The Gusu Empire did not ask.

It commanded.

White banners with golden cloud patterns moved

across the border like silent waves. The imperial envoys did not shout, did not threaten, did not negotiate loudly.

They simply arrived.

And when Gusu arrived, the world listened.

In Yunmeng Kingdom, however, something very different was happening.

“Your Highness, please stop hanging from the roof!”

A red-robed figure was lying flat on the palace rooftop, staring at the sky.

Prince Wei Wuxian.

Second prince of Yunmeng.

Official title: Carefree Royal.

Real identity: Dangerous genius.

Hidden identity: Omega.

He rolled over lazily and waved at the terrified servants below.

“I’m calculating wind direction.”

“…By lying on the roof?”

“Yes.”

“…Why?”

“In case we are invaded.”

The servants nearly cried.

Wei Wuxian wasn’t joking.

While other princes practiced poetry and diplomacy,

he studied:

Military formations

Engineering

Hidden weapons

Supply chain logistics

Spy communication codes

He once redesigned Yunmeng’s flood irrigation system in three days.

He once exposed a corrupt minister by pretending to be drunk for an entire month.

He once built a mechanical folding crossbow that could fire three arrows at once.

But the world thought he was just playful.

And he preferred it that way.

Inside the royal throne hall, tension filled the air.

The Yunmeng King sat stiffly.

In front of him stood the envoy of Gusu.

White robes. Silver belt. Calm expression.

He spoke clearly:

“The Emperor of Gusu, Lan Wangji, proposes a marriage alliance.”

The ministers whispered immediately.

Lan Wangji.

Also known as Lanza in foreign lands.

The Ice Emperor.

Alpha of the purest bloodline.

Never seen smiling.

Never rumored to have a lover.

Never accepted any marriage proposal.

The King swallowed.

“To whom?”

The envoy did not hesitate.

“To Prince Wei Wuxian.”

Silence.

Complete silence.

A teacup dropped somewhere in the hall.

Moments later—

Wei Wuxian walked in chewing lotus seeds.

“Why is everyone pale? Did someone die?”

His brother glared at him.

“Wuxian. Stand properly.”

Wei Wuxian bowed lazily.

The King spoke carefully.

“The Emperor of Gusu has requested your hand in marriage.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“…Mine?”

“Yes.”

“Specifically?”

“Yes.”

Wei Wuxian stopped smiling for exactly two seconds.

Then the smile returned.

“Oh?”

The envoy added calmly:

“Our Emperor has one condition.”

The ministers held their breath.

“He will take no other consort.”

The entire hall gasped.

Even Wei Wuxian paused mid-chew.

“No other marriage?” the King repeated.

“Yes. The Empress will be the only spouse. No

secondary marriage. No concubines.”

For an emperor—

That was shocking.

That was dangerous.

That was… personal.

Wei Wuxian tilted his head.

“Does your Emperor know I am… not gentle?”

The envoy’s lips almost twitched.

“Our Emperor has studied your achievements carefully.”

The ministers froze.

Studied?

Wei Wuxian’s eyes sharpened slightly.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Later that evening, by the lotus lake—

Wei Wuxian sat with his elder brother.

“You don’t have to go,” his brother said quietly.

Wei Wuxian skipped a stone across the water.

“I know.”

“You would live in another empire. Far away.”

“I know.”

“Gusu is powerful.”

“I know.”

“Lan Wangji is an Alpha.”

Wei Wuxian laughed softly.

“Good.”

His brother frowned.

“You’re not afraid?”

Wei Wuxian leaned back.

“If he investigated me carefully enough to request me

specifically…”

His eyes sparkled.

“…then I want to see what kind of emperor he is.”

“And if he didn’t investigate carefully?”

Wei Wuxian smiled slowly.

“Then he’s about to be surprised.”

Meanwhile — Gusu Imperial Palace

Lan Wangji stood alone before a large war map.

Reports were stacked neatly beside him.

A general spoke carefully:

“Your Majesty, many kingdoms offered princesses. Why choose Yunmeng’s second prince?”

Lan Wangji did not look up.

“Because he is intelligent.”

The general blinked.

“He restructured flood control at sixteen.”

“He solved grain shortages without raising taxes.”

“He exposed corruption using disguise.”

“He redesigned border defense anonymously.”

The general swallowed.

“You admire him.”

Lan Wangji’s voice remained calm.

“I value him.”

A pause.

“He will be my only Empress.”

The general nearly lost balance.

Only.

No second marriage.

No political backup bride.

Just one.

Back in Yunmeng—

Wei Wuxian stood before the throne the next

morning.

The King asked carefully:

“Your decision?”

Wei Wuxian smiled brightly.

“I accept.”

Gasps filled the hall.

His brother whispered:

“Are you serious?”

Wei Wuxian winked.

“If I’m going to marry… might as well marry the

strongest emperor.”

Then he added lightly:

“And I’m curious how cold he really is.”

The engagement gifts arrived within days.

Silk. Gold. Rare books.

But what surprised Wei Wuxian most—

Was a box of advanced military strategy manuscripts.

With a small note.

“For discussion.”

No romantic poem.

No sweet words.

Just intellectual respect.

Wei Wuxian laughed.

“Oh… this emperor is interesting.”

As the wedding date approached, whispers spread:

“The Ice Emperor is marrying.”

“He promised only one spouse.”

“He chose an omega prince.”

“He personally ordered palace reconstruction for him.”

And in the north—

War rumors began to stir.

Foreign troops gathering.

Border tensions rising.

A storm was coming.

Marriage alliance.

Power balance shifting.

And in the center of it all—

A genius omega prince walking calmly into the lion’s den.

Not as prey.

But as equal.

On the morning of departure—

Wei Wuxian stood in red wedding robes.

His brother hugged him briefly.

“Be careful.”

Wei Wuxian grinned.

“I always am.”

As the carriage began moving toward Gusu—

He looked ahead calmly.

“Emperor Lan Wangji…”

He murmured softly.

“Let’s see which one of us is more dangerous.”

The capital of Gusu had never been this decorated.

White silk banners flowed like clouds across the palace gates. Golden lanterns lined the main road.

Citizens stood in neat rows, whispering excitedly.

“The Emperor is truly marrying…”

“And he promised no other consort!”

“They say the Yunmeng prince is very clever.”

“They say he’s trouble.”

Inside the imperial palace courtyard—

Lan Wangji stood in formal wedding robes.

White layered silk. Gold embroidery. Crown of polished jade.

Perfect posture.

Cold expression.

Unshakable.

If not for the slight tightening of his fingers inside his sleeves.

He had waited for this day calmly.

But not carelessly.

The wedding carriage arrived.

Red curtains lifted slightly as Wei Wuxian stepped down.

He wore bright red robes embroidered with lotus and cloud patterns — symbol of both kingdoms united.

His long black hair was tied loosely with a golden crown.

He looked relaxed.

Too relaxed.

His eyes scanned everything in seconds:

Guard positions

Archer towers

Escape routes

Minister reactions

Then his gaze met Lan Wangji’s.

Ah.

So this is the Ice Emperor.

Tall.

Composed.

Unbelievably handsome.

And staring directly at him without hesitation.

Wei Wuxian smiled slowly.

Lan Wangji stepped forward personally.

Gasps echoed.

The Emperor rarely moved for anyone.

He stopped before Wei Wuxian.

His voice was low and steady.

“Welcome to Gusu.”

Wei Wuxian tilted his head slightly.

“Your Majesty greets me personally? I’m honored.”

“I should.”

A simple answer.

No extra words.

But clear.

The ceremony was grand but efficient.

Bows exchanged.

Heaven and Earth witnessed.

Tea offered to ancestors.

No dramatic speeches.

No forced emotions.

Just steady respect.

When it was time to walk into the palace together—

Lan Wangji quietly extended his hand.

Not commanding.

Not pulling.

Simply offering.

Wei Wuxian looked at it for one second.

Then placed his hand in his.

Warm.

Firm.

Steady.

Interesting.

Inside the Empress Palace

Wei Wuxian expected heavy incense.

Overdecorated rooms.

Formal distance.

Instead—

The room was elegant and simple.

Fresh air.

Lotus flowers.

A desk prepared with maps and strategy scrolls.

He blinked.

Lan Wangji spoke calmly.

“You prefer light fragrance. Strong incense gives you headaches.”

Wei Wuxian slowly turned.

“You investigated even that?”

“Yes.”

No shame.

No apology.

Just truth.

Wei Wuxian laughed.

“Should I be flattered or worried?”

“You may choose.”

That made him laugh louder.

When servants left, silence settled.

This was the moment most people feared.

The wedding night.

But Lan Wangji did not rush forward.

Instead—

He poured tea.

Placed a cup before Wei Wuxian.

“Long journey.”

Wei Wuxian studied him carefully.

“You’re not what rumors say.”

Lan Wangji sat across from him.

“Rumors are inaccurate.”

“So you’re not cold?”

“I am.”

Pause.

“Not toward you.”

Wei Wuxian’s fingers paused on the teacup.

Direct.

No hesitation.

He leaned forward slightly.

“You don’t even know me well.”

Lan Wangji met his gaze steadily.

“I know enough.”

“What do you know?”

“That you pretend to be careless.”

“That you analyze everything.”

“That you dislike being underestimated.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“…You’re dangerous.”

Lan Wangji’s voice softened slightly.

“

Only for enemies.”

Suddenly—

A loud crash echoed outside.

Wei Wuxian stood instantly.

Lan Wangji was already at the door.

Guards rushed in.

“Your Majesty! A minister’s carriage overturned near

the south gate.”

Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow.

“On our wedding night?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes turned sharp.

“Yes.”

They exchanged a glance.

Both understood.

Suspicious timing.

Wei Wuxian walked to the window casually.

“If I were testing a new Empress…”

He smiled slightly.

“…I’d create a small disturbance to see his reaction.”

Lan Wangji looked at him.

“And your reaction?”

Wei Wuxian shrugged.

“I’d wait. Real enemies don’t act so obviously.”

Lan Wangji gave a slight nod.

“Agreed.”

He turned to the guards.

“Investigate quietly. No public punishment yet.”

The guards left.

Wei Wuxian leaned against the table.

“So you won’t overreact.”

“No.”

“And you won’t suspect me?”

Lan Wangji’s answer was immediate.

“No.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“No?”

“I chose you.”

Simple.

Unshaken trust.

That was more dangerous than suspicion.

Later that night—

Lan Wangji adjusted the bedding carefully.

“You should rest.”

Wei Wuxian smirked.

“Are you always this proper?”

“Yes.”

“And if I misbehave?”

Lan Wangji stepped closer.

“Then I will handle it.”

The tone was calm.

But slightly deeper.

Wei Wuxian raised both hands playfully.

“Alright, Your Majesty. I surrender.”

Lan Wangji’s lips almost curved.

Almost.

As candles dimmed—

Wei Wuxian lay beside him.

No awkwardness.

No pressure.

Just steady warmth.

He spoke softly into the darkness.

“You truly won’t take another spouse?”

“No.”

“Even for politics?”

“No.”

“Even if I cause trouble?”

“You will.”

Wei Wuxian laughed quietly.

“And?”

Lan Wangji turned slightly toward him.

“I will still choose you.”

Silence.

Comfortable.

Steady.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes.

Perhaps this alliance would be… interesting.

Outside the palace walls—

Northern armies were quietly moving.

Ministers were whispering.

Spies were watching.

War clouds gathering.

But inside the imperial chamber—

The Ice Emperor lay awake for a moment longer.

Listening to his omega’s calm breathing.

Then he allowed himself one quiet thought.

Mine.

The next morning—

The imperial court was full.

Too full.

Ministers who usually pretended to be ill were suddenly very healthy.

Officials who rarely attended were standing in perfect rows.

Everyone wanted to see him.

The omega prince who became the only Empress.

The one the Ice Emperor personally chose.

Wei Wuxian walked beside Lan Wangji calmly.

White and red formal robes flowed behind him.

His expression?

Pleasant.

Relaxed.

Almost bored.

But inside—

He was counting.

Thirty-seven senior officials.

Five military commanders.

Three ministers avoiding eye contact.

Two who were staring too boldly.

Interesting.

The court session began.

Lan Wangji sat on the dragon throne.

Wei Wuxian’s seat was placed beside him.

Not lower.

Beside.

That alone caused whispers.

A senior minister stepped forward first.

“Your Majesty. Regarding the northern border tension…”

His eyes briefly shifted to Wei Wuxian.

“…Perhaps this matter should be discussed privately.”

Translation:

The Empress should not interfere.

Wei Wuxian smiled slightly.

Lan Wangji’s voice was calm.

“The Empress stays.”

No hesitation.

The minister stiffened.

“Yes… Your Majesty.”

Maps were brought forward.

Reports of troop movements from the Northern Coalition.

Supply delays.

Unstable weather conditions.

Wei Wuxian watched quietly.

One commander spoke confidently:

“If they attack, we simply reinforce the main gate and respond directly.”

Wei Wuxian tilted his head slightly.

Direct response?

Inefficient.

But he stayed silent.

For now.

Another minister suddenly spoke:

“Your Majesty, forgive this humble servant, but… can the Empress understand military matters?”

The hall froze.

Very bold.

Wei Wuxian blinked slowly.

Lan Wangji’s eyes turned cold.

But before he could speak—

Wei Wuxian raised his hand gently.

“May I?”

Lan Wangji looked at him.

“Yes.”

One word.

Full trust.

Wei Wuxian stood.

Walked to the map.

He studied it for three seconds.

Then—

He moved three small wooden markers.

“If the Northern Coalition attacks, they will not strike

the main gate.”

The generals frowned.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s obvious.”

He pointed calmly.

“Their supply line runs along this river. If they engage

directly, they expose their weaker eastern flank.”

He moved another marker.

“They’ll send a smaller force here first. A distraction.”

Murmurs spread.

One commander objected.

“That is speculation.”

Wei Wuxian smiled pleasantly.

“Yes.”

He pulled out a small folded document from his sleeve.

“Which is why I sent scouts yesterday.”

The entire court froze.

“You—what?”

Wei Wuxian handed the report to Lan Wangji.

“River depth measurements. It dropped two feet.

Enough for rapid crossing.”

Lan Wangji read quickly.

His eyes sharpened slightly.

Accurate.

Completely accurate.

Wei Wuxian turned back to the generals.

“If we reinforce the main gate as suggested, we lose

the eastern farmland within three days.”

Silence.

Heavy silence.

Then Lan Wangji spoke calmly.

“Adjust the formation according to the Empress’s analysis.”

No debate.

Immediate order.

The generals bowed.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The bold minister from earlier swallowed.

Wei Wuxian looked at him sweetly.

“Minister Liu, you asked if I understand military matters.”

A polite smile.

“Do you still doubt?”

The minister hurriedly bowed.

“This servant was blind.”

Wei Wuxian waved lazily.

“It happens.”

After court ended—

Lan Wangji walked beside him through the palace corridor.

“You sent scouts without informing me.”

Wei Wuxian grinned.

“Would you have stopped me?”

“No.”

“Then why inform you?”

Lan Wangji almost smiled.

Almost.

“You were correct.”

Wei Wuxian looked pleased.

“Of course.”

Suddenly—

A palace maid rushed forward nervously.

“Your Majesty! The western storage tower caught fire!”

Lan Wangji’s expression turned sharp.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes narrowed.

Fire.

On the same day as military tension?

Suspicious.

They arrived quickly.

Smoke rising.

Guards panicking.

Wei Wuxian observed quietly.

Too controlled.

Too contained.

He walked toward the side entrance.

Lan Wangji followed without question.

Inside—

He pointed at a stack of oil jars.

“Placed too neatly.”

Lan Wangji understood instantly.

“Deliberate.”

Wei Wuxian nodded.

“A distraction. Someone wants us focused inside the palace.”

Lan Wangji’s gaze hardened.

“Investigate all western officials.”

Wei Wuxian tilted his head.

“No.”

Lan Wangji looked at him.

“No?”

“Too obvious again.”

He crouched slightly near a footprint.

“Small boots. Not military.”

He stood.

“Palace servant.”

Lan Wangji’s voice lowered dangerously.

“Internal sabotage.”

Wei Wuxian smiled faintly.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

“For marrying someone useful?”

“Yes.”

By evening—

The culprit was found.

A bribed kitchen assistant connected to northern spies.

Court ministers were shaken.

The Empress discovered it before the guards did.

Rumors began spreading fast.

“The Empress predicted the attack.”

“He exposed sabotage.”

“He moved scouts without fear.”

“The Emperor trusts him completely.”

That night—

Wei Wuxian leaned back in his chamber.

Lan Wangji entered quietly.

“You handled court well.”

Wei Wuxian smirked.

“You handled it better.”

Lan Wangji stepped closer.

“Are you tired?”

“No.”

Pause.

“Are you impressed?”

“Yes.”

Wei Wuxian blinked.

“You admit it so easily?”

Lan Wangji looked at him steadily.

“You are my Empress.”

“As expected.”

Direct praise.

No embarrassment.

Wei Wuxian felt strangely warm.

He quickly covered it with a grin.

“Careful. If you keep praising me, I might become arrogant.”

Lan Wangji’s voice softened.

“You already are.”Chapter 3 – The Court Tests the Empress

Wei Wuxian laughed loudly.

Later—

As they stood by the window overlooking the capital—

Wei Wuxian spoke quietly.

“War is coming.”

“Yes.”

“You’ll go personally.”

“Yes.”

He didn’t hesitate.

Wei Wuxian crossed his arms.

“Then I’ll manage here.”

Lan Wangji turned toward him.

“I trust you.”

Three simple words.

No emotional drama.

No heavy atmosphere.

Just fact.

Wei Wuxian smiled slowly.

“Good.”

“Because I don’t plan to sit quietly.”

Lan Wangji stepped closer.

“I know.”

And for the first time—

His hand gently rested at Wei Wuxian’s waist.

Not possessive.

Not demanding.

Just steady.

Only for him.

Outside—

Storm clouds gathered over the northern mountains.

Inside—

The empire’s most powerful Alpha and most dangerous Omega stood side by side.

Equal.