Chapter 374 Acting

Since Xuanyuan Shun took over the reins of the Yue Kingdom, the court and the people have been in a state of utter despair.

The powerful families, led by the Nangong family, openly began to control the court and influence political opinions.

The war with the State of Qi was lost because the powerful families, in alliance with the Wu tribe, embezzled a large amount of grain and gold and silver, leaving the soldiers at the front with insufficient supplies. As a result, they hastily admitted defeat and retreated back to their country in disgrace.

Therefore, before setting off, Nangong Nian had already confirmed with Xuanyuan Shun what the edict contained, and even added fuel to the fire by requesting that more beauties be sent to Emperor Qi, so that for the sake of friendship between the two countries, the other party would have no choice but to accept them.

Otherwise, it would be an open declaration to both Qi and Yue that Qi still harbors the intention to provoke war, and the people would surely fall into fear and turmoil once again.

But no matter how much she planned, she never imagined that this imperial edict would be replaced, and that she herself would be sent over as a plaything!

Nangong Nian almost ran forward, snatched the imperial edict from Qi Yuxuan's hand, and read it quickly.

"Now we have chosen Nian, the eldest daughter of the Nangong family. She is from a distinguished family, well-versed in classics and history, and especially skilled in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and mechanical construction... This girl will bring ten volumes of the 'Tiangong Kaiwu' as her dowry, which contains the techniques of river management and weapon casting of the Yue Kingdom. It is truly a gift for the diplomatic relations between the two countries."

Nangong Nian slammed the imperial edict to the ground, muttering in disbelief, "This is impossible! This is absolutely fake! Emperor Qi, someone has switched the edict!"

Qi Yuxuan gestured to Sun Miao to pick up the imperial edict, then looked at Nangong Nian with a gentle smile on her lips:

"I don't understand why Lord Nangong is acting like a madman in Hanyuan Hall in my Qi Kingdom right now. There must be other envoys who came to Qi Kingdom with you. Why don't you go back and ask them? Or is it that the Yue Kingdom's congratulations are a pretense, and their real purpose is to put on a show in my Qi Kingdom?"

These words were so harsh that Nangong Nian's face immediately fell.

Yes, it was because the Yue Kingdom's aristocratic families and Xuanyuan Shun failed to reach an agreement that they ended up making a fool of themselves at this crucial moment!

Suddenly, she thought of something, and a hint of resentment flashed in her eyes.

No wonder her brother, who came with her, refused to let her meet Emperor Qi today; it turns out he had this plan in mind.

He wants to send her to the State of Qi, thinking that this won't hinder his takeover of the Nangong family? Dream on!

Nangong Nian quickly regained her composure, and seeing Qi Yuxuan and Qi Jun standing side by side, looking like a loving couple, she curled the corners of her lips into a smile:

“Your Highness is right. I have learned my lesson. I was rash and almost destroyed the edict in my haste. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and Princess. I must have taken the wrong edict in my haste to leave. I will take this edict back with me and come to bother Your Majesty again tomorrow!”

Before the two could speak, she took the imperial edict back from Sun Miao, bowed, and immediately withdrew.

Sun Miao's expression was not good: "Your Majesty, Princess, this Lord Nangong is really too rude!"

Qi Jun remained silent, wondering why Nangong Nian was unaware that she herself was among those sent there. Could it be that the internal strife in Yue had reached this point, with chaos spreading everywhere and powerful families attacking each other, each vying for a share of the spoils from the conflict with Qi?

Fortune favors the bold; could this be the best opportunity to seize the Yue Kingdom in one fell swoop?

Qi Yuxuan knew what Qi Jun was thinking as soon as she saw his expression.

She waved her hand, letting Sun Miao and the others leave first, then pulled Qi Jun to the small cubicle at the back where they could rest temporarily. She sat on the daybed and patted the empty seat next to her, indicating that Qi Jun should come and sit down.

There was no one else around, and there was no need to worry about the strict separation between men and women. The engaged couple sat close together, with Qi Jun's hand still holding Qi Yuxuan's hand.

Qi Yuxuan stared into his eyes and said softly, "I know what you're thinking, but you'd better think it through. If this fails, it will become the biggest joke after you ascend the throne."

Qi Jun looked back at her and asked, "Do you know what I'm thinking?"

Qi Yuxuan scolded playfully, "And you still dare to talk? Don't you find it strange that Lord Nangong is being so obvious?"

"What if they're just putting on an act for us, and actually have other plans behind our backs, just waiting for us to take the bait? What do you suggest we do then?"

What to do? According to Qi Jun's current thinking, he only wants to pacify the Qi Kingdom as soon as possible, and then annex the Yue Kingdom, so that all the people can be freed from the suffering of war.

But he also knew that some things couldn't be rushed; the bigger the matter, the more one had to proceed slowly.

He pressed his long fingers against his temples, revealing a rare vulnerability in front of Qi Yuxuan, "My head hurts, it really hurts..."

Qi Yuxuan patted his head without saying a word.

She was also wondering why Nangong Nian was acting that way.

Before she could even recount the events that had just transpired, Qi Jun said, "I want to summon the two prime ministers and the six ministers to discuss this matter..."

"Xiuyuan!" Qi Yuxuan hurriedly interrupted him, "Today is still a holiday for the New Year, have you forgotten?"

In the State of Qi, the New Year celebrations involve a ten-day break from court, starting on the 28th (the 28th day of the lunar calendar) and ending on the 7th. The court will resume its duties on the 8th of tomorrow.

Qi Jun frowned: "You have to come even if you're on your day off."

Qi Yuxuan: "On New Year's Eve, they were urgently summoned to the palace to deal with the matter of Qi Huan's rebellion. So many officials fell from power because of this. This year has been quite a thrilling one. Whether it's today or tomorrow, it doesn't matter if it's a little longer."

After she finished speaking, Qi Jun still looked disapproving: "When the emperor gives an order, the subject has no choice but to obey. Do you think they would dare to object if we asked them to enter the palace ahead of time for important matters?"

Qi Yuxuan has finally discovered Qi Jun's biggest flaw.

He often judged others by his own standards, believing that since he had devoted himself to the State of Qi, other ministers should do the same. If they could not, then they were not being loyal to their duties and were not qualified officials.

But he forgot that people are selfish, and besides, the state of Qi is surnamed Qi. It is understandable that Qi Jun is worried, but others may not think so.

Qi Yuxuan softened her tone and said, "Your Majesty, my good Your Majesty."

"The court officials have been looking forward to this time of year for family reunion. Besides, even if they were to rush into the palace in the wind and frost, they would still be in a daze and unable to discuss important matters clearly. Wouldn't that be a waste of His Majesty's time?"

"Why don't we send someone to the post station today to find out about the Yue Kingdom? We can decide what to do after Lord Nangong enters the palace tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, please grant my request this once."

Her voice was soft and gentle, like she was coaxing a child.

Qi Jun could only see her lips moving, her full, cherry-pink lips trembling slightly, but he couldn't hear a word she said.

He immediately stood up, his back to Qi Yuxuan, and said, "Okay, I understand. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

Before the important matter was even finished, he quickly changed the subject: "Have you chosen your wedding dress yet?"

Qi Yuxuan was taken aback. Who would ask about someone's wedding dress on their own initiative?

Her face flushed slightly: "I've made my choice."

Qi Jun asked again, "Which one?"

Qi Yuxuan lowered her voice: "I'm not going to tell you, you could have seen it all that day anyway."