Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 77 - Legacies in Bloom

The heavy tension in the room hung like a storm cloud, thick and oppressive, until Prince Luzshoushan broke it with his characteristic casual grace.

"Perhaps," he said, folding his hands elegantly on the table before him, "I might propose an alternative solution, if the council remains concerned about the legitimacy of a union between Crown Princess Feng Lan and His Majesty."

The chamber stirred with renewed interest. Even Lord Xie's anger seemed to fade into curiosity as all eyes turned toward the Rensha prince. Luzshoushan's lips curved into a subtle smile as he turned his gaze deliberately toward Qing Yi, his eyes holding an unmistakable glint of calculation beneath their surface warmth.

"As you may know, Rensha prides itself on being a progressive kingdom. We welcome and recognize relationships of all kinds."

Luzshoushan paused meaningfully, his gaze never leaving Qing Yi's face. A subtle shift in his posture commanded attention - the bearing of a man who ruled one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Southern Lands, even without claiming the title of king.

"If His Majesty's current situation makes a traditional marriage... complicated, perhaps the Grand Duke would consider a different arrangement—a marriage alliance between himself and me?"

The weight of his words filled the chamber. Qing Yi's visible eye widened, the black silk patch over his right eye making his surprise all the more striking against his pale features. For a moment, his carefully maintained composure faltered at the unexpected proposal.

"I would be honored to propose a union between us," he continued, his voice carrying the quiet authority that had earned him respect throughout the Southern Lands. "A marriage of equals, between the Grand Duke of Khufu and the Prince of Rensha."

The proposal landed in the chamber like a stone dropped into still water, sending ripples of shock through the assembled council members. Several gasped audibly, while others exchanged wide-eyed glances across the table.

Lan Xichen, seated near the chamber's far end, felt his chest tighten at the words. His eyes immediately sought out Qing Yi, watching as the Grand Duke shifted almost imperceptibly in his seat. Though composure had returned to Qing Yi's features, Lan Xichen could read the troubled uncertainty lingering there. His own hands clenched involuntarily beneath the table.

Kai Ze's sharp gaze darted between his friend and the Rensha prince, noting Qing Yi's discomfort. After a moment of tense silence, he cleared his throat, his voice carrying the full weight of his royal authority.

"While Khufu, too, embraces progressive values and recognizes all forms of love," he began carefully, his words measured and diplomatic, "we must consider the political implications carefully."

His eyes met Qing Yi's briefly before returning to Luzshoushan.

"To have our Grand Duke enter into a marriage where he would hold the position of... consort, rather than equal partner—particularly given Your Highness's existing marriages—would significantly undermine both his authority and Khufu's standing. The Grand Duke's position demands a certain level of autonomy and respect that such an arrangement might... compromise."

The implied rejection in Kai Ze's words was clear, though couched in perfectly polite terms. Luzshoushan's smile remained unchanged, but something flickered behind his eyes—disappointment, perhaps, or calculation of a different sort.

"Indeed, you raise a valid concern," Luzshoushan said, his gaze returning to Qing Yi with undisguised warmth.

"My current circumstances would undoubtedly compromise His Grace's position."