Chapter 49: Giving Marriage

“Developing industry and commerce promotes the pursuit of profit, which will ultimately lead to the collapse of society!”  

In response to Li Xian's slogan, the Prime Minister firmly opposed it.

In an instant, the gathering split into three factions.

One faction supported the idea of developing industry and commerce; these were people who had seen opportunities and even tasted the benefits.

Another faction supported the Prime Minister, presenting solid reasons: while a certain level of industry and commerce was necessary, the idea of developing them to strengthen the nation was somewhat ridiculous. This approach would encourage people to pursue profit at any cost, ultimately leading to the prevalence of petty individuals—this argument was valid and quite reasonable.

The third faction was the eternal neutral group—either called the fence-sitters or the onlookers.

Interestingly, Li Xian's father, Li Yulong, turned out to be the representative of the neutral faction! In contrast, the Wang family supported Li Xian's idea of strengthening the nation through industry and commerce.

What an interesting division!

The venue quickly erupted into a cacophony, with everyone presenting their arguments passionately. The reasoning of the neutral faction was quite peculiar—they acknowledged the power of industry but questioned whether it was possible to vigorously develop industry while limiting the growth of commerce.  

Li Xian couldn’t help but twitch at this argument—Father, you truly are a talented official; your brilliance knows no bounds!  

Just days prior, Li Xian had discussed the interdependent relationship between industry and commerce with Li Yulong; now, Li Yulong was telling everyone that they wanted industry without commerce.

Clearly, this line of reasoning was flawed! Ultimately, the neutral faction would likely lean toward Li Xian’s side. In the process, Li Yulong could also draw in those who were uncertain or genuinely fence-sitting!

“Old ginger is indeed spicier!” Li Xian realized this and didn’t mind being used by the Wang family as a spearhead to argue against the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister often referenced classical texts or past cases to make his points, while Li Xian countered with the latest ideas. Gradually, the crowd began to notice that the Prime Minister was running out of words! Meanwhile, Li Xian was just getting started and growing more and more spirited.

“Alright, alright,” Li Yulong intervened, pulling Li Xian back, “Let’s end today’s discussion here; we can discuss this further another time.”

“Today’s debate, I admit defeat! I will reflect on it carefully when I return.” The Prime Minister, Ouyang Wubing, surprisingly conceded.

Li Xian forced a smile, “I apologize for any embarrassment, it was just some trivial tactics.” 

This was Li Xian’s attempt at humility, but he misjudged the Prime Minister’s temperament. Ouyang Wubing coldly scoffed, “I had thought you were different, but it seems you are just another flatterer.”

Li Xian felt his anger boil; he wanted nothing more than to jump up and give the old man a good beating. He had merely wanted to preserve some of his dignity! Did he really need to add that unnecessary comment?

At that moment, the Emperor, seated at the main table, smiled and beckoned to Li Xian, “Li Xian, come here for a moment.”

Fuming, Li Xian walked past Ouyang Wubing and approached the Emperor. After greeting him, the Emperor pointed to a middle-aged man dressed in traditional Daoist robes adorned with the Yin-Yang Bagua, who stood out strikingly.

“This is the alchemist Mr. Ge Zhengfeng, whom the Empress mentioned.”

Li Xian quickly became serious, “Greetings, Mr. Ge.”

Ge Zhengfeng studied Li Xian for a moment, then his eyes widened in surprise. “Your fate is hidden yet not apparent. This is the destiny of the Northern Dipper’s Nine Stars—a good fate indeed.”

“Northern Dipper’s Nine Stars? Isn’t it the Seven Stars?” Li Xian asked, puzzled. Not just him; even the Emperor was confused. The Seven Stars were common knowledge—what were these Nine Stars?

Ge Zhengfeng smiled and said, “Let me explain. The Seven Stars are indeed correct, but there are two hidden stars that ordinary people cannot see. These hidden stars can only be discerned through special stargazing techniques.”

The Emperor, uncertain of the truth, asked, “Then, what about the fate of these hidden stars?”

Ge Zhengfeng stroked his beard, choosing his words carefully. “Since the hidden stars are indeed hidden, they naturally possess characteristics of ‘concealment.’

“Firstly, those with hidden star fates are destined for great wealth and honor, blessed by the heavens. However, on the other hand, they are destined to always assist others in matters of state.

“These two hidden stars are: the Auxiliary Star, which grants insight into the world’s changes, and the Assistant Star, which aids emperors in achieving great deeds from behind the scenes.”

Unsurprisingly, the Emperor was delighted by this assessment. Could this be a talent bestowed upon him by heaven? He couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Ge, is Li Xian the Auxiliary Star or the Assistant Star?”

Ge Zhengfeng shook his head. “I’m afraid, Your Majesty, my abilities are limited; I cannot determine which star’s fate he possesses. However, I believe Your Majesty can discern it through Li Xian’s usual actions.”

“Ha ha, it can be judged. Insight into the world’s changes? This kid falls far short. It seems he is undoubtedly of the Assistant Star fate!” The Emperor was ecstatic. “Mr. Ge, regarding the matter of Princess Qingqing…”

“No problem at all.” Ge Zhengfeng nodded proudly. “Those with hidden star fates are blessed by the heavens, able to withstand any misfortune.”

Li Xian listened, feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was pleased that his fate seemed robust—if what the alchemist said was true, it would be hard to die. On the other hand, being destined to assist others? His dreams of becoming a local monarch, complete with a harem, seemed dashed. 

But at least with such a strong fate, marrying Xia Qingqing shouldn’t be an issue. If his fate was truly that resilient, perhaps he could live recklessly without facing dire consequences.

While Li Xian was still grappling with these thoughts, the Emperor suddenly returned to his throne. “Ministers, listen! Today, we have joyous news. I bestow marriage upon Li Xian, granting him the hand of Princess Qingqing.”

The officials from the Ministry of Rites immediately sprang into action, tasked with selecting an auspicious date for the wedding.

Wang Chuan, the Minister of Rites, was astonished. “What? The Princess who’s supposed to marry the greedy star is marrying Li Xian? What’s going on?” 

The conversation between the Emperor, Ge Zhengfeng, and Li Xian had been hushed, leaving Wang Chuan bewildered. But soon, he was filled with delight—this kid was doomed! How could someone like him, let alone a mere commoner, hope to be with someone like Xia Qingqing? The last man to marry a member of the Xia family was the General of the Northwest, a powerful figure, and he met an untimely end. 

Oh, this time, I’m eager to see how you’ll meet your fate!

Though his thoughts ran wild, he maintained a composed demeanor, responding smoothly, “Your Majesty, tomorrow is the first day of the New Year, an auspicious day.”

“Very well, prepare at once!” 

The Emperor’s command set the ministers into a frenzy. Officials returning to report were caught up in the excitement, rushing about in a flurry. However, they faced a pressing issue: the gifts for the wedding and the expenses were mounting, and now they were in quite the predicament.

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