Although Xiang Wan's idea sounds a bit far-fetched, if it could actually be realized, then Qianqiu Kingdom would inevitably become the target of everyone's criticism.

If others do it on the first day of the lunar month, why can't Huaguo do it on the fifteenth?

Zuo Yimei led a large group of people, some on horseback and some in carriages, hurrying along, and just before the gates of Yundu City closed, they managed to get the last carriage inside.

They traveled on the official road, and with their official documents and credentials from the Flower Kingdom, the local officials did not make things difficult for them and quickly allowed them to pass.

But the way they looked at them was truly indescribable.

Zuo Yimei felt frustrated the whole way, but the people were very polite to her and didn't say anything offensive, so she had nowhere to vent her anger.

Upon arriving in Yundu, the group did not immediately submit their invitations to the palace, but instead checked into a well-known restaurant.

As soon as they entered the restaurant lobby, they encountered the envoy from Ning Kingdom.

They were all envoys, and there was no distinction of rank among them, let alone any personal relationship.

But this envoy seemed to have met a relative; his eyes lit up, and he came forward to exchange pleasantries with Zuo Yimei.

"This must be Minister Zuo, the envoy from the Flower Kingdom. You are handsome and have an extraordinary presence. I have long admired you! I am Princess Huoyang from the Ning Kingdom, here on the orders of the King to congratulate the Flower Kingdom on the marriage alliance with the Qianqiu Kingdom. It is quite a coincidence that we are gathered in the same restaurant before entering the palace. How about we have a couple of drinks?"

Princess Huoyang of Ningguo is the eldest daughter of the younger brother of the current ruler of Ningguo. She was granted the title of princess at birth, which shows how much the ruler of Ningguo loves Huoyang.

The fact that Ningguo sent a princess to the marriage ceremony in Yundu shows that they attach great importance to this matter.

In comparison, the Flower Kingdom seemed rather shabby.

Zuo Yimei suspected that Huo Yang had come here on purpose to make things difficult for her.

Did he immediately reveal his identity, implying that her position as Minister was beneath her dignity?

"So you are Princess Huoyang! I've heard so much about you! I heard that you, newly married, have left your handsome husband to spend your night alone, and have come to Qianqiu Kingdom as an envoy despite the hardships. I admire your magnanimity. However, my colleagues and I are exhausted from our journey. How about we meet again another day? I'll treat you to a meal."

Zuo Yimei remained calm and declined the invitation.

Huo Yang's expression stiffened, and he cupped his hands to make way.

After Xiang Wan and the others were led up the stairs by the shop assistant, Huo Yang stepped out of the door with a displeased expression and headed straight for the Plum Pavilion.

Huo Yang was practically untouchable in Ningguo; no one dared to mess with him. However, her newlywed husband was exposed after their marriage for having affairs with multiple women, including a princess and women from noble families.

She was instantly smitten with him, captivated by his beauty, and proposed to him repeatedly before finally winning his heart and marrying him. Little did she expect to marry a man who had been with countless women.

This trip to Qianqiu Kingdom was less a matter of the king's initiative and more a matter of her painstaking efforts to secure a temporary escape and clear her mind.

Who knew that Zuo Yimei would bring up such a sensitive topic?

Has the green hat she wore spread all the way to the Flower Kingdom?

My initial desire to watch the excitement was instantly extinguished by Zuo Yimei's cold water.

There was no escaping these kinds of troubles no matter where he went, so Huo Yang decided to go out for a walk to clear his head.

I've heard that the Plum Pavilion in Yundu is a very suitable place for women to enjoy themselves.

Having come all this way, how could I not go and see it?

The female guard beside her was somewhat troubled.

When our master arrived in Qianqiu Kingdom, the first thing he did was visit a brothel. If word got out, where would Ning Kingdom's reputation be?

That night, Xiang Wan secretly went to the palace to see Hua Wanqing.

Hua Wanqing seems to be doing quite well in this new place.

Apart from being unable to speak or hear, everything is fine.

She was served by others, and Qianqiu Jinyu even had a late-night snack with her.

A person who was once arrogant and domineering is now humble and submissive, displaying the charm of a young girl; indeed, it has a unique appeal.

However, it would be unrealistic to say that Qianqiu Jinyu would risk offending the Flower Kingdom just to marry her.

Which person in the royal family would only know about romantic love?

After Qianqiu Jinyu left, Hua Wanqing took out a military defense map of the Hua Kingdom from a hidden compartment, made a few corrections, and put it back in its original place.

I see!

Xiang Wan smiled and thought of a good idea.

The following day, Xiang Wan accompanied Zuo Yimei to present a plaque to the palace.

The envoys from the Flower Kingdom were not to be neglected by the King of Qianqiu Kingdom.

Before long, a female eunuch came and led them into the palace.

The ruler of Qianqiu Kingdom, Qianqiu Dai, was about forty years old and exuded an air of majesty.

Upon seeing Zuo Yimei, he specially asked the palace servants to bring her a stool.

Zuo Yimei didn't refuse and sat down gracefully.

Qian Qiudai raised an eyebrow. "Lord Zuo, my son and the second princess of your country fell in love at first sight and have already pledged their lives to each other without my consent. To be honest, I am also very troubled by this, but the two are determined and have no choice but to act first and inform you later. Your Majesty, do you have any objections?"

How could Qianqiu Jinyu make such a big decision without your consent?

You're such a show-off!

You're acting innocent after getting the benefits, are you sure that since our Flower Kingdom's ruler isn't here, no one can make decisions?

Zuo Yimei shook her head and said politely, "Our Flower Kingdom has always valued human relationships. If the Second Princess is truly willing, our Flower Kingdom will have no objections. However, before the ceremony begins, could I please see the Second Princess? I have been away from the Flower Kingdom for many days, and the Empress is very worried. At least let me confirm the Second Princess's current situation so that I can let the Empress know that she is safe."

"Is Lord Zuo worried that our Qianqiu Kingdom has neglected the Second Princess?"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!