Chapter 311: Waiting to see her make a fool of herself

The crowd stared in disbelief, and for a moment the entire inner hall was so quiet that even breathing could not be heard.

"This item is called Sea Night Coral. It was made by renowned craftsmen from the northern frontier, summoned by the Emperor, over several months. If there are any flaws, Your Majesty will have to bear with them."

Putting aside any flaws, just looking at this white jade coral makes me feel like I'm begging for more than I could ever afford.

The fact that such a precious item could be produced in just a few months demonstrates the strength of the northern border region.

Yu Hao's feelings were somewhat complicated.

Firstly, there was a fear of the northern frontier; secondly, there was a genuine fondness for this white jade coral.

Although this treasure was given under the guise of a birthday celebration, the overall prestige of the Central Plains was still significantly diminished.

If he accepts their offer, he still doesn't know their intentions or what they want; if he doesn't accept it, he'll feel a pang of regret.

"Does Your Majesty perhaps dislike these Night Sea Corals?" Nalan Yujie asked, feigning confusion, when the emperor remained silent.

"I appreciate the Crown Prince's kindness, but..."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Originally, this gift should have been presented by my elder brother, but he is currently unwell, so I had to do it on his behalf."

Even those from the northern frontier are afraid of being impolite, so how could they possibly make any demands?

Besides, if His Majesty refuses, Father will blame my brother and me when we return."

The emperor hesitated for a long time, and even turned his gaze to the Empress Dowager. Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager simply sat upright beside him, her eyes half-closed, showing no intention of intervening.

Since they don't object, that means they agree.

Having made up his mind, Yu Hao immediately became calm and composed again, stroking his beard and speaking with an air of authority: "Since the princess has spoken, I will not make things difficult for her. Li Yuande, put the treasures into the treasury and offer seats to the princess and her envoys!"

Li Yuande acknowledged the order and immediately led his men to carry the night sea coral away, but instead of sending it to the storeroom, they carried it to the Imperial Study.

As a trusted confidant, he had a very good grasp of the emperor's thoughts.

Nalan Yujie thanked the emperor for offering her a seat and sat down at the table next to Yuan Siyin.

The number of attendees at the banquet was predetermined, so there wouldn't be many tables. However, since the seats here were a bit far from the platform, adding a few empty tables would be more than enough.

As soon as Nalan Yujie sat down, her maid immediately went to Yuan Siyin's side: "Could this young lady move her seat?"

Upon hearing the voice, Yuan Siyin looked at the maid and frowned slightly, asking, "The reason?"

“Our princess is used to having someone serve her, so we will have to trouble you to make room for her.”

The implication was that if she refused, she would willingly lower herself to be treated like a maid.

But if we give in, it will inevitably give others something to talk about, since the identities of the two countries are sensitive, and any small detail can be analyzed and magnified.

The Empress Dowager and Yu Shiyan frowned simultaneously.

This princess from the northern border clearly had ill intentions.

The emperor naturally noticed their conversation, but having just received their congratulatory gifts, he felt obligated to accept them and pretended not to see them. He turned and whispered to Chu Wan, leaving the empress to the side.

As for the others, they were all eagerly waiting to see how Yuan Siyin would embarrass herself.

Despite the mixed reactions of those gazes, Yuan Siyin smiled and stood up, saying, "Since it's the princess's personal habit, it's really not appropriate to say anything more."

Little Quanzi!

Xiao Quanzi shuddered, never expecting to be called out even though he was hiding so far away. He immediately swung his whisk and went over with a wry smile.

I can't not go; the Empress Dowager is watching closely. If I really don't go and help the girl, I'll definitely be punished when I get back.

No, he probably won't live to see it back.