Scheme

"I'm back, Father," Li Xuan greeted her father, clasping her hands politely.

Li Changming nodded with a serious expression, acknowledging her presence.

Li Heng stepped forward, attempting to berate Li Xuan for her supposed rudeness. However, she paid him no attention, her gaze fixed on her father, demanding an explanation.

"You..." Li Heng clenched his teeth in frustration, but Li Changming halted him with a single wave of his hand. Then, Li Changming began to speak, saying, "I want to discuss your marriage."

"My marriage?" Li Xuan furrowed her brow, genuinely puzzled. "I apologize, Father, but I don't understand the situation."

"Li Heng made a good suggestion. Before I explain the matter to you, what do you think about the prospects that can be achieved through our collaboration with Li Ming?"

Li Xuan's body trembled as she contemplated the question. After a moment of reflection, she gave an honest response, "I believe that our clan can ascend even further. While I cannot speak much about military expansion, if our collaboration succeeds, we will amass great wealth that can be used to strengthen our power. Our Li Clan is currently ranked 8th in the entire kingdom, but with this collaboration, there is a significant chance we can break into the top five, or even higher."

Li Changming let out a sigh before continuing, "That is precisely why I find Li Heng's suggestion useful. What are your thoughts on marrying Li Ming?"

"Huh?" Li Xuan's frown deepened. "I don't think I can answer that immediately."

"In that case, let me rephrase the question. You mentioned the possibility of reaching the top three clans in the kingdom through collaboration. Don't you think it's achievable if Li Ming were to join our clan and his shares became ours?" Li Changming posed another question.

Li Xuan's eyes widened as she finally grasped Li Heng's scheme. He had been poisoning their father's mind with greed. Gritting her teeth, she protested, "I apologize, Father, I—"

Before Li Xuan could finish her sentence, Li Changming interrupted, "I ask you once again, do you feel averse to being with Li Ming? What are your thoughts on him? You are an honest daughter. If you truly despised him, you would never have gone out of your way to suggest aiding him in this collaboration."

It became clear to Li Xuan that Li Changming was determined to make her marry Li Ming. She had informed Li Ming that she would continue contributing to the family, which made Li Changming consider the possibility of a marriage based on clan interests rather than love. When she glanced at Li Heng's face, she noticed his smirk and malicious intent. Li Heng intended to force this marriage, using it as a means to bind Li Ming and increase his own contributions to the family, thereby positioning himself as a future patriarch. In Li Heng's eyes, neither Li Ming nor Li Xuan would be qualified contenders due to their status as a foreigner and a woman, respectively.

However, Li Heng had made a grave miscalculation. His opponent was Li Xuan, and even Li Changming recognized her intelligence. Rather than forcing the marriage, Li Changming sought to persuade Li Xuan to accept it. But this was Li Heng's biggest mistake.

Li Xuan smiled confidently, stating, "If you wish for me to marry him, Father, I have no objections. However, I would like to present three matters that might make you reconsider your decision."

"Are you negotiating, Li Xuan? You are—" Li Heng attempted to intervene, but Li Changming silenced him once more.

"Let's hear it," Li Changming instructed, willing to listen to his daughter's perspective.

Li Xuan's bright face concealed a devious smirk as she spoke, "Firstly, Li Ming clearly stated earlier that he didn't want to be involved in the family's power struggle, as we are business partners. By forcing this marriage upon him, he may feel even more inclined to resist. While the Li Clan possesses enough might to enforce it, Li Ming might choose to endure until the perfect moment arises for him to escape. With the flourishing business and the connections he will establish, especially with prominent clans, he will have ample opportunities."

"Secondly, Li Ming possesses knowledge beyond that of the scholars we know. He may be privy to information unbeknownst to us, such as what transpired this morning. There is a chance he will use it against us."

"And lastly, I request some time, at least tonight... I would like to show you, and only you, Father, the reasons why I was confident in the collaboration's success and why Li Ming felt the need to distance himself from this clan. If I manage to convince you, I ask for a period of six months to a year to develop our relationship, ensuring that Li Ming does not harbor any aversion."

Li Heng was poised to object, but Li Changming had made his decision. "I will allow it."

"Thank you, Father," Li Xuan expressed her gratitude, clasping her hands together. She turned to leave, saying, "In that case, I will take my leave."

Li Heng was completely overwhelmed by Li Xuan's acceptance and manipulation, which led Li Changming to halt him whenever he attempted to speak. As Li Xuan turned her back to them, a smile emerged on her face. With a cold tone, she thought, 'Li Heng, as the third son, you are oblivious to what Eldest Brother and Elder Brother haven't shared with you... There is a reason why they have kept me out of their struggle for the patriarch position. If I choose to create chaos, they know they will lose their chance to succeed.'

'Just wait. Six months is ample time for me to strip you of all your power and position, ensuring that you won't possess enough strength to vie for Father's position. I will make you learn how your ambition and petty mind nearly cost us the opportunity to rise.'