In a way, Sixteen's marriage to Gu Huai was a classic case of marrying down.
First, the Minister of Rites was a second-rank official; second, Gu Huai was merely the son of a concubine in the Minister's family.
At sixteen, it was a disgrace for a member of the imperial family to marry a son of a concubine.
But since they truly love each other, then there's nothing wrong with that.
Yi Mu issued an imperial decree, and Gu Huai became the imperial son-in-law.
Gu Huai had previously ranked seventh in the palace examination, and after that, he entered the Hanlin Academy. Because of his outstanding talent, he was appreciated by the Hanlin scholars and recommended to the emperor.
After spending some time with him, Yi Mu discovered that the man was very intelligent.
They are also quite interesting in their way of dealing with people and situations.
In ancient times, one's birth was a very important reference point for measuring a person's worth.
The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, superior and inferior status, and class distinctions.
Gu Huai, as a son of a concubine, entered the Hanlin Academy, the training ground for future powerful ministers, and established himself there.
The scholars of the Hanlin Academy repeatedly recommended Gu Huai to Yi Mu, while his elder brother, who had joined the Hanlin Academy two years earlier, performed only so-so.
This person is definitely a promising talent, which is why Yi Mu felt comfortable entrusting Sixteen to him.
When the Rouran envoy arrived, the palace prepared a grand welcoming banquet.
The Rouran brought several valuable furs, a hundred fine horses, and local specialties.
This was the first time that the Imur had received envoys from another country.
The original owner was very negligent in state affairs, which gave the vassal state a bad impression.
This was an opportunity to win favor, so Yi Mu displayed the demeanor and eloquence befitting an emperor.
The Rouran envoy, who had witnessed the incompetence of Emperor Su Feng, was filled with suspicion and even thought that the emperor sitting on the throne was someone else in disguise.
Rouran were determined to embarrass Yimu.
They deliberately brought up the internal strife that happened more than a month ago in Su Feng.
Yi Mu's gaze fell on the man's malicious face, and he smiled slightly, revealing the demeanor of a ruler of a great dynasty.
"My relationship with the Regent has always been very good. I don't know where the envoy heard such slander, or rather, the person who relayed the message is deliberately trying to sabotage the relationship between Sufeng and Rouran."
Of the three foreign states, the Yuezhi have surrendered, while the Xiongnu are having a very unpleasant falling out with Sufeng over the princess's matter.
Only the Rouran remained, and they still maintained contact with the Sufeng.
However, the Rouran were the weakest of the three kingdoms. Bei Menlin's Xuanjia Army could easily crush them with just 20,000 or 100,000 men.
The Rouran were opportunists; when the Yuezhi and Xiongnu were powerful, they became their lackeys.
However, the Yuezhi were no longer viable, and the Xiongnu did not dare to fight Sufeng.
He could only rely on Su Feng's protection like a lapdog.
Now that Yimu is in power, they are being a little more polite to them.
If Bei Menlin were sitting up there right now, he probably wouldn't even bother with this bunch of weaklings.
There was a hidden meaning in Emir's words; the envoy was no fool.
Emperor Sufeng was warning them not to interfere in Sufeng's internal affairs, or they would not get any benefits from their father.
The envoy's face stiffened, but he dared not lash out. He raised his cup and offered a toast to Emu.
"With its national strength at its peak, the Rouran will certainly rely on it greatly. This humble subject wishes Sufeng peace and prosperity!"
Yi Mu then smiled and said, "In that case, I thank the envoy for his kind words."
Halfway through the banquet, the envoy revealed the main purpose of his trip.
"Her Highness admires the customs and traditions of Sufeng and plans to stay there for three to five months. The King has only one daughter and loves her dearly. I humbly request Your Majesty to arrange suitable accommodations for the Princess."
Yi Mu pretended not to know his true purpose and focused his gaze on Sixteen.
"I have a younger sister who is about the same age as the princess. Why don't the princess and the sixteenth sister keep each other company? They are about the same age and can look after each other."
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