Chapter 14: Betrothal and Snowfall Memories
"Your Majesty, what do you think of our daughter, Rongrong?"
Ning Fengzhi was the very image of a qualified salesman.
Eloquent and persuasive, only this time, he wasn't selling a product—he was selling his daughter.
"Rongrong has been carefully nurtured by our sect since childhood."
"No matter her appearance, temperament, or innate talent, she is truly one in a hundred. A kind, virtuous, and gentle girl."
"She also inherited the family's martial soul—the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile."
"Your Majesty, I'm sure you know of it. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile is famed across the continent as the strongest auxiliary martial soul. Whether in daily life or on the battlefield, it's a perfect partner."
He paused briefly before smiling again.
"Oh, and one more thing, Your Majesty."
"Rongrong's martial soul has mutated—she now possesses the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile. It surpasses the family inheritance and holds the potential to continue evolving."
"She is also the future successor of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Her position has already been confirmed."
Then, Ning Fengzhi's tone suddenly shifted. He took a deep breath, his expression turning solemn and sincere.
"Your Majesty, if you are satisfied with Rongrong, our sect is willing to betroth her to you immediately."
"In the future, Rongrong will lead the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
"And you—Your Majesty—will stand as the person in power behind the sect."
Qin Chuan was stunned on the spot.
Ning Rongrong, seated to the side, was already blushing furiously. Embarrassed beyond belief, she kept twisting the soft flesh at her father's waist.
This was truly treating her like a commodity.
Qin Chuan opened his mouth but said nothing. He genuinely didn't know how to respond—or how to reject such an offer.
Because Ning Fengzhi was far too daring.
He offered too much.
Then, a voice broke the tension.
"Master Ning, even this prince is a little tempted by the conditions you've laid out."
Qian Renxue's calm voice echoed through the carriage.
"What does Qinghe mean by that?" Ning Fengzhi asked cautiously, a flicker of emotion flashing across his eyes.
It wasn't just what she said—it was how she said it.
For the first time, Qian Renxue didn't refer to him as "Teacher," but instead called herself "this prince."
There was clear displeasure in her tone.
Qian Renxue slowly stood up. She first bowed politely to Ning Fengzhi. When she lifted her head, her expression was calm and composed again.
But Ning Fengzhi's face had already darkened—so dark that it looked like water might drip from it.
"To be frank," Qian Renxue said coolly, "His Majesty Qin Chuan has already agreed to join the royal family as a tribute."
Qin Chuan froze.
Then suddenly, an old memory surged to the surface.
Over ten years ago, during a heavy snowfall…
A small figure—only six years old—braved the snow alone on her way to Tiandou City.
Many had tried to persuade her to stay, to wait until after the wedding.
But she still left.
The snow buried her footsteps, swallowed her tiny figure, and cloaked the path in silence.
No one knew what was in her heart that day—not even Qin Chuan.
All he remembered was the snow falling endlessly, the world so cold it froze tears on the ground.
That day…
Qian Renxue had chosen to leave in the wind and snow rather than witness him marry another.
How could she possibly accept Ning Rongrong now?
Perhaps the moment Ning Fengzhi pushed his daughter into Qin Chuan's arms, Qian Renxue had already decided she wouldn't allow it.
"Your Majesty Qin Chuan, is that true?" Ning Fengzhi's face had grown grim. "If you were going to join the Tiandou royal family, why didn't you tell us earlier? Why delay until now?"
Qin Chuan turned to look at Qian Renxue.
At this moment, she sat silently with tightly pursed lips. Though her expression remained indifferent and proud, he could still see a trace of red in her eyes.
"…Yes."
He turned back toward Ning Fengzhi and nodded.
"Prince Qinghe did invite me."
It was just an invitation—but this was Qin Chuan's way of supporting Qian Renxue's words without fully committing.
Ning Fengzhi breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as there wasn't a firm agreement, there was still room to maneuver.
"In that case," Ning Fengzhi said calmly, "what conditions did Prince Qinghe offer you?"
Before Qin Chuan could respond, Qian Renxue cut in.
"Whatever he wants, this prince will grant."
Her voice was forceful, almost aggressive—a far cry from her usual calm and composed demeanor.
But she didn't stop there.
"If he wants me… I can give myself to him without hesitation."
The carriage fell into stunned silence.
Even Ning Fengzhi was at a loss.
Looking at Qian Renxue, how could he not understand her feelings?
He sighed deeply.
"It seems that my daughter Rongrong and His Majesty Qin Chuan are not meant to be."
He stood and took Rongrong's hand, preparing to take their leave.
But Rongrong broke free.
Her eyes, though dim, still held a flicker of stubborn light.
She took a deep breath and said,
"Your Majesty Qin Chuan, even if you agree to be a royal priest under the crown prince…"
"You can still serve as an honorary elder in our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
"If you do, our sect will honor all the promises my father just made."
"I…"
She paused, then said clearly,
"I can also marry you."
Ning Fengzhi froze in disbelief.
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes and gave Rongrong a cold, piercing look.
What a foxy girl.
So this had been her plan all along?
Qin Chuan suddenly chuckled.
He looked at Ning Rongrong, sweeping his eyes up and down her petite figure.
"You would marry me?" he asked with amusement.
There was no denying it—Ning Rongrong was beautiful. At this age, her budding youth carried a natural charm that was impossible to ignore.
But she was still too immature.
She was young, her body still developing, her emotions still unformed.
Even so, Rongrong puffed out her chest and stood firm.
"If Your Majesty Qin Chuan is willing, I will follow you from this day forward."
Qin Chuan laughed again.
This time, Ning Fengzhi's face darkened completely.
What was Rongrong thinking today? Why was she being so bold?
He quickly stepped forward to pull her away.
"Rongrong, let's go."
"Father, I'm serious. We must win over His Majesty Qin Chuan."
"I must… marry him…"
In the end, Rongrong was dragged out of the carriage by her father.
She didn't resist this time, but her eyes remained fixed on Qin Chuan until the very last moment.
Ning Fengzhi said nothing more, but the gloom on his face was almost tangible.
After they left, the carriage fell into a rare silence.
It was several long moments before someone finally spoke.
"…Sorry. I might have ruined your plans."
Qian Renxue's voice was soft, yet filled with complicated emotions.
She realized that her actions had likely disrupted Qin Chuan's arrangements—and offended Ning Fengzhi in the process.
It had taken her a great deal of effort to secure the support of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
And now… it had all come undone because of her.
Yet she didn't feel regret.
Even if she could go back, she would still interrupt again.
If Ning Fengzhi dared push his daughter into Qin Chuan's arms again, she wouldn't just interrupt—she'd curse him outright.
Because Brother Qin Chuan had finally returned.
And she couldn't stand the idea of sharing him with someone else.
"It's alright."
Qin Chuan smiled gently.
He lifted the curtain and glanced out the window.
Outside, in the distance, a group of lively young men were chatting and laughing beside the other carriage.
They were full of vigor and vitality—the future of this land.
But in Qin Chuan's heart, a storm had already begun to stir.