Chapter 205 - The Fox Brokers Unusual Marriage Alliances

Chapter 205 – The Fox Brokers Unusual Marriage Alliances

Chu Hean took a long, drawn out sip of his tea, during which Chu Yun did his best not to look smug. He put the cup back down on the table with a clink and an extended hum of deep thought that Chu Yun didn't believe was genuine.

"Well, she's a widow," he said, astutely, "and a former concubine. Lieba Chun is a Prince who has never married before, how would it look…"

Chu Yun raised his eyebrows dramatically. "That shouldn't matter, right? I don't think Lieba Chun would care about that, in the same vein I'm sure he wouldn't care that you Ru Long were… intimate."

In fact Chu Yun wasn't sure, but that didn't matter because Min Sezhui had already made it clear she wasn't interested in remarrying. 

Besides, Chu Hean's reaction had probably come as a surprise to even him.

Chu Yun absolutely had to strike while the iron was hot. "In fact, I think I should see him right now to discuss the possibility. Min Sezhui has been so dispirited, I'm sure this is just what she needs."

He got up to his feet with as much grace as his condition allowed. "Do you want to accompany me? I'm sure it would put Lieba Chun's mind at ease to know you would support him. After such a prolonged absence from his people it would do him good to return with a spouse."

Chu Hean got up from the table with a grimace, which he tried to disguise as a sudden cough. "Sure, I think it sounds like a great idea."

—

For someone who thought the idea sounded great, Chu Hean's expression looked as thunderous as a storm cloud all the way to Lieba Chun's tent. It was a miracle that he didn't notice the smugness coming off Chu Yun in waves.

This was clearly a great idea. 

Hopefully Chu Hean wouldn't solve this particular problem with murder, which was probably how he had learned to handle things at Harmonious Resonance. 

Lieba Chun was outside his tent, practising archery sharpshooting in only his pants, when they arrived.

Someone threw a circular clay target into the air some distance away from him. Lieba Chun loosed his arrow with expert precision, striking the target dead centre and shattering it in midair.

He pulled down his bow and turned towards them with a wide grin. "Ah, brothers Chu, to what do I owe such an illustrious visit?"

Lieba Chun had a way of speaking that was at once jesting and genuinely polite. Paired with his blinding smile and roguish good looks it made one feel as if they were always in on a joke, but never the butt of one.

All of Lieba Chun's long hair was tied haphazardly on top of his head, some of the braids tied around it, to keep it in place. It left his neck and chest bare, making the droplets of sweat dotting his golden skin twinkle in the early morning sun.

While Chu Yun thought about the merits of having Lieba Chun as an ally and brother-in-law, the path of Chu Hean's gaze across his naked torso made it evident that his train of thought was of an entirely different nature.

"I came with a proposal for the Wise Prince," Chu Yun said, nodding towards Lieba Chun's tent. "Perhaps we should discuss it inside."

They walked into the tent. Chu Hean dragged his feet, as if considering coming up with an excuse to make himself scarce.

"What is this about?" Lieba Chun asked, leaning against a portable desk and crossing his arms in front of his glistening chest.

Chu Yun shot Lieba Chun a meaningful look, hoping to convey his true intentions with what he was about to say. "I was thinking that since Chu Hean has already declined the Wise Prince's proposal, it would be a shame for him to leave Zui without an engagement. I'm good friends with one of the previous King's former concubines, a lovely girl who unfortunately went through a great deal of suffering."

Lieba Chun's face did something complicated, his expression one of utter confusion. But Chu Yun raised his eyebrows and tilted his head towards Chu Hean subtlety. 

Finally, Lieba Chun rubbed his chin, letting out a dramatic sigh. "His Royal Highness' suggestion makes sense. Of course I would have to meet the lady first."

"Of course, I'd be happy to organise a meeting." Chu Yun turned to Chu Hean who had been silent the entire time, and now looked close to sulking. "Perhaps if everything goes well, maybe the Wise Prince can even show his intentions towards Min Sezhui in the games, instead of just symbolically towards Chu Hean."

Lieba Chun nodded again, still rubbing at his chin. "That would make sense. Especially considering that his Grace's significant other doesn't seem inclined to participate."

Chu Yun could almost hear the sound of Chu Hean's teeth grinding. A furtive glance made it obvious how absolutely furious he was.

Whether he just liked having Lieba Chun's attention, or actually had begun to develop some fondness for him, Chu Yun couldn't tell. But he was proof that successful relationships had started on much unsteadier grounds.

"Then that settles it," Chu Yun said, turning towards Chu Hean. "Min Sezhui is very shy, and still very shaken, so maybe it would put her at ease if this all felt like an informal meeting. Perhaps both I and Chu Hean should also be there to make the introductions."

That prompted Chu Hean to speak up for the first time since they had entered Lieba Chun's tent. "I don't know her. How will my presence there help in any way?"

It wouldn't, because the point wasn't to make Min Sezhui comfortable with marrying Lieba Chun — it was to make Chu Hean uncomfortable.

But Lieba Chun knew just what to say. He bounded over to Chu Hean and clapped him on the back as if they were long time friends, a marked difference to his usual flirtatious manner around him. "Compared to his Royal Highness you've known me for a longer time, maybe you can put in a good word for me with lady Min."

And then he winked, and let go of Chu Hean's shoulder without another look back.