Following Sun Chuanmao’s beaming invitation, Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen walked hand in hand to the long table amidst the envious glares of the onlookers.
Each of the four nations provided three prizes per event, awarded to the first, second, and third place according to the rarity of the prizes.
Mengchen glanced at the rewards for the top male and female participants, which included the extremely precious blood jade, large pearls and Luminous Pearls, and extremely rare medicinal herbs. After sharing a look with Xuan Mo, he hugged all of the prizes and returned to their seats with Mengchen.
Seeing Long Xuanmo, indulging Yang Mengchen at every turn, the crowd reacted with calmness, jealousy, delight, or envy.
Next, it was time for the second and third place participants to step up to receive their prizes. Princess Yashuang and Princess Feilan took the most for the women, while men from each nation won various awards.
After the distribution of the prizes, Yang Mengchen turned to Qi Zonghao with a faint voice laden with cryptic meaning.
"Second Prince, now that the contest has ended, this princess has not only taken first place in five events but also, according to our contract, you must order the Xiliang Army to withdraw promptly from the five cities of Sanchuan, Northern Region, Shangyong, Wuyang, and Jinchun, returning the territories that belong rightfully to Dong Chu;
Rest assured, Second Prince, Dong Chu’s means of communication are swift, and the orders can reach the five cities within five days at most. Once you’ve written your commands, feel free to hand them to my husband for handling, so the Xiliang Army has more time to withdraw orderly and avoid chaos;
Furthermore, don’t forget to remind the Xiliang Army of three things: firstly, they only have two months; failure to comply will result in treating them as spies, secondly, they must not harm the civilians of the five cities, or even if they flee to Xiliang, Dong Chu will punish the culprits severely by our laws, and thirdly, they mustn’t damage any property in the five cities, or Xiliang will be liable to reimburse a hundredfold the cost;
I kindly remind you once more, Second Prince, remember not to be crafty with the content of the orders. Everyone here is clever, and if you do otherwise, it would tarnish the face of Xiliang."
Except for the few present in the Jinluan Hall that day, the faces of the others changed drastically before becoming excited and agitated. The five cities were coming back to Dong Chu at last, and it was indeed great news. Princess Chen didn’t need to send a single soldier and won back the cities through mere competition. She was incredibly impressive, which made the reverence among Dong Chu’s subjects for Princess Chen surge like an endless torrent.
Prince Duan and Prince Jing, along with their followers, were furious to the point of spitting blood. They had never imagined that Princess Chen would really win the competition and recover the five cities. But now, they were compelled to celebrate with everyone else, as all Dong Chu subjects were cheering, and even the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress were smiling joyfully. If they showed any signs of dissent, they would certainly become targets of public outrage.
Staring deeply at Yang Mengchen, Qi Zonghao offered what he thought to be his most charming smile, "Princess Chen, rest assured, this prince always keeps his word. Since I’ve signed the contract with you, I will certainly fulfill it resolutely."
Mengchen decisively turned her eyes away, not even glancing at that nauseating creature.
Seeing Qi Zonghao so brazen, Long Xuanmo was furiously livid. Suddenly, he felt his left hand gently grasped and, turning, saw his wife’s tender gaze. His raging anger dissipated in an instant. He nodded slightly to his beloved wife and rose to kneel in the center.
"I beseech Father Emperor to issue an edict for Yuwen Yanhe to take over the five cities, to aid Prince Kang in handling all affairs of the cities, and to bestow upon Prince Kang the Imperial Sword. Moreover, Prince Kang shall appoint or dismiss all officials in the five cities."
The Emperor immediately agreed to Long Xuanmo’s request, knowing his fourth son had no ambition for the throne and had always favored Momo since childhood.
Prince Duan and Empress Jing were filled with regret.
It was a perfect opportunity to attract talent and expand influence, but they had not believed Princess Chen would win. Now, with Prince Chen publicly recommending Prince Kang and with the Emperor agreeing so promptly, they had no time to react. Moreover, Prince Kang was fiercely loyal to Prince Chen – it was like handing Prince Chen a victory on a platter.
Little did they know that the five cities were won back by Yang Mengchen through the competition. Even if they were to install their own people, it would be useless. Dong Chu’s people would only remember Mengchen’s great achievements, and if they dared to create trouble, the subjects certainly would not consent or support them.
Prince Kang looked at Long Xuanmo with deep emotions and sighed inwardly.
He had only returned from Qinghe Prefecture a few months ago, and now his third imperial older brother was sending him to the five cities, thousands of miles away. Such a lack of empathy.
Despite his complaints, Prince Kang still rose and knelt to the right of Long Xuanmo to accept the mission.
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