Chapter 58 A Proposal to Marry Lord Lin, to Be Together Forever! ...
Lin Yan rode his horse at breakneck speed back to the palace to report.
The horses' hooves clattered on the bluestone pavement, drawing the attention of officials who occasionally passed by.
Scholar Lin, did you just welcome back the Northern Rong delegation? They seemed to be in a great hurry.
Lin Yan had no time to care about other people's stares. All he could think about was finishing his work report to Xiao Che and then finding a place to collapse—after working non-stop for days, even the strongest person couldn't take it anymore.
Upon entering the Taiyi Hall grounds, after announcing his arrival, Li Defu greeted him with a beaming smile: "Lord Lin is back? His Majesty is waiting for you."
Lin Yan straightened his slightly wrinkled official robe, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hall.
Xiao Che was sitting behind his desk reviewing memorials when he heard footsteps. Without looking up, he simply asked, "You're back? How did things go?"
Lin Yan bowed and gave a clear and organized report on the process of welcoming the delegation, including the reading of the imperial edict, the handover of the rewards, the route into the city, and the initial reactions of the prince and princess. His tone was calm and devoid of any personal emotion.
I'm exhausted; my lips are practically worn out from talking so much.
That Prince Agula had a strange look in his eyes; he kept staring at me, and it gave me the creeps.
[Your Majesty, please take a look at how well I've done this task. Could you give me a good review?]
Xiao Che narrowed his eyes slightly. Agula? He stared at Lin Yan.
He raised his eyes and his gaze fell on Lin Yan.
The young man wore a scarlet official robe, which made his handsome face stand out even more. However, there was an undisguised weariness in his eyes, and his lips were a little dry, indicating that he had been working hard all morning.
"Hmm, well done." Xiao Che's voice was expressionless as he put down his pen. "You must be tired from your journey. Let's have a meal first."
Lin Yan was taken aback. He looked up at the sky outside the hall and realized that it was indeed close to noon.
[His Majesty wants to invite me to stay for dinner? Excellent! I'm starving!]
I want to eat braised pork belly! Braised pork belly! Braised pork belly!
"Your Majesty, I thank you." Lin Yan readily agreed and quickly expressed his gratitude.
The palace servants quickly set out lunch in the warm pavilion of the side hall.
The menu wasn't particularly extensive, but each dish was exquisite, steaming hot, and incredibly fragrant.
Lin Yan sat properly at the lower end of the table, looking at the table full of delicacies. His stomach rumbled loudly, which sounded particularly clear in the quiet warm room.
Lin Yan's ears instantly burned with embarrassment, and he wanted to crawl under the table.
[How embarrassing! Your Majesty, please just pretend you didn't hear anything, okay?]
A faint smile flickered in Xiao Che's eyes. He picked up his chopsticks and said in a calm tone, "Let's eat. No need for formalities."
Having received permission, Lin Yan no longer cared about decorum.
He was really starving. He got up before dawn to work and didn't even have time to drink water. Now that he saw the food, it felt like there was a hand scratching at his stomach.
He picked up his rice bowl, his chopsticks flying across the table, his target clear: the glistening, trembling braised pork. He grabbed a large piece and stuffed it into his mouth, his cheeks immediately puffing out.
Delicious! The imperial chef's skills are truly superb! Rich yet not greasy, it melts in your mouth!
I don't know why, but the imperial kitchen often makes braised pork. Maybe it's a regular dish on the imperial kitchen's menu.
Lin Yan shoveled several more mouthfuls of rice into his mouth, eating with great relish.
Spicy and savory oil-splashed fish is perfect for this cold weather; the fish is so tender that it falls apart with just a touch of chopsticks. The lion's head meatballs are soft and flavorful, and you won't want to leave a drop of the broth. Even the stir-fried bean sprouts are exceptionally crisp and delicious.
Lin Yan ate with focused concentration, completely immersed in the comfort brought by the delicious food.
Xiao Che ate very little, and his movements were elegant and refined. Most of the time, he simply held his bowl and kept his eyes on the person across from him who was wolfing down his food.
Watching Lin Yan eat so unpretentiously, his cheeks puffing out like a starving squirrel, his eyes slightly narrowed with satisfaction, Xiao Che felt that his appetite had improved as well.
He even subconsciously picked up a piece of deboned fish with his own chopsticks and placed it on the plate in front of Lin Yan, forgetting to use serving chopsticks.
"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you." Xiao Che's voice was a little gentler than usual. "If you can't reach it, just say so."
Lin Yan, who was struggling with a pork hock, froze, still with rice in his mouth, and looked up at Xiao Che blankly.
His eating habits were so bad that Xiao Che couldn't stand it anymore.
Lin Yan quickly swallowed the food in his mouth, almost choking, and hurriedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I can do it myself. I dare not trouble Your Majesty."
Xiao Che grunted in acknowledgment and said nothing more, but then gestured to the eunuch serving the dishes beside him: "Serve him a bowl of soup."
The young eunuch quickly ladled out a bowl of ham and bamboo shoot soup and carefully placed it beside Lin Yan.
Lin Yan was flattered and accepted the drink, blew on it to cool it down, and took a small sip.
The soup was delicious and warming, and it felt very comforting to swallow.
After a swift and satisfying meal, Lin Yan finally put down his chopsticks, feeling his stiff limbs come back to life.
He secretly touched his slightly protruding belly, feeling a little embarrassed.
[I think I ate too much; my appearance is completely ruined.]
[Does Your Majesty think I eat too much?]
"Is it ready?" Xiao Che asked.
"I'm all set. Thank you for the meal, Your Majesty." Lin Yan quickly sat up straight.
"Hmm." Xiao Che picked up a damp cloth from the side and wiped his hands. "There are still some hours before the welcoming banquet for the Northern Rong delegation. You've been busy all morning, go to Qingyi Pavilion and rest for a while."
Lin Yan was feeling drowsy and his eyelids were heavy. Hearing these words was like hearing heavenly music.
[Your Majesty is wise! Long live Your Majesty!]
I really need a bed right now, immediately!
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lin Yan tried his best to suppress his excitement and respectfully withdrew.
As soon as he stepped out of Taiyi Hall, Lin Yan's steps became lighter and he walked towards Qingyi Pavilion almost impatiently.
Qingyi Pavilion remains as quiet and warm as ever.
As soon as Lin Yan entered the door, he heard a soft "meow".
Ah Man, with her hands tucked into her sleeves, nestled on the soft couch by the window, lazily glanced at him, already used to the occasional visits from this two-legged beast.
Lin Yan felt an immense sense of warmth and affection for A Man at that moment.
In a flash, he took off his official robes and boots, leaving only his undergarments, and pounced on the soft couch, pulling the fluffy, warm cat into his arms and burying his face in it for a deep breath.
"Ah Man, I've missed you so much!"
"Meow!" Aman struggled symbolically, extending her paw to press against Lin Yan's face, indicating her refusal.
But Lin Yan didn't care at all. He hugged the cat and rolled around on the soft brocade rug, found the most comfortable position, and closed his eyes.
The air was filled with the clean, downy scent of Aman's fur and the unique pear fragrance of Qingyi Pavilion; in her arms was a warm, soft, heavy object; beneath her lay fluffy blankets...
The fatigue of the past few days and the satisfaction of having just eaten all came at the same time, and Lin Yan fell into a deep sleep almost instantly, sleeping so soundly that he didn't even have a dream.
He slept soundly until he was gently awakened by a palace maid.
"Lord Lin, it's almost time. You should change your clothes and prepare for the banquet."
Lin Yan sat up groggily, rubbed his eyes, and felt refreshed, all the fatigue of the past few days gone.
Ah Man has long since disappeared to who knows where.
With the help of the palace servants, Lin Yan retied her hair and put on her crown, tidying herself up meticulously.
The young man in the mirror had clear eyes and a radiant spirit, showing no trace of his recent dishevelment and exhaustion.
"Let's go." Lin Yan took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and walked towards Chonghua Hall, where the palace banquet was being held.
The Chonghua Hall was already brightly lit, and the sounds of string and wind instruments were melodious.
Officials took their seats in order of rank and noble status, conversing in hushed tones, creating a solemn yet lively atmosphere.
Lin Yan was seated near the front, with an excellent view.
He had barely sat down when he heard the eunuch announce loudly, "The Northern Rong delegation is here to pay their respects!"
All eyes were on the palace gate.
Prince Agula and Princess Qimuge, guided by officials from the Northern Rong and the Honglu Temple, entered the main hall.
Both of them changed into the most formal attire of the Northern Rong.
Agula wore a sable crown inlaid with jewels, a black brocade robe with gold trim, a jade belt around his waist, and a magnificent scimitar, which made him appear even taller and more imposing.
Qimuge wore a fiery red long dress embroidered with gold phoenixes, an elaborate pearl headdress, and a large agate necklace around her neck. She was radiant and beautiful, yet still retained the dashing spirit of a grassland princess.
The two walked down the steps and, according to the "Nine Guests Ceremony" they had practiced beforehand, bowed to Xiao Che, who was sitting on the dragon throne.
They presented the letter of credence and a list of gifts, while reciting auspicious words wishing for good relations between the two countries.
Xiao Che sat upright to receive the greetings, his attitude both dignified and peaceful. Following the procedure, he uttered a few words of comfort and to highlight the grace of the Celestial Empire, demonstrating a conciliatory stance.
Next came the investiture ceremony.
Since Agula and Qimuge were essentially sent to Dayu as hostages, Xiao Che, as was customary, bestowed upon them honorary titles.
Li Defu unfurled the bright yellow imperial edict and loudly proclaimed: "...Prince Agula of the Northern Rong, being kind and intelligent, is hereby granted the title of Prince of Guiyi...Princess Qimuge of the Northern Rong, being gentle, virtuous, and obedient, is hereby granted the title of Princess Anrou..."
Returning to righteousness, bringing peace and gentleness.
The meaning behind this title is self-evident.
Agula and Qimuge bowed again to express their gratitude, their faces revealing little emotion.
Then came a grand reward.
Boxes of brocade, gold and silver wares, porcelain, tea, and other items were carried up, a dazzling array that showcased the wealth and generosity of Chongqing.
Some of these rewards will remain in the capital for the use of the two newly appointed princes and princesses, while the majority will be taken back to the Northern Rong by the delegation.
As for the real business of borrowing grain, fodder, and cotton clothing to get through the winter, both sides tacitly agreed not to mention it in such a public setting.
After the elaborate formalities, the palace banquet officially began.
The musicians of the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) played music that blended the styles of the Han and non-Han peoples, while the dancers, dressed in colorful clothes, danced gracefully, their skirts fluttering in the wind.
Delicacies were served in a continuous stream, and the officials toasted each other, gradually creating a lively atmosphere.
Agula and Qimuge were arranged in the first section for nobles and relatives, accompanied by several princes and officials from the Court of State Ceremonial.
As the coordinator, Lin Yan also needed to keep an eye on what was happening over there, occasionally exchanging a few words with her colleagues in hushed tones.
Just as the music ended, the dancers left the stage, and everyone raised their glasses in a toast, Agula suddenly stood up.
He held a glass of wine in his hand, his body swaying slightly from drinking quite a bit, but his eyes were unusually bright as he stared straight at Xiao Che on the throne.
The hall fell silent for a moment, and many curious eyes turned to him.
Agula raised his wine cup and, in heavily accented yet remarkably clear Mandarin, proclaimed, "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Yu!"
All eyes were on him.
Xiao Che put down his wine cup and looked at him calmly: "What is it, Your Highness?"
Agula's voice was loud and clear, even drowning out the remaining music in the hall: "Your Majesty, the Northern Rong are willing to form an eternal alliance with the Great Yu and maintain friendly relations for generations to come. I, Agula, am also willing to follow my father Khan's wishes and form a marriage alliance with the Great Yu to solidify our diplomatic ties!"
These words immediately sparked a low murmur of discussion within the hall.
A marriage alliance? This is not surprising. The Khan of the Northern Rong mentioned it in his official letter, and His Majesty also kept the brother and sister in the capital. This was probably not an unfounded consideration.
But is Prince Agula proposing to marry a noblewoman from the royal family, or is he looking for a husband for his sister?
"Oh? I am pleased that Your Highness has such intentions, but I wonder which lady of my Dayu Your Highness has your eye on?" Xiao Che did not expect that Agula would have such intentions as soon as he arrived in Dayu.
Could it be that they intend to use the power of Dayu to compete for the position of Khan of the Northern Rong in the future?
Agula shook his head, a hearty, even slightly wild smile appearing on his face, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
His gaze finally settled precisely in the direction where Lin Yan was.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, Agula raised his hand, his thick finger pointing firmly across half the hall at Lin Yan, who was raising his wine cup to take a sip to calm his nerves.
"Your Majesty," Agula's voice was filled with undisguised admiration and determination, "I don't want any lady. I've taken a liking to Lord Lin, and I love him! This humble subject is willing to offer the most precious dowry of the grasslands to Lord Lin in marriage, to be united in heart and soul forever!"
"puff--"
Lin Yan spat out all the soup in his mouth.
In an instant, the entire Chonghua Hall fell silent.
The music stopped, the conversation ceased, and even the waiters' movements to pour wine froze in mid-air.
All eyes, as if drawn by invisible threads, instantly focused on Lin Yan, who had just raised his head.
Lin Yan's mind went blank, his ears were ringing, and only Agula's earth-shattering words echoed repeatedly—
I've taken a liking to this Lord Lin... I'm in love with him...
【No? Just because you come from the grasslands, does that mean your brain has to be bent over by a horse's hooves?】
[You're insane!]
Lin Yan felt that his worldview had been shocked like never before, and his CPU had completely overheated.
He subconsciously turned his head to look at Xiao Che on the throne.
A crack appeared on Xiao Che's calm expression. His fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the wine glass, and his deep phoenix eyes narrowed as he looked at Agula's finger pointing at Lin Yan. His gaze was as cold as icicles forming under the eaves.
Qimuge was so frightened by her brother's behavior that she almost lost her mind. When she came to her senses, she rushed out, jumped up, covered Agula's mouth, and pulled him toward his seat, apologizing repeatedly as she retreated: "I'm sorry, my brother drank too much and his mind is not clear."
How could her foolish brother say such a thing? It's one thing to ask a man for a wife, but to ask a close minister of the Emperor of Dayu!
Qimuge recalled her father's words and felt they made perfect sense. Before she left, her father told her that her brother looked smart, but he wasn't very bright, and that she should keep an eye on him.
She thought her father was joking, but who knew it really didn't work!
Xiao Che spoke up displeasedly: "It seems that Prince Agula has not yet learned the etiquette of Dayu. Princess Qimuge, I hope you can teach your brother properly."
Qimuge smiled apologetically: "Definitely, definitely."
Amidst the embarrassment, Lin Yan chose to escape, casually telling his colleagues that he was going out to sober up, and made a hasty retreat.
Colleague: "..."
You didn't drink any alcohol at all; you only drank mutton offal soup!
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Author's Note: Xiao Che: It's getting cold [eye roll], it's time to let the Northern Rong...
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