Chapter 168 Extra: Ling Yumo and Yan Jinyue 1
In mid-September, the new emperor of Xiling, Ling Yumo, arrived in Yongchao with envoys, presenting generous gifts to congratulate the new emperor on his enthronement ceremony. At the same time, he proposed to marry Princess Zhaoyang Yan Jinyue of Yongchao as empress, in order to establish a friendly relationship between the two countries.
Yes, it's the new emperor, not the crown prince.
After returning to Xiling, Ling Yumo accomplished three things in just two months: reuniting with his father, eliminating his political opponents, and ascending the throne. Although the process was somewhat dangerous and full of obstacles, he ultimately turned the danger into safety and successfully ascended the throne.
Yan Cang hosted a banquet for distinguished guests in Xuanyang Palace. Ministers from both countries sat on the left and right sides respectively. Yan Cang ordered someone to invite the Empress and Princess Zhaoyang over. Then, based on the friendly alliance between the two countries, he began friendly discussions with the envoys from Xiling.
From the moment the Xiling envoy arrived in the capital, Yan Jinyue went to Fengyi Palace, her eyes brimming with anticipation and excitement.
Chu Yunjin teased, "Can't wait to see your sweetheart?"
Yan Jinyue sat on the couch, resting her chin on her hand, and sighed deeply: "I am indeed a little excited, but when I think about leaving my father and mother, my brother and sister-in-law, and all the people I know, I feel reluctant and a little sad."
Chu Yunjin thought for a moment and slowly nodded: "It is indeed a dilemma. However, for the sake of good relations between the two countries and the peace of the people, let's sacrifice you, the princess, and give up family ties for love, and go to Xiling to be the empress with your beloved."
Yan Jinyue was mocked by her and raised her hand to hit her.
But just as she reached out her hand, she suddenly remembered that Chu Yunjin was pregnant and she couldn't abort the child. If something happened to the child, she would have to bear the crime of plotting to harm the imperial heir before she got married.
Yan Jinyue snorted lightly: "Don't think that just because you have your brother protecting you, you can keep making fun of me."
Chu Yunjin raised an eyebrow: "Don't think that just because you have the Emperor of Xiling protecting you, you can yell at me like that."
Yan Jinyue was speechless.
The palace maids couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle as they listened to the Empress and the Princess bickering like children.
Just then, a eunuch came in, knelt down and bowed: "This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress and Princess Zhaoyang. His Majesty the Emperor requests Your Majesty and the Princess to go to Xuanyang Palace."
"Okay, we'll be there soon."
"This servant takes his leave."
Chu Yunjin changed her clothes, instructed the palace servants to prepare a palanquin, and then, accompanied by Yan Jinyue, she headed to Xuanyang Palace amidst a grand procession of palace servants.
The ministers of the two countries chatted happily, exchanging toasts and creating a lively atmosphere. However, Ling Yumo kept glancing out of the hall, as if she was expecting something.
Then a loud shout rang out: "Her Majesty the Empress has arrived! Princess Zhaoyang has arrived!"
Ling Yumo and the Xiling envoys all turned their heads and looked out of the main hall.
Ling Yumo eagerly awaited the arrival of her beloved, while the Xiling envoys wanted to see what their future empress would look like. Although good relations between the two countries were of utmost importance, the empress of a nation must possess exceptional beauty and bearing to ensure that she would not be a disgrace to their emperor.
Under the watchful eyes of dozens of people, Chu Yunjin and Yan Jinyue stepped into the hall together and walked towards the front of the main hall.
The ministers of Yong and the envoys of Xiling all stood up.
"Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress, greetings to Princess Zhaoyang!" The ministers of Yong Kingdom bowed.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress of Yong, and Princess Zhaoyang of Yong." The envoys from Xiling greeted her.
"Please be seated, everyone," Chu Yunjin said with a faint smile. "No need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."
Chu Yunjin and Yan Jinyue walked up the stone steps on both sides and sat on either side of Yan Cang.
After taking her seat, Yan Jinyue looked at Ling Yumo, a joyful smile appearing on her bright and beautiful face.
Ling Yumo smiled, raised his wine cup to her, and then drank it all in one gulp.
"Jinyue." Yan Cang turned to look at his younger sister, "His Majesty the Emperor of Xiling has personally come to Yong Kingdom to ask for your hand in marriage as Empress of Xiling, and has brought generous betrothal gifts. Such courtesy and sincerity are truly admirable. What do you think?"
Yan Jinyue lowered her eyes and said shyly, "I'm fine with anything, Your Majesty."
Ling Yumo almost choked on the wine.
His lips twitched, he put down his wine cup, and couldn't help but rub his forehead.
Chu Yunjin was also startled. She turned to look at Yan Jinyue's shy face, her expression subtle, and sighed softly.
"Since that's the case, I'll agree on your behalf." Yan Cang's tone was indifferent, with a hint of a smile. "After you marry into Xiling, Ling Yumo promises to make you Empress. You will be a model of virtue for the world. Remember to adapt to local customs, but don't be too hard on yourself."
Yan Jinyue nodded.
“Nan Zhao and Yong have formed a marriage alliance, and Yong and Xi Ling have also formed a marriage alliance. If the three kingdoms can maintain peaceful coexistence for a long time, it will be a mutually beneficial thing.” Yan Cang said this, whether to Yan Jin Yue or the Xi Ling envoy, his calm words carrying an undeniable pressure. “Yong will always be your strongest backing.”
Yan Jinyue's heart stirred, and her eyes involuntarily reddened: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Ling Yumo came to propose marriage, and Yan Jinyue accepted.
All the terms that needed to be negotiated have been agreed upon.
In the presence of ministers from both countries, Yan Cang and Ling Yumo signed a treaty of alliance and friendship between the two nations. The treaty included the betrothal gifts from Xiling and the dowry that Yong Kingdom would prepare for Yan Jinyue, all of which were clearly written down without any ambiguity.
After everything was agreed upon, the two countries began to flatter each other.
The Xiling envoy praised the Yong Kingdom emperor for his wisdom, martial prowess, and handsome appearance, while the Yong Kingdom ministers praised the Xiling emperor for his youth, talent, and exceptional looks. Occasionally, they would interject with compliments such as the empress's dignified bearing and the princess's unparalleled beauty, creating an atmosphere that was indescribably relaxed and pleasant.
Amidst the toasts and mutual flattery, Ling Yumo and Yan Jinyue's eyes met in the air, and they exchanged knowing smiles from time to time.
Seeing this scene, Chu Yunjin couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
It's true what they say, daughters grow up and leave home.
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