The woman smirked.

Li Jie turned around briefly, then looked back at her. "Are you calling me handsome?" He pointed at himself.

"No! I meant the horse outside." The woman laughed, satisfied with her comeback.

"Hah… You have a sharp tongue, Ma’am. Why didn’t you become a soldier instead?"

"What does that have to do with anything, you rascal? If I keep talking to you, I might go crazy. So, one room or two? And is this beautiful lady your wife?"

Before Li Jie could answer, Mei Lian cut in, "I’m not his wife. And we need two rooms, Ma’am!"

"You sure you want to sleep alone?" Li Jie asked in surprise.

"I’m sure. Better that than sharing a room with someone so insensitive."

"One room, Ma’am," Li Jie said.

"Two, Ma’am!" Mei Lian insisted.

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