Who understands? He traveled through time with a high-spec spatial ability.

Qiao Jingjing opened the palace doors and saw Tantai Zhou being stopped at the foot of the steps by several imperial guards, while Elder Feng was confronting an official in purple robes. Upon seeing her, the official immediately announced loudly, "Your Majesty! The Northern Qi delegation has arrived in the capital ahead of schedule and is now at the Vermilion Bird Gate!"

The emperor sneered in the hall, "They've come quickly." He forced himself to stand up. "Issue an edict, ordering the Ministry of Rites... cough cough... to receive them according to the rites for a prince."

Qiao Jingjing frowned slightly, thinking to herself that Northern Qi's move must have a deeper meaning.

She looked at Tantai Zhou, who returned her gaze with unwavering eyes, as if offering silent support.

At this moment, Elder Feng stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Northern Qi delegation has arrived in the capital ahead of schedule. There may be a conspiracy involved. We must be on high alert."

The official in purple robes snorted coldly, "Old Feng, don't worry unnecessarily. In my opinion, Northern Qi is genuinely trying to make peace."

The emperor waved his hand, "We'll discuss this later. You should go and greet the delegation first."

Then he looked at Qiao Jingjing and said, "Summon the envoy from Northern Qi to an audience. Xiao Qi, take Yongding to the side hall to change his clothes." He paused and added, "Dress him more formally."

Tantai Zhou held Qiao Jingjing's cold hand and whispered, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Inside the side hall, palace maids filed in, carrying crimson robes. Qiao Jingjing let them do as they pleased, but her thoughts drifted to the recent mission to Northern Qi.

It seems rather coincidental that the Northern Qi arrived so soon after the Yan state had just sued for peace.

"The princess is truly beautiful." The head palace maid styled her hair, a golden phoenix hairpin swaying gently at her temple. "This court dress was prepared last year; it seems His Highness has long intended to request a marriage decree from His Majesty."

The palace doors were suddenly pushed open, and Tantai Zhou, dressed in a black python robe, stood at the intersection of light and shadow.

He waved away the palace servants, strode over to Qiao Jingjing, and knelt down: "If you are unwilling, I will go and beg my father to rescind his decree right now."

Qiao Jingjing looked into the burning spark in his eyes and said with a smile, "I just think it's too sudden. My mother still thinks you are just Young Master Tan. If she knew your true identity, she would probably be shocked."

Tantai Zhou gently took her hand and said tenderly, "Once this matter is settled, I will return to Nanling with you and personally explain everything to my mother-in-law."

Qiao Jingjing nodded, and was about to speak when she heard a report from outside the hall: "His Majesty has decreed that Princess Yongding and Prince Chen be summoned to the main hall. The envoy from Northern Qi is already waiting outside."

The two tidied their clothes and went hand in hand to the main hall.

The palace doors swung open, and Qiao Jingjing and Tantai Zhou stepped into the main hall side by side.

The hall was brightly lit by candles, with civil and military officials lined up on both sides, while the Northern Qi delegation stood in the center. At the head of the delegation was a middle-aged man dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, his eyes smiling but revealing a sharp edge.

The envoy bowed slightly and said, "Xiao Jingye, envoy of Northern Qi, pays his respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Great Liang." The man bowed, his voice clear and resonant, yet carrying a hint of arrogance.

After performing the ceremony, he continued, "Our sovereign heard that Your Majesty's Emperor is unwell, and has specially ordered me to come and visit you. We hope that Your Majesty will recover soon."

The emperor sat on his dragon throne, his sharp gaze fixed on the envoy, and smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am now fully recovered. May I ask what other business your country has with me besides visiting me?"

Xiao Jingyan straightened up, his smile undiminished: "Your Majesty is wise. My Northern Qi and Great Liang have always been on good terms. The first reason for my visit is to congratulate your country on quelling the rebellion in Yan. The second reason is—" He paused, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Qiao Jingjing, "is to seek a noble lady in marriage, so as to strengthen the friendship between our two countries."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

Tantai Zhou's eyes suddenly turned cold, and his fingers tightened slightly, but Qiao Jingjing's expression remained unchanged, only a hint of thought flashed in her eyes.

The emperor narrowed his eyes: "Oh? I wonder which noble lady Lord Xiao has taken a fancy to?"

Xiao Jingyan smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "I have heard that the Princess of Yongding County in your country is exceptionally intelligent and beautiful. His Highness the Crown Prince of Northern Qi has long admired her and has specially ordered me to come and ask for her hand in marriage."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Tantai Zhou's face was gloomy, and he was about to take a step forward, but Qiao Jingjing gently pressed his wrist down.

She raised her eyes to look directly at Xiao Jingye, her voice cold: "Lord Xiao has come from afar, so you must know a great deal about our Great Liang. But I wonder, why does the Crown Prince of Northern Qi 'admire' me, a mere county princess?"

Xiao Jingyan's smile deepened: "Your Highness is too modest. Not only is your beauty unparalleled in Nanling, but you have also saved countless people on the border, which has deeply moved the people of Northern Qi. His Highness the Crown Prince has always respected talented people and naturally admires you."

"Ha," Qiao Jingjing couldn't help but sneer.

She was just a minor county princess, and many places in her own country didn't even know who she was. Yet, the Northern Qi Dynasty demanded to marry her. The motive behind this was not hard to guess.

This further confirms that someone in the court was colluding with the Northern Qi; otherwise, why would they have targeted her so directly upon arrival?

At this moment, Jiang Yuming, Minister of Revenue, stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, Princess Yongding is a meritorious official of our Great Liang, and also the betrothed of Prince Chen. This action by Northern Qi is rather impolite."

Xiao Jingyan feigned surprise: "Oh? So the county princess is already engaged? Then I was being presumptuous."

He then changed the subject, "However, if a marriage alliance between the two countries can bring peace to the border, I'm sure His Majesty will consider it carefully."

The emperor's gaze was deep as he slowly said, "This matter can be discussed later. Lord Xiao must be tired from your journey; please rest first."

Xiao Jingye was very straightforward and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."

He glanced at Qiao Jingjing again as he turned around, a look of determination flashing in his eyes.

Even after the delegation had left, the atmosphere in the hall remained heavy. Tantai Zhou said coldly, "Father, Northern Qi is clearly after Jingjing."

The emperor looked at Qiao Jingjing: "What do you think?"

Qiao Jingjing pondered for a moment, then raised her eyes and said, "Your Majesty, if the Crown Prince of Northern Qi is truly willing to propose marriage, why doesn't he come in person? Furthermore, Yan has just been defeated, and Northern Qi is in a hurry to form a marriage alliance, and it is directly targeting my daughter. I'm afraid they have ulterior motives. Besides, although Northern Qi has not been involved in any of the past events, they are able to know everything in detail, which shows that their spies have already penetrated deep into our Great Liang."

The Emperor nodded slightly. "Of course I know this matter is suspicious. However, if I refuse directly, it may trigger a conflict between our two countries."

Then he looked at her with admiration and said, "It is truly rare for someone so young to be able to see through all this and remain unmoved, to have your own ideas."