“In that case, it wouldn’t be right to only have the daughters of Da Zhao perform. Ronghe is also willing to present the sword dance of my Di Kingdom for His Majesty the Emperor, His Majesty the Empress, and the revered God of War,” Di Li Ronghe said, turning to Shang Xiye with a bright smile: “Your Highness, please join in the fun!”

Anyone with eyes can see that Di Lirong has probably taken a liking to Shang Xiye.

But Shang Xiye kept his eyelids down the whole time, focusing intently on serving wine and food to the little bandit next to him, as if the little bandit was the only person in the room and there was no one else.

Shang Xiche felt slightly relieved and smiled amiably, pretending to be calm: "Granted!"

"Ronghe will take his leave now and go make some preparations," Di Lironghe said, clasping her hands in a fist salute as she left. Before departing, she gave Shang Xiye a flirtatious wink.

This time, Shang Xiye didn't even give Di Lirong a proper look. He was holding a handkerchief and wiping away the oil stains that the little bandit had accidentally gotten on her lips.

"Your Highness, that woman's eyes are practically popping out of your head," Ji Fengyao muttered softly, while heartlessly devouring her food.

The little girl's cheeks puffed out slightly, and her sour expression delighted Shang Xiye. He stretched out his long arm and half-embraced the little bandit, feeding her a bite of her favorite pastry. He whispered, "This is how the people of Di have always been; they have few restrictions on women. Don't be angry, little wife. If she really doesn't know what's good for her and doesn't know when to back down, then go and beat her up. I'll cover for you in everything."

"In my opinion, she might really be courting death," Ji Fengyao said, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed.

"Then fight, no need to hold back," Shang Xiye said casually, his voice gentle, as if he were speaking not to a princess who had come for friendly relations between the two countries, but to a servant in his own household who didn't know the rules.

Soon, the performance began.

The daughters of various officials took turns to perform, some playing the zither and reciting poetry, some singing and dancing lightly, and some wielding the brush and ink, displaying their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

The lilting melody and the uninspired, monotonous dance moves left the officials and their wives below dejected, as if they had lost their parents. Ji Fengyao and the Di envoys yawned repeatedly, feeling drowsy.

Shang Xiche, on the other hand, found it quite interesting.

As he became more engrossed in the scene, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret that his health had deteriorated so early in life; otherwise, many of these women would have been his concubines.

Just as everyone was feeling drowsy and dejected, a burst of energetic dance music, accompanied by the sounds of drums and horns, suddenly roused their attention.

Upon closer inspection, one could see more than twenty Di Kingdom dancers dressed in revealing riding outfits, holding curved swords, entering the arena in an orderly fashion, mimicking the posture of riding horses.

Their dance moves were powerful and efficient, without any hesitation or slackness.

Although the people of Dazhao found the women's attire and behavior unsightly and extremely crude, they had to admit that the dance was indeed unique and quite beautiful.

Dili Ronghe also dressed in the same way, except that her clothes were a bright, fiery red, making her look particularly flamboyant and eye-catching.

Accompanied by rousing music, Di Lirong wielded her curved sword with distinct rhythm, creating a whistling sound. Regardless of its practicality, it was certainly a sight to behold.

Especially her bright blue eyes, which shone under the bright sun, complemented her radiant smile, making her a truly unique and beautiful foreign woman.

After the dance, the Di envoy led the applause and cheers.

When the officials and their wives saw that Emperor Shang Xiche had also clapped, they joined in the applause and cheers—it was good that there was someone even more embarrassing than their own daughter.

Di Lirong lightly placed her right hand on her left shoulder, and together with the other dancing maids, performed a standard Di Kingdom courtier's salute to Shang Xiche, saying loudly, "Your Majesty the Emperor of Dazhao, I, Ronghe, have long admired Dazhao culture and greatly admire its customs and traditions. This time, Ronghe and my brother have come to the capital not only to bring our father's goodwill, but also to fulfill a personal wish. I hope to find a suitable husband in Dazhao, to love and cherish each other, and to spend the rest of our lives together."

After saying that, Di Lirong boldly winked at Shang Xiye, and then rolled her eyes at Princess Zhaoping and Ji Fengyao.

However, this time her main focus was on taking care of Ji Fengyao;

Because she realized that Shang Xiye had only ever treated Ji Fengyao with the utmost care and affection; Princess Zhaoping beside him was merely a figurehead.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, their faces showing disdain.

This woman from the Di Kingdom is incredibly bold and shameless, openly seeking a mate!

Ji Fengyao also gritted her teeth inwardly, her gaze turning icy as she looked back at Di Lirong:

How dare you covet her master?

Oh!

If you dare come, I'll beat you so badly your own mother won't recognize you!

"The princess is beautiful, lively, and lovely. I am delighted that she is willing to marry into my Great Zhao to strengthen the friendship between our two countries." Shang Xiche suppressed his inner shock and anger and tried to salvage the situation. He raised his hand towards the princes' seats and introduced them, "My sons are all here, and there are several of them who are of marriageable age and can be matched with the princess."

Between two evils, Shang Xiche quickly made a decision and said by name, "Bei Yu, Princess Ronghe is new to the capital and is certainly not familiar with it. You must take good care of her and spend more time with her during this period."

The crowd was in uproar: "Your Majesty, are you serious about marrying the most beloved princess of the Di Kingdom to the least favored prince, the Third Prince, who is also gay?"

Shang Beiyu almost choked on his drink: "..."

Having traveled through thousands of worlds, I have never seen such a shameless person.

That really underestimates the extent of his wild imagination!

With a mishap, Shang Beiyu knocked the wine cup off the table. He feigned overwhelming surprise, excitedly knocking over the wine pot and several plates before finally managing to stand, stammering, "Your...your subject obeys, your subject will certainly..."

Shang Beiyu's off-white clothes were old and yellowed from washing, and his desolate and miserable appearance was obvious. Moreover, in his excitement, he buried his head in his outstretched hands and did not dare to show his face.

Di Lirong couldn't see his face clearly, but just looking at his pathetic appearance was enough. She felt extremely disgusted: How could such a good-for-nothing be worthy of her!

Before Shang Beiyu could finish speaking, she interrupted him loudly and said directly, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Your Majesty's princes are indeed outstanding individuals, but Ronghe already has someone in mind, and that is His Highness the Ninth Prince!"

Di Lirong's hand gesture pointed towards Shang Xiye.

The ministers and their wives: "..."

Shang Xiche: "..."

Princess Zhaoping: "!!!"

Shang Xiye gently took the little bandit's hand, then glanced at Di Lirong, who had an air of "who else but me?" and said indifferently in a deep voice, "I have Princess Chonghe in my life and that is enough. I will not marry anyone else from now on. Princess, you should choose another good man."

"We, the people of the Di Kingdom, once we've chosen someone, it's for life; there's absolutely no reason for us to change our minds halfway through!"