Chapter 286: Chapter 286: Wulan Haochuan, Broken Marriage Alliance

Wulan Haochuan never imagined that this trip to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty to arrange a marriage would be so complicated.

As the Eighty-Eighth Prince of the Jin Meng Empire, his status wasn’t particularly high. Most importantly, he lacked a powerful maternal clan to back him, and his own cultivation talent was merely average. Even with the Imperial Family’s cultivation resources, his cultivation was still only at the Third Layer of External Refining Copper Skin.

Among common families, such cultivation would naturally be considered outstanding, but within the Imperial Family, it was rather low.

The Jin Meng Empire revered the strong above all else. The more powerful one was, the more honor they could obtain, while the weak were met with contempt.

Without a powerful maternal clan to support him, this was even more pronounced.

Thus, the Jin Meng Empire arranged for him to travel to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty for a political marriage. The entire process felt strange, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. He could only watch as Nalan Hongbo made the arrangements. The Emperor of the Jin Meng Empire had given Nalan Hongbo full authority over the marriage and instructed Wulan Haochuan to follow his orders.

In the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, a prince would never be treated this way. But in the Jin Meng Empire, where strength was revered above all, it was perfectly normal.

Even a prince was considered nothing without personal strength or influential backing.

So, Wulan Haochuan had always followed Nalan Hongbo’s instructions, not daring to disobey. He never expected that right after both sides agreed to the marriage, Nalan Hongbo would rush him out of the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, bringing their betrothed, Princess Lan Yue—Yang Xianglan—with them.

At first, he didn’t understand. It was only when Nalan Hongbo later told him that the Jin Meng Empire was about to declare war that he realized why they had fled. They had even abandoned the massive dowry, all to get away as quickly as possible.

’So I’ve been cast aside as a disposable pawn.’

Princess Lan Yue was in a similar predicament. It seemed the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty didn’t care about her either. Initially, by keeping her in the dark, they had managed to convince her to leave with them without issue.

’Although the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty appears not to care, it might just be an act. As long as we have Princess Lan Yue, we might have a chance to survive.’ But to their surprise, the princess was also incredibly astute. Somehow, she had learned about the tensions on the border between their two nations.

Upon learning the truth, she immediately fled. The only good news was that she wasn’t heading back toward White Jade City. The bad news was that despite her delicate appearance, she was an expert at escaping.

Neither he nor Nalan Hongbo could catch her.

Both men had External Cultivation. Nalan Hongbo was stronger, having reached External Refining of Iron Bone Perfection, which was a level above Princess Lan Yue. However, his Light Body Technique gave him no significant advantage.

Wulan Haochuan also understood now why the Jin Meng Empire’s experts hadn’t entered the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty for the wedding. It was so he and Nalan Hongbo could be easily abandoned.

Their deaths in the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty would have little impact on the Jin Meng Empire; in fact, it could even serve as a pretext for war. The realization left a bitter taste in Wulan Haochuan’s mouth, but there was nothing he could do.

’I don’t want to die, so I have no choice but to run with Nalan Hongbo.’ Fortunately, Nalan Hongbo seemed to be on some kind of mission. He also clearly didn’t want to die, so he continued to bring Wulan Haochuan along.

He just didn’t know how much longer they could run. After all, they were deep within the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, and the road back to the Jin Meng Empire was still long. They could be captured at any moment. Capturing Princess Lan Yue was their only chance—the only one they had left.

"Commandery Princess, our nations are joined by marriage! If you run now, you’ll be condemned for eternity!"

"If you stay in the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, you’ll be executed for sure!"

Nalan Hongbo shouted from horseback as he gave chase.

’I have to capture Princess Lan Yue. It’s the only way to improve our chances of escape. Although I’ve heard her standing in the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty isn’t good, her status as a Commandery Princess must still count for something.’

’After all, the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty places great importance on the Imperial Family’s bloodline.’

"I’d be signing my death warrant by going with you to the Jin Meng Empire! If you want to stop me, you’ll have to catch me first!"

"The Jin Meng Empire is starting a war now. You should be more worried about your own fate!"

"Stop chasing me now and you might still have time to escape. Otherwise, when the Six Gates arrive, you’re dead for sure."

Princess Lan Yue called back without turning, hoping they would give up the chase.

’I know exactly how dire my situation is. Forcing me into this marriage showed they didn’t care if I lived or died. In fact, the only reason I’m still alive is to be used as a pawn in this political union.’

’Otherwise, with my father and master’s involvement in the rebellion, I would have been implicated and likely sentenced to death, even though I had no part in it.’

’Now that the marriage alliance has fallen apart, my situation isn’t any better. I might even meet a violent end. I know all too well how ruthless the Old Emperor, Yang Yu, can be.’

’He’d move against his own sons, let alone someone more distantly related like me.’

’He eliminates anyone he perceives as a threat.’

This was precisely why Princess Lan Yue wasn’t fleeing back to the Jade Capital. She possessed the legacy left to her by her father and master. Sensing trouble before the incident, they had passed on their teachings, including a special technique for Concealing Breath and tools for disguising her appearance. It was all to ensure she could escape if the worst came to pass.

’Unfortunately, the incident in White Jade City was resolved far too quickly. Those outside the palace thought it lasted for a long time, but I knew the truth. It was over in less than a single night. The Old Emperor suppressed all the chaos, and I was captured. When I learned my father and the others had participated in a rebellion, I thought I would be sentenced to death. I never expected to be kept alive.’

Made into a marriage pawn, Princess Lan Yue had no power to resist. However, she also planned to use the marriage as an opportunity to escape. She knew that whether she stayed in White Jade City or went to the Jin Meng Empire, her fate would be grim. ’My only real choice is to run.’

So, once the marriage was agreed upon, she left with the people from the Jin Meng Empire. She was especially agreeable when she saw that only a small group was heading back first. To her, this was the perfect opportunity.

’If I’m going to escape, the fewer people around, the better. Once I’m free, I can live out my life in anonymity. It would be best to make my move near the border, then use my disguise to disappear completely.’

’As an Intermediate Pharmacist and an expert at the External Iron Bone Refining stage, I’m confident I can survive on my own. I could even outlive that Old Emperor. If an opportunity for revenge presents itself, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll bide my time. I’m still young. I have all the time in the world.’ 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

’With the way the Old Emperor acts, the princes in the palace must despise him. And that will be my chance for revenge.’