Chapter 104: A Reunion Once More

Since ancient times, heroes have found it difficult to resist the charms of a beauty. However, such a temptation requires willingness; being coerced, as is the case now, is something Monty could never accept. Moreover, Nanzi was now threatening him.

Monty felt a deep sense of displeasure and spoke directly, “Madam, if you have anything to say, please be straightforward. I have matters to attend to and cannot stay long. If you persist in this manner, I shall take my leave. As for the horses, to be frank, they were gifts from the six ministers of the Jin State. If the Wei State wishes to keep them, so be it.”

Having said this, Monty stepped toward the exit. At that moment, Nanzi withdrew her earlier unruly demeanor and became solemn, her eyes filled with admiration. She spoke slowly, “Monty, please do not be angry. My previous behavior was merely a test. Though I desire to enjoy your company, I am no one who would grasp at straws in hunger. A relationship must be mutual. In fact, there are some matters I wish to discuss with you.”

Surprised by how quickly her expression changed, Monty grew more cautious, pondering that Nanzi spoke frankly yet left him uncertain. He turned back to see what she wished to say.

Nanzi then walked slowly to the main seat and sat down, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“The Jin State is too preoccupied with its own survival to intervene in such minor affairs. Nor did I intend to withhold your horses; this was merely a pretext to invite you here. The Wei State is a small country, caught between the Qi and Jin States, and must navigate carefully to survive. Meanwhile, Qi harbors great ambitions, seeking to dominate the realm, and has recently made contact with Wei.”

“Moreover, Wei shares a border with the Lu State. You, Monty, are a young talent, destined to make your mark in Lu. I thought perhaps we might join forces to counter Jin.”

Monty had not expected Nanzi to express such thoughts. Her insight was commendable, yet he remained puzzled—such matters should have been discussed by the sovereign of Wei himself.

Nanzi then gestured for him to sit, and after a brief hesitation, Monty complied. She smiled gently and sighed softly, a trace of sorrow appearing on her face.

“The Song State lies between Jin and Chu and has endured constant warfare for over a century. Though I am a princess of Song, after coming to Wei, I have received no special treatment—only the king’s favor because of my beauty.”

“But as a woman, youth and beauty fade. With little support from my homeland, I must rely on myself. People’s hearts are fickle; seeing my beauty, they swarm like wolves after a rabbit. I merely went with the current.”

“I sense revulsion in your words, Monty. Is it because you disdain my shamelessness, or because we are in the Wei royal palace? I once thought you different from those outside, but it seems we are all cut from the same cloth.”

She rose and softly recited:

“Guan-guan cry the ospreys on the islet in the river; a modest and virtuous lady, a fine match for a gentleman. The love of beauty is common to all. If I am so beautiful, why not use it as a bargaining chip? Am I wrong, or is the world?”

Then she stood before Monty, her gaze fixed on him, as if seeking an answer.

Monty admired her keen mind. Though her words bordered on sophistry, they held truth. His opinion of Nanzi shifted somewhat.

After a moment’s thought, Monty met her eyes calmly and said, “It is not that you lack beauty or that I am unmoved, but in this world, some things are worth pursuing and others not. The principles of the realm are many. With eloquence, one can justify almost any mischief, but I am but a mortal, with natural appreciation for beauty, yet born into this world to abide by its rules. Though circumstances sometimes compel compromise, one must hold to some convictions; otherwise, what separates us from beasts?”

“What I detest is being coerced. Your beauty I can admire from afar, without improper intent. Hearing your words, I see you are a woman of great ambition. Why not devote yourself to governing Wei and leave a lasting mark on history?”

Nanzi’s expression softened. She sat down cross-legged, facing Monty, and forced a bitter smile.

“If I were a man, I might achieve great things. But Wei is weak and merely seeks survival. In such circumstances, what can one do? Regarding my proposal for Wei and Lu to resist Jin together, what do you think?”

Since Nanzi spoke so candidly, Monty regarded her as an equal interlocutor. After some reflection, he did not give a direct answer but analyzed the situation.

“Qi seems strong but is riddled with internal strife, having accomplished little in over a century. Jin, though weakened, is like a centipede that, though crippled, is not dead. Without careful judgment, it may bring disaster upon itself.”

Nanzi laughed, causing Monty to momentarily lose himself in thought. Taking a deep breath, he steadied his gaze and continued to look at her, relaxing his body.

Nanzi then reached out and grasped Monty’s hand, causing him to tense and attempt to withdraw it. But she lifted his hand high, inspecting it as if fascinated. Monty did not pull away, wary of her drawing closer and pressing her face against his.

In a gentle tone, she said, “They say heroes love beauties—why should beauties not love heroes? The world is full of faithless people. Today, I am fortunate to meet a hero like you. It is a blessing in this life. Rest assured, Monty, you may return to Lu tomorrow.”

Suddenly rising, Nanzi bowed solemnly to Monty.

“Many say Jin is in decline and cannot endure. I am grateful you spoke so openly. Though I wield some influence in Wei, I cannot sway great affairs. I can only thank you here.”

With that, she turned and left, leaving Monty alone, his palm still warm from the touch of her skin.