Shao Mingyi, although a military officer, was by no means without his own schemes. As soon as Yang Mengchen’s words fell, he immediately declared resoundingly, "Your servant swears to be loyal to the Emperor unto death!"
"Your servants swear to be loyal to the Emperor unto death!" Everyone kneeled and shouted in unison.
The Emperor beamed with great joy, "Good, good, good, our hearts united as ruler and ministers, our Dong Chu will surely enjoy long-term peace and stability!" Not only did he have a group of loyal officials and valiant generals, but he also had Jiujiu, a sharp-minded daughter-in-law who wholeheartedly defended him and the prosperity of the nation. He believed that Dong Chu would certainly grow even more flourishing and powerful.
Quietly lifting his gaze towards the Emperor seated in the place of honor, Lin Zheqi felt more and more that it would be very difficult to realize his father’s great enterprise.
With a wave of his hand signaling everyone to rise, the Emperor looked towards Prince Ke with a light smile on his face, but his tone seemed somewhat meaningful, "My dear Royal Uncle, marital fate is predestined by heaven, a forced match will not be sweet. Yanrou is still young; take your time to choose, and you will eventually find a good young man for her."
Although Prince Ke and his son felt a storm raging in their hearts, they outwardly responded with proper respect.
Some people lowered their heads and snickered.
"However, as a Royal Princess, Yanrou still lacks in etiquette and discipline. She is to copy the ’Women’s Precepts’ three hundred times, and reflect behind closed doors for half a year." The Emperor then turned his gaze towards the Empress, "Empress, send a sister to Ke Prince Mansion to properly instruct Yanrou in etiquette and discipline later."
"Your servant obeys the order," the Empress nodded slightly.
Prince Ke and his son knelt to accept their punishment, with Prince Ke saying with great shame, "This old servant has only this one granddaughter, Yanrou, and may have indulged her too much. When I return, I shall strictly discipline her. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"
"My dear Royal Uncle, please rise," the Emperor gestured with his hand. "I understand the affection in your heart, but as Yanrou is a Royal Princess, every word and action of hers represents the royal family. Be sure not to spoil her too much, lest it undermines the majesty of the royal family."
"This old servant will keep in mind Your Majesty’s teachings!" Prince Ke stood up, while the Princely Heir surreptitiously signaled his daughter with his eyes.
Long Yanrou clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails drawing trails of blood in her palms, unaware of the pain, and quickly glanced at Yang Mengchen and Chu Dieyi, her gaze filled with bone-deep jealousy, resentment, and a hint of thick murderous intent, before she lowered her head and sat down in her seat.
Yang Mengchen caught the fleeting viciousness in Long Yanrou’s eyes but remained composed, his eyes deep, the corners of his mouth curving into a fine, cold sneer.
And Chu Dieyi sat serenely, her beautiful face unchanged, yet her clear eyes were as dark as if no light shone within them. They seemed like ghostly flames burning in the underworld, causing Long Yanrou to shiver with cold deep inside.
The joyful banquet concluded, and the foreign dignitaries were to stay in The Capital for three days. The Emperor therefore assigned Prince Ning, Long Xuanmo, and Yang Chengning to accompany and protect the guests during their tour of The Capital.
Higuirre requested to join Yang Mengchen, who gladly nodded in agreement. Higuirre’s face blossomed with a joyous smile, as radiant as the shining sun, drawing the admiring and restless gaze of many men present. Sadly, such an exotic beauty would not remain in Dong Chu.
The words Chu Dieyi spoke at the banquet regarding the families of the border soldiers were almost fully spread by the next day. Everyone was deeply moved, filled with respect and gratitude for the border soldiers and their families. From then on, there was much support for the border soldiers and their kin, but that is a story for another time.
Of course, Long Yanrou also became a topic of conversation. Although people refrained from discussing it openly out of respect for the royal family’s dignity, behind closed doors, they ridiculed her - a Royal Princess, so brazen as to covet another’s husband. Shamelessly, Long Yanrou’s reputation became fouler than a stinking ditch.
Three days later, Laksh and the others took their leave. Higuirre embraced Yang Mengchen, crying her eyes out. Yang Mengchen assured her over and over that she would write often and visit Taji Chang when she had the chance. Only then did Higuirre release Yang Mengchen and sorrowfully began her journey home with her father and brothers.
Just after returning to Prince Mansion, He Junyuan reported that Shao Mingyi and his wife had sent over a card, wishing to pay a visit to Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen in the afternoon.
Yang Mengchen personally made some pastries, and then, with a mix of apprehension, nervousness, anticipation, and excitement, awaited Chu Dieyi’s arrival. freёweɓnovel_com
Meanwhile, in the Lin family study room.
"Young Master, this is a message just sent by the Lord," Butler Lin handed the secret report to Lin Zheqi.
Lin Zheqi took it and, with a look of surprise and disbelief, said, "Father actually wants me to marry Long Yanrou?"
Others might not know, but they themselves were very clear; he and Long Yanrou were first cousins, and if this ever got out, how could he live it down?
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