Lan Xia nodded, understanding his concern. Then she spoke again, her voice steady. "My master has no objection to betrothing her grandson to the princess. She already told me so."
Mark's expression darkened instantly. "No. That doesn't solve anything. I won't sacrifice someone else's future to solve my own problem."
Lan Xia didn't argue. Instead, she calmly asked, "What if no one is sacrificed?"
Mark looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"What if Lord Hei takes Lan Yichen as his disciple?" she said.
Mark froze. "Disciple?"
"Yes," Lan Xia replied. "Think about it. Lord Hei is coming here anyway. If he accepts Yichen as his disciple, then Yichen won't just be some hostage sent to the palace. He'll be under Lord Hei's protection."
She continued, laying it out clearly. "With that status, the palace won't dare treat him poorly. On paper, he can still be sent as a 'hostage,' but in reality, he'll be untouchable. His cultivation, future, and safety will all be secured."
