Ying Zheng glanced at his wicked husband subconsciously, cursing inwardly that it was this guy's curse that brought this upon him. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that the Chu Kingdom sent a bride to him right after he had just discussed taking a queen?
"Your Majesty?" Dilun called out softly when she saw Ying Zheng remain silent.
Ying Zheng then came to his senses. He winked at his wicked husband, hoping he could help him out of this predicament and get rid of the matter: "Ahem, Grand Commandant, what do you think of this matter?"
"Want to bet or not?"
"No, my actions may change the Qin Dynasty, but they won't change Ying Zheng's private affairs. What does marrying and having children have to do with me? It's better to observe from the sidelines; that's the right thing to do."
Having figured it out, the wicked husband immediately replied: "Your Majesty, matters of state and military affairs are my duty, but how can I, as your subject, meddle in your private life? You may decide for yourself."
Ying Zheng was filled with mixed feelings. He glanced at his wicked husband and muttered to himself, "This kid is definitely doing this on purpose..."
Upon seeing this, Dilun shook his head inwardly, knowing that this matter ultimately depended on Ying Zheng's decision. He turned to Ying Zheng, awaiting his reply.
Ying Zheng's heart was in turmoil. To be honest, he didn't want to take any concubines. Putting aside the endless political affairs, the fact that he was thinking about that person made him have no interest in any other woman.
After much deliberation, he still did not want to take this princess as a concubine, and was about to refuse when he said, "This matter..."
"Lady Huayang has arrived!"
"Madam Xia has arrived!"
Two loud shouts interrupted Ying Zheng's words.
Lady Huayang and Lady Xia arrived together, and Ying Zheng, who was on the high platform, quickly got up and went down to greet them.
"We pay our respects to Lady Huayang and Lady Xia!" The assembled officials bowed and greeted them in unison.
The arrival of these two women of extremely high status at this time must be related to Ying Zheng's decision to take concubines. The two rarely appear in public these days, and the last time they did so was for Zhao Ji.
"Alright, gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities!" Lady Huayang flicked her sleeves, gesturing for everyone to rise.
Ying Zheng approached and greeted them, "Grandson greets his two grandmothers. What brings you here, grandmothers?"
Dilun hurriedly greeted Madam Huayang, saying, "This humble official, Dilun, pays respects to Madam Huayang."
Lady Huayang was a member of the Chu royal family. Although she married into the Qin state, her bloodline and status would not change, and it was perfectly reasonable for her to treat her as a subject.
"Dilun, how is your father's health?" Lady Huayang nodded slightly, ignoring Ying Zheng, and started chatting directly with Dilun.
Ying Zheng noticed this familiarity and was immediately alarmed. "It's over, they really are coming for me!"
This frustrated him somewhat. Madam Huayang ignored him and instead started chatting with her family, which was simply to make her stance clear.
Dilun quickly cupped her hands and said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. My father passed away last year..."
"Please accept my condolences!" Upon hearing this, Madam Huayang's brows furrowed with sorrow, and she said softly, "Back then, when I first met your father, we were just seven or eight-year-old children. Now... alas."
Dilun also felt a little sad, "Madam Lao is worried."
Lady Huayang suppressed her sadness and, feigning ignorance, asked, "You suddenly came to my Qin state on a diplomatic mission. Is there something important that has delayed you?"
That's so fake!
Ying Zheng thought to himself, "This is too fake. Everyone isn't stupid. This whole thing is pointless."
“The King has sent me to arrange a marriage alliance, to continue the good relations between our two countries,” Dilun immediately replied.
Lady Huayang raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "Which royal woman was chosen?"
"Mihime!"
Dilun said, "Mi Ji is about the same age as the King of Qin. She is gentle and virtuous by nature, and naturally beautiful enough to topple kingdoms. She and the King are a match made in heaven..."
Lady Huayang burst out laughing, "I had heard that our royal family has produced a woman of exceptional beauty and talent. If you calculate her age, she is indeed a good match for Zheng'er."
As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Madam Xia and smiled, "Sister, what do you think of this marriage?"
Madam Xia naturally agreed, "If my sister thinks it's good, then it's good."
Even now, no one pays any attention to Ying Zheng, who is standing to the side.
Lady Huayang smiled slightly. "Then I will arrange this marriage in my capacity as your former wife. Go back and tell your king that the Qin Kingdom has accepted this marriage."
Her first sentence was meant to shut up Ying Zheng and his courtiers, while her second sentence reassured Di Lun, causing the latter to grin widely.
"Zheng'er, what do you think?" Only then did Lady Huayang look at Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng smiled bitterly. At this point, he had no way to resist. If he rejected the marriage now, it would be tantamount to humiliating Lady Huayang and causing the Qin state to lose face.
He couldn't possibly refuse, neither emotionally nor logically.
"Never mind, it's just taking a concubine anyway. Having more beauties by my side isn't a bad thing!" Ying Zheng secretly cheered himself up, but said aloud, "It's all up to Grandmother to decide."
"Hahaha...Good, Zheng'er is finally getting married!" Madam Huayang and Madam Xia looked at each other and laughed, appearing extremely excited.
When the king finally relented, the courtiers rushed forward to congratulate him, and the atmosphere immediately became festive.
Dilun breathed a sigh of relief; his mission was now complete. He could see that Ying Zheng was somewhat unwilling, but faced with the decision of the two noble ladies, he had no choice but to accept reality.
But these are all trivial matters; his mission is complete, and the rest is none of his concern. Besides, once Ying Zheng sees Mi Ji... hey, hopefully he can remain calm then!
"Your Majesty, I will return immediately to report to you and make preparations in advance, awaiting Your Majesty's dispatch of an envoy to propose marriage and welcome the Queen to Qin," Dilun said respectfully.
At this moment, Lady Huayang interjected again, "The ninth day of next month is an auspicious day. Let's propose marriage and welcome the princess on that day!"
Dilun smiled and nodded, "As Madam Huayang commands, let's set it for the ninth day of next month!"
"Thank you for your kindness, both grandmothers!" Ying Zheng nodded, forcing a smile. "Dilun, go back and tell your king that on the ninth day of next month, I will send an important minister to Chu to propose marriage."
The ninth day of next month, which is less than half a month in total, is still enough time to prepare the betrothal gifts and send the envoys to Chu. The calculation is extremely precise.
Madam Huayang and Madam Xia were definitely prepared, and they must have consulted with Dilun beforehand, otherwise how could they have chosen the date in advance?
Even the fact that Dilun is standing here today is thanks to Madam Huayang's efforts.
Madam Huayang nodded in satisfaction, and Madam Xia also smiled with relief. "Zheng'er, please don't be impolite. We'll head back now."
The two ladies gave a few more instructions before turning to leave. Ying Zheng accompanied them to the entrance of the main hall, and only after their figures disappeared did he stroll back to the high platform.
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