Chapter One: The Empress Is Engaged, but the Fiancé Is Not Me

“These two tax laws can strengthen the economy and quickly fill the treasury. The equal land distribution system can unite the people and ensure no one goes hungry. The provincial system can...”
“These are the betrothal gifts I have carefully prepared for you...”
“So long as these policies are implemented, not only will Great Zhou return to its former glory, it will even usher in a thousand years of prosperity!”
With these memorials in hand, Fang Han strode toward the imperial palace, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

Six years ago, when Fang Han had just arrived in this world, it was precisely when Lin Qingxue, his betrothed, ascended to the throne of Great Zhou. At that time, however, she inherited a nation on the brink of collapse, its strength all but spent.

Lin Qingxue had sworn to restore the country’s former splendor. In the midst of crisis, she made Fang Han a promise: when Great Zhou was secure, she would announce their engagement to the world, so all might celebrate together.

That promise deeply moved Fang Han, and he resolved to support her from the shadows. While Lin Qingxue fought wars and stabilized her rule, Fang Han dedicated himself to the common folk. He invented tools like the Jiangdong plow and the dragon-bone waterwheel to improve productivity, promoted hybrid rice to increase grain yields, and ensured the people’s livelihoods.

Moreover, Fang Han deftly balanced the ambitions of troublesome ministers, enabling Lin Qingxue’s reforms to proceed smoothly and Great Zhou’s development to progress without hindrance.

Six years passed. The strength of Great Zhou was restored, and scenes of prosperity had begun to emerge. Today, Empress Lin Qingxue announced she would hold her engagement ceremony, formally revealing her chosen consort to the world!

Fang Han had thus prepared a special betrothal gift for her, looking forward to her surprise.

Before long, Fang Han arrived at the grand and stately imperial palace of Great Zhou.

Inside the palace, a multitude of royal relatives, civil and military officials, and the heads of noble families had gathered. They had all been invited to witness this magnificent engagement ceremony.

“Her Majesty arrives!”

Just as Fang Han stepped into the great hall, a resounding cry came from outside. At the sound, everyone rose to their feet and turned to the side entrance.

Lin Qingxue entered the hall, resplendent in her golden dragon-phoenix robe.

But to everyone’s astonishment, Lin Qingxue was not alone. She was accompanied by a young man.

All eyes fixed on the scene, several people rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

The man at the Empress’s side was none other than Fang Li, the favored courtier whose name had recently been on everyone’s lips.

Fang Li was Fang Han’s younger brother, renowned as a prodigy in both civil and military affairs. No one expected to see him enter the golden hall arm-in-arm with the Empress.

Even Fang Han himself was shocked.

But greater shock awaited him.

“Everyone, today I have an announcement to make,” Lin Qingxue said, sweeping her gaze across the hall.

She then clasped Fang Li’s hand and led him to the throne.

At this, Fang Han’s heart sank, an ominous feeling creeping in.

Before the eyes of all, Lin Qingxue raised Fang Li’s hand high and declared in a clear, ringing voice, “My fiancé is Fang Li, a pillar of Great Zhou!”

“Before long, I will hold a grand wedding with Fang Li in this very hall!”

As her words fell, the hall was plunged into silence, the air thick with disbelief.

Hadn’t the rumors said the Empress’s betrothed was Fang Han? How had it become his younger brother, Fang Li?

At the phoenix throne, Fang Li smiled gently. “Thank you all for attending Qingxue’s engagement banquet, and for witnessing our moment of happiness.”

At his words, everyone drew a sharp breath.

Fang Li could call her “Qingxue”—that was the Empress herself!

Fang Han’s fists clenched involuntarily, crumpling the memorial in his hand.

In such a public setting, his betrothed announced someone else as her chosen one? Lin Qingxue had openly humiliated him, trampling his dignity and making him a laughingstock before all!

How could he endure this?

“Lin Qingxue, you and I are bound by engagement. Now you break your word before all—how am I to face the world?” Fang Han demanded coldly, his gaze fixed on her.

“Fang Han, look at yourself!” Lin Qingxue replied with disdain. “I am the Empress of Great Zhou. I require a talent of the century at my side. You are but a useless man—how dare you dream so high?”

Fang Han sneered. “Because Fang Li can lead troops and handle some minor governance, that makes him the talent of the century?”

“Fang Han, you wastrel who idles every day—how can you compare to Fang Li?” Lin Qingxue retorted.

“Brother!” Fang Li interjected. “This is all my fault. If you’re upset, blame me. I apologize! But please, don’t defy Qingxue any further...” As he spoke, he grasped Fang Han’s hand with apparent sincerity.

Hearing this, many in the hall were visibly moved.

Although Fang Li had stolen his elder brother’s betrothed, he still cared for him, fearing Fang Han might be punished for defying the Empress.

Suddenly, with a crash, Fang Li toppled backward, crying out in pain.

“Fang Li, are you all right?” Lin Qingxue’s expression shifted as she hurried down the steps to help him up.

“Fang Han, I order you—apologize to Fang Li at once!” Lin Qingxue’s eyes were cold as she glared at Fang Han, warning clear in her tone.

“Qingxue, it wasn’t my brother’s fault,” Fang Li said, a flash of triumph in his eyes though he maintained a look of grievance. “I lost my footing—it had nothing to do with my brother. Please, don’t be angry.”

“How kind Fang Li is!”
“Indeed, such brotherly affection is truly moving!”

The ministers voiced their admiration, Fang Li’s reputation rising ever higher. At the same time, discontent with Fang Han swelled:

“Fang Han is delusional to think he could reach for Her Majesty.”
“Only Fang Li is worthy of her!”

Amid the murmurs, Fang Han’s fists tightened further, a chill settling in his heart.

With a single act, Fang Li had won everyone’s favor and turned all blame upon him.

“Qingxue, perhaps we were at fault. Why not grant my brother some compensation?” Fang Li “pleaded,” glancing at Lin Qingxue.

“Compensation?” Lin Qingxue’s lips curled in a smile, recalling Fang Li’s earlier suggestion.

She rose and looked toward a veiled young woman. “Sister, come here.”

All eyes turned. The woman was Lin Qingwei, Lin Qingxue’s younger sister, long rumored to be hideously disfigured and neglected in the palace.

Fang Han was puzzled, not understanding Lin Qingxue’s intention.

With a faint smile, Lin Qingxue announced, “Fang Han, as compensation, I hereby bestow my sister in marriage to you and appoint you as Protector of the Southern Frontier.”

“From this day forth, you will depart to assume your post with my sister.”

She paused, then continued, “I wish you and my sister a long and happy life together, and hope you govern the southern border well!”