After being demoted, my 300,000-strong army trampled the imperial city!

This grand ceremony is not only about Chen Futu succeeding to the throne of the Northern Frontier King, but also about announcing to the world that Liu Longyue will be the Crown Prince's consort. In fact, according to others, it would be best if they could get married.

Chen Futu disagreed with marrying Liu Longyue, but the civil and military officials felt that they could go through the motions first and then change partners after conquering the world.

Such a marriage was obviously unfortunate for Liu Longyue, but she didn't care about all that. She could get married and even have children with the King of the Northern Frontier, all for the sake of the Northern Wu entering the Central Plains.

Chen Futu subconsciously asked Zhuge Liang, "Does the Prime Minister really think that Liu Longyue's desperate measures are solely for the purpose of leaving the harsh and cold land of Beiwu?"

Zhuge Liang shook his feather fan and pondered for a moment. "I know a little about the past of the Princess of Beiwu. In my opinion, rather than wanting Beiwu to enter the Central Plains, it is more accurate to say that she hates the Beiwu royal family. All of this stems from the various injustices her mother suffered in the Beiwu court."

"You mean, she has ambitions to become an empress?"

"It cannot be ruled out that Princess Beiwu is able to endure what ordinary people cannot, and she has entered the game herself, disregarding her reputation, and traveled all the way to the Northern Frontier, nominally seeking cooperation from the Crown Prince. Isn't this also increasing her bargaining chips in negotiations with the Beiwu royal family?"

Zhuge Liang truly deserves his reputation throughout history; he saw through the implications at a glance.

Chen Futu frowned and said, "So, in a way, we both got what we wanted."

"If Liang is right, there must be someone in the delegation who has designs on her, perhaps because of that Empress Dugu."

"for example?"

"For example, damaging the relationship between the princess and the crown prince could greatly diminish her value in the eyes of Emperor Beiwu, making it impossible for her to return to her homeland. But the outcome of all this depends on the crown prince's choice."

Zhuge Liang answered with a smile, and Chen Futu finally understood.

That old hag Dugu is up to no good in Dragon City, and she's planted someone in the delegation to target this marriage alliance.

Chen Futu suddenly felt a pang of pity for Liu Longyue. She worked tirelessly, even defiling herself, to pave the way for Beiwu. Even though she had her own petty schemes, she always stuck to the big picture. And yet she was still targeted. It was truly...

Zhuge Liang continued, “Regardless of the relationship between Bei Wu and this princess, the Crown Prince needs Bei Wu to support this grand ceremony and withstand external pressure. Even if it's just a pretense, he must maintain the relationship with the princess temporarily so that Emperor Wu can see her value. Only then will Bei Wu help Da Qian continue to hold out against Da Qian on the eastern battlefield and buy time for the development of the people in the northern frontier.”

"The Prime Minister's words have been like the clouds parting to reveal the sun, and I have suddenly understood everything."

Chen Futu grinned as he spoke.

People in the Three Kingdoms period liked to say that, and he didn't mind learning from it.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang laughed heartily, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

The remaining political affairs were left to Zhuge Liang, while Chen Futu entered the inner palace and met the old lady and Liu Longyue, who were talking.

The old lady smiled and waved, "My son, come quickly. Try on the robe your mother prepared for you and see if it fits."

On the table lay newly made clothes, all black with a python robe trimmed with gold, looking majestic and imposing.

“Wearing this, my son will be a widow and a noblewoman.”

As the old lady said these words, the smile on her face vanished without a trace.

Chen Futu felt a lump in his throat and said in a low voice, "Mother, you've had a hard time all these years."

"The Great Qian Dynasty is ruthless and heartless. They harmed your father and even framed my family for treason. I wish I could tear those bastards to pieces! Besides, my son's ambition is no less than that of the Prince of Zhenbei. He should fight against that corrupt court for the throne!"

The old lady became extremely agitated, startling even Liu Longyue who was standing nearby.

The old lady was usually very calm and never mentioned the death of the Prince of Zhenbei. But Chen Futu knew that she harbored a deep resentment. In the past, the Northern Frontier had no right to demand an explanation, but today was different. The prince's eldest son had the demeanor of a king and had many powerful generals under his command. They no longer had to fear the intimidation of the Great Qian army.

“If that’s the case, then my son may rebel.” After saying that, the old lady waved her hand and said, “Yue’er, help your husband change his clothes.”

"Yes, mother."

Liu Longyue lowered her head, picked up the robe on the table, and then gestured for Chen Futu to go to the inner hall to change his clothes.

Chen Futu followed her into the room.

Liu Longyue helped comb his hair and whispered, "In the future, when you become the King of the Northern Frontier, will you remember your promise to me?"

"As long as you don't side with outsiders, I will do as you wish."

"The delegation is about to arrive in Dragon City. Are you aware of this?" Liu Longyue asked again, her eyes slightly flickering.

“Of course I know…” Chen Futu said, turning to look at her. “Just tell me what you need. As long as it’s not too much trouble, I’ll do whatever you ask.”

"As Your Highness knows, I have always been at odds with Empress Dugu. I'm afraid she has arranged for someone in the delegation to make things difficult for me."

Liu Longyue finally made her request, exactly as Zhuge Liang had predicted. Empress Dugu was ruthless and cunning, and even if Liu Longyue left Beiwu, she would not give up. If she managed to succeed in her scheme this time, Liu Longyue's influence in the court would likely be greatly diminished.

Chen Futu replied expressionlessly, "If that old hag Dugu dares to reach under my nose, I wouldn't hesitate to chop off her claws."

"Then I will thank Your Majesty in advance."

Liu Longyue smiled sweetly and changed her address from "I" to "Your Majesty," showing a good sense of propriety.

Looking at her flawless white fox face in the mirror, Chen Futu teased, "If you're really interested in cooperating with me, I won't hesitate to lend you a hand."

What does Your Majesty mean?

"For example, I will find a suitable time to send you back to Beiwu, help you seize that position, and then you will lead your people to surrender. I will take good care of your people."

Chen Futu's words were extremely greedy. Liu Longyue's hand, which was helping to tidy up the robes, visibly trembled, and she said awkwardly, "Does Your Majesty want to swallow up Beiwu?"

"Whether it's the Great Qian or any other force, I will eliminate any obstacle that stands in my way. Considering that we will become husband and wife, I do not want the tragedy of the Dragon Barbarians killing their captives to repeat itself in the Northern Wu."

"Your Majesty speaks so lightly. Could it be that you are deliberately trying to send me away so that you can bring Qin Liangyu back?"

“I gave you a chance. Think it over carefully. And let me remind you again: do not try to harm the people around me, or attempt to assassinate me, or use the name of the Mistress to command the Northern Frontier. If you do, you will die a very ugly death.”

Chen Futu made no attempt to hide his thoughts; this was a threat, meant to make her behave.

After hearing this, Liu Longyue bit her lip and lowered her head.

She had indeed considered this idea some time ago, but Chen Futu pointed it out on the carriage that brought her back from the academy, so she no longer dared to have such radical thoughts.

Even if we kill Chen Futu now, it won't make a difference. As long as Chen Futu leaves a will, who among Zhang Liang and Zhuge Liang will submit to her?

The final outcome will likely be that Qin Liangyu is put on the throne, and then Qin Liangyu avenges the heir by massacring the Northern Wu, which is not what she wants to see.