The Villains Must Win-Chapter 23: Han Feng

Days passed in a blur, and before Xue Li knew it, only a month remained until Rui Hua and Liang Wei would meet.

Yet, she remained untroubled. Each night, she carefully planted seeds of strategy in Han Feng’s mind, subtly guiding his thoughts to ensure that he would not take any interest in the lands of Liang.

Her plans were unfolding just as she had hoped, and with each passing day, the chances of her success grew stronger.

One night, after their intense love making, Xue Li sat across from Han Feng in the dimly lit chamber, her expression calm and timid. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across her features as she spoke.

"Your Majesty," she began, her voice steady, "the snow-covered lands of Han present us with more than just an obstacle in the form of the bitter cold. The threat of hunger looms over us, and if we do not act swiftly, the consequences could be dire. The people will falter, and our authority will wane."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze never leaving his. "Xue Li’s suggestion is this: we begin by fortifying our supply routes. Caravans loaded with grain and necessities should be sent as early as possible, and each should be accompanied by armed escorts to safeguard the goods. The wagons must be equipped with insulation to protect the supplies from freezing along the way. We cannot afford any loss."

Xue Li paused, watching Han Feng’s reaction before continuing. "In addition, we must turn to the farmers. We should offer them subsidies for their labor, encouraging them to cultivate crops that can endure the harsh conditions, such as winter wheat, potatoes, or cold-resistant root vegetables. A partnership between the crown and the farmers would benefit both sides, providing a steady supply of food and strengthening their loyalty to us."

She straightened, her hands folded in her lap as she brought her plan to a close. "Finally, Xue Li recommend establishing food storage facilities in each of the provinces. These depots would be stocked with preserved meats, grains, and dried fruits—supplies that would remain safe from the elements. The people will know that they have a place to turn when the worst of the winter sets in, and it will ensure we maintain control over the situation."

Xue Li’s eyes met Han Feng’s, her gaze hopeful. "If we act now, we can prevent the hunger from taking root and keep the lands of Han prosperous."

Xue Li knew that the solution she had proposed was far more labor-intensive than simply seizing the fertile lands of Liang. However, it was a far more lasting strategy, one that would ensure Han Feng would no longer need to rely on Rui Hua in the future. By addressing the root cause of their hunger during the brutal winters, she could make the lands of Liang unnecessary to the empire’s survival.

The initial desire for those lands had been driven by the food shortages during the harsh winters. It had seemed like the easiest solution, so much so that one of the dukes had even captured Rui Hua, planning to present her as a bargaining chip to the Crown Prince of Liang.

But if Xue Li could provide a viable alternative now, then, when Rui Hua and Liang Wei met, Rui Hua might no longer be needed. She might avoid being kidnapped, her value diminished because the problem she had once been a solution would no longer exist.

Less than a year after Rui Hua and Liang Wei met, she would be kidnapped. In the months leading up to that moment, it was imperative that Xue Li’s plan took root.

If successful, the kidnapping would never happen, and Han Feng would no longer need to meet with Rui Hua at all. This would allow Xue Li to live her days with Han Feng without worry, continuing to captivate him and keep him happy by her side for the rest of his life and win this game!

Xue Li couldn’t help but stifle a snicker at the thought of her impending victory. Fortunately, Han Feng was lost in his thoughts, unaware of her quiet amusement.

Han Feng pondered her suggestion, his gaze turning thoughtful before he smiled at her, a rare and approving look.

Her plan was unlike anything he had ever heard from the men in his court. They had spoken of solutions that benefited only the privileged, solutions that ignored the suffering of the common people.

But Xue Li’s strategy was one of empathy, one of foresight. She spoke not of hoarding food for the nobility, nor of securing their own interests, but of fortifying the kingdom as a whole—of ensuring that the people, from the highest lord to the humblest peasant, would survive the bitter cold of winter.

Her proposal to strengthen the supply lines, to ration the provisions with wisdom, and to focus on the agricultural heartlands of the empire was a revelation. These were the solutions no one had thought to offer, not in the halls of power, not in the opulent chambers where self-interest reigned supreme. The others sought only the path of least resistance, their eyes set solely on preserving their own lives while the common folk perished in the snow.

But Xue Li? She thought of the people. She thought of the future.

As he listened, a deep sense of admiration began to rise within him. For a moment, Han Feng felt as though he had been blind—blind to the potential in front of him.

Xue Li was not merely the woman at his side. She was a strategist of unparalleled brilliance. And for the first time, he began to wonder whether she was not just his concubine, but the true leader of the empire.

His expression softened, a rare show of respect in his eyes as he addressed her. "Xue Li," he said, his voice grave, "Your wisdom far exceeds that of any man in my court. None of my advisors have dared to offer such a plan. They only care for their own survival, leaving the people to starve in the cold. But you . . . you think of them. You think of the kingdom. Tell me, where did you come by such brilliance?"