This is not what I imagined.

The two dancers had already introduced themselves, stating that they came from the Kingdom of Gaoqi. Although it was not as grand as a marriage alliance, they must be women of noble status in the Kingdom of Gaoqi, and they had come for the sake of friendship between the two countries.

Given the Ninth Prince's past character, considering the diplomatic relations between the two countries, even if he didn't take the two beauties back to his residence, he would at least plead with the Emperor.

Is this some kind of ghost sighting today?

The Ninth Prince actually ordered his men to throw the person out?

Shang Xiche's expression darkened further, but a shrewd calculation flashed in his eyes as he raised his hands and tapped them lightly twice.

The singing and dancing in the hall stopped abruptly, and the singers and dancers filed out one after another.

Just as everyone was wondering, they suddenly heard a clear and melodious pipa sound coming from outside the hall. The refreshing and melodious tune made people feel relaxed and refreshed.

A beautiful young woman dressed in a snow-white veil, her face partially veiled, sat in an eight-person soft chair and was carried into the hall by eight dancers in red dresses, holding an exquisite pipa.

The eight red-skirted dancers were already outstanding in both figure and appearance, but they paled in comparison to the woman playing the pipa.

Leaving aside her face beneath the thin veil, her eyes alone, brimming with watery light, were tender and affectionate, enough to make many men in the hall feel pity and want to protect and cherish her under their wings.

Not to mention, the piece she played was deeply moving and touched the heart.

Shang Xiche was filled with resentment and anger: If it weren't for his illness, such a beauty would not have been given to the Ninth Prince!

The piece was finished.

The woman rose gracefully, her steps light and elegant. She curtsied to the emperor on the throne and Shang Xiye on her left, her voice as clear as a nightingale's song: "Princess Chu Ling of Gaoqi Kingdom greets His Majesty the Emperor of Dazhao and the Ninth Prince of War. Your Majesty should already know the purpose of my visit. I wonder what Your Majesty's opinion is?"

"The princess has come for the sake of friendly relations between our two countries, and I am very pleased. However, the princess has requested to enter the Ninth Prince's residence as a concubine. Will this be a disservice to the princess?" Shang Xiche's insincere tone made it clear to everyone that he was just asking casually.

"The Ninth Prince is brave and skilled in battle, a war god admired by all under heaven. Chu Ling is of humble appearance, and it is a blessing to have him by her side. How could she feel wronged?" Chu Ling's clear and cheerful words revealed a hint of affection.

"If that's the case..."

"This is absolutely unacceptable!" Shang Xiche was about to agree when Shang Xiye interrupted him in a deep voice, refusing: "I have already promised my queen that I will not take any more concubines. A man should live by his word. Doing so would only betray the love of my brother and the princess."

What?! No more concubines!

He only has two concubines left in his Ninth Prince's Mansion, and they are just for show. Does he only intend to have that bandit in his life?

Or was it that the bandit was truly jealous, repeatedly beating and killing the concubines in the mansion, leaving the Ninth Prince with no other choice?

“Ninth Brother, Princess Chu Ling has come from afar because of her reputation. This shows her admiration and is also for the sake of our two countries’ relations. It’s not just about personal feelings. If you are worried that the Ninth Princess Consort might have some reservations, I can go and talk to her. I think she understands the greater good of the country,” Shang Xiche said with a hint of authority.

Do you want me to go and talk to my wife about this?

Shang Xiye recalled the scene of the little bandit wringing her hands by the clear canal last time, his eyes darkening: "Precisely because it concerns the relations between our two countries, I cannot agree. The princess is strong-willed by nature and used to be unrestrained and carefree. She doesn't know her own strength and often hurts people accidentally. I like her very much and do not want to restrict her nature for the sake of interests. If she hits someone else, so be it, but the princess must not enter the manor."