"Marriage alliances" are a universal tool in the civilized world to strengthen connections, from aristocratic clans to martial arts sects, and even between nations, they are very fond of this thod.
But there's a prerequisite—both sides must benefit.
Lu Yao had reached the Spirit Refinent of Divine Fetal Breathing, and had two senior sisters who had achieved Blood-Exchange Firmness; this represented a formidable force not to be underestimated, and not everyone qualified for a marriage alliance with them.
Li Pei's family had fallen in the power struggle, and logically, they had already lost the qualifications.
She even solemnly reminded them, "Having been in power for many years, my family has made countless enemies in court. There will inevitably be those who kick us while we're down, and from now on, you should no longer associate with ."
Liao Ya and Liao Qe exchanged glances, then both stepped forward to take Li Pei's arms, one on each side.
"Sister! Our friendship is based on shared interests and temperants. We recognize you, Li Pei, as a person, not as a Commandery Princess or for your power and influence!"
"Li Sister, you risked your life to save us that day, and I didn't even say thank you... I truly was rude. We don't care whether your family has power or influence, we would be happy to be one family with you."
Li Pei was greatly moved by their words, having spent ti in both officialdom and the noble circles, she knew how rare such friendship was.
With a trembling voice, she said, "From today onwards, we are true sisters! I will treat you like my own younger sisters!"
The sisters vigorously nodded, their arms tightly clasped together, demonstrating a deep bond.
After a while, Li Pei turned to Lu Yao and said softly, "May I request Young Master Lu to massage alone..."
She wanted to talk to Lu Yao privately, and sensing this, Liao Ya and Liao Qe tactfully left.
~~~~~~~~~
Li Pei felt—so things still have to be decided by the person concerned.
Once they had left, she first perford a deep curtsey, then folded her fists formally in front of her chest and said:
"Young Master Lu, I am in the pri of my youth, have undergone Blood-Exchange, and possess the Firmness of Spirit Refinent. Now that my family has fallen on hard tis, all that remains is my unsullied self... do you still wish to give a massage?"
Her question was both straightforward and subtly implied.
Lu Yao nodded decisively, "Just two days ago I said—'next ti you want a massage, just let know,' how could I go back on my word so soon. Please be tolerant of for the rest of my life!"
This was an obvious agreent, and Li Pei was overco with joy; she had never imagined that when she found herself at rock bottom, none of the three would abandon her.
A relieved and thrilled smile appeared on her face as she quickly said, "I'll first make a phone call to inform my father, so he can start making preparations, and I need to notify the Clan Affairs Bureau..."
Finding a husband in his twenties from the Fetal Breath Realm could greatly boost her family's morale and halt the decline of their fortune.
Li Pei felt the tension in her ease away all at once, and she breathed a deep sigh of relief.
"Young Master Lu, hearing you say that has suddenly set my mind at ease."
She stretched her limbs and actually began to remove her shirt, wearing only her bra, she said with a laugh:
"I've been tense up until now since yesterday, and my body is quite uncomfortable—please help knead my muscles and bones. You've already promised —'next ti you want a massage, just say the word'."
"No problem, I have made so progress lately." Lu Yao, who wasn't lacking in Inner Breath, imdiately agreed.
Li Pei lay down on the desk in the position of soone taking a nap, with her arms folded back to undo the straps of her bra.
As Lu Yao's hands once again touched the smooth skin of this Royal Lady, he inwardly praised the feel, still as good as before, even though her muscles and bones were tight, indeed having been tense and worried for a long ti.
Being close to soone embroiled in a whirlpool of power, one could easily be shattered into pieces, and it wasn't easy for Li Pei, who was a daughter in such a situation.
Fortunately, the fear and exhaustion of the past days vanished without a trace under the 120 percent effort of Lu Yao's 'Art of the Dragon Slayer Manual'.
Li Pei only felt her body warm and toasty as if she was about to fly into the clouds. She couldn't help but think, "If I could enjoy such a massage all the ti, I would truly envy no immortals, only mandarin ducks."
~~~~~~~~
Supported by an abundance of Inner Breath, the entire 'Art of the Dragon Slayer Manual' could be completed in just 5 minutes, and after continuously stimulating the Huiyang Point, the massage was nearing its end.
Young Master Lu didn't retain a bit of his Inner Breath, pouring all of it into the Commandery Princess's body, causing Li Pei to unconsciously sit up straight due to the heat.
She had originally been lying down. With this straightening of her body, the full glory of her beauty was displayed.
Young Master Lu exclaid, "This is indeed quite ample!"
Li Pei blushed and said, "Young Master, please be patient. I am not averse to the pleasures of the boudoir, but we must wait until after the wedding. Please maintain propriety for now."
Young Master Lu laughed and said, "I was too impulsive."
Turning his back to her as she dressed rustlingly, Li Pei felt quite pleased with herself— even such a Spirit Refining Genius appreciated her body.
And unlike those frivolous won, she had preserved her virginity intact, which would surely grant her his utmost adoration.
[Finally, the marriage is settled!]
Li Pei began to imagine herself returning to the capital at the age of twenty-sothing with her Spirit Refinent of Divine Fetal Breathing, causing a sensation with her presence.
[Ha~ Those gossipy won will surely die of jealousy~]
Even if her family had fallen from power, having a Fetal Breath Realm master would an a resurgence was rely a matter of ti!
~~~~~~~~~
Just as Li Pei had finished fastening the last button of her undergarnt, soone barged in without even knocking.
The only one brazen enough to do so was her master—Yu Yani.
At that mont, Yu Yani's expression was unusually serious, and she opened her mouth several tis without being able to speak.
Li Pei had a very bad premonition, "Master, what happened? There are no outsiders here, speak freely."
"The Prince has been stripped of his hereditary title and confined to his mansion; Grand Scholar Bao Yun, Ministry of Personnel Secretary Li Hongzao, and Ministry of War Secretary Jing Lian have also been dismissed and are under investigation," she said.
Li Pei was struck as by lightning upon hearing her master's words. The latter individuals were all her father's supporters—in plain words, his political faction.
For a prince, being stripped of his royal title and cut off from his political faction usually presaged the annihilation of his entire household.
Li Pei struggled with accepting this, her father was the previous emperor's own brother, how could he be treated so harshly!?
"Is The Empress Dowager going to kill father? Why? Is it because he was involved in the 'Restoration of Power'?"
Yu Yani replied, "No, it's because he opposed The Empress Dowager's renovation of the Sumr Palace."
"Traveling two thousand miles to Chang'an to renovate a garden, that's just a pointless waste of resources..."
Her voice abruptly ceased as Li Pei suddenly shook off the negative emotions crowding her mind; this was no ti for self-pity or blaming others.
Her eyes clearer, her expression solemn, she said to Young Master Lu:
"Young Master, this is more than a simple loss of power. Any further association with my family could lead to catastrophe. You need to leave imdiately!"
Young Master Lu asked, "Is there anything I can do to help? I can donate grain or silver, as much as you need."
Li Pei smiled and said, "Young Master, that won't be necessary. This isn't a situation that money or provisions can solve."
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