Chapter 31 Visit of Envoys from Neighboring Countries
Since the reconciliation after that night's "drunken incident" and "spicy rabbit head" incident, the Regent's Palace has enjoyed a rare period of peace.
There were no assassins, no rumors, and even the Empress Dowager's side went quiet because they had been caught red-handed.
Jiang Mianmian was living a very comfortable life. She slept until she naturally woke up every day, checked the accounts, played with the little emperor who came to freeload meals, or directed the kitchen to develop new dishes.
As for being cautious?
This gentleman doesn't seem to be as busy lately. He returns to the manor on time every day after court, dine with her, and sometimes even spends time with her in the garden. Although he always has books or official documents in his hands and doesn't talk much, the servants in the manor feel at ease as long as he's there, and Jiang Mianmian feels... at ease too.
However, it seems that God couldn't stand seeing this lazy bum living too comfortably.
That afternoon, Jiang Mianmian was lounging in a rocking chair in the warm pavilion, holding a bowl of freshly made double-skin milk pudding, ready to enjoy this pleasant afternoon tea time.
"The Prince has returned to the manor—"
As the announcement was made, Chen Jin strode in.
This time, instead of changing into his everyday clothes as usual, he remained in his court robes, his expression unusually solemn.
"What's wrong?"
Jiang Mianmian put down her spoon, keenly sensing that something was amiss. "Did the little emperor get caught slacking off in the imperial study again?"
Shen Jin shook his head, walked over and sat down beside her, took the tea she offered, took a sip, and then slowly spoke:
"The envoy delegation from Northern Yan has arrived."
"Northern Yan?" Jiang Mianmian blinked, quickly searching her mind for the plot of the original book.
[Northern Yan... Oh, I remember now! That neighboring country known for its fierce people, its cavalry, and its beef and mutton?]
I heard the people there are really good fighters, and they can eat a lot of meat... Hey? Does that mean they have lots of delicious food? Roasted whole lamb? Hand-pulled mutton?
Shen Jin looked at her eyes that lit up instantly and pinched his brow helplessly.
This woman's focus is always on food.
“Besides beef and mutton,” Shen Jin had to interrupt her culinary fantasies, “accompanying us this time is also the most favored ninth princess of Northern Yan—Tuoba Yu.”
"Tuoba Yu?" Jiang Mianmian felt that the name sounded familiar.
“This woman is willful and capricious; she’s a real troublemaker in Northern Yan. Moreover…” Shen Jin paused, looking at Jiang Mianmian with a somewhat complicated expression, “She came to Da Gan with her father five years ago, and at that time she declared… she would not marry anyone but me.”
"puff--"
Jiang Mianmian spat out the tea she had just drunk.
[Ahem! What? Your unwanted romantic advances?]
Five years ago? How old was she then? That's puppy love! But I must say, this princess has good taste; she fell for you, this block of ice.
"That was a tragic fate."
Shen Jin corrected him with a cold face, "I ignored her at the time. But this time... I heard that she specifically asked to see my queen."
"See me?" Jiang Mianmian pointed at her nose. "Why would I see you? To share my tips on how to drive you crazy?"
Shen Jin gave her a deep look: "She's here... to challenge you."
"According to our spies, she spread rumors in Northern Yan that the Regent's Consort of Da Gan is... is..."
He was somewhat reluctant to speak.
What is he? A good-for-nothing? A sickly person? Or a useless hog who occupies the position without doing anything?
Jiang Mianmian added to herself without a care.
“She’s a frail, pretty face who only knows how to use her looks to please men,” Shen Jin said in a deep voice. “She said she was coming to do something big, to personally expose your true colors, and to pull you down from the position of Regent’s Consort.”
Jiang Mianmian: [...]
【vase? 】
Hey, this comment is a bit insulting, but... it sounds like it's complimenting my looks?
[But you think you can pull me down? This little brat's got some nerve! Even though I'm a lazy bum, I'm not some pushover anyone can just step on!]
"What does Your Highness mean?" Jiang Mianmian asked, looking at Shen Jin.
"A banquet will be held in the palace tonight to entertain the envoys from Northern Yan." Shen Jin stood up, straightened his sleeves, and exuded an aura of protectiveness. "You will come with me. If she dares to make things difficult for you..."
"You'll help me beat her up?" Jiang Mianmian's eyes sparkled.
"No."
Shen Jin smiled and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I'll hand you the hammer. You can whittle it however you want."
...
Night falls in the Hall of Preserving Harmony in the Imperial Palace.
The lights were bright, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.
As Jiang Mianmian walked into the main hall arm in arm with Shen Jin, she immediately sensed the unusual tension in the air.
On the left sat a large group of civil and military officials, while on the right was the delegation of envoys from Northern Yan. The Northern Yan people were all burly and robust, dressed in fur coats, drinking and eating heartily, speaking in booming voices, exuding a rugged and wild nature.
Seated at the head of the Northern Yan envoys was none other than the legendary Ninth Princess – Tuoba Yu.
She wore a fiery red outfit, with a golden-red whip wrapped around her waist. Her long hair was braided into countless small braids, adorned with agate and gemstones. Her features were deep and striking, exuding an imposing and valiant air.
At this moment, she was toying with the wine glass in her hand, but her gaze was like that of a hawk, fixed on Shen Jin who had just entered the room... and Jiang Mianmian beside him.
Wow! Is this the rotten peach blossom? She's pretty hot. That red dress makes her look like a red chili pepper.
[But that look in his eyes... tsk tsk tsk, he seems to want to burn two holes in me. Looks like tonight's dinner isn't going to be good.]
Jiang Mianmian calmly sat down with Shen Jin, completely ignoring that murderous gaze.
"The Regent has arrived!"
As the eunuch announced the order, the Northern Yan delegation rose and bowed. Although their movements were somewhat perfunctory, they still made sure to maintain appearances.
Princess Tuoba Yu, however, remained seated with an air of nonchalance, even raising her chin defiantly.
"Brother Shen Jin!"
She suddenly spoke, her voice clear and bright, even with a hint of coquettishness, "Long time no see! You're still as handsome as ever! Even more handsome than the eagles of our grasslands!"
The entire room fell silent.
The officials looked at each other, thinking, "Isn't this princess incredibly shameless? Calling someone 'brother' in public?"
Shen Jin didn't even lift his eyelids, coldly pouring himself a cup of tea: "Princess, please be careful with your words. I am an only son and have no younger sister."
"Pfft." Jiang Mianmian couldn't help but laugh out loud.
[Hahaha! A straight man's attack! "Brother Shen Jin?" Ugh... that's such a greasy way to address him! Shen Jin's reaction was amazing, he directly denied any blood relation!]
Tuoba Yu's face stiffened for a moment, but she quickly regained her arrogant expression. She stood up, flicked the whip in her hand, and stared directly at Jiang Mianmian:
"This must be the legendary Regent's Wife, right?"
She walked out step by step, stopped in the center of the hall, and looked Jiang Mianmian up and down with an extremely critical and contemptuous gaze:
"He's not bad looking, but his build... tsk tsk, he's as skinny as a chick. He'd probably fall over in the wind."
"Brother Shenjin, what can such a sickly man do after you marry him? Can he ride horses with you? Can he go hunting with you? I'm afraid he won't even be warm enough to keep your bed warm at night."
These words caused an uproar in the audience.
This is no longer a provocation, this is a blatant humiliation!
The officials who were working hard all looked angry, feeling that it was an insult to the country.
His calm and collected gaze turned icy cold in an instant, and a crack appeared in the teacup in his hand.
He was about to have an attack.
But I felt my sleeve being gently tugged.
Turning his head, he saw Jiang Mianmian smiling at him, her eyes saying, "Leave it to me."
【Oh dear, you're saying I look like a little chick? And you want to compete with me in warming the bed?】
"Little sister, you're dancing on my minefield! Since you want to play, then I'll teach you what the harsh realities of life are like."
Jiang Mianmian slowly stood up.
Today she wore a light purple, flowing, wide-sleeved fairy dress, the hem swaying as she walked, dignified and elegant, forming a stark contrast with Tuoba Yu's tight-fitting outfit.
She walked up to Tuoba Yu, gave a slight curtsy, and her movements were so perfect that there wasn't a single flaw.
"Your Highness is joking."
Jiang Mianmian's voice was soft and weak, as if she were really a delicate little white flower, "This princess is indeed weak, unlike the princess who has developed such a strong physique by being exposed to the wind and sun on the grassland."
"but……"
She changed the subject, covering her mouth and chuckling, "Warming the bed relies on the deep affection and mutual understanding between husband and wife. If someone like the princess... has too much temper, she might burn the bed down, right? The prince prefers quiet, so I'm afraid... he can't handle it."
"you!"
Tuoba Yu glared at him, her eyes wide with anger.
Is this woman calling her rude? Is she calling her unfeminine?
"You sharp-tongued woman!" Tuoba Yu placed her hand on the whip at her waist. "This princess won't waste words with you! We, the people of the grasslands, only believe in the strong!"
I challenge you!
Tuoba Yu pointed at Jiang Mianmian's nose and said loudly, "I've long heard that the women of Daqian are very talented. Today I want to see what you, the Regent's Consort, are really capable of! If you lose, you should give up your position as the principal consort and become my foot-washing maid!"
The entire audience gasped.
challenge?
To have a grassland princess challenge a sheltered, delicate young woman? Isn't that just bullying?
Jiang Mianmian looked at the finger pointing at her, her eyes turning slightly cold.
【challenge? 】
[Fine. You've chosen the path to hell when there's one.]
“Since the princess has such an interest,” Jiang Mianmian’s smile became even more gentle, even carrying a hint of loving affection as if she were looking at a fool, “then this princess consort… will not be so polite as to refuse.”
"I just wonder, what does the princess wish to compete in?"
"Archery? Martial arts? Or... something else?"
Tuoba Yu sneered: "Those are all bullying you! I've heard that you Daqian people are best at those cunning tricks... oh no, I mean, all sorts of strange and unusual arts."
"Let's compete in—poison skills!"
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