Wen Yuan may seem gentle, but as the son of the overlord of Kyushu, how could he be a pushover?

Even within the territory of the Great Zhou, he adhered to his own principles.

“Your Majesty’s words make sense. For the two countries to unite in marriage, in addition to mutual respect and love, it is even more important that both sides have a heart that loves the people. I believe that Your Majesty is the most suitable.”

Wen Yuan stated his purpose directly, his expression gentle but his attitude firm.

Emperor Changlong's expression was calm, but no one knew the undercurrents beneath his calm surface.

Princess Qingyan was stunningly beautiful; most men would be unable to move when they saw her. However, Emperor Changlong remained unmoved.

"King of Chu, I am old enough to be Princess Qingyan's father. I have no intention of remarrying, so there is no need to mention this matter again." Emperor Changlong appeared gentle, but the majesty of a monarch pressed down, and instantly, the atmosphere in the hall changed.

Princess Qingyan raised her eyes and glanced at Emperor Changlong, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

This was the first time in her memory that someone had rejected her beauty.

At the same time, she felt somewhat embarrassed, after all, in a foreign country, in front of a large crowd, she was actually rejected by a man old enough to be her father.

The hall fell into silence.

Song Siyao spoke up at the opportune moment, "Your Highness, I'd like to offer you a toast."

She raised her wine glass to look at Wen Yuan, her tone indifferent, her smile faint, but her clear and sincere eyes held a ruthless glint in them.

Wen Yuan also raised his glass and looked at Song Siyao.

The two men's wine glasses were several meters apart, and they clinked them together from a distance.

After the two had finished their drinks, Song Siyao changed the subject, "Your Highness, look at the wine we're drinking. Even if we changed the cup, it would still taste the same. Its final destination is the stomach, so what's the difference?"

Wen Yuan smiled and said, "Princess Youfeng is quick-witted. She can express such profound truths with a simple cup of wine. However, I believe that each type of wine should be paired with a particular type of glass. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste?"

"Is that so? If the cup breaks and the wine spills, that would be a real waste. At that point, Your Highness wouldn't be able to drink any wine, no matter what flavor it is." Song Siyao's smile remained, but her tone was icy.

Although they yearn for peace, they are not afraid if anyone attempts to shatter it through force.

The Yan Kingdom, a defeated state, dared to try and suppress the Great Zhou on its own territory. Song Siyao would never allow it.

The victory and peace won by the blood of countless soldiers of the Great Zhou Dynasty must not be trampled on by anyone.

Wen Yuan's smile froze for a moment, then relaxed again. "Princess Youfeng is very learned, and the principles she speaks of are simple and easy to understand. I have truly benefited greatly from her teachings."

He came on the orders of the Yan Emperor with the aim of facilitating a marriage alliance, not breaking the peace.

Therefore, he sensed the warning in Song Siyao's words and stopped short of it.

"Let's discuss the marriage alliance again. Come, let's raise a toast to welcome our guests." Emperor Changlong's smile returned.

In the initial tug-of-war, Da Zhou emerged victorious.

He glanced at Song Siyao, who immediately understood. She looked at the palace servants, and in an instant, music filled the air, dancers took to the stage, and Qiwu Palace became lively.

The marriage alliance has been suspended. The concern is with Wen Yuan, who are now on the territory of the Great Zhou. Emperor Changlong can afford to wait, but they cannot.

Emperor Changlong and Song Siyao, one a ruler and the other a minister, worked in tandem, completely controlling them.

If we want Princess Qingyan to marry Emperor Changlong, we'll have to find another way.

However, before Wen Yuan could come up with a good solution, someone took the initiative.

"I've heard that Princess Qingyan is stunningly beautiful and possesses unparalleled talent. Now that you've come to my Great Zhou, why not do as the Romans do? Take off your veil and perform for everyone." It was Shen Xuan who spoke.

He was dressed in purple, with a refined and elegant demeanor, and a sharp look in his eyes.

"Brother, if you want to see Princess Qingyan's beautiful face, don't be so direct. It makes you seem too eager," Shen Jing said in an unfriendly tone.

Shen Heng was honest and straightforward. “My two imperial brothers, Princess Qingyan is a woman. She has come from afar, so we must treat her with courtesy. Great Zhou is a land of etiquette, and we must not lose sight of our roots.”

He was the legitimate son of the Empress, and his words carried some weight among the princes.

Shen Xuan remained silent, sitting quietly drinking and observing the situation.

As expected, as soon as Shen Heng finished speaking, Princess Qingyan looked at him.

Shen Heng saw Princess Qingyan's gaze and returned a kind look, tinged with tenderness.

Princess Qingyan quickly averted her gaze.

"Fifth Brother, you are mistaken. Princess Qingyan has married into our Great Zhou. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is the greatest respect we can show her," Shen Xuanyi said righteously.

"Fifth brother, Princess Qingyan will eventually have to interact with us. We were just having a normal conversation with her. How did this become a matter of national importance? You're exaggerating." Shen Jing also expressed some dissatisfaction.

Shen Heng remained gentle, showing no anger at Shen Xuan and Shen Jing's words. "Princess Qingyan, they were just joking with you. Please don't be offended. If they have offended you, I will apologize on their behalf."

If green tea has different levels, then Shen Heng must be the top level.

His words demonstrated his magnanimity and brought him closer to Princess Qingyan, making it seem as if the two of them were on the same side, while everyone else was an outsider.

Incidentally, he also stepped on Shen Xuan and Shen Jing's foot.

Princess Qingyan spoke softly, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Shen Heng's gaze softened further. "Princess Qingyan, my name is Shen Heng. You can come to me for anything you encounter in the Great Zhou Dynasty."

He believed that no woman would not want to rely on someone.

Although Princess Qingyan was a princess, she was helpless and alone in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

He is the legitimate son of the Empress, and his status is enough for Princess Qingyan to rely on.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Princess Qingyan spoke again, still saying the same thing, indifferent and devoid of any emotion.

"Qingyan, perform a talent for everyone so they can get to know you," Wen Yuan said.

He realized that these princes were all interested in Princess Qingyan, and if he used them well, he could achieve his goal as well.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Princess Qingyan stood up and slowly walked to the platform.

Wen Yuan continued, “In our Yan state, there is a custom that unmarried women cover their faces with veils, and whoever is the first to see her true face must marry her. Today, the first person to see Qingyan’s true face will be her ideal husband.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall erupted in excitement.

Princess Qingyan lowered her eyes, and no one could see the sadness and resentment in them.

She stood before the public like a commodity, subject to discussion, negotiation, and ultimate fate.

So what if she's the daughter of the overlord of Kyushu?

That's true, though.

A moment later, Princess Qingyan raised her head, her eyes resolute. From the moment she agreed to marry the Queen of Yan, she had no way out.

The person she cared about most was in the hands of the Empress of Yan.

She looked at everyone and slowly began to speak…

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