Chapter 957: The Root of the Problem

Madam Zhang arrived with Zhen Mi, and though she saw someone with Liu Bei, she wasn't particularly surprised. Knowing Liu Bei well, she understood that if he was treating her so kindly, it was because a wise person was present.

A man who prioritized his career—this was something Madam Zhang, coming from a noble family, had come to terms with, though it left her feeling slightly helpless. However, compared to the narrow-mindedness of ordinary people, she was far above getting upset over such things.

But when she laid eyes on Liu Liang, she couldn’t help but be shocked. She wasn’t sure if it was an illusion, but Liu Liang looked almost exactly the same as he had when she saw him more than ten years ago. Immediately, she bowed and greeted him, "Forgive my rudeness, sir. I did not know you were here."

"No need for such formality, Madam," Liu Liang said, gesturing modestly for Madam Zhang to rise, which she did smoothly. As for Zhen Mi, though she followed her mother in greeting Liu Liang, her expression lacked respect. In fact, it was more like she was in a trance.

"Lord Xuande, Madam, do you mind if I have a word with Miss Zhen?" Liu Liang asked, noticing Zhen Mi's absent demeanor. Though she still exuded an air of nobility, some matters needed to be resolved by one's own actions, not by the decree of fate alone.

Seeing that Liu Liang’s gaze held no ill intent, Madam Zhang nodded. After all, Zhen Mi's current state was too troubling.

"What happened to Mi’er?" Liu Bei asked after Liu Liang had taken Zhen Mi aside. Zhen Mi no longer had the vitality of a young woman.

"Isn’t it all thanks to your man, Chen Zichuan!" Madam Zhang snapped angrily, her love for her daughter overpowering her respect for Chen Xi.

"Zichuan?" Liu Bei was in disbelief as he glanced at Zhen Mi, now further away. "That’s impossible. Zichuan is sincerely devoted to Mi’er. The way he looks at her is no different from the way you look at her."

"But he made it clear that there’s no future between them. Mi’er’s heart is practically shattered!" Madam Zhang’s eyes blazed with anger as she recounted what Zhen Mi had told her.

"That shouldn’t be the case. Zichuan must have lost his mind. What’s wrong with Mi’er?" Liu Bei was dumbfounded. He had been too focused on the situation in Jizhou to notice what had been happening with Chen Xi. He had even planned to matchmake for Chen Xi to strengthen ties. How had things spiraled into such a mess?

"You’re asking me? Who should I ask? Who can figure out what’s going on in Chen Zichuan’s mind?" Madam Zhang was furious. Her daughter, a true lady of nobility, marrying into any family would not be considered a step up, given her talents in literature, crafts, and beauty. How could she not be good enough for Chen Xi?

"I’ll talk to him. I’ll talk to him," Liu Bei quickly wiped the cold sweat from his brow, hastily promising Madam Zhang. Her resentment was plain to see.

Liu Bei didn’t resort to underhanded tactics, but he understood that having Chen Xi marry Zhen Mi would solidify their relationship. He also knew from his years of experience with Chen Xi that the best way to approach someone like him was with genuine sincerity. Trying to manipulate Chen Xi would only end in failure.

For this reason, Liu Bei had always taken a hands-off approach to the Zhen Mi situation, waiting for things to naturally develop. He had even hoped to marry Madam Zhang himself, thereby benefiting from the alliance with Chen Xi.

Meanwhile, Liu Liang was observing Zhen Mi. Her beauty and elegance remained unchanged, but her eyes were empty and lifeless.

"I can help you achieve your desires," Liu Liang said softly. "When I foretold your fate, it wasn’t about gaining status through your mother. It’s through your husband that your true honor will come. The man who will hold the power of the realm will be both your stepfather and your husband. That is the true meaning of unparalleled nobility."

Liu Liang's emotionless words caused a flicker of life to return to Zhen Mi’s previously vacant eyes.

In fact, Liu Liang had come specifically to see Zhen Mi, having once predicted her fate. But after observing the changes in the stars and fate over time, he felt compelled to reexamine her. Zhen Mi was still destined for great fortune, but certain elements had shifted.

The result left Liu Liang deeply conflicted. Although Zhen Mi’s appearance was still as stunning as ever, and her fate remained extraordinary, there were strange changes. For instance, the idea of gaining status through her mother had crept in. And while her future with her husband still promised great honor, there was something off—a faint trace of what seemed to suggest the possibility of becoming a princess, but not quite.

Liu Liang had great confidence in his skills as a fortune teller. Liu Bei did not have the face of an emperor, and Liu Liang would have noticed even the potential for a posthumous title. But that wasn’t the case. Zhen Mi wasn’t destined to be the daughter of an emperor, yet there was a hint of the status of a princess. If it had been any clearer, Liu Liang would have questioned his own abilities.

Liu Liang’s words stirred the deepest emotions within Zhen Mi. Her previously empty eyes gradually regained their sharpness, and she stared at Liu Liang in silence, but with a gaze that carried the weight of scrutiny, making him feel the pressure.

There are certain people whose presence becomes more commanding as they grow, and Zhen Mi was one of them. When she had closed off her emotions, she did not give off this aura of nobility. But now, with her spirit revived, her demeanor had transformed entirely.

"Speak clearly, sir. Since you’ve come for this reason, I assume you won’t mind my lack of decorum," Zhen Mi said softly, her voice as clear and crisp as wind chimes, causing Liu Liang to let down all his defenses.

"I imagine you’ve noticed how Chen Hou looks at you, as well as how he looks at his wives. Can you tell what’s different?" Liu Liang asked calmly. Some things could only be understood with a little guidance, and he believed Zhen Mi was smart enough to figure it out.

"It doesn’t seem any different," Zhen Mi said slowly, reflecting on how Chen Xi treated her the same way he treated his wives.

"Now, think about how Madam Zhang looks at you and compare it to how Chen Hou looks at you. Notice anything?" Liu Liang sighed, "Haven’t you realized that both Zhang Madam and Chen Hou look at you the same way?"

"Love comes in many forms: familial love and romantic love. Chen Hou’s gaze towards his wives is one of familial love. It may seem strange, but it’s understandable. Likewise, Zhang Madam’s love for you is maternal." Liu Liang stopped short, but Zhen Mi already understood everything.

Zhen Mi covered her mouth, staring at Liu Liang, at a loss for words. As difficult as it was to believe, everything made sense based on what she had observed.

The biggest problem was that Chen Xi looked at Zhen Mi the same way he looked at his wives, Fan Jian and Chen Lan. There wasn’t romantic love between Chen Xi and his wives—only responsibility and a deep familial bond born from care and affection, but devoid of passion.

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