"The marriage alliance with the Xiongnu tribe is not only a matter of my family, but also a matter of national importance for the Great Chu."

Therefore, I still need to consider whether or not to agree.

Even if Chu Tianling were willing, he couldn't agree at this time, as that would put him in a passive position.

"Alright, since the envoy has come from afar, I have prepared a welcoming banquet in the palace. You may enjoy the delicious food and the songs and dances of my Central Plains first, and then we can discuss the details later."

Chu Tianling lightly brushed the topic aside.

"I will not go."

Since he had already met the person, Chu Xuanming didn't want to get involved in the commotion, so he left after saying a few words.

Because Chu Tianling has been monopolizing Li'er and won't let go, he hasn't been able to find an opportunity to go to her for many days.

He knew that Li'er was absent from today's banquet due to illness, so he could take the opportunity to visit her.

Chu Tianling wanted to say something, but he knew it was useless and was afraid of losing face in front of the envoy, so he could only force a smile and say to Chu Xuanming, who was about to leave.

"Since Imperial Uncle has important matters to attend to, then I will not insist."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xuanming said, "It would be best if Your Majesty could understand."

After finishing speaking, he quickly disappeared from the main hall.

The eldest prince watched all this, never expecting that the regent of the Great Chu would be so arrogant, and that the emperor would dare not speak out against his anger.

If he could find a loophole and join forces with Chu Tianling to get rid of the regent, everything would be much easier.

The eldest prince was only thinking to himself, and the sinister glint in his eyes was fleeting, not even noticed by Aya, who was closest to him.

Aya disliked Chu Xuanming. Although he was more handsome than the Emperor of Great Chu, his aura was too domineering, and she couldn't control him. She had an instinct to stay away from him; he was too dangerous.

"Let's go."

Chu Xuanming's departure was just a minor incident and did not change the atmosphere between the two sides; everyone was outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds.

……

Yong'an Palace.

"Pear, I'm here."

Chu Xuanming is now very skilled at climbing through windows, and he won't be discovered even if he comes in during the day.

"I knew you'd be back, so I prepared some pastries for you."

When Liang Qiuli saw Chu Xuanming appear, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up, and then she gently pushed a plate of exquisite pastries in front of her toward Chu Xuanming.

"It's still Pear who cares about me."

Chu Xuanming picked up a piece of pastry, took a small bite, and his face was full of happiness and satisfaction. If Aya were here, she would be shocked and speechless.

After all, the dangerous person she used to avoid is now a big dog that pleases its owner.

"Stop being so glib. Tell me what interesting things happened today when the Xiongnu envoy arrived."

Liang Qiuli handed another cup of tea to Chu Xuanming and then asked.

"It's nothing, it's just that a princess came from the Xiongnu, wanting to form a marriage alliance."

Chu Xuanming put down the pastries in his hand, took the teacup, took a sip, and a smile flashed in his eyes.

"I mainly arranged this seat to cause trouble for Chu Tianling."

"Looking for trouble? You probably wouldn't mind having even more trouble, would you?"

Liang Qiuli thought of her past life, when the eldest prince of the Xiongnu tribe took a liking to her and wanted her to please him. This time, she was not attending, but she arranged for Jiang Shuning to attend instead.

If a Xiongnu princess were added to the mix, it would be even more fun when they bump into each other.

"Of course I don't mind. The more trouble he causes, the better. If it weren't for him, would I have been unable to come see you for almost half a month?"

Chu Xuanming had eaten and drunk his fill when he suddenly sat down next to Liang Qiuli, pulled her into his arms, and rested his head on her shoulder as he spoke.

"I know you've been wronged, I'll make it up to you tonight, but stop making a fuss now."

Liang Qiuli spoke with righteous indignation and directly grabbed Chu Xuanming's groping hand.

"Ah."

Chu Xuanming's "hmm" seemed to express untold grievances, but since Liang Qiuli was unwilling, he dared not move.

If Pear gets angry, the consequences will be even more serious; she won't even be able to hug him anymore.

……

Ningxi Palace.

"My lord, today we are hosting a banquet for the envoys of the Xiongnu tribe, and the Emperor has lifted your confinement."

Knowing that Jiang Shuning would be happy to hear this news, her personal maid came over excitedly.

"Really? You'd better get dressed up right away, I can't lose to the others."

Jiang Shuning has already accepted that Chu Tianling has more than one woman, so now she wants to compete for more of his affection.

After all, because she lacked favor, the food in Ningxi Palace was getting worse and worse. Even though the people in Ningxi Palace were all arranged by Chu Tianling, they all looked down on her.

"Of course, and I've also heard that Consort Liang is on sick leave and won't be attending, so you, my lady, will naturally be the most eye-catching person at the banquet."

The personal maid thought it was flattery, but Jiang Shuning's face darkened immediately after hearing it, and she swept her cold eyes over.

"Are you saying that with Liang Qiuli around, I'm not the most eye-catching person?"

Besides not wanting to lose to her elder sister, the person Jiang Shuning least wanted to lose to was Liang Qiuli.

After all, Liang Qiuli was initially just a shield that Chu Tianling used to show his love for her, but now... now he dotes on her more than she does, how can she tolerate it?

"Please forgive me, my lord. I misspoke. No matter who it is, you are the most dazzling one."

Consort Liang's decision to leave and not attend shows her tact; she knows she cannot outshine you on such an occasion. Your Majesty's brilliance is beyond the reach of others.

Fearing further beatings and scoldings from Jiang Shuning, the personal maid immediately changed her tune, using even more flattering words.

"Humph, that's about it."

Jiang Shuning snorted softly, a smug smile playing on her lips.

She could definitely steal the spotlight if Liang Qiuli didn't come.

However, just as she finished dressing up and was choosing an outfit for the banquet, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door, followed by a young palace maid walking in nervously.

"My lord, a princess from the Xiongnu tribe came today and publicly declared that she loves the emperor and wants to marry him as a concubine."

The Emperor is currently strolling through the Imperial Garden with the eldest prince of the Xiongnu tribe; the princess is also there.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuning's face instantly turned ashen.

She hadn't even finished dealing with Liang Qiuli and Consort Jiang when another princess from the Xiongnu tribe suddenly appeared.

She needs to go and see for herself; knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory.

Jiang Shuning didn't bother with careful selection and simply put on a dignified and elegant dress.

When she arrived at the Imperial Garden, she saw a harmonious scene.

She stepped forward quickly.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. Long live the Emperor!"

After Jiang Shuning bowed, her gaze quickly swept over everyone present, especially the princess of the Xiongnu tribe.

With her bright and elegant appearance, would Chu Tianling like her?

Jiang Shuning forgot that Chu Tianling is now an emperor. As an emperor, he doesn't need to consider so many things and can bring all kinds of women into his harem.

Delicacies from land and sea are delicious, but sometimes simple porridge and side dishes are just as good.

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